"Man, this is good coffee," said Eric after he took a sip. "I wish we knew about this place a long time ago."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCYXgjEOjB
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPSD2QXQCk
"You should thank Angel," said Leo as he took his coffee cup from the counter after paying. "She suggested that we come to this place."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDMD0KpIMj
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlszjqKU87I
"Now that I think about it," Eric turned to look at Leo as they approached the door of the café, "didn’t her mum own a bakery before she died?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq1vdolvV4
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMZzwDhoTj
It soon dawned on Leo like a revelation, and he turned to look at Eric. He remembered the look Angel gave him this morning when she directed Bill to this café. That must be it, he thought. "I should think so. But this can’t be it, can it?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XHQRHra6D
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UODd8yTJS
"Maybe we should ask her. It might have been a bakery and also served as a café."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMxrCkl0Wz
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJeRaPONtT
Eric has two coffee cups in his hands, so Leo had to open the door. When they walk out, they find Angel standing outside the car, leaning on the rear. They had left her in the car when they had gone inside and were surprised to see her standing there. She had her back to them looking across the road. Leo and Eric stood there in silence, looking at her. 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsKKdjXjD8
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Gzrmk8JBl
"What do you think she could be looking at?" Eric asked, breaking the silence.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzykhkfUIb
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KUdLijdje
"I think we already know the answer to that," Leo answered.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyreVyXLqj
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNGH3fwSRB
They approached the car and Eric went on even closer towards Angel. "Hey," he said, coming into her view. "Your mind seems to have wandered off. Are you okay?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWB86LC8zo6
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNSXcQrl3x
Angel turned to look at Eric. "Yeah, sorry," she said. "I was just looking at the shop across the street."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsYKz4ndx2
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUT68U9MD8a
Eric looked over at Leo, who also looked back at him. They both shifted their eyes across the street and there stood a shop. Just by looking at its huge display window, they could tell it was once a bakery. But now, the lights inside were off, and the place looked deserted.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseinpaoq0r
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eIIgdGrVF
"That was mum’s bakery," Angel said as she went back to look at it. "But along with the house, the bank also took it away."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdTWw0T06S
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDH720UucIL
Eric gave Angel a sad smile. "Do you ever plan on getting it back?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgZS1p9Uy2
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAbeAhyRgX
Angel scoffed. "To be honest, I was never really interested in baking like my mother was. Business was going well for a while until we started to go through some financial issues. I used to help out whenever I can before I found a job at the editing company to try to support us."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJXjZ09zKh
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwFTCAwUcVz
Angel now sniffed. Talking about it made her eyes start to water, but she fought back the tears as she passed her finger below her right eye. Leo couldn’t help but look. For some reason, he felt a weird feeling in his chest. What could it be, he wondered.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCG9DI1pMcY
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJkY8My4qP
"We can talk about that later if you want," said Eric. "It won’t look good if you cry here in the street."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nVSV46BVU
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0fzmBWuwD
"Yes, you’re right," said Angel as she tried to pull herself together. She took a deep breath and put up a smile.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12O1exdmUQ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf4B4KQizZA
"Here, the coffee is amazing," Eric held up the cup for Angel.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6GluHG8AD
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gI1ZvvJrO
"I know, it’s why I suggested we come here," Angel said with a laugh as she took it. "We used to serve coffee as well, but when this place opened, we tried it out. We couldn’t deny that they serve very good coffee. Better than ours, to be honest."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBSXOdCWxVJ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPh5P7Zc5A7
"Well, you were right to come here," said Leo. "Dad also complimented that their croissants are good too."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL1mKCVOXM
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIspAecMS6
Angel smiled at him. "They serve great pastries, no doubt."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1H2LnxSOmR
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr39LCZ58Kt
"We better get a move on," said Eric. "Traffic is already starting to build."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsdkF0ruzX
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp12PnZnS7m
"If you haven’t noticed, Eric, there’s already traffic," said Leo as he opened the driver’s side of the car and went in.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFJtaZyB0l
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdQDGB8Wcp
Eric playfully rolled his eyes and Angel couldn’t help but chuckle. He opened the back door for her, and she went in. She is greeted by Leo’s angry stare. 327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox5t7DGQAC
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnMZMuq8t0
"What?" she asked, trying her best not to burst into laughter.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JHXWR1XEQ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UdP8Ci1Ee
"You were laughing at me, weren’t you?" he asked.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExstCtWdqP
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDoit5R6Pd
"No," Angel puts her cup on her lips to conceal her smile. She knew Leo didn't buy it, so when Eric sits in the front passenger seat, Leo starts attacking him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTQsAxkSza
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBWoTGp1Qu
"What did you say outside?" Leo asked.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnS5mYsHXJ8
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lNsl3sCC5
"What did I do?" Eric asked, looking puzzled. "That look of yours almost scared me. I would've spilt my coffee."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6a5dvSow8J
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMY4FSsoGM
"Whatever. You said or did something silly out there."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9SYw7Lx5I
