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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoBA92RarhA
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHdcgXDSX1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOU9tAEIljZ
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqgt3Uc1ul
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcfLpjBGDC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mVbED9aWa
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r2raBLtNP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHc52ZrpIK9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSVjPIauIZ
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxrOnER03b
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL1OpRUuGr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFicuyBMVcG
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvrZrriLxH
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr1QEs8Za2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LMBqmXQE4
"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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFPuJevxCV
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mPJh6ulEo
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytuBWLiUWM
"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VkBNKZR9q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y3bNNlknm
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIXG47MWyXt
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2gQO4LzPp
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtW3cuULIoK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeqeXzUHyNb
"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUFMGmlWJp
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAotDqOe4z1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTiAb6GmNx
"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwJdJVlZiE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJLQmxOOQe
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMfBqrbdRf
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpbHgQhStJ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFygWHxrTW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRVNmxQRth
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3QxyeHbno0
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k7xBEglHk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx3usvmFsL
"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJL5L75Drq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErY5fX0Utu
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2qkz7pVbi
With the continuous singing of Carlos on the deck, Hugo paid him less attention as his facial expression turned into a grave one.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7Z4rg13uU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrhAuamJHK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrrMSsHcpO
"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMjpzUWHm4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hZxyD2Oh7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgG2oRdjmn
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8JGc1Rg7D
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUeTJvMqt2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1V4rJ0FZm7
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea6WA8ysWC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SMlS0NC37
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvYWefP6V8
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjEqwax1GU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ratsWGcfj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaLP410jyY
"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWDZWpQNMn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfL4t5gcojl
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6IN2Qu3EQ
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZrzAVSkUL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PkxVxZiUK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi93VRfQOdh
"If I were you, I would act fast on him."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYOFJMF2HZW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMWd3NvvCG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58AriZPLu4
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEIXh4W3gJL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDC2zvzGDz
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoY9rDHXYLm
"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrJRuNEewd
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgl4sfdenZj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45aujJPOUT
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiE3h9QaXBK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezl5km5Yw9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiF4alDxOB5
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqQAQPXG4M
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWwP1S53ZJ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ivSkLCSpc
***589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkERUZBhNc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iXryoBknY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLs5tFaHHj
"Morning, how are you?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtaIIcw2Te2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCfZVUe27q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcxJ3UNQhz
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAOdONrIjI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhkW8kaFrU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNftDlaG2Ox
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQEIBSeEcY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡib8ZftCYpU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUdI8TGwK0
"Yes?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG77Jqlwv1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKNYZjgUtT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURrtFhcw9j
"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsddt4eTXX
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdoBUNA65J
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmIdlkf1XD
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrWLRTaamS
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHk1vEe8bm
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2Krrn3zWf
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtVJfhUUJC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0abiQP2gBs
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDrvriY8tl
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?589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmPvFsQKYgn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZAI4mWZ6B
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpWImBl3Qur
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoC1I7AqFhh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4F2X6ug1h
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4OfiosbB9
"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UznSvUOcL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuKFpHdVrE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXI4FnTMEQf
"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAoas6UqzfD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOm1oqL1DP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwopOz8Exp
The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqTZp94gNQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAGuLmRcek
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaT80ZXWpEb
"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01CavnHZzf
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcfRSPwcHN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CVNjL8KRQ
"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiWUC9tgYn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8Jai4zZ3k
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5XmyQaqqQ
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ayctDrqAS
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtAXjiqiGW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLXziwJboT
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYSF7br22d
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvHVaOYSAK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhf9dRUMQQI
"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoetT1uNXZM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1s3WD8gUV
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOn0yoGqq7y
"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZH6Hh6DAa
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRwRM42jqm
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ7MY91cOm
"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdb1cRAt84b
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEHKH4KVaR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifypXw1QlJ
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4Xf0yrL1Q
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ie6NED9ga
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZUs3DFkJi
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoJ5XWtKq3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9f2VOzzYrw
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSayizyNTQs
