The rays of the sun crept its way through the large glass doors of the ship, lighting up the room. There was confetti and paper cups all around, not to mention empty beer and wine bottles that littered the floor. An unlikely object sat in the middle of the messy dance floor: a wooden chair. Someone sat on it as he bathed in the sun's rays. He leaned back lazily as he took in the view of the sun rising to the east above the waters of the New York harbour. He had been busy the whole night and felt like he needed sleep. But the exciting feeling of everything going according to plan rushed through his bloodstream like adrenaline, keeping him awake.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgDjHHONAj
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He had his phone in hand, which lay flat on his outstretched left leg. He lifted the phone, but had still not received any reply from the person he had just texted. No bother; she must be tired like I am, Red Lion thought to himself.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKcSyYKt2R
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As he continued to look on at the glittering blue waters, he heard a set of footsteps coming behind him, and he could tell who was approaching.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx54rAecsr3
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Carlos began to sing in Spanish, a common Mexican song, snapping his fingers. Red Lion recognized the song. He would’ve told Carlos any other day to shut his mouth, but there’s something about it that soothed him a little. Carlos might not have a good singing voice, but his voice was like honey to Red Lion’s ears.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj4aZ7mv99
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When Carlos and Hugo came close, Carlos took hold of Red Lion’s shoulders and shook him in an excited way, forcing Red Lion to dance side to side on his chair. The gesture made Red Lion smile. Soon enough, he tapped Carlos’ hand on his shoulder informing him to stop. Carlos did as instructed and approached the glass doors leading to the deck, still singing. Hugo remained by Red Lion’s side, shaking his head at his jolly comrade.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsgRC395u6
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"You threw quite a party last night," said Hugo, who’s deep voice was a bit groggy after drinking too much. It’s still a wonder to many, especially Red Lion, how he didn’t get so drunk and have a hangover the next day.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIkcDEIBPJl
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDv1jPkwppx
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"No doubt about it. But you've got to be careful, though. If Andre catches a whiff of what’s going on, it will be dreadful."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLtymh7el5
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡthcLu7hVjy
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBN7iFKmCUE
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"I’ll forgive him for his little stunt last night. But when coming to other things, I’m starting to wonder whether to involve him or not."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTufx5spmu
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Hugo raised an eyebrow as he looked down at Red Lion. "You do know he’s already fishy about you since you didn’t tell him the full details of your plan."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ClL4IMRHL
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9HSx5oBDM
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With the continuous singing of Carlos on the deck, Hugo paid him less attention as his facial expression turned into a grave one.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkHe34zTNV
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttnF8zUlB6
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"Alex is useful," Red Lion answered as he looked up at Hugo with a smile. "And I happen to like him. He is a real hard worker, as he has proved in the last couple of days."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilrW4ZP50S
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"Don’t tell me you plan to involve him all the way? Walters isn’t going to like it. You know how he opposed you bringing Carly on board."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSINO8FuPH
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"I know. But look at what the two have done so far. With those two following along with my plans, I don’t see it going wrong."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKb3NRvU1A7
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡae9h76KtkB
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"For example, Walters, yes. But I know how to handle him. Don’t worry," Red Lion noticed the look Hugo gave him. "He’s as stubborn as an ox, and he doesn’t trust me in some areas."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMv5CiDtlt7
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJ9axls8Fs
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Red Lion gave a nod. "True. But he’s very vital to me, especially with dealings at the club. He won’t be easy to get rid of just yet."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaENxziuAFb
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEZ1nwp5Hh
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Red Lion laughed, his laugh echoing alongside Carlos' singing. "Have I ever made the wrong one that would put us all at risk?" He stood up from his seat and patted his hand on Hugo’s shoulder. "With me, Hugo, our organization will be an unstoppable force. I can promise you that."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJF8uIyUEm
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Red Lion turned to Carlos, singing with his arms wide on the deck. Red Lion joined in the singing and went over to his comrade on the deck. Hugo shook his head with a smile on his face and followed Red Lion. When Red Lion went onto the deck, Carlos turned to look at him and, with an outstretched arm, wrapped it around Red Lion's shoulders. The two continued to sing, while facing the sun, about the glorious days ahead.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0pbBeVIMr
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***484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqluXzQIhZn
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"Morning, how are you?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBKyqEFN6V