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROzLlLlokR
"And what makes you say that?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6TH0tGTNO
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqcT1CQKmH
"Because Angel looks like she's on the verge of laughter right now."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRJp0tO7mC
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdz4DjVN2v5
"No, I don't," Angel tried her very best to sound serious, but she quickly thought she should try and keep her mouth shut.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnFco8J6B1
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChTA41mFlb
"You see?" Leo pointed at Angel.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAZFfj0ynU
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84KP01kThc
"Start the car, will you?" Eric proposed. "We need to leave. And like you said, we're already in traffic."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfao5RTHyqj
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Y1T8qJaCx
Leo didn't argue any further as he put his plastic coffee cup in the cup holder, inserted the key in the ignition and started the engine. Eric and Angel continued to look at him in silence, but Angel soon burst out laughing. She just couldn't hold it in any longer. Eric soon followed. Leo shook his head as he put the car in reverse.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUabSJoECSq
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnUehS7GpR
"You two are hopeless," he muttered.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62MQx7kefv
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrRNwNaswB
Eric and Angel continued to laugh. Leo did his best to ignore them as he reversed the car slowly into the road when there weren’t any cars coming. When he was finally on the road, he put the car in drive. He looked up at the rearview mirror to see if there were any cars still heading his way. Angel was in his sights. She is still laughing and Leo looked at her for a second, before refocusing his eyes back on the road. For some reason, he found himself smiling. After realizing it, he felt like slapping himself for doing so.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01i0FFgsTj
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Sjio0thvb
"Okay, this coffee is good," said Eric after taking a few sips. "We should be stopping by that café in the morning for breakfast."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxODRWtnpOC
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIO8T9qPT2
"I don’t think so," said Angel. "We found Kim here this morning. So it’s pretty obvious that she also comes here."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctz2EYjgDa
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuX0dUSMi44
"Aw," Eric cooed as he turned his head to look at Angel. "Are you looking out for Leo now?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91h2opxIVd
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhh4QR7qock
"What are you saying?" Leo asked, giving Eric a brief glance. He felt his cheeks slowly heat up.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6pFxRsMJi
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7HYTnqT8y
"Angel is so thoughtful, that she’s even looking out for you, you sour puss," said Eric, giving Leo a light punch on the shoulder. "You should feel thankful."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsz2BZ1cYK7
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCPU6wX6KQ
"Maybe," Angel said as she looked out the window. "If you do come here, then either Eric or me should be getting the coffee. We already know how Leo easily gets irritated just by the sight of Kim."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI1eZmkfVc
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiHfP92zY9v
"Yeah, I hear you. We don’t want to hear a case of someone burning someone’s face with hot coffee."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYVFSiYcsn
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbL586kWYn2
"Seriously, I wouldn’t go to such an extent," Leo defended himself.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjmYoX51bl
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeePna47qwH
"But Angel does have a point. Kim is still upset. And in this case, I was actually picturing Kim burning your face, not the other way around."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqEATce26w
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uRhscVPka
"Same here," said Angel.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZn356uzNF
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBcdMxfZOD
Leo shook his head as Eric and Angel both chuckled.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwQeflTWUb
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUvqFyZHhy
"Okay, it’s settled," said Eric. "Leo, you’re off limits from entering that place. Unless you don’t have much of a choice."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBT9KKLbKR2
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnY0g0ySXx
No one said anything afterwards as Eric switched on the car radio and there came pop music from one of the radio stations he tuned in. Leo found himself looking up at the rearview mirror and his eyes fell on Angel. He replayed the conversation about Kim and the café, and he couldn’t help but feel that Angel is indeed looking out for him. The thought of it made him feel some weird sort of comfort. The kind that could make anyone feel like they are being cared for. Does Angel really care about his whereabouts? He didn’t want to think much of it, but the thought stuck with him. He concluded that the only reason she brought that up is because he’s dating Carly and would do anything to make sure she’s safe.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVWaEOlegB
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxs0tWbWMZ
Maybe that’s it, he thought. There’s nothing to it.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKssWe8xFE
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDCHXCOeQS
He looked up at the rearview again and this time, he finds Angel shaking her head to the famous pop song that’s now playing. She had a smile on her face, showing she really enjoyed it. Leo looked over at Eric, who looked out at the side mirror. The passenger window is wide open where Eric had a clear view of Angel in the backseat. He looked at Angel with a smile on his face. Leo rolled his eyes, trying his best not to think of what he has just seen. However, he can’t help but conclude that Eric really looked like an idiot.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDk5UBHh1r
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUOxWFrTsx
He looked up at the rearview mirror one more time, and he cleared his throat, looking back in front of him. He might not have realized it at the time, but the corner of his lips was raised up into a smile again.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QMcmP3Win
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2u7b6zWCw5
***327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdCSZvRuCv
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsio2RbKBpq
Carly looked around the dressing room. The walls looked like they were coloured pink when there were wall lights above the room, making it appear so. At the end of the room stood a white dressing mirror table. There were all kinds of makeup tools and products. So too were hair products. Next to it is a mobile clothes hanger and Carly could tell that all the colourful outfits are skimpy. She hoped she could’ve the liberty of choosing an outfit. It won’t be the first time she’ll have to dress in such clothes.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoS1VmUuF1
