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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADWY1SUDLm
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBH5y4mfvNR
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ukCx3OIIj
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEU5IM0cSPc
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHtJiO29qG
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf3EYO6vnhd
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLtUnnimqI
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4t6RR2Jje
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7VRYKtO0G
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDbAHo29Yb
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8D3TfPtJDJ
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKjC8YAcIb
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJPCVs3bng
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eGJgMP5wZ
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7oNY0Qa8Wf
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIFE0j1nXE
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhBHbrPZgX
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXP110VeGX
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkJxRlUZK8
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBA74WEXR3i
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyRAYgMMBM
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcfqPFLn1c
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Mg8kjkqBm
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofykBfMRpE
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMscctwsznz
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***282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2S9cohFk5
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"Morning, how are you?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxoeBGvnZo
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbz0IBBh005
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUeCJgKLdm
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"Yes?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBE1SZDnKBT
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqiw7mXYTD4
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTLNQCWzlH
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdrUOFPh05k
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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?282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUM5W7lfkTh
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPGOEc4ENQ
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37gFqAx0ON
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdrjNFROXz
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTJIyaMG1d
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYbuTN0sE6
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjLB75ElF6
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNGn1Xv5oV
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDbFH3Q1bL
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3IOr6rqV65
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pH7pvNlFI
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0Bi4JMeGW
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG06QLHNheD
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRo0eiH1qV
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"That will be great," said Eric.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkF8THf7xcy
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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?282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeuSZczB5q
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtr4qAL1Cd
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZbB9xrS8Z
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQjNerSCD1
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhvXCTphZU
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoSaG4ceLk
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5JHOzeDep
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2WByiDztZ
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHkyKoev85
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvVjwiDH75
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJTo95VU3I
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOJl8HGwME
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVKK5YgMLq
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkXPitbPTMD
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyuuoWXKKJt
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wwsgKaDaq
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwayAT40NaJ
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBypJjtF5TR
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0eqOvV97m
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOuGTeMj3q
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0ikuTAoSi
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"Morning," he greeted.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaduDHRF4wb
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDgpocEX96G
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3DP5GtVg2
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3B0OmA5PI
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YW8nlsDK5
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsam2cyCJKa
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjr5gmJyZ4
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrFZi4rVkE
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNRZ7wyUes
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJ1ArvcyLx
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3ThnRRU8h
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEx36lrYbci
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5ejtunf9p
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhScoisSEi
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWOlp0w8vXm
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNe9JNCgk36
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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?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7iYDEyNF4
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNMCdf8wB1
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv2JiSVtVe
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmQBYVoWrX
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlHJU68GP0
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RaV95UWSO
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20Pbhvgbzv
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4KOMdG2XL
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPNdgZc8hud
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrYSHSJyFG
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlNsTUD8ri
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJdMsk1aKy
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8R7nPXnIM
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡILjjva4KXt
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbTqPcEAT5
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj41LZiqEA
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfDlJCTsgY
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhVVfEJEhE
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE4AQwo7qn
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1FL8OsbEi
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoZmIk6nYCY
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo9tGgXf72
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6VpaYbcdV
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3FHi1Jm8Jj
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyqHDGKFnw
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"How? Did she say something to you?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpevvbbSFHI
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ufBIH5QHI
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7bdk1YyKg
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxJn6HS0HK
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***282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Ls0GkXDTo
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnDUcZcwnN
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxw39u1WfSC
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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.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z28zBSbgk
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfPwjUziX8
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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?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2bVt2CgT3
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSPMBb7Udf
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAmcnz7GCG
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjEaGMun4H
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbpI7UXjxF
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"And what are you going to do about it?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCJi1Zpq4n
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQCHld7Z6m
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TWFPmhYOG
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxcvFSQS7J
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡed5IVxr6u0
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyTrVkU44y
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPthEiGhJe
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwH6i6dmaGX
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkqmly7nj2
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfnFX3xBr0
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6eyJPwYVE
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"But you do have her number, right?"282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWAFZab7rH
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYO5WR8uMu
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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."282Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJa8NRJEDG
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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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