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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5Ui23HNdN
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI00Ck4wJM
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ETJmsDZ0l
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLBBFIkIn9
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bi6We8W1F
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRS94lN9WE
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGt4c2vlEjF
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUKLy9VIes
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoL8daN78rv
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJSC1dUmgy
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5irzChJdSY
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL7dOMQd8W
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSny6JxvVM
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4d2kgEHxe
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsCvD29a60
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRfpxGv00r
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL1QvOfdDZ
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vqb3VIV04
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9EeESBpAaB
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmPHCXar98
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJbcJeSLge
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKCJgSPjk7
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30VFUG60pD
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHFDI4sgEC
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBieSWEvvwp
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"Morning, how are you?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YUWyKhynu
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxAwjEUdZr
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOUTcJOMx2
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"Yes?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8arjK4ptX
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKu5b22Not
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBq6GydvRH
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZjyQ96wVu
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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?545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpTd3W7chT
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMX2K88icS
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1W9zQd5fqQ
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDSoqYXzrk
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSAMxSJaVe
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO52VPKcWzn
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qfUnITGcQ
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3xjexzxkl
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nV09GNkR5
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxs0LBCyqS
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUzPgACAGG
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJqtdlrzdS
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Mrs64APFw
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5myNwCIld
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"That will be great," said Eric.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKCUr43Msc
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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?545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OvPnvX8Y9
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGKKh7Upuq
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12uidSkW3G
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnoIPMbHdP
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjh7BxlB7ME
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD7JQZx5w9P
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFBumAGfOe
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjhy4h8zjI
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS2QkCGjcU
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGUKQryFJxS
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXK3XZuvD5Y
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWMwAAlHsV
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5L2dPyMltm
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYDQZrV1Yxz
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbtxBMKhw8
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuZ25i1nll
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ70Yvd9nXJT
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHxCFlvLNq
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAte6dcqSuC
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoovsUowHg
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡET3RCAOcyE
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"Morning," he greeted.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0vcxkNNj1
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH55M4Fif6q
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzbVDBBfhw
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvysyQ81Sj
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0gtLAiwhI
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbLRMfLbuz
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjOU9q1r8a
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw34R7dZHSY
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqKLyTbeOG1
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBeRnKuXRD
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMAmZKdHMA
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWvHnPqyDi
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkZfgHpGHi
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xCPIUd9nJ
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JQPR9hoQ1
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBMvjiN9GFx
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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?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTrvuoHW0n
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanhRiyu3Kb
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ447zUxmjGA
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpyRZltubr
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkOQkqp9ri
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWS4ZfiGXL
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQh67B2NCE
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWSh9i6q4p
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9GmIcyuHh
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKVbxhhmse
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWu8Nciaf4
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiZS0HrCk7
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKdspFaxFD
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgC4T7Rr9H
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKhvoL2H8d
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7WUcqpI3J
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvH3Zgx6hFK
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSPA8n9XSp
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifkftRmxZ2
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxF4kRgs8F4
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5YgOXN2Px
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1w8g0CkvxN
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo91Lr2JvFa
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHjOGnNkro
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbi9axFgHA5
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"How? Did she say something to you?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxzZFFWsFh
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6SyM1yua4
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2iEHNAga2
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9viWRZ6W6
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***545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIqcToG4Rgd
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bJzGhOVfk
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWggWf7XdE
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaJ44ZtkzG
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8yKX6r4Ih
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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?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTpWVVOXtJ
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfnXzDSq2U
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvz3R0VNxf3
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH8MMVyHKz
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HSssKVvpd
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"And what are you going to do about it?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgb1NU5Hmyl
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalqsT7jTgR
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1igyEy3T9
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXlcoArtoXP
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSq1SEUAaQj
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSa8amUt4Bx
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNRVFjDPVT
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7jJKUnoo0
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0f86cGsl1
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSugIKTlPlH
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYVUdAsWDV
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"But you do have her number, right?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaovb7GiJMB
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KZ3wRMuH6
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKPzPyXHK9
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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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