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DU83XVAaP
She approached the dressing room and sat on the white plump stool in front of it. She can’t start dressing up yet as she had to wait for further instructions from Red Lion.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDc9R65ots
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dKELEpzd6
As she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but get lost in her thoughts. At this time, she would’ve been home, obviously having a bath and relaxing until supper is ready. Not only that, but she would’ve joined Angel in her room and asked how her first day went and if she and Leo had an argument. The thought of it made her chuckle. They probably didn’t have a go at each other since they were in a public place, she thought. But whatever frustrations they had had during work, they would probably take it all out at each other at home.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcy83d5jSb
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tcL6MPekv
The thought of missing out on all those moments and to whatever may be happening back at the McDonell mansion made Carly sigh. It might not be her home, but she felt comfortable there, despite Mrs. McDonell constantly watching over her and Angel.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYpjORfzHp
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskqqru3s8k
She felt her phone that she had in her hand beep. She has a message. It's from Leo telling her that he was told about her not coming home early. He also wanted to know how she's doing. She could call him, but it would be suspicious if he came to realize that she's in a quiet place and not where it's lively like a party.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgk9uN5omyX
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1543vZYGM
Carly texted him back, telling him that she's fine. She also added that she missed him and couldn't wait to ditch the party a little early to come back home. But she knew as much that it isn't going to happen.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2YELBNOq2
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBpLVpgjta
After she sent the message, a knock came at the door, and she told whoever it is to come in. She hoped it was Red Lion. She couldn't wait to get her instructions as she wanted all of this to be over. But she knew this night was going to take a lot longer than expected.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRDMDQccsD
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpN7G84yaw
To Carly’s disappointment, Alex appears from behind the door as he swings it open. She silently growled as she quickly turned her head to look back at the mirror.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvsZP7SjgW
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHcF2xHVp3
"Here she is," she hears Alex say and that makes Carly turn again. Behind Alex is a middle-aged woman with wavy blonde hair that she let fall down her face. She wore a black blouse with matching black pants and boots. Carly couldn’t help but notice that she had a pink makeup box in her hand.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxVqM0U3qf
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiKAjNerk3I
"Carly, meet Jane," Alex introduced the two. "She'll be your makeup and hair stylist for the evening."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlenvK95Vk
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpY073Vo2o1
"Nice to meet you," said Jane as she made her approach towards Carly. "You naturally look very pretty."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar6U1hbMPF
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0s6xmOIWVi
It's not a comment Carly hasn't heard before. She smiled at Jane and said, "thank you. The pleasure is mine."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXxozcfnEF
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0L7prR8rd
Carly couldn't help but notice the look Alex gave Jane after she complimented Carly. He didn't look surprised at all, but there was something in his expression that made Carly wonder what he had in mind.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSGccoUDAy
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE689QjrW9a
"Now that you've been acquainted," said Alex, "I'll leave you to it. Red Lion will pass by as soon as you're done and give you a set of instructions, Carly."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ucwvGdICm
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK77FKhleHr
"He better give it to me in full detail and not leaving a stone unturned," Carly emphasized. "You all have a tendency of not telling me anything."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYUihXNlWG
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxPsbJeV1n
"You should be telling that to Red Lion, himself. I'm just following orders. And if you think any of us really get to know the full details of his plans, then you're wrong. Just like you, he only tells us what we have to do. So do yours, okay?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxyhvSCZ5M
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDtfWJam01v
Carly folded her arms and pouted her lower lip. Alex thought she looked like a stubborn little girl who didn't like to take orders from anyone. He looked at her one more time and looked at Jane.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84UUdrWY0f
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡba1CW76tJw
"Tell me if she gives you a hard time, will you?" Alex demanded.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobPcjhTooF
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm55oh1xqVV
"I don't think she will," said Jane as she smiled at him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvJTZ52pGG
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSgIpmmRIc
"In case she does, just do."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpk1TbXy5e
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp9Ncg7GV2
Alex turned around to leave the room, closing the door behind him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQAIGyFhgd
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0hhJCiFzd
"Well, that was quite a conversation," said Jane. "Have you two known each other for a long time?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8C447Mbmh
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZD1n8TSzB
Carly scoffed as she turned to look back at the mirror, upset with Alex over their conversation. "No," she answered Jane.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpYKI5RJk1
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCHlCu0xYH
"Mm, the two of you look that way. Anyway..." Jane came closer behind Carly and ran her hand threw Carly’s hair. "Let's get you looking pretty. Red Lion wants you looking like the most attractive woman in the room."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctBENoWOPD
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPx0lWvmUk
"Pssh," Carly rolled her eyes. "Anyone can look like the most attractive person in the world with just a bit of makeup."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwyjAfvXgR
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2T8Vm8TVD
"Oh, honey," Jane cupped both of Carly’s cheeks. "Red Lion knows I can make it happen. If I want to, I can even make you look far gorgeous that you can ever imagine."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbX4xkrBlG
