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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3JWdvYsG3w
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBVmvCfEEU
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCL7LrQVtE
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBAPpCUuQy
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIu1BAgBKzn
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEohFlkuEQP
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v1F0qJ3I0
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIQKKXodUP
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKQI32sLvf
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6IYV2o1vH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfge7p5Qmti
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwrPdouxxx
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNWb1KCq78
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrS46NpCEbC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ698x4bmf
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB1a5IkcMpk
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGisYJXvHua
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqBDJ91hBbu
"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPEI0uK7kO
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYdH6iH7AG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2AYaAeC6j1
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddmIO0iPOH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexqlJYvTLE
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1QpSPzHxY
"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVfKtjbjbDJ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmogfN2P203
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbzYALbscf
"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHZsFbgnIM
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKYiEMKjbh
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIa7GojPZi
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SV36ADRTN
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXU8IVkljmX
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaeiGwV5Fn
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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXuMkMerI0
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV95pQ2Eh6e
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5V4wobbvi
"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIwGua0QuG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFR2eOVrCSf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxkuz9Inyc
With the continuous singing of Carlos on the deck, Hugo paid him less attention as his facial expression turned into a grave one.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJB5SR8gZXC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc2GqM8pej
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8ZWLRCfHP
"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Tto0029BI
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEzWTd88li
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb6FfGYB35
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyM04risgWH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPv8MiWPI5
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF1AwFcFLR
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5DRpanNzs
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FdPf7ppOm
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxjGkIwvmCr
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNMKl0Jox8
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1K5kjSppf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8mv552LLC
"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3etd54kWnB
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRUrcRtQf1
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9eLaCJox2
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0gcXiBG7I
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvBFLyMnS0
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMdTNJKKFL
"If I were you, I would act fast on him."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs2uIen7hP
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJHmWxbAFS
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9NXGOGhkF
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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTcxbl5r7Y
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTrBozdnEE
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡON6JbVGodu
"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOFUkLnnyma
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGw2v72vCY
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNiX7IjzSB
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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSLrWMZzjV
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Vjc3MZgmO
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MVBy0I1Wo
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYF94uM0Yv
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUdVGGJO96
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ztS3Ywnwr
***324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcp7V1AsH2
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLtSQdVTDm
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDglt1CKx1
"Morning, how are you?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW5QrHefMe
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAuaf0nvO1
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpizGmWDl3f
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPN7xyfGoTf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkZA2aftdt
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45VJXb4DyV
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeWX8DUob01
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPi4oECZ62v
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhAejDsE48
"Yes?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76im7Oo1A1
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5O7pnB2TV7
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7r5QlSxtP
"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHq9WVdPxH6
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG06irSqKcZ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWczjl6u1D
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8S51AcpnM
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVCGtMOE3x
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx2lmSSNUC
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBQu4Jxulmf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdisEsEAhPC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QlD9TXfhu
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?324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSScNY9YlR9
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5dqbEN2Yc
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqCmOv8Uw3
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpaZ95A8OV1
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HvZvr49N9
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDlkRK3lxR
"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlXetTidHv
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1bFSnkvXsk
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9A433hC2AF
"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeV8100HqY
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjII4tjMNB
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fUFHmYOoJ
The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4driy6jOf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIa7etz2A9
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtnh4rVl6y
"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1VNqjaidw
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsayo13aDb
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5M6rV11Eua
"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHY5RVoJxZ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYKNpRdRhp
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SfGduHaiT
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bByP8HSqO
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jCPU5YX5q
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgEeTQFla5
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXl8Ol4zK9f
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75sbqIr6yr
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfIwRZb7Al
"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTItXe8NvF9
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsQ693F9GC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9i3EkJj9G
"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvUNDjKlFN
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81cqcohPXp
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3G1Mca1EGM
"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1W6zjV8Ik
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhAH4q1Pwc8
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gAEZrFmLd
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBbcjtLpqU
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WqlJitVJW
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWN1FNPwMNR
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpwpYIdWFz
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAuzdWpzom
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41Z6VLayg9