"That will be great," said Eric.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZsxAD2OrY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaP4k8lACy
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrylAi0qW6v
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?589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOx0w5WIZuT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCPPVNrv7S
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7eSOuVQ1o
"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcWuTrzX6d
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Pdv42cKt
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwVb9zijzp
"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL0NYAR01c
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBv4INOpqjh
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WJn6tpyIj
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v9W0OPAhL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldqcHgionK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2AqJ0ZnQX
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fpHlXb4wW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zz40AE1h1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcCATLGbuGr
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNufe4Fwo5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9P5eIrib3Z
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrcU1tTySnP
"We have a place in mind," Leo found himself saying. "So there is no need for the ladies to be bothered about this."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWQehyhvjT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHn3cnY8fm
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIftPHFCWS5
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡim6ViFQiXx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIep0oX2ADs
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TfCZygGMa
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gVZDiqqNe
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoODXwPpcl
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0Eg6Ua9Yc
"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpCz4m1tms
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDT8q5XTIi9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYWdOrA4Qd
"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4KE8hmRzP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFVNqV8Tk1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZobVmhwkYL
"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq0onFGHm3p
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBvjiUS8Gc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o978VPJzC
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CMHerGhBk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bz842DLO9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI7BdaU1ko
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzdUcdLhSM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTsNP6b3iC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBs9wUbR5P
"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgfJhm7tl9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYej7Bv1nN7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrygdEGoU7
"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDSNbrMfLk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLvls2ao7Ji
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbkfAiPv5B
"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVQe4CT3YJ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeiGp97EVB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUW5BZj5Zv
"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAZU5FN48V
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQktVtFFd8d
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8dLni14jF
"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfc2GscKof
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy99MSXwToe
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeFdg9tu5f
Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpUALIoqiC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5yMnMxjFK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ71tCOakHe
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRVWYkoapnF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oomEmcr0N
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rqx5dwgik
"Morning," he greeted.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJCKZYEvpQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAsjxK4ySk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xfIAruzJF
"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3P7lwCAYg
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3S1mjOiwRD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtUXwNgZdf
"I didn’t see you at your desk when I passed by. I thought you weren’t going to be in today."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUDn5lHilD
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpNcD93Pqp
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEO5YAKnaPR
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJvaWKoRBu
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkm9mAGrYV3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BQSiJa2wg
"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmP7eAsE5f
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuQQH0dLZz
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAH6aPJBwTw
Angel raised her eyebrows. "I’m just here because I have the qualifications to take on the job. I’m not here for fun."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlMeJfbdNN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiGOuk5Itf
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVfmMV1d1T
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeGBTi4iXs
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyI1Jf6P2PV
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMevI4SIshB
"Sorry about that," he apologized. "You’re right. I can tell that you’re only here for work and not to impress anyone."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxHE7Nas4J
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxVcECpfhr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uMh4FGJH7
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpusjtmZcn
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxn5AKF2vu1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AVqdcjYap
"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBs40nKBaR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2VNR7kwSb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQM4nxkmk4
"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl89UQzDLU
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhS1hmGSl2k
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKHpKPU8Yz
"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoPlZCNG6a
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnVZ6liTTq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I1bqwBz7Z
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡID5ypoDdrJ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLD5J0Y6El
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIM2fuJeWD7
Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUeDi1aG5f
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMr1pN0SfKS
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgcZm5TNBJ
"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6MHih9EDB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlAFun0LIm
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YmPLqYZzc
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPquGTOZMQj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZIgTvwAJl
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg91nuZOL1n
"Oh, I see. I was thinking, since a lot of us aren’t so busy, maybe you would like to hang out?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVqf2T30Yv
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSB1vglxW0
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFlyq0EDZ6
Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXom7g7XK1N
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGlmVckTCe
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviopL5g8vM
"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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jwMaICqCR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8S2m4bBeu
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc27XnkTGas
"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YiRsYDh80
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhezj0Oi7Tq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01jk91lNJQ
"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUr5pqBPL6
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIhhCl8bg7
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroFUSsIRST
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2IFVtHtb5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PVskXW5GQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mUjbiI4mY
"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SpuLds3pk
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcTOVwrYW5
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKpqk67lUq
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7HQVSNWkw
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvYtcePT28
