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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGjkxHp4iyf
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzR0pJxqWL
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KKuEVfHsV
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZFs8njQQR
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHz9uARbv1
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Pv5QQhkdu
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oLnSCzwMq
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1NAI4ZXkaj
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAcviPtzpx
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRwguwk7y7
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WJSROIroi
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhrCBnG8Lc
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsZMUEYNPcO
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquBKpjNFYh
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWcRo7demI1
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZy0q2mHO7
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZDc6qQWvk
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhenkgEMhxJ
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXhlTRvbRM
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCHbwuWJP29
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS9KX2vO4d
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJydnK0FsD
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRekgMxP3F
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vEfEogSiX
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLRHD3I6TW
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***515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrwdXrzlXO
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"Morning, how are you?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwerdNCNKKl
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSXmS01NGD
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylpBDDQfBv
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"Yes?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJGseedZ7n
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn1YK3Xcqb7
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbcBWpfCKf
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JDZVvybN1
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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?515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQ9XK3ZhHp
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP2pOK7HfBU
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMG0yDe9U4
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjCdtU3a9w
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡszlD2cLWcV
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMb5Cv2hB6I
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLwpDaKZc8
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02mjl6Stsi
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLij9szvxQS
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeyiumKRSv
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCYgHaKIYE
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQEwN1GCAT
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BXvaTrDVi
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8Lh3eQXGq
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"That will be great," said Eric.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj87I7nufE8
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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?515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6uwJEdom8
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejigoUEUIF
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpUvF1b8NP
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiNs1HsW86
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqsEaCvIrA
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsZ5o2UtFq
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNF4DvTxz0m
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6u81xaFjRp
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyX6ZkGSdw
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3CJEjU79U
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflqyAKVhkk
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBfxzuyabR
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv0XOpYPrt
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEizSvmsJJC
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmspn782BEM
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUVShyhY7Z
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq35baCAJ1W
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhRc9D3jdc
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv9SS7nq4F
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAihiLfxwK
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWdTD2uGe8
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"Morning," he greeted.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbsyzPJiGf
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfdtSzlU23r
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fg4GhPu3R
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vmZ6ZdH2q
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3khrTUD07
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3SDI9cHoA
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K45wh0bfz
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNZwhJMBcR
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnYAPLbY9U
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMe995NcLD
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzDxUz5ggI
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJb53aoHY7X
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bnjiZ06rY
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxqEGyD6sG
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAY30bxfqM
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsKwoOe0M6
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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?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzcFq8b9kH
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfd0cuRuJ2
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTUZygG58E
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisZu6SCrA9
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqpP0VVDte
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVCAj6NtoU
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNrsQQFEwp
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0au675LZUv
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cSTPd64g4
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sKUd3W4pQ
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJGjV2zKRE
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UoyDQQVHp
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxM3fbKdxfv
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwCfcIZcFD
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFpQ3TxyaI
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ZOAl42heD
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1c93lo9Bs
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmd0QPzf6vj
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEn6PJQL0e
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡffU5KtjAsN
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BcY2Ouo3b
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnO1fXoc6n
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScRLvptfKj
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJ9ea5Vmwr
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcy3G0SNMhy
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"How? Did she say something to you?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqhRvbi0eD
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6TCxOhzAo
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QRJiQZ9WQ
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKAvAsSFCM
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***515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaegWvRYmXt
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p5otPc6Dj
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANsCs1wriX
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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.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrj98udmvG
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiikIqvfLIp
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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?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUTlUJ62Ap
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQxfln7yzx
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2XMOPBxDJ
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ggGPeUymc
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbpGVDMpRP
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"And what are you going to do about it?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhnE2QOtGt
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1D6XjWLbO
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQ8JKsx7WZ
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk4rg5HprEU
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeXAc7p5wm
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeNnKkcYCZ
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0iOo4CuM8
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2C14PolaN0
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujqTIbYdYy
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8rOEyFulA
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6V47fowdag
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"But you do have her number, right?"515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pw36BJvmo
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2geDt0L0U
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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."515Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCQMBkKHwv
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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.
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