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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡka307zdlsK
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6NT9hN20o
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgayp324anp
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqtzGSBbH22
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3YRPDOGj9
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpCVacpXEU
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o2NYgynlp
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5DRoA6Bwp
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONzgAs7FBc
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkuyymDcVD
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIujjAvrMCw
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjSkQdQwqF
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnaerTrANQ
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jdi7oApfu
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJNVVV3QVh
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsRkOOU9rs
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrFPmo3sbr
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡooC7WLUEWw
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XVij6BmYh
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHoukyc5Jh
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXVXTFSFM2
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsYYgCUU3f
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOIvf3Hvj0
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99kEb73Var
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYp49xvKZL
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***483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbb1B51rRL
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"Morning, how are you?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOFv6ZfeyE
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLrqw846R9
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5kYt6LDA8
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"Yes?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlUB2NiSOf
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsr1ntSeSm0
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO342D96EdE
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ig7et6XMu
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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?483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUrsRcoZYy
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJFcX6WPXw
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6p6M95t7f
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfym2PRRX5U
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszf0Qqp3Ee
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCLoh3W953
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnaLpIqVcb
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRSxmPfh9f
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lcwryUajw
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TeUzoEJ7z
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtfDX0nETL
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiyZzTfvtS
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyetRSPHoI8
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdMsrddoFnW
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"That will be great," said Eric.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmdS7nVQpv
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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?483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqA9MJwM1tt
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iCkXbthcj
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNYiD0Wmog
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBO7qzBrinQ
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVODlgmWQs
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ2RkjuNTt
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiADEiLlaF
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMp5s8Iuop
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRS1j3ENwrl
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraWl0glcMY
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPtPJLCUT2
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhkJA28W3k
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRtc3MN6gw7
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUawGlHZAxo
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd2bPEIfQcG
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEjFyGOKxP
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtK3lw83nL
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmoyZqK624
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOHxYR6O4T
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ5CAnZQGlL
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPLfmgbwFH
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"Morning," he greeted.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGapXrQzfA
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEviycfKIg
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm2YoEWNIJ
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9MNbgOrSvP
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR99oGttbrD
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXgA3QD0ik1
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtySbimf9fZ
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGY75KKBQEg
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJ4Na8Yn9m
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSt4bvTvgGI
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPf6pkp0XVl
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpwy9XKkYdu
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcg2aXaXNK
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡToCPMFg6XR
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOGUZ5tCRCy
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaaaF0fNncT
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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?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4cI81mIRX
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxj8PX19chp
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Ch9itkgAT
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzCPVNjIoC
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVd9hqCIgD
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZAtSc1a3v
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0alG41zvD
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8O9lgETD2q
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwNT6XyYqe
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMdKCMkGOf
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGQdXMCJqH
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZnDOHNv5U
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteEb34oEQd
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GvoTDiFc4
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ53lpKiZXrw
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygUPNDGH09
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbIyhpj0uD
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVw1fh8Rt2Y
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGRXf52bxL
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡadIMAAA2ra
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVdtxDZ7Ui
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbyb6cbSEK
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyL82vNjSZ
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJqDgFAV2p
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxRroVu356
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"How? Did she say something to you?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpXUrnkPI8j
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOm94Kx8ut5
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pelGYbiHC
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQXTYVVpEw
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***483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0YxAMVk6v
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyfABtlQgw
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1uctiCg8N
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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.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSW4SDglLDP
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBTbA9ambT
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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?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDAm7dzpIV
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDc16xyz1XE
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM9cNGFQ2Kn
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb67bnDJ6LO
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTH6FFdvN6
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"And what are you going to do about it?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsImV2vF1LE
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ctRCVq3dY
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne1a0V9ReA
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SjqTnYNgg
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwt9KGi4O6n
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurPK9wkZWI
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQBRPU53ug
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5uclnwkgT
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl96pOnPf1
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJkROmqrVN
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1ni5hquVJ
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"But you do have her number, right?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3XmxA6RyUu
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B4T6mG0ul
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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."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylSvNDuNaK
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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 protection479ＰＥＮＡＮＡikxDBGdhhB 維尼

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