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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf47Usof2So
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89e2weg991
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDchqRDUSpU
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IHeQMcQLf
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoImmEVfeUt
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrDmt5FyBb
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqppL8jqWNA
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRs0GYJE0e
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcdncVzTam
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8GFkA5xyXt
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgSpOTYWwB
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTeXXfCTeh8
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn4WHF8wfn
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIjX6YfSnt
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uYE8B5Czi
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgWcEunJBZ
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDcOyvQlGA
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YHM1OdeKH
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnj7orO0sl0
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiwNPeJbgW
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmx064iwhx
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4S2Dp3BX2A
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qkORrTiS0
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xHSeFAgae
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnh3ETUpgBJ
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***451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxrNa0ij4Z
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"Morning, how are you?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmo5A68ScHp
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBHcKBhqsQ
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJ7awfxPWa
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"Yes?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9utE77932
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q7zKmOEAA
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFkVYEt40B
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8HHgVPEAG
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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?451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVwKZNvV7Z
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs2A957t3r
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4g4Qyb8No
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYh1Fvqg4M
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLHbXY8aRG
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mmaEECB0O
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRNFG2SjFW
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k6jWCT2Zg
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIoKzywiUY
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKn6T92mL9o
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8AiGqLJhB
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWBC2qUEH6
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXCeDabgdD
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ286SMGYLVb
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"That will be great," said Eric.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAAK2Y5WpAm
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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?451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pmpAU8DZT
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXhmLOVZRD
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUf5JNZ4j2a
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ggSr3JWdC
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SuGWJzhl7
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIVkDYsEh9z
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1X5IAmhcE
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR97zcGpwgF
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjVMVMrnwr
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqnLgl6F2X
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpU6TGW1bX
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FgM8pjmwB
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDEUBOskWx
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9zDpE1jMY
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfhuhuRcGY
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7K5M0MIWXo
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQWC0xDW1m
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7k31KRCWq
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmOdpm6dTF
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sUqgMaPS5
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSUARCZCqX
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"Morning," he greeted.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaFBLrL2y5
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFhFSXowHr
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lf5pohkzg
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbURziXUgn
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC36A7caPcO
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDFJ8zq0VG
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBl2LDVgoU
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcrZ1utBMS
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXksq0iiMk
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHJHAkMR0A
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhkLAFiT7h
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIC7TE5eC5
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhkUnIrpr7
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZonT6vcUBR
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yn1IxkVWs
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRFYnR6HGE
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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?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDtdt5xbeL
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj15Gi8HRI1
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZFmBPigk2
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsHUFuQ5bXx
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlw5sPHm03
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsizEq74b3
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbLaRHXKJD
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iHAanuA0R
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A7JPe1iXq
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1xLnmw29V
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMMTd0zEko
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyV4pJhz5Gt
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgfeDWfIYa
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1hOjvTJCb
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSQPXUnz7E
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoO2gDAv3e5
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvIgdC5RFP
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs9wx0Njnz
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRMAx9KHR2
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5FNZP8QHO
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKgPWE771g
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy53fPIqYRJ
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlqBo8rlfP
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsTNvFMn7o
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzgAzYKNG6
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"How? Did she say something to you?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeXv1Z6JUe
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZL53ovATe
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MBmSh8VlD
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEL0VjBGSa
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***451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDBzEmpzas
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FFeZWC0J0
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Zsw7XUyf1
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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.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdpMM4HlFC
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMf0puRJFT
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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?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpP24MrCYki
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtap9dh3EZ
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmSDo6PmNF
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqvnudOdVy
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7t3Kf6F4g
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"And what are you going to do about it?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLKst1mk73
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBiE06CMAF
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXikikK4dp
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1GV7ymQ19
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWaI6BK7M5
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeM2NccenA
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY4XlMHwXUO
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lINmx0WBZ
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdh9uXw6N35
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYWzTXX7Fu
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNbcxHtabK
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"But you do have her number, right?"451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuSxvtK4cyp
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqSlZz4nDf
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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."451Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuR2IVJTLg
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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 protection447ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmtdO725Yb 維尼

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