Fallen (Lingorm)

Chapter 41

The office door slammed shut with an almost eerie calmness. 

Lingling turned the lock as she exhaled heavily, rubbing her temples. She could feel Orm's burning gaze on her, practically scorching holes into the back of her blazer.

Orm crossed her arms, her posture screaming tension, her tone sharp as a blade. "Why. Is. She. Here?"

She turned, her expression the perfect mix of exasperation and pleading. She walked over and gently rubbed Orm's head, an act of attempted pacification. "Calm down first, and I'll explain."

Orm stepped back, swatting Lingling's hand away. "Calm down? " Her voice rose, laced with venom. "She fucking rolled her eyes at me, Ling. And then she clung to your arm like—like she fucking owns you!"

Lingling inhaled deeply, raising her hands in surrender. "Okay, first, I am not anyone's property to own. Second, I—"

"Mine. You're mine," Orm snapped, her tone fierce, her gaze unwavering. "And I don't want her breathing near you."

Lingling sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose before cupping Orm's face with both hands, forcing her to focus. "Listen to me, okay? I'll tell you everything. Just... stop glaring at me like you want to bite my head off."

Orm's lips pressed into a thin line, but she nodded, though her eyes still burned with suspicion.

"Yaya is here for work. We're discussing a deal for my father, and—"

"Work?" Orm interrupted, scoffing. "Does she even know she's here for work? She's dressed like she's inviting you to... to eat her or something!"

Lingling's jaw dropped. "Orm!" she exclaimed, a mix of shock and disbelief on her face. "It's a deal I'm trying to close for my father. I could care less what she's wearing—hell, I don't even know what she's wearing right now! She could walk in here naked, and I—"

Orm raised a finger, her glare intensifying. "Don't."