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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYqEzs06Xu
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweuTdc02TJ
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZv0HUiuWUG
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjD0MHuAPMl
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC68Y7sXZYm
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BVf0oXqRR
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2dIRrvFW8
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSESEvBkgr
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cwLtirkt3
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvuOlyyTsv
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5ZNPP07SZ
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVT5x6UjFE
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnoefCsjMa
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3Xr5S08zQ
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxhjQOSUti
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAuogjx8NQ
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNNzDsg17b
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbm0ReHOq6
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYFNBuO7Wh
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTGU775K1s
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOntmHdcaQg
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh1cIAlXKj
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyasRBtAo1
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCnQWjFrko
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkibXDqNb8
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***544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuTapOa01Kw
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"Morning, how are you?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFxgvlHYll
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijzC4oBbRP
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5gzxh1tAm
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"Yes?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblesv1sjJf
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcQCTX5v92
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgmnBh4IAp
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAIY40FOvXS
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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?544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6shNZdiCG
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwOhFlo2kw
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJoq9kHMucv
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hBWiHpZaJ
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaK5PYwrdUJ
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kCQgw560t
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lpdPvcTU1
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWy3hekEwX
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSzTiJQY0B
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xcNCehBO2
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaHUdAZL5F
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ1jVfRkbq
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Vq30IvOR5
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTw7rC1vVsY
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"That will be great," said Eric.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZGkwuyjG3
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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?544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UNGxn8XZ4
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVbOyvzLaCq
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6baizvctZe
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC73RqVaH7J
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4X0R3eYQG
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXLasZdhK9
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxZox4vIuD
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfFcvJN3IZ
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWvpvMTqrl
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1VhvpI2XV
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8q6cR7vwn
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUi060tGMs
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUWxo6WCyc
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqtCOXtWPV
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqvRd4ay7m
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8zWkLs6ml
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8QYVWHce4
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnorVDE1IOI
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdIBtT9bMvd
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5hr8QHTHo
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡue3cyafzsK
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"Morning," he greeted.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡof5fq7nJlg
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8WQWFC2Y3
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRkBW1Jp9m
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHgeJvzRjw
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPs3N9CteIl
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtVCJhKXSg
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmG22Sqlfw9
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnjnbsvakK
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡogXwcDOjSM
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY7WgFRW51
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxMzGP6qch
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ngFlM9Jdc
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZl2LDtzLXh
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy146zvBQk
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnOc6Z99w7
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEj9IGN2x0
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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?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDyzCiEOZK
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8lFyma6Xn
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kc5QNEjE7
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMQeacyucm
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpm5Y8fwmpj
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyKSmMQJYU
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDOjUsf5CJ
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQG0rhkFZFz
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUS4EbuZTWm
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCuMmf7nT1
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYRv80jyA8
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrrmSrahTf
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsatsEkx4O
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KgaO2iDcd
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7EEFToDQe
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPahltMp9iI
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5XbeaeB2C
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2nkpDVQyn
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIjXkiX6NY
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvkbOHE6vj
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMgbj7bIZK
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmWIthQlZ9s
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegyQlyrElY
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpumivfvkQF
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkd5x1mf7Wn
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"How? Did she say something to you?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyL4mpi2Ws
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHAplaKmMx
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDo3dyNUY1
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbBbuoenko
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***544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJqJrtOw9zf
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9UQ3BTCFW
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2V2tsE0n4T
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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.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY38dmjWGGX
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1IO9On264
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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?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83pr9exiLP
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf2qRU2Uma
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv1TkJ9EXQy
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE981qNWDKz
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBX4vEEf16
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"And what are you going to do about it?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEauVYS9JXw
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6d3oXgXc4
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHDQw2ud6O
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85jqxvlt2I
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsfZkwWudm
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLX9mTxR44
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl5SzFCXXn
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3oo8byYCt
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97ZCeSyl5t
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jLm9EjbwH
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKHFcqtMev
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"But you do have her number, right?"544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IegYwMKML
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kk8s2dbHL
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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."544Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYXkFITmv6b
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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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