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It’s been almost an hour since Leo sent Carly that text message, which she still hasn’t responded to. He had been staring down at the message for almost two minutes until he told himself to put the phone down and get to work. He did so with almost great difficulty, telling himself that Carly was probably tired and still fast asleep.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiyixxbseb
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When he put his phone aside, he went to look at his computer. There were a bunch of emails, some of them from his colleagues which contained reports on their latest construction projects in New York that he needed to go through. That almost made Leo’s brain want to burst into flames. He knew it was only early working hours, but he already felt like he had worked for too long. There was no need to put himself under unnecessary pressure, as he opened up to read one email that didn’t involve any of the construction reports. As soon as he settled his mind to read, his landline on his desk started to ring. He quickly grabbed the receiver, drawing it closer to his ear.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tCQGUv31A
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"Yes?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUvvSnnYBV
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbc3rtldgU
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Leo wondered what his summoning could be all about. He sounded a little serious. Could something have happened? The only way to find out is if he goes there.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYY9zwoseIN
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He left the office, telling his secretary where he would be in case anyone called. As he made his way to his father’s office, he couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. He had to tell himself not to think too much or else he might end up having a heart attack.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPVrRraona
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Just as he had clear view of the door leading to his father’s office, he found Eric making his way there. Leo raised an eyebrow. Eric has also been summoned?484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxd6jHEOG5S
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As though sensing that Leo was behind him, Eric turned to look in Leo’s direction and smiled. Leo wished he could have Eric’s optimism at this point in time. Because he had none.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GsDgeKtLe
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAVl5spIvL
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDnpmH6DZB
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotby2DadqR
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw6bRw559Y
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98NfJadIha
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Leo watched Eric as he led the way to the door, greeting Mr. McDonell’s secretary. Leo gave her a nod and she smiled at him kindly. Eric knocked on the door and Mr. McDonell from inside told them to come in.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7efuRV1TU
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The first thing Leo’s eyes fell upon when Eric opened the door, were the two chairs that faced his father’s desk which were occupied. Mrs. Lance sat on one chair while Angel sat on the other. Upon seeing Angel, he couldn’t help but worry why she was there.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBOVhNldwb
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZgpHZm65F
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXps2OJ8mzR
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cU8Rw0zKr
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"So, let’s cut to the chase," said Mr. McDonell who sat behind his desk. Leo and Eric sat down on the comfortable black sofas behind the two ladies. "As you all know we have an important meeting with the Chinese. We know that Leo and Eric have been making preparations, but I would like Mrs. Lance and Angel to be on board."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S6MJ0d9UG
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Leo felt his throat run dry so suddenly. Angel will help with the preparations? His father really didn’t mean to include more people. He and Eric have done this together several times. Including people now felt so foreign to Leo.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAGHQppfbg
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"That will be great," said Eric.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WtjRoCH4D
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Leo felt like giving Eric a poke with his elbow to tell him to keep quiet. But there was no hiding his enthusiasm and that irritated him the most, especially since he knew his cousin is only excited because Angel is in the fray. No wonder he was so excited before, Leo thought to himself. Did Eric know about this?484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjjOUBYTyZ
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5cfM2lF4j
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTZbea6moc
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"There is a slight issue with the venue though," Eric answered. "We had many options, but we hadn’t decided on the place most suitable."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OMDGeipoK
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"Well, then it’s a good thing I asked these women to join us," said Mr. McDonell. "They might help since we don’t have enough time on our hands."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt6jVPrzPw
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Leo raised an eyebrow. It’s true that Eric, and he had struggled a little on this last assignment, but there was a hotel that was ready to help host their meeting, and they were meant to visit the place this afternoon. Now he had a feeling he might be heading over there with Angel tagging along.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqk1YMb4qH
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"We have a place in mind," Leo found himself saying. "So there is no need for the ladies to be bothered about this."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFz01XEm6h
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"Look at you being so macho," said Mrs. Lance, turning to look at Leo. "You need a woman’s touch when it comes to such things. Your mother might have been helping you out sometimes, but she isn’t here to do so. So don’t be so egoistic and let us help."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3ITqGfNHh
