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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpI4cf4NLOJ
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtV00xkWmP0
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPj1XT7ExxZ
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGT34jzGCS
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc22rY6sj6
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQhH0catEkC
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Zl4NE57xW
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNdUpUf7Bf
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLWjgnf8V1
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmukHzPnNK
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DlntDKWmw
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvO2rdQs8n3
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUSyhHs7pm
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0RCcV5mBC
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0KPztPrM5
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJa4rDKbe3x
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMICyRCiuF
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInGmDqHBWc
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDWdBARdox
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9XoS0NVbL
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MrgmLBrKG
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGzzdyo0B1
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L9Ihe2F5c
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEHQuXlDs5s
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCf8ewwXiQi
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"Morning, how are you?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjkmctLv8i
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSTxs2FFps
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7I0SDVD4X
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"Yes?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxhfDpSMkH
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfbp7i8J2h
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ194bnTVDks
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72s2x30R0K
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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?413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQOV9M5db5o
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBJd3hWbF7
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5LMmg42DG
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6y6mER7bZD
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fi4Z9ADaQ
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuHbwxqNoe
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMHNCEWplo
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrawuIsqN33
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE9RbHx0re
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4e59rPovD
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9NpjPpWoE
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAgzztrFwWQ
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafgCCGdW2U
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOByw5CZxG
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"That will be great," said Eric.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucu3DTnw01
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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?413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y2ifUv8mx
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdgAS3I8a3
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnuQXyMmpif
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WV78I8wVc
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZMKmby3oL
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WyKlLDCjf
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqk7Oyd84m
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Yh6Kctzhf
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtjXpXwStS
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ780X1ewgbr
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqiwB26Zto
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qRKje0EvS
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKcDH22x33
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSLf9Cz6Ev
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fav6i8QN0
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9NQ5U7jSd
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQB2hgbKk6J
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaYj6ghpBu
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2vy3uQjAP
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF69VglJORM
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AiEEmBnHf
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"Morning," he greeted.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvlVmoEYBm
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0JgnEm5eX
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfbCVkErVc
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXABspR9um
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLL97XLkAq
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvFjGtMQ8e
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVuLCGuFqw
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQp7bV5fiW
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHSWTlzTgx
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv6YLDYkdm
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn3ZUx9eGA
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FCSQ8PCWP
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGpNKblJhU
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtQJ2Zgr8F
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuetQ8pgNFp
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQ0RVFS3ro
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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?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZJzVoz4uf
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTzJQ6vGYD
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNC5FiIqRe
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5TV2EMhv6
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrYnmY60yf
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGmfMANqz2
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1lMVcs5S0
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkySoRXjLZs
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ostCQADbJ
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhooB5VP5i
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JoBiXCb5E
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxb8JKd7EAH
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiajf2HxGwt
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyc25fMl9y
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHH1y0SrP9
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHShL5iTzS
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKaXynn0Ddq
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTZJ1EW0jW
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvv8mDSDami
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD86RFMaLWP
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGcF8Sm6MI
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEJZnYJO3E
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QDgvrbY4s
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEblyNPg41
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrZ3zP7kjV
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"How? Did she say something to you?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrufdsjQ3dA
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOTCNm07L7
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAlZHR5KZRj
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HLYgKS7FE
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***413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4U73ZaRjF
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIdqgeF7Nw
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXZfaGU7pOh
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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.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcQVmGQdr0
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOd5NCEgLx8
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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?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qR0vRpeDf
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXPIshC9zz
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjt65rCveKT
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtg75KpVqJz
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDAGaCMk3d
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"And what are you going to do about it?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP9uCCdVfD
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2rxo5r6c9
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6fuDPWbws
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaYFSOjnlP
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwc3DZ8n0X
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aMxJJ2J3b
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHIvzPCJXL
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuNt2LjeVH
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQPFYvQenU
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3oIV1dVYP
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj071ddi2el
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"But you do have her number, right?"413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmNCgajwaP
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVe85g5nWl
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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."413Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmwK1G28Zs
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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.
Penana
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