"That will be great," said Eric.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Dpu2K6QGf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBd6ZbTGxl6
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozjbyZIaRf
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?324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qI2oITs61
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8PNO6Ss92
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbt9hAOQ3v
"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqieVRGBWl
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovM0621G6v
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ49VT6drmS1
"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTX4fljh2nG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8X2ZM3Ou8n
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WrXxJgDD2
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCJm6vzcRjE
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfOH7w2QrH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbA1gzQE1Mu
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHKR8rUT6uA
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqDdPb9Ff2
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqP9AY6ycob
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nIo69Hojk
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡebqI6FylFI
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRu0oM0QVn
"We have a place in mind," Leo found himself saying. "So there is no need for the ladies to be bothered about this."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeeY0mxH1b
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG45Mgk0Gdq
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTOd6oHOUAo
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaLaQIKqqH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOCTxhefmt
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lZlB84ttd
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJ4sRJPqKE
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIfkpC7xi6g
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFOEFNo3pY
"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgD43qyJQG1
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD9kykR2zG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Va9RowZ5A
"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ786xFm2icy
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsbJtvXKoK
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL8m3T23qO8
"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwc59fzgkk0
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9cL9O3DP5Q
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8BI62552r
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqcf9v3fHa
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5ZDSnCiQj
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEThBrqkIV
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFl9uCwyPRO
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoNEAGQzQz
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpScx1GcmvN
"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYw0MO4HlN
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGG4gwveYuG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOIexZ4bYl
"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvo8oCtGMm
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKqATvmqgC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN5ye5frUL
"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MbsCqCMSJ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZBDQyDoNw
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTzXByjvZd
"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvWjSlPCen
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEvUWmntpH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55o4pyrIdq
"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeytgd8eReS
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAXzAij0rC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrgXncXx7L
Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNyKTe1nkz
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcipjeDNPV7
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrWhKEY0HD
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweOueyG98i
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVaFzbREB2
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShOzYd2KiI
"Morning," he greeted.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowMdOBYlFc
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8ImRTe7pO
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBUHanyhUx
"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhpN8RXNtN
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC1GSiPEvF
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnabacGiMo
"I didn’t see you at your desk when I passed by. I thought you weren’t going to be in today."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqupvIVYG6
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec3V4s1gpR
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMtVZ9zpWF
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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKXrWhHG3L
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iYB7BFGSY
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYudIlhBYYL
"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjVLIXsIXt
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7tpkfI4rb
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYrMQk2kBV
Angel raised her eyebrows. "I’m just here because I have the qualifications to take on the job. I’m not here for fun."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMDh9SPgNX
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVHoRigm26
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0P2IiFt5df
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKfJXHeHZo
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFxeeY7gH6
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJAbogNOfxY
"Sorry about that," he apologized. "You’re right. I can tell that you’re only here for work and not to impress anyone."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21G0L5HtWj
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdY4a8SpNfd
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIx96ORNnw
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6vd31G809L
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKN0AplzSZZ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMAMdapvnX
"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4pzMlt6Uh
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcciPKDKuH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yY6f4OuzR
"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5F81n92FG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Eq98gDAvJ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdURfMIMHV
"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TCVURqfMb
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE3F3KHNZF
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKhtpvwiaE
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmtbl2mWBK
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoonPDEMhhZ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA54xhtA7S7
Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLbhy4LVFOh
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW26vnifo8e
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeLvhsiwIX
"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG74U74Cxa
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRh0cpKEqdM
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGa8y118Wui
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVkUUYX5Zf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDD8tjTUgPg
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlb7Sd648Vp
"Oh, I see. I was thinking, since a lot of us aren’t so busy, maybe you would like to hang out?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNdoqJbdY2
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12ToLIplDo
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHpbGvqVG2Y
Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYyZqpgysSM
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhHYLQ1LpGl
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8aZqS0sRf
"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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmRuepqksQ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrw4GvIk95R
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WxVoTijDE
"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡti066QRWcV
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlTLW325iN
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60rebSR05m
"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY61yPiSyEt
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTKjeuxnZW
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKChLd4WC1
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKE8sxOtUg
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTDvRzxebv
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1k7na1FrD
"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCsEdPgcCx
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOWggFDF5x
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyL1JkxqClk
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6p98pImAJ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUOeu9OfMdI