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"I couldn’t have put it in any other way," said Mr. McDonell, looking satisfied. "Let’s get this done quickly. Eric, Leo, you will tag Mrs. Lance and Angel along with you today."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTOLTDAAtm
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AxWFdcekH
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUn0ULEzymb
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4WLrTCfZ3
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Everyone else all stood up from their seats. The two ladies made their way to the door first, but Eric was quick enough to reach it before them to open it. Mrs. Lance thanked Eric for being such a gentleman and Angel also thanked him. Eric and Leo were the last to leave.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7XceMZLji
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"Isn’t this exciting?" Eric asked when they were out of earshot from Angel and Mrs. Lance. "Those two ladies get to help us out."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZTX0ZDvck
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4gHQr2rCC
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeejV7lDPI
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGbqkGOkA5
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgiEKRIMwj
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Co0vQzx6r
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6blWx0P4X2
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Ahead of them, Mrs. Lance took a detour to her office, while Angel was making her to the work area when she met Derrick coming in her direction.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXIPPlcCoi
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"Morning," he greeted.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUpHIxKWPs
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rLvj8LXZ8
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"I didn’t see you at your desk when I passed by. I thought you weren’t going to be in today."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡStWjlkbiXb
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Angel chuckled. "It’s my second day here. I don’t think I have the right to be dodging work when I feel like it."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFcRF3eA8a
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tBlkv239N
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Angel raised her eyebrows. "I’m just here because I have the qualifications to take on the job. I’m not here for fun."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYK6Rr6JOgq
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Derrick knew he almost struck a nerve there. But for some reason, Angel didn’t seem to lash out like he had expected, and she seemed calm.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMXJnyOlar
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"Sorry about that," he apologized. "You’re right. I can tell that you’re only here for work and not to impress anyone."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2D5EKsxWPA
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Leo and Eric continued to stand from a distance. They had noticed Derrick from the beginning and had stood to watch the pair as they spoke. And for some reason, they both felt really uncomfortable.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJrVOjxTj9
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp0smsKqEw
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv82nLExykG
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJV5dnMdKGW
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"If you hadn’t noticed, Eric, Angel still has many eyes on her. I won’t be surprised if she has a long line of suitors."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWKdPI2IDo
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkbjjQ2MM8
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cjp2GVFhL
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"Yeah, I am," said Angel as she took a strand of her by her fingers and twirled them. "I’ve been given an assignment by the boss, and I need to be somewhere away from the office."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt4F7kvM6a8
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"Oh, I see. I was thinking, since a lot of us aren’t so busy, maybe you would like to hang out?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdLzovk3oEy
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx3vozF9a9
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"Oh, really?" Derrick asked as he nervously blushed, scratching the back of his head. He found himself wanting to hit himself in the face. You should stop acting so weird, he told himself.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dyJxJ526E
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzNsldr0ET
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMePOI554C7
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It surprised Leo that he had suddenly said that. His cousin was obviously jealous, but who knows? Maybe the two were having a friendly chat, and Eric was thinking otherwise when he didn’t even know what they were talking about. Why did he think like that again? It’s not like Leo to think of other alternatives, especially to the situation at hand. But that’s not what worried him. Leo had never seen Eric so worked up. There are times when he might be joking around, but this time it was different. Angel was the problem.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVP3kCFtrA
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hunuLa3e2
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"Alright," said Derrick with a pleased look on his face. "I better not be holding you back from your work. I’ll be going now."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8cb3tKD4K
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaa9KWw0Gh
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPtEPknCuG
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhE4QDx1bxX
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It was a little too late for that, as Derrick drew close, and the two quickly got into some conversation involving sports. Derrick paid them no attention as he quickly passed them to head down the hall which Mrs. Lance had taken as that was where the architecture department was. When he was out of sight, Leo and Eric drew out a sigh of relief.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDXR2knRnh
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4ObHkm7Ep
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5zpdfaQhQ
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4P9hSTGnNK
