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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdTfIs9wRQ
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPHlZtkBrW
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhSiNhubwa
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZWxgSwspO
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JBwzDBurQ
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh1QGa80X5
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHVE8Z8NI8
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Rb434VEop
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnBWEwoagT
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgdZWC2NU0
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeesEAmiKzy
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KhfsqIXww
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVcJNS3rbQ
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwZsjNIE4q
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbLdSCHfZN
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvN8bualv8
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg15WWcgr9c
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oWZ7W21Tr
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZnBUxbuCP
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpqW7MbA4v
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5SYNVeRZI
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYqOBoxRDn
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFwQnRLXHp
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7VrzocLuR
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDzJatZhOa
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***442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5dA7HcfcC
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"Morning, how are you?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMEhnWqlno
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdblXvm98aK
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUxQvKtG30
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"Yes?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzp2r9WJVtk
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCm9WER6CTQ
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQzbLTnCJd
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpv8rd89fsQ
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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?442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzvspEVwec
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnALgt0XsX
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Sce2BUl4V
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkvkrQSefI
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVIpgVabc0
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCL8jtaIGEm
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxKvLV184F
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq57ljXKqKU
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQisKIQwIQ7
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8wjGyd1lC
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6tiY8uKwu
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA9HA1QnMe
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8fGu3ijjR
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCxIaSUE9A
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"That will be great," said Eric.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUnsFptt1fa
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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?442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90PcYhriMY
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPfMTE4CpfY
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmV28hyt9qH
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSurqD9WSI1
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQLlQTLSwf
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tmsgSF5We
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJeoV5Re6s
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXUt9Fojuwr
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNmRiLrWWk
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBAq5jb0UKw
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdIAxxiwdB
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJypDj9aPrw
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHbiwQDHCR
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwV0ly5OdZ
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bIhh7kKZA
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiiiFpf1nIr
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmI1kcCYPJZ
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡprwtQKdw5t
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3Q1Bwi5EL
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7S8OglFUPT
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNC3mTM1qZX
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"Morning," he greeted.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgypeJptDCz
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyT2zzarFI
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL12uGyyMdv
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxkMTYuODfH
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3McWDJM997
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSG06KBGod
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlPsq9b9U2w
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlTD2BACsa
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CvhAEho27
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylkWyULTIF
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAy7aS3zD6
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr7n0oIb76
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX52B7NVMNH
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gyOGxjJol
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcmaa8RGRuO
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJBGRg2i83
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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?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOtvJIUUDP
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAp8WPeJiWn
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa57zzEyHIs
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVmWhfd5EUt
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTGT2q5xMl
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BSkMlQNvo
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcm2TaOlVn
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJP8tLDqAX
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKijtyVidmj
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGFGL6EhBv
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7YV2N7u1z
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWQ6jxv1Gi
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSiK7TItO7
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09PItQCpNO
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNs0cmG9n9W
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfY6zz1kmL
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN5fVCOnsk
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqXu9lHmZA
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5iqIhS2kz
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6vAhICnk7
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdL7PVwfs2
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRArU5guEvm
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhkvW7Xl6PR
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndhMzNS7n8
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPS6nd9cen
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"How? Did she say something to you?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFBfapUqQp
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppSfbacTDB
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVS0YrWMVw
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwucTdytyw
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***442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj63ayBXR1F
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnSK2RuOqM
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCbc7AUjrr
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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.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZ23cI0hnf
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WAWu4ZRY4
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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?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjB6em441XE
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomJNPH2Fc9
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCEWPpCztKI
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVMUnkMC97
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSJkQ6NTAb
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"And what are you going to do about it?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUFQMigr0w
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60yKhjLQW6
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7KUQwjuJL
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdCfgthVAfU
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIEwuWVPF5f
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQFiZgJGTC
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRwccX8wFU
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpybnGH2jni
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KkMVII66R
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZXrqzoDqn
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQUrx3hxFh
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"But you do have her number, right?"442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6cnDGI4CX
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMyltlfAUh
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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."442Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDb8oyThbLQ
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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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