Twilight of Shadows | LingOrm (GxG)

THIRTEEN

One Month Later

Knock knock knock...

"Khun Fahlada, there's someone here to see you. She says she's an old friend of yours," Dao announced, her voice tinged with hesitation.

Lada looked up from her paperwork, her brow furrowing in confusion. "An old friend? Did she have an appointment?"

"No, Khun Fahlada. But she insisted it was urgent."

"Let her in."

The door creaked open, and in strutted a striking woman in high heels. Her back-revealing red dress clung to her every curve, while dark sunglasses obscured her eyes. She moved with a calculated grace, as though the room itself were her runway.

"Well, well, well," the woman drawled, her voice smooth with a hint of mockery. "This office of yours is quite the showstopper, Lada. It's almost a shame it's not mine."

Lada's eyes widened in shock as she recognized the figure before her. Bella Chantharaksa, looking both alluring and intimidating, had walked into her domain.

"Bella... I didn't expect to see you."

Bella chuckled, a sound both familiar and unsettling. "Oh, you remember me. I'm flattered, really."

Bella began to peruse the office with an almost predatory interest, her gaze lingering on the tasteful decor and the play area set up for Narin.

"You've done well for yourself. I see you've even thought of the little one. Quite the nurturing side you've developed."

Lada's face hardened as she met Bella's gaze. "What are you doing here? What do you want?"

Bella's smirk widened. "Oh, I'm just here to catch up. You seem so... tense. Relax a little, Lada."

Lada's patience was wearing thin. "Sorry, but I'm busy. Please leave."

Bella's expression shifted, her playful tone darkening. "Before I go, I couldn't help but notice that a few of my men had a run-in with yours recently. Playing rough, aren't we?"

Lada's eyes narrowed. "Your men trespassed on my territory. I was merely reminding them of their place."

Bella's laugh was low and dangerous. "Ah, so the war has officially begun."

Lada rose from her chair, her movements deliberate and commanding. She crossed the room to stand close to Bella, their faces inches apart.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what you bring to this little battle, Bella. I do hope it's something more substantial than your usual theatrics."

Bella's lips curled into a dangerous smile.

She leaned in, her breath hot against Lada's cheek as she whispered, "We'll see, babe. And don't get too comfortable. I'll be watching. You might want to keep an eye out-things are about to get very interesting."

With a swift, unexpected motion, Bella planted a kiss on Lada's cheek, a gesture laden with both intimacy and threat. She straightened up, her eyes glittering with malice as she adjusted her sunglasses.

"I'll see you soon, Lada. Remember, the real game is just beginning."

As Bella turned and sashayed out of the office, the air seemed to thicken with the weight of her words. Lada remained standing, her face a mask of controlled fury, knowing that Bella's return was a harbinger of deeper, more dangerous conflicts ahead.

•••

Ping! Ping!

Earn's phone buzzed with a new message. She glanced at the screen and saw Lada's name pop up.