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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH48LE6o52O
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidpage2dRw
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM8eBMgCQw
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS1LOljLec
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC0BGMZwqk
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfFMWKTJ7A
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xbZI1ZPJn
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISqjh3paTm
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTQBBPiNBj8
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqiPf3upRa
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6p63ZQ78vw
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByAaJotmux
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwZMuCEERJ
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79CmCQpVsl
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMJFTxh8m3
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbCQ8fFoQn
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZJ99HI52Q
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjn59dENc9z
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsddH7NopBh
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjlwJLZbdL
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDuNeOiunf
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiwvfu9AgW
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDkY5DzzOb
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSg9XsvFgf
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcIwbQmkIv
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***521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡljWWv2J7mN
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"Morning, how are you?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A1MSMUKrf
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g5KVTmzw7
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4uC8fCMZl
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"Yes?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7cGRORRyA
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KWCwG8gi6
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CLgMwyJKZ
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tHkrKH4PV
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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?521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDUn3cqLSn
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDRw87u8vH
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2rC07y8M4
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQs2CjAIs1l
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWTtU0F66N
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZ47Dx0Oyp
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBloiQNkLdJ
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYpcP4SXf1Z
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiGhYzC2Ac
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzEU68G5Z1
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUq3MUsJvJ0
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFQZLy5BEA
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP74CKKFDe
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYeoEQdL3Y
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"That will be great," said Eric.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJHujHWOVF
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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?521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9rI3XSmQm
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeNoOGNQQW
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSA7ZHc89y2
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FEt9x0rTQ
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95oz6A34v2
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvW42Sb7y1
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorx3QKuRXI
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h7HjWl8mQ
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVfzJ9V1fK
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfl4KxeH7M
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKLSq0cvF4
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeKliEBCXD
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXAqru0xEO
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ9xDr79pb9
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQBDerZSJi
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyHBqJmDYD
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQKsYHXcBA
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaEbgDWAyF
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBuNLFXxwB
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ofKW2GKSl
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkexl4hni3
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"Morning," he greeted.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJJNjzUdRn
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQBK12a4V2
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zUXr15nH3
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwN6EjxQdSD
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwiiJID7Og
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RS8JR7TH5
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpSfIJAzH2
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡew1qHqWFi5
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHOoMj2iXE
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr5v8q5xQ3
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7cBY7xN6n
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9c7eSY5A2
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0EkIguClg
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmVPWX7Pqw
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLckbHhqAt
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4b1pRO4aNw
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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?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuP9QBY3cXe
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1V1pZXGFb
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcgpfikBbr0
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUBoKbYukI
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSjV2Fmf8y
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL6V2WEiet
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuMroP1EdB
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5bd5oxttt
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfGP2u9WmP
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVbTSOocLY
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyG9Z57IdD
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcgRmI8rTD
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrr2Gf0iDdf
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6A1kuK2Os
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzR76s3xqL
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfceFoBR34
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnvIAfsaR3N
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnRtZTlMPvp
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHjgVbCK6t
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURqYOukTNL
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeoaumxsHx7
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivAfcDLZJH
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6WJpdQNOt
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIUjmOkZgT
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lBz4PeAfL
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"How? Did she say something to you?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zoMUWmfMU
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1GX0ZkYgD
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSO8mULfyIo
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMklavC42M
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***521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbzn0fimTv5
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQSAoTDYRT
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJgxuAQurC
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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.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E0hibyBEo
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxGUoBGClr
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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?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoomyUsZIzU
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbI88b2N8a
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJk3mmqiOY7
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMz33iwWYO
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8AxPxNvdw
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"And what are you going to do about it?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2i2DkDoLq
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIefeDaCeM
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxd7y8VHYu
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8OKyfU5RaF
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NvgEp02hm
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUcPuiKL02
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijwUq3IWQl
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9t4txIfYLv
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKSxCtOHf9
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryoRs1D2P7
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwlXtkqdqvr
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"But you do have her number, right?"521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhoxKFGzoz
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDbY6JbeNh
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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."521Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg26qeNVOfI
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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.
Penana
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