x

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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsWaaNXsSd
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLZSsNqvqx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtgOaR8nw8b
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEClgv6qK5
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXLecB6ip9D
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLpsMS0qmv5
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgN60vjalAT
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcPdUQMElv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaBDX7dARJp
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0RLMF1EWY
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNA8uwfvVQd
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SeGcuN1I7
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdyYQaFaGU
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdyo1FmF8X
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLDu9jA38y
"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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJEAKxbZ2s
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurKzgvcSyy
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAaXoKHD00
"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPet5CdtT6B
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLiuR7Ilxb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzQxYBCb9I
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjOojSkkDe
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycW327ZjU7
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjVzg0HGoo
"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ5cd7YOSq
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNP1MqQKYmm
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc0z7KJuqy
"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvj31U3QHYn
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2FjLHG4T5
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUtlgzNOQg
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0R65OufbI
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡticb60ORMr
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhu8kH8wqa
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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUADqUbiVY
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKKdo9MPN3o
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukJHqYG5ri
"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqF7CNhI0dv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡia6tgcQTAn
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIC0qj1bLwj
With the continuous singing of Carlos on the deck, Hugo paid him less attention as his facial expression turned into a grave one.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxZvNBqz93
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYh6mTFTSmH
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOBAulPbie
"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98j1aPpQoo
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPvTwKrbRNq
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ0qyMwG9W
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDujrRb5dok
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQBrzIHAf6
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdM3nFNs4Qd
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcnchl276k
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvRjEmlTt8q
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGzcjGK56E
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnQIFtXPq4Q
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ906IJcsEW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgv0j4QDoyC
"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCgktFODpx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYBycc38SF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbQxKV0rXzb
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtXhui6jNP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzj2fKUagYh
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64ohv0gO1B
"If I were you, I would act fast on him."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiASUbf3LOc
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0pa3GK0BAb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hzbhdgL7l
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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJ1HB8SfAx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLK8ols85Zl
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEknPaxI8l
"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxCDZsnywJW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ30uYVmZ1
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSbl8Bw9ASM
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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtyKWqHkQ9q
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhC9JSisjkj
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4fOO1pKwP
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNgMxB0Vg7
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoD0z6op2O6
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpsOcazby2
***457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVeooZgYEW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIUhwjUfqs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxUBK5yTTa
"Morning, how are you?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa33oFb8Xte
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl9R4qjUEQ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOaK9MAfIM
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDGuLTlDK3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJn6f0R4JV
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUeOw8lEFg
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1owDEyLV6
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQa6T0uIolp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1D76zXOaju
"Yes?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn4ybl3Y1gX
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfHTP6qoc4O
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCjBwlHcsH
"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpA7t1iYV4
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXyxT1FLti
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4pAi8gQXyq
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzbKsHDGSGP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOj1j2WqLNu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVksan3i7kr
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBLlDAGeYz
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QsMcmp9Ku
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevVHyixv1H
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?457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNpoQ6m7MQp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TtraCpRvf
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjJRcqBLXe
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6yT12Mazi
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCGU0UPVOR
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbt12muo5Q
"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDq9iYf5sd
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCH8iBySHg0
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZPBj7uw73s
"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyyNBKmPRj
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBcBY5N3kv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdQGO3j0s8
The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjQq6QFKTK
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtG1V08Zsrv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzH4LaQKlt
"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSVAqb1WIx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnLdy4UFbv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHySHkyqEim
"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JbXoBD1Vb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPb00vYHpH8
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaulO7YgAv
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynevonEgHN
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcnZ1FjMqx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KcZKoMiF5
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuHS1QRxvn7
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5Bp88eY4n
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfUzqP5pPC6
"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNvbDc3wsZ8
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ufTi4kGmv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxsngpupX7Z
"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZcVncnkaK
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cOb4ZbS5W
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrkI4j9mAV
"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQAI9wYZQ7
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrkqCxS1J2
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u8oIsho9i
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwnA4S3k3L
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKydao93BEh
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ6AtFivbEC
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEyGjSo00H
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3V53rBeTo
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuhUA0cbwU