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBm9i6yKab
Carly looked up at Jane through the mirror and didn’t say anything. She decided to watch and see how things pan out.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzgXMrZDf1
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlb7vbroAU
***327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvzDiEwRWT5
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11ka7jqnmF
Miranda laughed alongside Candy at a joke one of the girls had shared. Miranda held up her champagne glass and a blue-haired girl sitting across from her with the bottle of champagne poured the drink in her glass that it was full to the brim and over-flowed. Miranda giggled at the sight of champagne flowing down her hand. She took a swing of her champagne and gave a howl that the others did the same. Music played in the car and all the ladies were having a real good time as they danced. With the luxury they were having in the limo, Miranda knew she was about to have a good time at the actual party.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UxAfP75rv
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiJKJVfSft
Miranda looked out the window as Candy, who is usually the loud mouth, captured everyone in some funny story about a certain client. Miranda wasn’t really listening as she looked up at the dark night sky. It was then, that she realized that they were no longer in downtown New York. Strange, where could they be heading to, she wondered.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iZ8zmoz3F
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAbt1C7oXK
"Hey, Miranda, are you listening?" Miranda felt Candy shake her shoulder, bringing her attention back inside the limo.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRXA3o3IDF
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTXrIm5AVpn
"Huh, what is it?" Miranda asked.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1Ii3xoSLO
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡedzBm9CPkY
"We were asking if you knew who this client is," said Candy. "The one hosting the party. I won’t lie, he’s really spoilt us with all this champagne."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXevYAOjGW5
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46FSqmdB0D
"No, I don’t know who he is. Walters didn’t give me details."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSDCVB1EF0
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtuTwXcSIF
"Well, as long as we have all this champagne to fire us up, I know I’m going to be paid well," said the blue-haired lady called Bubbles. She had her hair long tied into pigtails.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSersEZ6wPJ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMAfcpVhCb
"I just hope we don’t get to have weird customers over there," said Emma, a lovely brunette and the oldest among the five.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMeWkvzzlyc
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAoVdBzACZ
Candy laughed out loud. "You know that we will always have weird customers."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJU3wOH3bJ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxbn7oLeBF
"I just hope they aren’t criminals or gangsters, is what I really mean."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZD3Yd7OUX
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZKsFYhFoF
Everyone now grew quiet with only the loud music filling up the void of silence among them.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCauLj3uWzR
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLNEp9Qq1B
"Wow, what a nice way to spoil the mood, Emma," said Candy as she frowned.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlc3WsGPJCv
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4EYluXnJN
"What makes you think they are criminals?" Bubbles asked, taking a sip of her champagne afterwards.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa87qvPgT8y
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhpzdaSB2hR
"I’ve been in this business longer than you have," said Emma. "Trust me, it might all seem like fun and games until you see the owner of the party give a speech with a gun raised and shooting in the air like it’s nothing."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AyvlDzJgW
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0aRMYny8h
Miranda swallowed as she pictured it. Emma couldn’t be serious, could she, Miranda thought to herself.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdF6aJdlw8
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbvKIJht9U
"Aw, you think too much," said Sandra who sat beside Emma as she brushed aside her long, blonde hair. The long fake lashes on her eyes, flickered up and down every time she blinked. She had glittering blue eyeliner, and with her lips painted in the same colour, she looked like a Bratz doll. "Didn’t you tell me that story? It happened a long time before you came to work for Walters, right?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvx0Z2o18l
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpuRzXfepk
"Yeah, even if it did," said Emma, "we should all be careful."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBz2vNSUpx2
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7JPKxTRxX9
"But Walters has never taken us to such dangerous places, has he?" Candy asked. "You’re just being paranoid, Emma. I bet wherever they’re taking us, it will be fine."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDyKvTAqkS
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZv0OXc09a
The limo soon stopped moving and Miranda looked out of the window to see where they were. They were close to the New York harbour. She raised an eyebrow. Strange place to throw a party, she thought.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qADDfHjiW
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjODW4JTrgT
"Are we already here?" Candy asked as she leaned against Miranda to look out of the window.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRtCIaPdVd
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqYN9GhKiV
"It doesn't look like it," Miranda answered.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrSrWqyGlV
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlCwGBVtJm
The door to the limo soon opened, and they noticed the chauffeur bend his head over to look at the ladies inside.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHneNCby1m
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCV1VteSNYo
"Hey, are you all having fun?" The chauffeur asked.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e7HK53s6m
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW307gjG31H
"Of course," said Candy, being loud as usual. "With all this bubbly champagne, who wouldn't?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlnlbKJ7Ttk
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhDQiTFkYH
The chauffeur gave them a flashing smile. "That's good. The boss wants you all to have a good time, but there's a small favour that he wants from all of you."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AJCoLcfvG
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47jEjVKWKx
All the ladies looked dead serious at the chauffeur. He might be smiling like a handsome school-boy, but his last statement made them realize that what he was about to tell them is pretty serious.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0ScdFXNNO
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqtqKNRJWj
