After Carly had suggested that Angel should bake Leo’s cake, Diana and Mrs. McDonell couldn’t help but agree when they got back home that Saturday night. Angel will bake Leo’s cake. This put Angel in a tough spot. It was surprising that Mrs. McDonell also agreed to all this. Angel expected her to put up some sort of protest, but she didn’t. She calmly agreed that Angel should bake the cake. When Angel tried to refuse, Diana and Carly sweet-talked her. They also tried to act desperate, saying that she was their only hope to make it happen. Angel knew that wasn’t the case, but she agreed to do it to get them off her back.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNGQNJ2Gfq
The women were happy with her decision. Carly was the happier one of the two. After meeting with Diana and Mrs. McDonell, Carly couldn’t help but hug her sister, thanking her once again for agreeing to bake the cake. Angel said it was nothing. It was the least she could do for her little sister. With that out of the way, Angel told Carly that she should focus on her trip.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaZVczPGCj
Sunday passed by like a blur, and it was Monday. Carly was to leave for Mexico early in the morning. Angel, Leo, and Eric volunteered to take her. Mr. McDonell had no objections to that. After Carly had said her goodbyes to everyone at home, she made her way to the airport with Eric behind the wheel. Angel sat in the front passenger seat. She did this so that Leo could spend his last few moments with Carly.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5UwSet6Jl
When they reached the airport, Leo helped with Carly’s bags as they walked into the building and she checked in. As they approached the luggage check-in point and security, they found many young college students waiting to have their bags checked. Red Lion and Hugo went to great lengths to make this trip seem legitimate to cover their tracks. When Carly knew how they managed to pull it off, there was no denying that Red Lion had special connections. In that way, no one would be suspicious of anything, especially people like Angel, Leo, and Eric.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvs3yqD50t
Before joining the line leading to the security checkpoint, Carly hugged Angel goodbye. Angel told her to take care of herself in Mexico and to enjoy herself responsibly. Carly assured her that she would. She also gave Eric a hug. When it came to Leo, Angel and Eric made sure to step back and give some space to let the two lovebirds say their goodbyes.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCa8CbjjCOe
“It’s sad that Carly won’t be here for Leo’s birthday,” said Eric as he stood alongside Angel. The two of them were out of earshot as they looked at Carly and Leo talking.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAshGdRe2Yj
“Yeah, it’s hardest on Carly,” said Angel.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZI3pl9gG8
“I hear you’ll be the one baking Leo’s cake.” Eric turned to look at her.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZLOBDiXegh
“Who told you that?” Angel asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhaQGD9Yn9
“Grandma, of course.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMfVqYO3oQ
Angel shook her head. “Diana must have told her. I didn’t have much of a choice. And do you know what the worst part of this is? Mrs. McDonell also agreed.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbqpqyaviq
“Isn’t that a good thing?” Eric chuckled.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96FvtrjsuD
“No, it’s a bad thing. You know how she is. She’s someone who expects a level of perfection, and I don’t think I can do that with that cake. God only knows how the other bakers felt when a person like her turned them down. I bet she agreed because she didn’t have much of a choice.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoHnpxK55M
“Maybe. Or, she sees that you really are capable of delivering the goods. Trust me, if your cupcakes tasted like heaven, who knows how delicious your cake will turn out?”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBXtUlr1Un
Angel laughed loudly, attracting a few looks from the people nearby. Carly and Leo also turned to look at her. Angel quickly covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. Eric couldn’t help but chuckle. Angel hit him on the arm.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKInGsquYAW
“You shouldn’t be making me laugh like that,” she said as she dropped her hand from her mouth and smiled in embarrassment.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1dmOvv3hX
“Well, you were getting all worked up with the cake, so I had to do something. I’m glad you found all of that funny.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDffap9Dvkb
“I’m telling you something serious, and you want to make a joke out of it. You really are something else.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6ftg7Rr2S
While Angel and Eric laughed with each other, Leo couldn’t help but turn his eyes towards them. They seem to be having fun, he thought to himself. Carly noticed his eyes and followed them. She couldn’t help but smile at Angel and Eric.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvarLUMnefm
“Those two are so perfect for each other, don’t you think?” Carly asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDQkh1ka9s
“Who? Angel and Eric?” Leo asked. He had an eyebrow raised.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNeOWQsPve