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceI7KbVUcN
"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjb9pmsLwfb
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEj5MLhoY7j
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaXt8lPgNO
"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1VWLhGLn6O
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsxwWtpz1r
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9Fu9UAKFW
"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQzlINyeH52
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevf4n2bFzb
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEL2P6tFl5
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwQnhVCVz92
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxK05P2SckG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlVWZMcS9y
"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpvGv2IVtV
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bkrZHdQ41
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZL51ECrlW
Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztErABi5px
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaG4LGxn6O
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kKKglstO5
"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3LDDTYsoP
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FvQ91W4VS
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUY5nWYBNNA
"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlk8GjDiehm
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyYGS6IWZz
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVSIwyYACA
"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8CQG185pJC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51PGB3t0ZE
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57CDhp7sIZ
"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkC9RYM9ikW
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv7Ig3unTm
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpajTjZPHp
"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhFhWAL89p
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xFzl2VsCT
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDBu1tRiXG
"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2nE3j38tm
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbo2bsjSlXP
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4lzYUgU3w
"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleUUPop0hs
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDFoN9PkeL
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkv2ZP3OCC
"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxo0fL0URtc
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRQ9504BMA
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5mkLRxJ3V
"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OdCDOaxoJ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSLsyOXU3k
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH26yrYJuj6
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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvHteaWr7qX
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3XMzmzq4V
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lr0UF1y4z
"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCcJuduncF
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OQkWRUuoQ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYG3dEWArz
"How? Did she say something to you?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdv469jmeOZ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXoS1Kkh2o
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qi0rHUAhv
"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhHv4IJZsC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBB4aitJiB2
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPDJs43vk1
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVIfmRWia0
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2f9R34vhe
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAql4fHREVk
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡic1D2gD5vF
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmigoizD8r
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpo45IqsOb
***324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TGEnIJGuk
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpH1ufwCPC
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFDH4lRpnM
"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjoFd72xLha
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgf5X6Sm6zH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLadjgf8Zn
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.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiqId9Jtdf7
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhHGon18gG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ryd2IMA7K
Andre walked back into the room in white hotel bed slippers. He drew in the smoke of his cigar and later exhaled.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBaQHL7pqQ
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJjqyiqYg3
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDrFYSUqnL
"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDWyA15VXc
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA7TYwK62zN
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3JL0QHghJ
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?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVz3rrOzIGc
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KTe4s38lo
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL9N24bAnB
"It wasn’t necessary," said Andre. "I told them that I wouldn’t be needing them for a while. I needed to be alone."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2aDRcE1s6
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbp8nIyz5s
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡximTII2YoC
"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKdrAkBncU
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCAWOLn6HgH
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2AxDXgh0g
Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhLbCP4e9A
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAr8CMhxx4L
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgYaDhGsJD
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQTlHcYYbM
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixzA6b2FTc
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3plaJPCjh
"And what are you going to do about it?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGqnJgxqeF
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmvlR2Aien
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlaYOAZjyN
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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvtSf1GDGg
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWXT4tYjJ6
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmC7jQozeV
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnk1XOP4EP
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9AGssy5Gk
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeHdKtGCIJ
"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx4Hkjzu1E
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdDTCzU7yw
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiA1rJPkRU3
"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcfdwVGCBf
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxrbQcRBMG
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ033mNPOB2M
"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZxscTh5bw
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaD4DGWCp3c
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwJBveEEqw
"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfpDxVXGZo
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxNQpVqbYr
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsEhTKY1Lg
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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgofCChgk9
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0YclsyVo5
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeGYAB3u8v
"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XEGPIngiT
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBx7YHmuLy
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo4V7T8oTy1
"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDzudX3bhs
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSOhPCfQet2
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdzs97y06m
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡom2Z4ASSOw
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrjwQGoSrE8
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5S0DOcW3m
"But you do have her number, right?"324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6ReOJ4NoV
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6qgCFtEhD
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfM6aLHKCKb
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUwtp0FTts
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomTELbsyYn
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMo0ivtUya
"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."324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPuMPT4dyt
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMEOIWkquWl
324Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wfhkciPDo
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.
Penana
search
Loginarrow_drop_down
Registerarrow_drop_down