"And what is that?" Bubbles asked.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhouduhEx2q
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwUC3xFB23
"He would like that you put these on," the chauffeur held up in his hands black blindfolds.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSinsgYV9zP
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNsYxtCz3F
"Huh? This is silly," said Candy as she gave the chauffeur a disdainful look. "What do you take us for?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT5YwO73Hu
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHam1prgyG
"It's his request. I'm just following orders."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMKnWHHN4t
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyCpPID4cF
"Then why does he want us to wear these blindfolds?" Emma asked as she folded her arms. "I'm not wearing it until I get a reasonable explanation."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcR3BUCSuH
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RdPPMK8U4
"He's a very strict and private man," the chauffeur answered. "He doesn't want anyone knowing where he's holding his party."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hHroRW2QD
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU4nbIR9idP
"But it's not like we'll come by once the party is over," said Sandra. "We know the kind of job we do and trust me, I don't think any of us would fall for our clients, right, girls?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ScxicmyI5
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmfzYJpe9S
The rest responded, but Miranda’s wasn’t that convincing, and she knew that herself. Luckily, the others are all annoyed at the chauffeur to even notice it.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG2vK2UpHU
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMM2a1joQf
"Then I’m afraid I better turn back," said the chauffeur as he straightened himself. "If you walk into those premises without them, he’ll have me fired on the spot. He’s a difficult man to please."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9HiyBt3H5
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcWQ5gSnYJ
Just as he was about to swing the door closed, Sandra who was close stopped him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnyHiNmEfN
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpM72KPAwX7
"Wait, give them to us," said Sandra as she held up her hand to get the blindfolds.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEk1EchqIx
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCgUG5zAJZH
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Emma asked as she raised an eyebrow at her.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1Ry34cOuH
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZef5PFBMC2
"Do you really want to miss out on this party just because we couldn’t abide to this little rule? Well, I’m not. I want to have a good night and get paid. If you don’t like it, then you can walk on home."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYFtOVsWlw
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBXTSXeG0g
"As much as I don’t like this, I agree with Emma," said Miranda. "And remember that Collins gave us an instruction not to ask too many questions. Besides, it’s not the first time we’ve gone to a place where we never knew where we were. There’s that time for the van, remember? We couldn’t see where we were going, and it was really uncomfortable."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmVf3JxPJx
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDAz2P5yjf
"Screw it, we’ve been through worse," said Candy. "Give us the blindfolds."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYt7QUxkpYA
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUoJR4ljKr
"I’m afraid I’ll have to put them on you, so if you don’t mind, kindly step out of the vehicle," said the chauffeur.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiFU5QG0gUg
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanmoMtnv6a
Sandra sighed in frustration as she quickly got out of the limo first and the rest followed. The chauffeur blinded Miranda first, and she couldn’t help but feel a little frightened with what’s going on. The thought of the party being hosted by some criminal gangster came to her. Could Emma be right about this? But Miranda has been in these situations before. What made this one feel so different?327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFyUddcZ8U
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsAzKBt52Q
Afterwards, Miranda felt Candy who has been standing next to her help her back into the limo. She sat there, knowing fully well that she’s right next to the window. She felt Candy come and sit next to her. It wasn’t hard to tell who came in after the other, and as soon as Sandra was settled in, the chauffeur said:327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwEGy8MHmOP
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ677U9YPHDG
"No one takes their blindfold off until we get there. We won’t be long, so hang on tight."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyWtdiZimk
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovePEpWCqj
He closed the door and walked back to the driver’s seat. The women remained silent for a while until they felt and heard the car move.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7Bo5gUJYv
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaWdmrOXiX
"Goodness, this has ruined my mood completely," said Bubbles.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnHTwlJAtS
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4chqTFdfJ
"I don’t think it’s that bad," said Candy. "That’s only if I could find the champagne bottle. I remember putting it around here." Miranda felt Candy grope around looking for it.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMruGRdVBj
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs5gkcpp2q
"We might be dealing with a criminal after all," said Emma.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJXNo0Vlee
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Npf2HxZx3
"Oh, don’t start with that," said Sandra. "The guy would’ve pointed a gun at us if we refused to abide."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIwK38dxo5
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DM7E8iFyy
"Well, he should have. I really have a bad feeling about this."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGQRAp82HA
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7E3MiZrjU
"We can tell the chauffeur to stop the car. Is that what you want?" Candy asked.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0ucMFvtg2
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcNnafPKNw
Emma only scoffed and Miranda could imagine her folding her arms. When she didn’t say anything, Candy laughed.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCay6NSLCSn
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlORMW97Dat
"At the end of the day, you know you need the dough more than anything," Candy continued to laugh, this time a little louder.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEumgjKz72M
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0oa4lCzrK
"Shut up, Candy," Emma snapped. "You aren’t doing anyone any favours by laughing so loud."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡskFT4ZSQKI
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDyR6AyQnJ
"Yeah, she’s right," said Miranda, nudging Candy with her shoulder. "If the windows were open people within a five-mile radius would hear you."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxW35YTSPik
