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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHBTwEQVS6
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4iIv6t08v
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxubDZKVlaQ
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5yTJVZRmb5
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpibwWWzRT
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rMkPNPjmv
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzenANQH6Is
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVoGXMbyQs
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwnhnIXGku
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk91pMtLM9b
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPSrHbtr8x
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiuo5hzO0l
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡto282TG7Pb
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDMH3PHFM4
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgchRMhPUj
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhec5axnWYP
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSiKD5dcyDx
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TJGclHcry
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPnLYNfgtt
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jVWJSpJU0
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnaZZL1biG2
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hrO4bv1lT
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYoris9EqB
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEo9sVBAHG
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14NEBkowKc
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***307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTOQKL8rvU
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"Morning, how are you?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡno6cjzrG7G
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb80TkBRlk0
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFEQrKmiep
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"Yes?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwuCgA29bJ
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Kq7sA4A9
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5f0SskywJ
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEgL6HW1unb
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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?307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60zE9bZQqp
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGBtUXBsSg
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oIPR8UqSk
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNQkw0L5XT
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqQRShgHZT
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYc8Q6sdEDO
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoED1pcn52l
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnCcu6vj4v
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajpvFOwKzK
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wkeheCCGx
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6O2q8pQtO
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wsBOkxAdW
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwQOshOmVX
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqj8UiaTDH
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"That will be great," said Eric.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WkgxH9Pcz
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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?307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCbB0j2uiC
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYDoauP7xK
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYM5d0kGAi8
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslrhEcUoXm
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHrkak3xqA
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMTUJQWLa8
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqwuH6hmDI
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡujkU5aiBLo
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdA0zRon0zB
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5T4tMDDNj
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hFMVwYdxv
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5euvLiqky
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOKPByqdgO
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNX7pIJ942Z
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qWvZGtN3t
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfuuSPY5OM
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizUFEVd3Jx
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVuQ6nKSSnm
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCqSaZdJBYK
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AhiZXXcD5
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrzyTa60Yj
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"Morning," he greeted.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83aIbfO2we
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsssV0FbzAl
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwON8yCX9N
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9P57zHjnM
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZrY7GpNXZ
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUxNj8wibp
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2ZCf9351a
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMudgjltg9o
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZFVafsmxK
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIUGei5CYQ
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDgd72Buah
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarrH9xM97J
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxIaGYusp7
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpepQzCqhvx
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAN3COjCVmg
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7G0sF1vNjY
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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?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbguwlcFTib
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiUd8SJQCA
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSapTqfB31S
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXB4aFCKqb
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLmjO3WaAMz
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqLAVKZXgi
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGewSsXVZU
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYu0om0KeUo
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5nVL6k9zk8
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5ZEbaDHuq
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYVCnu8SiH
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvR6jNobUA1
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu4nywXG89R
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6hPQgMWtd
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDhqFZ8M79
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv8DBgx0wU
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2GOtIkw61
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyWyt5Ssoy
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3nQvrOYqV
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5KLm9tMlw
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9RuAQ0zf3
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vRiYdQJ1I
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGNFp3rzaA
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEdC1u6IRD
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9damOWqpUH
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"How? Did she say something to you?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEPoUXs3DY
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6uFPGBrQZ
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8F8eZbWff
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUSCqTO19V
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf6EsVORLe
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCUB6owYXK
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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.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl3ZvdvNKY
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYknsm4jbYo
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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?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEGZhMnJlw
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fED7F1Onj
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgwpNbaVR7
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWVJiDbQdmr
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjGzstRHaE
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"And what are you going to do about it?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkulrLpJaw
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmMD23sIA2
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSbwOCiBpj
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzguM8DM3mx
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTztLxP367
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7da0tAK600
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIOiRCgIXc
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlHreLIimt
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡioZKIiOcrc
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡegJtfb7Xm4
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETLySvw8QK
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"But you do have her number, right?"307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAzP1aRtegD
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6HcM3mko5
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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."307Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypt5r9NZS1
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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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