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSGtAKZ1zw
"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgQ98vPEUM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBh9XQLrTkN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TRtJxuadr
"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouhN3gKVCI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1hpmZnbNg
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFHzqyK7d3
"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0liysQpsJ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JoQLFw9hy
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK8TsaH0oC
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDm6k8U9dhr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LNMTnjwGO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUVvM1a5ND
"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKV1EUqlUBB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayYd7ORi0R
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWd1ydmGtLj
Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0O5ttNQXo
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDaeA0t4P8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7tV7ZikmM
"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1xrjphZM1
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrKGdGu2AE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDRsqFROun
"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgzec9DEQ4
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpN4L3uSfQb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmHTHgYhEY
"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iBQXbxR7W
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6q0AByXAG
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjM668hwqUP
"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDpt2jZcia
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21gJOtyENq
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFdlougLi1
"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04pchLDebx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPge9U9Dvue
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6PPklhsuw
"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZG3DIQ82t
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfBfJJUcD2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoGtj9Tatg
"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgwQSvAjR3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIwpC5FCeB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAzUfkd3ig
"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATOnghkQUY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6UOcfZ8lE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFufsJfHU6
"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6k5t9yr5S2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6G4kFpUlQB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIdILgyvmHZ
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnCciAQt3Z
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7z4R2ukNIl
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0ARuGW7Vy
"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqY2SduCD2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltKs1yy0fC
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cSgpop5FK
"How? Did she say something to you?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKdgxGXoSP
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctiiIuoNcQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oa43kOduV
"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98t6pNbW51
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSH5XXuec8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaF3vvS3Ua
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLMxLshk1Cw
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74pVDJwC05
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqZnlKuGHv
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrPrspWoBo
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dBMMKtVXR
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGAbFcZEpA
***589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JWLGk53Gr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyLpSwx4DK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsdttkqkvFW
"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdsgXTap70
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGGiM1hKk9
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMRs2UaVt2
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.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9UrxOu6cQ
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe57hd2fgCO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpMaVoiZK3
Andre walked back into the room in white hotel bed slippers. He drew in the smoke of his cigar and later exhaled.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51DnR0fvCN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0b1SFdiym
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfvYG1yyVC
"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8svBGcMrD3
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqYN6aWcrB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuCDfIF0fK
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?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCjKs4imcY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoytWOB6JKT
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJAcscsrb8
"It wasn’t necessary," said Andre. "I told them that I wouldn’t be needing them for a while. I needed to be alone."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ33kCe0HCyV
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsubhGUtUVS
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rRzPEEU78
"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFWDpYTOmE
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsqgzlvEOY
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqhH9fLQzF
Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwq7jsLHBc
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD2UHADBEO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflDwQZSMWD
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZR8BfuCIN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR9HAZvupZI
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviY2oZTzgV
"And what are you going to do about it?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ04eRGKhKmm
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92Z0wqlt5B
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ns2QThdDT
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6TtaO9N11
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw2eXa3Szb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwc6w1OMWK
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU98tRNyi0h
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGND1K96SH2
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSEDI5jTvd
"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwmRXA1DBN
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDJBKoSnnF
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwn53zIOPe
"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhCgnLBUTEb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8hf1wqlGS
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKgHDP6vTW
"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCQwMAgIIO
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwslXc2POg
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsu9PCJ0Pf
"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nUlTVVg7x
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc3Rb2eiPK
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGhY5xCoB8
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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6xxp1dVlM
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbHrTEKAeb
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIphsVY7dT
"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxNFwe5zU8
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdnyD7zGeL
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXvuRIR2Ea
"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KaOEosdsj
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AN7wrGi8t
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLvzNxLp7w
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjObOPOluA
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePchCfyU2R
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qoEY3sbUd
"But you do have her number, right?"589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIZEeaN7LW
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDRoEAIOaB
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIm5LAGVWd
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGX7HMwMBx
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36wGRVfoVr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD5HDGACSu
"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."589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4bN1h4jLr
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKLzFjGqMp
589Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopY7XOX0VF
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 protection585ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZBa1xTpDY 維尼

216.73.216.206