"That will be great," said Eric.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cfEzu1bBy
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyr7Yuf8fF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ULQHtki7s
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?457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0ZhkLuyVZ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IyHqXs7rG
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb3CRZRbwq
"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoclCit6cbv
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyXUT4FLuyc
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtxcIRaPQS
"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPx7jcWXh13
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1tpS8I7xb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6sOIs5eaBq
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDpBgzJSB03
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJGqLK6nKC
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5rbnwFX90
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbx4Fhfsps
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhGmFJd7sN
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0VfItMRm5N
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgwayP5ewT
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKXvgcJd4H
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaldiUoQ4mB
"We have a place in mind," Leo found himself saying. "So there is no need for the ladies to be bothered about this."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWgj5BlUDU
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3byO2LIiwT
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVSQYMZnxf
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtPBaJw9tD
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsnKI7WVK3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfzCOafG8z
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBfRqYPXlV
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYks4j9r0O
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4qTl9tJzn
"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzWCwDm3wC
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtcgcj77BL
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ30im0QdQL
"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡki1uxccGxs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUoy7Dn4lV
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvKOPEeuSJ
"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwr4EsKvYlD
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ2KhNu0So
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI94Tep5Ajy
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zECQSbn5e
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmzJVpeDhl
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVo6f1Eo1tB
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATvpZzayaS
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg89y0KiVnC
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPTRE7RtUZ
"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUELE6cjlOn
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6VHfP1EFr
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpX2fsn5ykL
"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQbdKG5Twu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBxvoiUJjcC
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6vRDvLluG
"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nrQYs5eCJ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAd7HPNJao
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bi00QJauW
"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9tvuQKryf
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ7MXMCGMS
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCzvscJzwi
"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GYRSyMMVn
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc66M4nbWx
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaQ3Rwif5G
Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAiDRnWR3M
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCg7z3H7JM
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblWilSLEf3
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHsSfckPa9
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWNMN9fifn
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOxVVo0U8G
"Morning," he greeted.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrki2ea36X1
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCXGU3Nvbj
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6xHRuTauk
"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3feBgvsgC9
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTuHvZ7c3J
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsYeJvJhE5
"I didn’t see you at your desk when I passed by. I thought you weren’t going to be in today."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSrfYZfA6R
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qPyuHXrFs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgHcsgKHD5
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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4Ioa0snqo
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm7mCWqbp3
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu1uLacoge
"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3zj7AnTyC
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs7vU0MlUj
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfX1MxSheo
Angel raised her eyebrows. "I’m just here because I have the qualifications to take on the job. I’m not here for fun."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfWX0y0vOE
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOxTpdyC0h
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nk5CUrpgy
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVt4UP0Z9R4
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnfNUauvtR
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIo8QMj90X
"Sorry about that," he apologized. "You’re right. I can tell that you’re only here for work and not to impress anyone."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQVIfrBhgP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfMx6Zq1sO
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7gzTqWrMz
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwVwXpbXjF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznBxXsb0n2
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFN3vKtnZFf
"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEMHV8DZ9X
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuNhglazLp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmYCP9j7m2
"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5BpEZFJu8B
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPgISzdL1Xt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfOw4rj35s
"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDbcZ9nNGE
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcF9OcBb5a
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJeE2OF21X
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUx61ijimU
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfKOlfx0rR
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TLXqfT7Jd
Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZB4DR4SLP
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31ZPXR8LLz
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU48qfqnBL6
"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvadXIXmlhL
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMxp0KL1A0
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMZSx8fCJ7
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eFbfhlZQK
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL20tLaQVr9
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvNvdupcbv
"Oh, I see. I was thinking, since a lot of us aren’t so busy, maybe you would like to hang out?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbNMVOOvMC
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXvRRNpwXd
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIoFHMkXHW
Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7pyaKSvKc
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvmxyon8bt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡheG7gW9ODY
"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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNDmVIIDQ9C
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzElbQxFH5
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tNXkmxyNS
"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zVfrvOKAI
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5kGGTWp4Y
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrazPypkac
"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMgnA3HQsO
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXW73SIzKN
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhuf9li03x
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0as4JC4T0B
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwMREXUSbs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRCmpMleDK
"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKoSGyTalj
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqxu0P73Ur
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4xBaLrSQv
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYmYFNvtHC
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwBZasbpuCi
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0O1VR33B1F
"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIVkU93K35
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrfsdRpRfe
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguQsRhhNtr
"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQMGdpmMzYK
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmP1yHI1dfk
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo1y6zI4Fc
"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3wR3tDinb
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUT6oPdI4e
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYELEtDk5G
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCEfs9wTNR
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyo8yoQJgf9
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr9O6DtvqOx
"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBCYRKyy4W
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUuJvS7Aiu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTqhu2XJtE
Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntlgggds8W
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzkJNSwer0t
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIwxvjtdc6
"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKemYRpYecr
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7pKJFP0aet
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4O44cuPTuk
"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsCInopQGq
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65jrPKc41Q
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbl8YkPFFQf
"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7QGtf5WhF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHmdD4DsYe
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bK3LHMoFE
"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t9ft5UobG
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZeh1fOQ0DX
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡovHhGRw8mM
"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SrrHSFEdZ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSqIl7ZKDc
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuiiEkYwd4a
"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSnOjz82ny
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5pxUoj97j
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rxeCiobZJ
"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2tgzgYICu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCBEk1jGffz
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddB9vgLsJr
"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93jZpKHLIh
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsct9BlV03Y
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHAHqyEHgMf
"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3931BGJ2J
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA59HTAod68
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tbhiGRwzQ
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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRTcM8M3rU
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyUIt9qtVg
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7tS32a91f
"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fU12ctTwL
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNniZIhwMFH
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60DqBmR0BL
"How? Did she say something to you?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVK4zDop1h
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6ZIYbZfzi
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhfmSFB6F6B
"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrskgDtonJp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwYDSlqxWN
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19TqmUqYNh
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqVKU3jU03
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEhL9VlUUO
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIVa1vTEEv
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJ7TdKL1ef
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV6QCan3yF
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR0FGAruFrc
***457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId5v7OkgPe
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrVQkEK3hWU
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdyoBmsc1R
"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lKHROJTwi
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYb1SZvNba
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡulAQFu0HJB
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.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxS5Nb4ZW4
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqLDk9Cykt
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvtjXhxk3i
Andre walked back into the room in white hotel bed slippers. He drew in the smoke of his cigar and later exhaled.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPU32LNJmTE
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3RU6IO3o2d
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvsyefE1anW
"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCHQG85sOm
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGwxGjtfZs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTrxQueMPh
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?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ohfhb7IEz
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmRTkVpFuWG
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJHWpjQHU2
"It wasn’t necessary," said Andre. "I told them that I wouldn’t be needing them for a while. I needed to be alone."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbrR4G5VXJ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjlL7fytHW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWI6ds68cO
"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzVmbTC98R
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JPvUVVIwc
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3idswfOJC9
Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0ca57Dw35
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YrPtqIdrp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3d5I7ZXHu
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuy2LgmGSzp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fokdjMTZJ
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAHjryTv3b
"And what are you going to do about it?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMg1zSwIKL5
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jVfM9PvlN
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3HDlfqRpE
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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLesI04PQ2h
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtCj46wMWW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQt6oY9WWRL
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8pPZPChYH
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Clcy43khs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SD64uH0GW
"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ76cWR13u1g
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP3EBj0EMaV
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYowL3ySsxg
"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyFM6GmjzNp
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjx7RvPzoL
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkZLYPFcxY
"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpeNLOxeJ9a
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCujwMvfcd
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPcchHEcD9
"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkujzJK8iu
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw8qYdjLhj
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsjzUu6K0Il
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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dP7ldN8Ao
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqDT4ACOd1
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hUnPjQufw
"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1lOaUYYds
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DyzkfdUYX
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPhQPxIal9
"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb4mGLUfCZW
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRylVOT4Xk
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3987QyL88
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ogki8pvqM
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09tcePQ6Cs
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMkRFKXxsB
"But you do have her number, right?"457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UPa3fjk7c
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS93pV6X9i
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15peQdvu3A
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqFymhv99B8
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHrTvb2M0Z
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucGU73gWFm
"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."457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlGc93oaSU
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjfsvzZR2C
457Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjLtLEv519
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.8964 copyright protection453ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLFm9tque9 維尼

18.218.231.183