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFVhX354Jn
"Please, you’re exaggerating, and you know it," Candy sounded irritated. Bubbles chuckled.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCPOj8xnN7
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvxJGZ8W1r
"Let's hope this party is worth going there blindfolded," said Sandra.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4kKn4e3YM
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvl1Awjj36N
"Oh, trust me, something tells me it will," said Candy. "Isn’t that right, Miranda?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaAQt3Vgsq
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmjJiNDtuc
"Totally," said Miranda with anticipation this time. She came to the fact that she had mixed feelings about this, even though she was scared. But she knew that whatever came her way, she’ll have to figure out how to deal with it.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4x7HeVHxJ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bvpMHNwzA
***327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnjecX6oYX
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaBoVIrnBG
"How is everything going on your end, Alex?" Mr. Walters asked as he came up behind him in the empty hall.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgXr2dirxc
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIvkCJ69uo
"So far so good," Alex replied as he turned to look at his employer.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqW5YcyXqZG
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPWYGxH3gW
"If it’s not too much trouble, I would like that you take care of the group of ladies who will be coming from the club. They will be arriving anytime soon."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuYj0Boui0
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTPB6zslG0g
"Let me guess, they will be blindfolded as usual?" Alex had his eyebrow raised.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyefEuQ8eI
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x8xhfyNgE
"Red Lion likes to be cautious." Mr. Walters shook his head. "Even our most important guests will be coming in blindfolded. If you ask me, it’s silly."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hq2PP66SZ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJv0RkwKPj
"I heard him explain he’s trying to make it more like an element of surprise."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFNmIVXkND
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq919qjxHWA
"Well, no one needs to be brought in here like it's their surprise party."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinBosWnG7F
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lDm8MiJaJ
Alex scoffed. "Can you blame the man? He’s trying to make this party more intriguing."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPa1eSXcauT
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIieAQGuN0g
"For those who don’t know who he is, he’s making himself look more like a gangster or who doesn’t want anyone knowing where he holds his parties."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBoSLtVVUQ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd3eEGrMfM
"Well, on his part, it’s all for his protection."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9c2G1dW9Ns
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZXBo4bupg
"But not for those who truly know who he is. It’s quite absurd. Anyway, just get ready to receive the girls. They will be here soon."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlW5eJS1s3U
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhkSeMdDuw
"Yeah, sure."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c8gS3fuHb
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8Jh9LDvL1
Before Alex could turn around, Walters said, "Alex, you and Red Lion have been talking a lot lately." Walters shortened the distance between them.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPqa9937lh3
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPQLoqGDk79
"Well," Alex shrugged his shoulders, "it’s because of this party, right? We’ve been meeting a lot because of it. Why? Is there a problem?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtsbcZoIIZ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpe3fUeARp
"Oh, nothing. If you ask me, he seems to have confided a lot in you these last few days."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1gUqo5wCu
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NGLr3v2Qu
Alex raised an eyebrow at him. "If I’m not mistaken, Mr. Walters, you’re the one who brought me here, and told me to help in any way I can."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pnLi8RUav
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbKVkHyqRs
Walters sucked his teeth. "I know. However, after this job, I’m afraid he will realize how efficient you are. More efficient than his closet goons, Carlos and Hugo."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXf7hNtz7in
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zfHMq1bVf
"It’s just this party thing and that’s it. Remember, I only follow your orders. If you don’t want me working with him on any other project, then I won’t."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWTJ8sQiRI
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ67qJp9vlM
Walters titled his head. "Good. However, he might call for you once in a while, and it will be tough since he can be persistent."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TcCNnfkBW
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4WLQn1hTMv
Alex continued to look at Walters, and he couldn’t help but feel his employer was trying to get to something. He just hoped that it wasn’t what he thought it was.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuFEaOK0UMn
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoZA1Envpc
"I’ll be heading downstairs to check on the women," said Alex, marking the conversation over.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyw9op7PsB
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s2dh8dAO4
"Sure, you do that. We’ll talk later." Mr. Walters turned around and went back the way he came.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdBk4jmhsD
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7amn0WsbPV
Alex looked at him before he also turned around. And he couldn’t help but feel Mr. Walters might be up to something.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfIcgNoVyBA
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYz55iwElk
***327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIye60opUEb
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEBQwrFKHF
"Ah, there you are," said Jane as she smiled brightly at Carly. She gently cupped Carly’s cheeks so as not to ruin her makeup. "Do you want to see yourself? You look like a Barbie doll."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUh2DX9vMX
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BprMbubXX
"Let me see," said Carly, wanting Jane to move aside.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXN8Ae5H1f
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3t4JDdlA3
Jane did just that, turning the chair Carly sat on so that she could face the mirror. When Carly saw herself, she couldn’t help but feel she was staring at a whole different person. It was her, but with the peach and glittery eyeshadow and eyelashes, she looked different. If anyone who knew her were to see her right now, they wouldn’t even think that it’s her; that’s if they look really hard enough.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnwtXhzMQK
