Hearts Collide (Lingorm)

Chapter 21

The heat was unbearable, radiating off the asphalt as Yoko stood helplessly by the side of her stalled SUV, waving her phone in the air in vain. Sweat trickled down her forehead, and her patience was thinning. Faye wasn't answering, neither was the driver, and here she was—alone on the side of a busy road, with her daughter asleep in the backseat.

Her fingers flew over the screen, sending another unanswered text, when a Matt Black G-wagon slowed down beside her. The driver honked gently, pulling her attention. The window slid down to reveal a sharp, familiar face.

Lingling Kwong.

Ling's brow furrowed as she took in the sight of the high-end SUV with the FFM plate—definitely Malisorn property. Slamming on the brakes, she stopped her car and hopped out, moving toward Yoko.

"Everything okay?" Ling's tone was smooth, yet casual. She already knew whose car this was, but she didn't let on just yet.

Yoko, caught off guard, hesitated for a moment. "Uh, no. My car just died on me. I've been trying to call my wife or the driver, but no one's picking up."

Ling's eyes flickered knowingly. Wife. She knew exactly who Yoko was—the wife of the one and only, Faye Malisorn. This was an opportunity that practically landed in her lap. She could rescue Yoko, maybe even score points with Faye.

"Ah, I see. Let me help," Ling offered, flashing a disarming smile, "I've worked with Faye Malisorn before. I'm Lingling Kwong. Surgeon by trade, car mechanic by... well, let's just say I know my way around." She lied smoothly, though internally, she was already regretting the bold statement. What the hell was she going to do with a broken-down car?

Yoko's relief was palpable. "Oh, thank God. I was starting to panic a little." She gestured towards the backseat. "My daughter, Elissa, is asleep, and I just—" she trailed off, her frustration evident.

Ling nodded, looking serious. "Don't worry. Let me take a look."

She walked to the hood of the car, pretending to assess the damage. In reality, she had absolutely no idea what she was doing, but she didn't let that stop her. She fiddled with a few wires, tapped the engine, and muttered some mechanical jargon under her breath for show. After a minute, she stepped back, shaking her head as if she had figured it out.

"Looks like you'll need a professional to take care of this. It's better If I call someone to pick up the car, happens to know the best guy in town" Ling paused, then offered a solution with a bright smile. "But I can give you a ride home, if you'd like. It's no trouble."