“Who else am I talking about?” Carly asked as she chuckled. “They look so cute together. I don’t think there’s any man who has made Angel laugh like that. Not even her ex.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡId0PuJ3Yeq
Leo looked back at Angel and Eric. Angel covered her mouth again to hide that she was laughing. However, her eyes and body language could clearly show. There was something about her face when she laughed that Leo couldn’t help but look instead of focusing on Carly. It took a lot of willpower to turn away, and he couldn’t understand why.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1ZeBipSrb
“I think it’s time to leave,” said Carly as she looked over at the security checkpoint to see the line of people had reduced. “I’m really going to miss you, Leo.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZEuCAtH1q
Leo took Carly in his arms and hugged her. “I’ll miss you too,” said Leo. He kissed her forehead. “You take care and have fun.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKuAngKnhR9
“You take care too.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqjYwe3qt3
Angel and Eric came closer, realizing that it was time for Carly to go. Carly turned to face them when she saw a familiar face approaching Angel from behind. She stood frozen on the spot, surprised to see who it was.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xOrYK8Vhm
“I guess this is goodbye, Carly,” said Angel as she hugged her sister one last time. “Don’t forget to call me when you land.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vGYDjZD9i
Carly shook her head after Angel let go of her. The person who had been walking behind Angel also stopped in their tracks after noticing Carly.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqooKtPWatw
“Hey, Carly,” said Robin as he approached, dragging his suitcase.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8s8Y88ztsA
“Robin, hi,” said Carly, trying to hide her nervousness. Angel and Eric turned around to see Robin for themselves. Leo, on the other hand, raised an eyebrow at him suspiciously.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfho4DHySG
“Robin, it’s good to see you again,” said Angel as she smiled warmly at him.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqqcHQoJxB
“The pleasure is mine,” said Robin as he smiled at her. He greeted Eric and Leo, who also responded.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbD6qQyFV4j
“Why do I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before?” Eric asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHuBXe20l8O
Angel and Carly were afraid either Eric or Leo was to ask that question. In the end, it had to be Eric. There was a moment of silence before Robin cleared his throat.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdy6S3OZku
“I wouldn’t like to bring up bad memories,” said Robin. “But I work at the bar where there was that fight with my manager and… you know.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73M2eYADC4
“Oh, I remember now,” said Eric. “Yeah, let’s not go into those details. It’s all in the past.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡixjaZl0ULf
“I see you were also chosen to attend the seminar,” said Carly. “Are you excited?”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3zu1uhg9P
“Totally.” Robin turned to look at the checkpoint. “You’ll find me up ahead. I bet you would like to say your last goodbyes.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcT6OsfvwPB
“Travel safely, Robin,” said Angel. “It was nice seeing you again.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMNtoy0DK3
Robin said his goodbyes and made his way to the checkpoint. Carly couldn’t help but feel relaxed. That felt tense. She had no idea Robin was also one of the students selected to go. It made sense given that he was in his last year. Those in their last year made up the majority of the group attending the seminar. She would’ve known if she and Robin had kept in touch for the past weeks. But with her double life, she forgot that he barely existed.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GGO9ZDpuk
“Okay, I better go,” said Carly. “I’ll call you.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eKAELYQ8P
“Travel safe,” said Leo.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuR0PtBDPf
Carly held her red suitcase by the handle and started to drag it as she walked away. Angel, Eric, and Leo watched her go. After her check with security, she started to make her way to the departure terminal with Robin. It was now the other’s turn to turn around and leave.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXhfXBZKWB
“For a moment there, I thought Leo was going to punch Robin in the face," said Eric. "Isn't he the one Angel was talking about the other day who Carly had to attend a party with?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgrOyZemoDz
"Yes, he is," said Angel.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUynCzTNiH
“Do I always have to act like a jealous boyfriend?” Leo asked, raising an eyebrow.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIPrYYDAQI
“Weren’t you looking at him all suspicious when he first appeared? There was no hiding that face, if you must know.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPEjVYeXgp
“Gosh, I wasn’t. Can we please just drop the subject?”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhY8VuYeMhL
“I will. I can tell you’re missing Carly already.” Eric gave Leo a smile. As usual, Leo was irritated.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhmk7xw5n6