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKw5tkbrAYA
Carly pulled the chair to get a little closer to the mirror to look at herself. She can’t believe it. Jane is a very good makeup artist. She could barely believe that it’s herself staring back through the mirror.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceBHoUWA7q
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxlIbocFTYr
"I know, I’m fantastic, aren’t I?" Jane asked, sounding flustered. "It’s the reason why Red Lion hired me."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnE7eIgT6n9
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81ijWCi0C5
"I won’t deny it," said Carly as she tilted her head to look on the right side of her face. "You’re superb, Jane, really."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0umMId6Rc
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5KoTNDE1b
"Aw, thank you, dear. Red lion will be more stunned to see you."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMydAD4bcNp
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoA86VIXsM
Carly rolled her eyes while looking in a mirror, and it made Jane giggle at how pretty Carly looked when she did that.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesFtMdyueR
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwPgKFWMWj
"I wonder why he wants me looking like a Barbie doll," said Carly. "With this makeup, I look like an entirely different person."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndASgZtnfA
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwFSdS6rAX
"He wants you looking like the prettiest woman in the party and also for anyone not to recognize you as you."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezsgpid8nm
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tyktt6TdW
Carly turned in her seat to look at Jane. "He doesn’t want anyone recognizing me? Could there be people he’s inviting to the party that might?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPn1tGsr6hl
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouAFVlLa7x
"Maybe. I’m just doing what he ordered me to."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlamuICScU
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpD2n507MR6
"Seems strange for him to want to hide my identity." Carly looked back at the mirror. "I almost feel like a performer in a mask."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uFBLDdGpL
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2vCTR2k67
"A perfectly designed mask if you ask me."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡswosVSmUUr
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OYRAFeGgS
A knock came at the door and Jane quickly turned around to open it. Red lion soon walked in, and when he saw Carly’s reflection in the mirror, he stopped to take in her alluring presence.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMPJ9FF1u6
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCPFBILhkjO
"Oh, my, Jane," said Red Lion as he approached Carly from behind. "You really went all out, didn’t you?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0pDVh17Bj
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7fgd31Bxf
"This isn’t my finest of works, but I’m glad that I’ve managed to impress you, Red Lion," said Jane as she gave him a huge grin.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuPcStN5Ty
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD8gkzy5LGL
"You really do look beautiful, Carly," Red Lion with a genuine smile. "All the men will drop dead when they see you."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVD38zyp24V
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGog4SllZ4
"Thanks," said Carly, not sounding grateful over the compliment.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiRjIsXfn1
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHa6XqSBK5g
"I had Jane pick out a dress for you as well," said Red Lion. "Within an hour the party will begin. The guests have already started to arrive."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73jpgY20cG
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVpqp1Ur2t
"I thought I was going to pick out clothes from there," Carly pointed at the clothes hanger by the corner of the room.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmep9ggeSwE
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVWeGV3X4Z
"You, Carly, need to look more refined like your makeup. Jane, bring in the dress for her."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoeix5inZF
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡai7Ht5dYHv
"Oh, yes, the hanger is just right in the hall," said Jane. She walked out through the open door.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYdmfE1RNE
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Red lion continued to look at Carly through the mirror and Carly in return, looked away, feeling uncomfortable.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2wuKT0Rdi
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8kLdAYzOv
"I’m only here to give you your set of instructions for tonight."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqHZQq0Usz
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVNR1TCRee
"Well, it’s about time," said Carly as she took an eyebrow pencil on the dressing mirror table.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2x24AbcXrf
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2HyogjUhQ
Red Lion could already tell that Carly isn’t in a good mood. He came to stand next to her, making Carly feel even more uncomfortable.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYfLGAdBbA
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflXByCHnq3
"You sound a little cranky," said Red Lion as he looked down at her. "Alex did warn me to be careful with you tonight. And that’s not the right mood for this party."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFU4Cr8uK8
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"I’m sorry if my mood doesn’t suit yours, but if you did talk to Alex, then you’ll know that I’m not happy with the way you go about your plans and don’t tell me until the last minute."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGl4H199CZ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSmGNS7wWW
"Yes, I was told, and I apologize." Jane soon entered the room with a black garment bag. "It’s a big party after all, and I’ve been busy."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcwNZdma1Ci
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi32TkBWpZN
Carly gave Red Lion a look. He knew she didn’t believe him.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFu5BNzB3Ft
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"What are my instructions?" Carly asked.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXcPyO4NCL
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"Ah, hold your horses," said Red Lion as he turned to look at Jane still holding the garment bag. "Let’s see the dress Jane picked out for you, alright?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QZ11iHZ0s
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3m9qJiich
"I thought you would never address it," said Jane as she grinned. Carly turned a 180 in her chair to look at Jane who had already started to unzip the bag as she held it up the hanger. Carly raised her eyebrows when she saw the dress.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA0UYYl3VG
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uZD19mxMV
