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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnz6rucwFJ5
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPJmn3Cx8n
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZaDPSfELh
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPaIxjK9Nm
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK7wJICaDkT
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTDN9fNVOg3
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2BQgNSJ6H
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDYodj8Sv8
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYtpN9IISm
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjrMTrxizL
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqEMIyT92W
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkHbDqIjTm
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jDqbEAHjR
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5aTSBkMDk
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AWHyVHlig
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4vLFavZ6V
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfDyMTWUuu
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLgt29foetg
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TESJ3wb3F
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj7iISRcMh
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0E8taPAt1
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrevOsdLNah
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLiIYvwhkO
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlZkWJgVpV
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gKt4J2eFN
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***465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAHq5UTi0L
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"Morning, how are you?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiv0nc3ZyaB
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1M9yLFER9d
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb7EAUpJWt
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"Yes?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJZwtOKPe2
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kabPwjlyP
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BPuvNAjmX
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9BZxMzV1Q
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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?465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHTpzKoF6l
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7413ugwLj
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRY99ESls18
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6cPALYz8U
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRIxUKycXc
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UgTFXxdUE
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwa4Gd1XFT
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtAvsrRUeG
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTMDQgoLf0
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyfVyV2EKL
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03BQTeeJzu
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuqsYSDKKmD
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugOqabvH37
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPJ4s2jEyi
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"That will be great," said Eric.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76uMFqmwt4
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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?465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLDFMH5xLQ
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFEG8NjV4Rf
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pmpjlzSWx
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGJjwpWx84
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJX8Fm2lUt
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsKiRKJR4k
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8NP5CNy52
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDANFAxKd6
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hYRbLFQSH
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HKUIpDEtl
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4DGLHrpZY
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIkMgQz1JW
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksUDK0YCr0
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42yvNqBrNe
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mzWaASJbu
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4unUX4pjs5
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFndYGfygvf
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnj8H8ChUH
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RNAsIdCeZ
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSR0XW8TkrU
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8OL7GI5Ng
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"Morning," he greeted.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1pACdqM7qm
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvWj23GoQI
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJlhhOo1wra
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQw7aSbh1Q
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDz3vsESiN
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVSyt2iim7
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnDuKawoUT
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwetetzBV2
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gZbK5BjsA
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlVSxaOuGPq
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwl7E669TvR
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqItuNGqr6w
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugID0vR2mx
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi5jQruX9mf
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieknSWA8m0
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3NJ4n6Dqt
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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?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRcEbuEMkXj
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMEK9n1u3O
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9LhQ479Hn
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FDwoJTlI9
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnkGaevt4j
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxfE7SxfEk
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2Y1fhNMWP
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7bSoQay5k
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQk3sX52lh
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gCBdMJfTF
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDnsNnGPwE
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUBcJ819gz
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxobxYOslz
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLLkD4t7j6C
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcwh0i1TVL
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4eJgc0Mhy
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6r2YT2zGd
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjX22Co0Yr6
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kFnBLZXjr
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiLVStLNz7
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jrijNDcMt
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8SzZt9cMI
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyExzDlgb0
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE7E3vGUAIz
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPUHtROunV
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"How? Did she say something to you?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQEwLIUX6t
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRyM7rLr76
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdiHtdjKj6y
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHyZD1XaCC
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***465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs5kjOsIEX
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dRXbEPWbg
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlexe7AQKfL
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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.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJgVw7XrpM
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGrd99ZOFqN
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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?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDYGINPaAM
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXEhzV6mqt
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEBLPj54YA
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUMZ4OjVX7
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqWcnvI3wF
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"And what are you going to do about it?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC9pLxdeKr
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3iMMw4M6q
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAhYLntiDP
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dRpYBUmuw
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjXAOAsriJ
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uaU4NONcq
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpLLjxIEgP
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡicf4Z79wI7
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7lVVjnTc2
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufdyoC3OYK
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWXCE29FIR
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"But you do have her number, right?"465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttaSQNAkX8
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PcZAeTvwv
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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."465Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0YzbkuZVv
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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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