They walked out of the airport and went over to the visitor’s parking lot. From a distance, there parked a black SUV van. Sitting on the passenger side was Carlos, looking through his binoculars. He put them aside as he grabbed his phone on the lap to make a phone call to Red Lion.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtc5OmewJDx
“Is it done?” Red Lion asked as soon as he answered the call.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHBBFKznLf
“Yeah, we watched Carly go in with her sister, her boyfriend, and the boyfriend’s cousin,” Carlos answered. “They’re leaving the airport now.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrylQ4SwXE
“Good. You can begin phase two. Just make sure you remain clear and anonymous at all times.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9cYdjYDDD
Carlos chuckled. “Sure thing, boss.” He cut the call and turned to the driver beside him. “Let’s go.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcCSxviaEM
***
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhs41618DYL
Angel, Leo, and Eric arrived at the office a little after nine. They got stuck in traffic as they were heading back downtown. Angel was back in her cubicle, trying to get on schedule with the tasks handed to her today. But then, a sudden thought came to mind, and she didn’t know what to do about it. Leo’s birthday cake.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzitEaawgfL
As she sat in her cubicle, she looked through the tasks she had to do today. Luckily for her, there wasn’t much to do, and she could do it within a few hours. There were only a few days left, and she still hadn’t thought of the kind of cake she had to bake. She tried getting some information out of Diana and Mrs. McDonell, but they said whatever she came up with was okay with them. In fact, they wanted all of this to be a surprise, too. Even Carly agreed with them, meaning Angel was on her own. However, there were three more people she hadn’t asked yet: Mr. McDonell, Eric, and Amanda.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpprInRmv1I
She went through her options. Mr. McDonell was least interested in the party, and he wouldn’t be of much help. Plus, it’s a Monday, and Angel wouldn’t like to bother him. Eric and Amanda would gladly help out no matter what. She decided to talk to Eric, but first, she needed to get things done on her desk to avoid any issues with Mrs. Lance.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL9r96zPAz
It was close to 10:30 when Angel sent in her work via mail to Mrs. Lance. She knew she wouldn’t receive feedback until later on in the afternoon or probably the next day. This meant she had some free time on her hands, and she had to make use of it. She left her cubicle, and those working around her were too busy to even notice. She made her way to Eric’s office, and she knocked on his door. He told her to come in. Angel stepped into the office to find Eric looking through some papers. When he looked up, his face lit up with a smile.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlTOMpDVJKh
“Well, this is a surprise,” he said as he sat up straight in his chair. “You rarely come see me. That’s if it isn’t close to lunchtime.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDaNh1Z4qc
“Yeah, I know,” said Angel as she closed the door behind her. “Are you busy? I really need your help with something.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMUhFTnKKv
“Sure.” Eric tossed the papers he was looking at on the other side of the table and turned in his chair to look at her. “Please, take a seat. I’m guessing that you want help regarding the birthday party.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Jlw8oN9Ba
Angel sat on the chair facing Eric’s desk, and she raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. How do you know?”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjVGDwzCG4
“A few days remain till his birthday, and the cake is nowhere close to being done. Trust me, I know pressure when I see one.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zx6GzTxzM
“You guessed right. I don’t know what kind of cake I’m going to bake.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsDYEDe2v5
“Good thing you came to the right place.” Eric smiled confidently. “Let’s get started.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqn2SjnWZm3
Back in the pool office, Leo found himself passing by as he was heading to the finance department. All of a sudden, he noticed that something was missing. He stopped to look around. Most of the employees were at work in their cubicles. It was a Monday, after all, and it was usually busy in the early hours of the morning. A few cubicles remained empty since there were some whose assignments were done outside the office. Leo looked around again. Everything seemed to be in order, and everyone he knew was in their cubicles working. But what was missing? It was obviously something small and trivial, but in a way, it didn’t feel right that Leo couldn’t figure out what it was.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNdL4DqkPk
It was only when Sabrina stood up from her cubicle that she looked at the empty cubicle in front of her. She turned to ask her neighbor if she had seen Angel.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpuD0bqzjIy
Angel. Of course, Leo thought. He should have realize it sooner. Angel was not in her cubicle. Strange, she’s not one to leave anyhow, he thought to himself. Leo looked at her empty cubicle. Where could she have gone?