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsG3i8ygt9
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCxEHjtwF4
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUU1jHjs1K
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlOSsymHjQ
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gMmcu2LmR
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyxoEWDOwb
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDlLwGgM3At
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PB1ZQyiPc
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Leo stopped walking, and Eric did the same. "The sooner you tell her, the better. I don’t want to clean after you when you see her with someone else."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXeMGy9bVj
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb7aM14sDO
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"How? Did she say something to you?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQ6ONVPKrM
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRkiXj7WbU
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Eric had reached his office, and he made sure to give Leo a playful wave of his hand before disappearing behind his door. Leo rolled his eyes. His cousin was very much in love. And for some reason, he didn’t approve that it had to be Angel he fell for.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5Ivb93OnI
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Leo continued his way to his office when he noticed Angel, who had finally approached her work station, talking to a colleague who was holding a stack of folders. They were talking and laughing too. She seems to have settled into the company already, he thought to himself. He rolled his eyes. Before he could continue on his way, memories of last night came flooding into his mind. That made him rush to his office so that he wouldn’t get a chance to look at her.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHvIwkTObXa
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***484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy5c9sf0Vw
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcLjUOODbG
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Andre was looking out of the balcony wearing a red silk bathrobe with a cigar in one hand and a glass of whisky in the other. He turned around to see his trusted comrade stand in the middle of his suite. In stature, he was much bigger than Andre, and he wore a black jacket and trousers. Not to mention that he had a bald head.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTpieR3WIv
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Andre walked back into the room in white hotel bed slippers. He drew in the smoke of his cigar and later exhaled.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFH0Wph43x
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwuhFjuHuX
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His comrade looked at Andre with a smile before turning to look at the bed. "Didn't you sleep with anyone last night?" he asked. "What happened to the Rosales sisters?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrATFS0m9W2
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"It wasn’t necessary," said Andre. "I told them that I wouldn’t be needing them for a while. I needed to be alone."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvSFnZMrQV
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbj6OV8QM3e
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62biJygpcU
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"You can’t hide from me, Andre. That look on your face says that you’ve been thinking about her since we left the party."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5t4kyRdBh
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"And what are you going to do about it?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbQrPLCmdL
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His comrade sighs. "Nothing. You somehow always manage to get what you want. But take it slow if you ever decide to meet her again. Your past relationships haven’t been so rosy, and some of your exes always find themselves buried six feet under."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNy6uGNfVKG
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"Wow, Diego." Andre raised an eyebrow. "I’m not that cruel, am I? All I did was make their lives miserable because some of them either betrayed me or something."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXbjAbQqjw
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbeljuZIWz
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUZa7GHLJM
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IJVDurEF6
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJXl4GQ8nb
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Diego smiled. "Just testing your sharpness. You should really stop drinking whisky and smoking so early before having breakfast. If your mother saw you, she would kill me."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSloRebmGUR
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXb5NdCDUt
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitdkRYmL21
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"Today," Andre answered. "I would’ve liked to see Loren again, but I have a feeling Red Lion will be a little protective of her. Like you said, it’s best to keep things slow for now."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiZlG9ZIGj
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"But you do have her number, right?"484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlOkjSUPYpW
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"Yes, I do. But in a few days after the business in Mexico is done, I will be back here in New York, just for her."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLukHpsK3gA
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"Acting like a true romantic, I can only imagine how you’re going to spoil her. I’m going to make a call to the others about our departure. We’ll leave whenever you’re ready."484Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrg3ZgRntZG
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Diego made his way out of the room, and as he closed the door behind him, Andre quickly gulped down the whisky and tossed the empty glass on the bed. He leaned back and fell onto the bed. He put the cigar in his mouth and puffed up the smoke through his nose and mouth. As he stared at the cloud of smoke above him, he thought he saw an image of Loren’s face smiling down at him.8964 copyright protection480ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUXD09uwO2 維尼

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