The private jet touched down smoothly on the tarmac of an exclusive airstrip just outside Mexico City. Jia woke up to the gentle hum of the engines as they powered down. Kayden, seated beside her, set aside his tablet and turned to her with a small, reassuring smile.
"We're here," he said.
Jia stretched, her muscles still sore from the recent ordeal. Calvin, already standing near the door with his ever-present mischievous grin, clapped his hands together.
"Mexico! Land of tacos, tequila, and... family drama." He paused dramatically. "I'm just here for the tacos."
Kayden shot him a warning look. "Calvin, try to keep the drama to a minimum this time."
Calvin shrugged. "I'm not the one about to meet the in-laws. Good luck explaining that."
Jia rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Let's just get this over with."
The convoy of sleek black SUVs pulled into the grand courtyard of the Walker family hacienda. The towering iron gates closed behind them with a low clang, cutting off the outside world. Bodyguards stepped out first, scanning the area with practiced precision. Their sharp movements and earpieces made them stand out starkly against the picturesque backdrop of the sprawling estate.
Jia adjusted her seatbelt nervously. "This is over the top," she murmured, glancing at the line of guards stepping into position.
"It's necessary," Kayden replied matter-of-factly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Calvin, seated on the opposite side, leaned forward with his signature grin. "It's not over the top—it's dramatic. This is prime movie material. 'The Heiress Returns, With Guns.' I'm sold."
Jia rolled her eyes. "This isn't a movie, Calvin."
"Well, if it were, I'd be the comic relief," Calvin quipped, winking. "And, judging by that scowl, President Hayes would be the brooding anti-hero."
"Stay in the car, Calvin," Kayden ordered, opening the door and stepping out.
Calvin grinned as he followed. "Whatever you say, boss. But I'm getting first dibs on churros later."
As Kayden helped Jia out of the SUV, the large double doors of the hacienda swung open, revealing Mr. and Mrs. Walker descending the steps. Mrs. Walker's face lit up with relief, while Mr. Walker's stern expression softened slightly as his eyes landed on Jia.
"Jia!" Mrs. Walker cried, rushing forward to embrace her daughter. "Oh, my baby, you're safe! We've been worried sick!"
Jia hugged her mother tightly. "I'm fine, Mom. Really. It's over now."
Mr. Walker joined in, his strong arms encircling Jia protectively. "You should've come home sooner, Jia. We needed to see you with our own eyes."
Kayden stood back respectfully, flanked by bodyguards who remained stoic and alert.
Mrs. Walker pulled back, noticing the guards for the first time. Her gaze darted to Kayden. "And who is this?"
Before Jia could respond, Mr. Walker added, his tone sharp, "And why do you need all this security? Who are you to our daughter?"
Jia froze, glancing at Kayden. Their eyes met briefly, a silent exchange of panic. Kayden took a small step forward, his expression calm.
"I'm Kayden Hayes," he said, offering his hand. "Jia's boyfriend."
Jia's eyes widened. "You're what?" she whispered under her breath.
Mrs. Walker's eyebrows shot up. "He is?"
Kayden's calm demeanor didn't falter as he subtly stepped on Jia's foot. She winced but caught on quickly, forcing a smile. "Uh... yes. He is."
From behind, Calvin leaned toward one of the guards and whispered, "Called it. Love psychic strikes again."
Mrs. Walker smiled warmly, though there was a flicker of suspicion in her eyes. "Well, it's lovely to meet you, Mr. Hayes. What do you do?"
Kayden met her gaze evenly. "I'm the CEO of K.A.J. Group."
Both parents exchanged glances of recognition. Mr. Walker's tone grew serious. "The K.A.J. Group? The international conglomerate?"
"Yes," Kayden replied, his tone even.
Mrs. Walker's smile widened. "My goodness! Jia, you never told us you were seeing someone so accomplished."
Jia forced another smile. "It's... a recent development."
Calvin, unable to resist, leaned toward another guard and whispered, "This just keeps getting better. I need popcorn for this."
"Calvin," Kayden said sharply.
"What?" Calvin replied, feigning innocence. "Just blending into the background.
Mrs. Walker beamed, clasping her hands. "Well, we're thrilled to meet you, Kayden. Any man who values our daughter's safety enough to bring this level of security is clearly a keeper."
Kayden inclined his head. "Thank you, Mrs. Walker."
The family moved into the living room, where the staff had prepared refreshments. The room exuded warmth, with cream-colored couches, soft lighting, and large windows that framed the gardens outside. Kayden and Jia sat side by side on one couch, with Mr. and Mrs. Walker seated across from them. Calvin hovered in the corner, pretending to examine a vase while clearly eavesdropping.
Mr. Walker set his drink down and cleared his throat. "Jia, your mother and I were talking. We think it would be best if you stayed here for a while. You need time to recover, and we want to get to know Kayden better."
Jia opened her mouth to protest, but Mrs. Walker cut her off gently. "No arguments, Jia. You'll be safer here, surrounded by family."
"I really don't think—" Jia started again, but Kayden interrupted smoothly.
"We'd be happy to stay," Kayden said, his tone firm yet polite.
Jia's head snapped toward him. "We would?" she whispered.
"Yes," Kayden replied under his breath, giving her a meaningful look.
Mrs. Walker clapped her hands. "Wonderful! Jia, you'll love it. And Kayden, this will give us all a chance to know you better."
Calvin chose that moment to stroll over, his grin firmly in place. "Did someone say extended stay? Oh, this is going to be *fun*.
"Calvin," Kayden warned.
"What? I'm just making sure I get the guest room with the best view," Calvin quipped. "I might even write a memoir: "Third-Wheeling the Power Couple.*"
Jia groaned, dropping her head into her hands.
As the staff began moving their luggage into the guest wing, Jia leaned closer to Kayden. "This was not the plan," she hissed.
"It's the safest option," Kayden replied quietly.
Jia sighed, glancing at her parents, who were chatting animatedly. "They're never going to let this go."
Kayden gave her a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I've got this."
From behind them, Calvin's voice cut in. "And I've got all of this documented. Don't worry, Miss Walker I'll make sure the world remembers this as the rom-com it was meant to be."
Jia threw a pillow at him.