Nia's POV
As Juan's step-sister and Armando closed in on us, my heart raced with panic. "Stay calm," I whispered to Juan, trying to convey reassurance despite my own rising tension.
Armando's stern voice cut through the tension. "What's going on here?" he demanded, his eyes flickering between us.
Juan hesitated, his expression pleading with me for silence. I knew I had to think fast to protect him. "We were just talking," I replied smoothly, hoping to deflect suspicion.
But Juan's step-sister wasn't convinced. "That's not true!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp with accusation. "She's so sneaky, I caught her trying to sneak into one of the rooms. I can tell she's up to no good!"
Juan's grip tightened on my arm, his desperation palpable. "Please," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Don't let them take me back."