"Beautiful, Jane," said Red Lion, sounding so exhilarated. "With the way she’s looking and this outfit, no doubt she will stand out."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgg9MPzsRF9
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCP8waDESB
"That’s the whole point. I knew you would like it. And I made sure to bring in matching shoes too. Don’t you like it, Carly?" Jane now looked at Carly.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1iVKCSVtWr
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuvPB6LkgdC
"It’s gorgeous, Jane," said Carly, putting up a small smile. "You really know how to pick a dress."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2irTlk3os
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiL9aruyrQZ
"I know, don’t I? If you’d like, I can be your personal clothes designer."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ26RZkgsYJ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRq0HPWTEfy
"Thanks, but there are a lot more rich people out there who would love to have you."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHG6Thui7Bn
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDwtMhsRhgZ
"Now, back to the topic at hand," said Red Lion as he turned to look at Carly. Jane went to hang the dress on the hanger in the room. "Your instructions."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgLI0Qw2q1
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjZsWBjfQL
Carly slowly turned to look at Red Lion. "I hope it won’t be complicated."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9N8L2e2HI9
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48kWcTlKDS
Red Lion scoffed. "I should’ve warned you before that working with me is complicated."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4V1rC2PxN
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Jane giggled. "It’s true. He’s not like any straight forward man."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BicTGEKmV
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLppLmFimJJ
"I was also born complicated," Carly looked at Jane through the corner of her eye. She looked squarely at Red Lion, and this time, she had a deadly stare. "What are my instructions?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xw8Cb9wnH
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKDj9j2sNe
Red Lion smiled after seeing the look in her eyes, and he knew from then on that she was going to take her role seriously.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA0vhtNKzd
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***327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyY3SmTzpZ
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACvSFIMBPH
"We’re finally here, sir," came a voice of a man with a strong British accent. "Have you enjoyed your ride so far?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtdnJdKhRu
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkHalMGAb3
"Pssh, enjoyed it? I rather hated it. Can you remove this blindfold now? Before it gets me on my nerves."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzya3kPjln
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahXsDht0WC
The man soon got what he wanted as he felt the chauffeur come up behind him and remove the blindfold covering his eyes. He had to blink a few times for his eyes to adjust to the lights. There stood floodlights that shone brightly on him. He shielded his eyes with his hand.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KdXY6dIce
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9VA4Dl3yp
"What the heck is this?" he asked. "Am I on some show or something?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJlKRdbEYP
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr0vvdjZLX
"You always complain about everything, don’t you, Andre?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Cbb4WNqgT
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFduzAI8uY
Andre turned to where the voice came from and approaching him was Red Lion in a stunning black cocktail suit. Andre raised his sharp eyebrows at Red Lion, but a smile soon came across his face as he went over to greet his comrade.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xchIlcSL4
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixofLsNzy0
"I’m glad you could make it, brother," said Red Lion as they gave each other a brotherly hug.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGTAG8gE1N
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"Well, I couldn’t ignore your invitation," said Andre after they broke away from each other. "You do throw the best parties."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv1hZXmCNL
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcCyr0a3Ac
"Coming from you, I feel glad," said Red Lion as he patted Andre on his shoulder. He looked down at his smart red jacket and black pants. "You look good today."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6qNu3bP3N
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdhvSL2PeCX
"Well, look at you," said Andre, staring down at Red Lion in the same way. "I knew you would look great, so I told myself I had to do the same."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrk06PJ22QI
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwahoD5OFv5
Red Lion laughed as he looked at the vehicle Andre came in. The British chauffeur brought out two beautiful Mexican ladies out of the car also in blindfolds. Two other black cars were lined up behind the first car and Andre's security detail also came out, removing their blindfolds.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡea9GHvS091
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiU1BaWSOCd
"I see you brought some ladies with you," said Red Lion as he looked at Andre.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4YvdY20Fc
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZptx8n6rRn
"Well, yes," said Andre as he turned to look at them. "Just showing them a wonderful night." He now looked at Red Lion. "That is if there are even prettier girls at the party."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmBW02uQzL
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJJjUh5aiC
"Oh, there are," said Red Lion. "Come. Sorry for all the floodlights, since it gets dark out here. But then, I want my guests to feel like superstars."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7gELAQO16
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELtHqeEgEs
"What are you getting at, Red Lion?"327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv2Ve1HLjEF
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOe2qhjpHiI
"You feeling like a celebrity is what I mean. Follow me, please."327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQIw3FmF0y
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXAWaZgVxVI
Red Lion led the way in the direction in which he came and Andre now noticed what he meant. They were now walking on a straight red carpet with the floodlights on either side. The ladies he came with, quickly came to join him in their short glittering black dresses. Andre hadn’t noticed this before, but besides him and the security detail that came behind him, Red Lion’s men were all around. Other guests had also arrived and were also walking down the dock covered by a red carpet ahead of him which led to a huge cruise ship.327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ5TebqZhn8
327Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ169EZY4Yme
It looks like the party will be great, Andre thought to himself.
Penana
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