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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34jMBB28Gf
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbbo3TaXY2W
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyaevoIKnX
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPXhP6UtQO
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQRrXQPnhR
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7eB6G81S7
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9kmOKV7JL
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQGhhIEuBF
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46WBtn48yj
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy1LQxUjWs
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqG1FwOGPu
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tll3q2tY0
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpeoroFIVx
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqsxIrw3Yd
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61gnrvQL0q
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡslw4m6AMmE
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8lPcOmnOt
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNdt0fmIY2
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLgglKLrcv
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwDcBlHyCN
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CCto9MWi4
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuJYVt4ZUXK
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Z1jYmlv2n
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGnjBOFQAVp
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveZZY3S2bU
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***281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0dRt7crlM
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"Morning, how are you?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpawtErQCWn
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJt6LI2Zh6
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPIufxMn7t
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"Yes?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26f7tjVBpq
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEvn6NwAUU
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uLBXoCV2t
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF6lwedJdM
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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?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJmv4PSX6W
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2fJP4PURj
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4HMk2PNJrq
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hXrcX5VKn
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVBQMrNyEbH
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAt4q6wManE
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxpDajOWTU
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpQsKY3ZLz
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjBvhLYJIM
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWZ9XZJlFl
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRckNMJxssg
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8Zv4x9EW7
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubdJvvH9lq
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSV15K6NnH
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"That will be great," said Eric.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FriS9rhLM
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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?281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnec1xqUvG
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vyLrQtnRH
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ98ZEEK79
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1TLJcRz5U
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPAFmQakkr
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMMnbKGBcX
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGkhqMw9Qh
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcFKruN18P6
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaapDgAHEKz
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBHJU565PS
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UGcVGiqsx
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hd0s5s4mA
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kDKnl19Na
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKx4jThZ91
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy1GzZLYBg
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYCqdLovuO
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleuUR9vmzR
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwjXwXauik
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uApvu4yM4
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKRCvV9NgP
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxSDIT134K
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"Morning," he greeted.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQDCeLx1NN
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjTWiPSCuh
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCas2ow8Rd
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJi9RLtGaB
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZemBscIlWc
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnepyFGyhq3
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnL5XdghlgN
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvcp1e7cim
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jdB27H3Ri
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2lHft2V5t
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS93YBceuVK
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IbFEAjuk1
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxYqbXfk58
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyOqpxE2ZV
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6jbQbaaG2
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZYVMLpHcw
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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?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQI3btkEC1
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7cjDZvoOQ
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvou9ZOqeIH
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlobvarVmGe
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoA5wCitxt
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVXjWP5zKN
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4pd8ie9an
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOKdDYBspr
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKnEYefL0tq
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6iRYmLkG0
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk2WHhQWM0
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXO1AMvqQIZ
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDHz3QdE6s
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rktU3y9s7
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVq9fGELTba
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQo844dpRd
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZmNl9UMdsv
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxmPkyX38CD
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoyhAV2C1b
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgihlguaXU8
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZInqohKyXs
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxb7GN3Jbs
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKREHHxpzC
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscdJkZWWlX
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbkg9WLc4L
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"How? Did she say something to you?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWLTkKHslM
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPXLL9MXv4
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSJvXjMLbw
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4deIKSmi1Z
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***281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kRQjj8G4D
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjYAQQSLyY
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsVA0iEyo4
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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.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlprF2EUFg
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaj079mKnY
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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?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0btCDe52o
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLu6ZkBx99p
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP81Vd589j
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGefqI4SLi
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMe4UzTqPm
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"And what are you going to do about it?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDWOvf9xZN
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXPbkRXmUH
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8S2vvInX3n
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7pBL3IfC5
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz63X3leL57
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPKDnAwn2S
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLinzZgOsM
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RmWxYn62t
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvYrekcR6a
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDRd62N4bI
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrHnPXgjpc
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"But you do have her number, right?"281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzwHCpvJzW
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPaUcYhm2Bz
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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."281Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iY3OsDf3F
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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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