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOitJXG05Tv
“Is there anything I can help you with, Mr. McDonell?” Sabrina asked as she looked at Leo.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEC8MonhWw
“No, just got lost in thought,” Leo replied. He wished he hadn’t stood there for too long. He continued on his way, wondering where Angel was.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3r7MmEvfAl
As Leo passed the kitchen, he stopped, thinking Angel could be in there, eating a snack. She wasn’t one who would be caught snacking in the kitchen, but he decided to look anyway. When he poked his head in to check, there was no one. The kitchen was completely empty. Maybe she’s in Mrs. Lance's office, he concluded. He continued to make his way to the finance department. Just when he was about to enter the office space, stepping into the corridor was Derrick.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyiASudkSF
“Good morning,” said Derrick as he gave Leo a curt smile.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0MS08xxRj
“Morning,” said Leo after he cleared his throat. He had no idea why Derrick made him so uncomfortable.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Y5vV5CQcz
Before Leo could walk into the finance department, Derrick quickly stopped him by asking a question.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKT9BIS92S
“I don’t mean to interrupt you, Leo,” said Derrick. “But I wanted to ask you something.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqQg7C7c26
Leo turned to look at him. “Ask away,” he said, praying to get things over with.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5NnO6JDms
“I haven’t seen Angel today. Is she around?”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLYvEgcK4l
“She came to the office a little late with me and Eric,” Leo answered. He felt the nerve on his temple almost about to burst. Could he seriously be asking him about Angel right now? “She must be somewhere. I didn’t find her in her cubicle when I passed. Or she might be with Mrs. Lance.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0aQXfrZow
“I was just visiting the finance manager, and I found Mrs. Lance there. Like you said, she must be around here somewhere.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUgE4NQUN59
Derrick took his leave. Leo stood there, taking in what Derrick had said. If Angel isn’t with Mrs. Lance, where could she be? Leo shook his head. Her whereabouts shouldn’t worry him so much. He had work to do, and he had better get to it. Leo entered the finance department, doing all he could to get the thought of Angel out of his head.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXIUCZwPNj
Meanwhile, outside the complex of the McDonell Construction Company, a blue van from a repair company parked in the underground car park. The doors to the van flew open, and two men in blue working overalls with the company logo at the back got out and approached the back of the van. One of them opened the doors to the back, and two more men in blue overalls jumped out. They took out black bags filled with equipment and tools. Afterwards, the man who opened the doors to the back drew them closed. The four men started to make their way to the elevator.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmNrcro56G
When they got there, they summoned the elevator, and just when the doors drew open, a phone belonging to one of the men rang. It was Carlos who took the phone out of his overalls and answered it.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3mqwTNYlvd
“We’re here,” said Carlos. “Don’t worry; things will go according to plan. It will be fast and simple.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFmZZ4LxxM
“Good,” said Red Lion at the other end. “Make sure you don’t spend too much time there. I don't want anyone getting suspicious.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ33xMJcz7X
“We’re a repair company. No one will pay much attention to us.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiScgejHOQ
“Well, I would.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYIrnLKOlu
Carlos chuckled. The doors to the elevator flew open. “That’s because not everyone is like you, boss. Don’t worry; it will be fast and unnoticeable.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMk9f1J2IS
Carlos cut the line and entered the elevator with the three other men. He pressed the button to the floor they were to go to. Carlos took a blue cap from the back pocket of his trousers, and he wore it. He needed it to blend in with the crowd and not be seen.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoS6Q307yYc
After Leo had talked with Mrs. Lance and the finance manager in the manager’s office, he decided to go back to his. As he passed through the pool office, he noticed that Angel still wasn't back at her desk. He had talked with Mrs. Lance and the finance manager at great length, and he expected Angel to be back by now.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqkuk3JGdP
“Did Angel come back to her desk?” Leo asked Sabrina, who continued to work diligently at her desk.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4yZFuv5Zs
“Uh, no,” said Sabrina. “She’s been away for a while. She must be in Mrs. Lance’s office.”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwRMbVgCMh
Leo wanted to say aloud that Angel wasn’t there, but he kept it to himself. He thought of going to Eric’s office. She must be there, he thought to himself.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF1PMwyaiyg
He went to his cousin’s office, and before he knocked at the door, he thought he heard Eric laughing. What could he be laughing about, Leo thought to himself. He knocked at the door, and the laugh quickly subsided as Eric told Leo to come in. Leo pushed the door open, and he didn’t expect to see what he saw.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLTW5KGi0E1
Angel stood behind Eric's chair, looking at his computer monitor. Eric was leaning forward in his seat, also looking at the monitor. There was nothing wrong with the way the two of them were positioned, but Leo’s cheeks couldn’t help but heat up at the sight of the two of them. His thoughts started to wander as he couldn’t help but imagine that the two of them were in the office. Alone.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidU3PVHvxx
“Oh, hey, Leo,” said Eric as he noticed Leo first. Angel behind him took a step back and stood a little straighter. “What could I do for you?”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPkYS7g3sm
Leo didn’t answer at first as he tried to get his bearings. Angel has been here with Eric this whole time, and he found himself thinking. He should’ve known from the start. He never even had to bother about her whereabouts in the first place.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEtCU9rWpul
“Leo?” Eric looked at Leo with a concerned look. “Are you alright?”
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATidfrJxLI
"I didn't expect to find Angel here," said Leo as he stepped into the room, closing the door behind him.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIx4U0i3pkm
"I needed Eric's help with something, and I had a little free time on my hands," said Angel.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23uwHwpvZh
"Oh, okay." Leo came to stand in front of Eric's desk. "What are the two of you looking at, if you don't mind me asking?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcU5byYBbfA
Eric turned to look at Angel, and Angel also did the same. They both looked back at Leo.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yBx7OLZ2L
"Nothing," Eric answered.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgMieamuGs
Leo looked confused. "Nothing?" he asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAb0LhwIMN3
"What Eric means to say is that it's not important," said Angel.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVzQyGN21C
Leo first looked at Eric and then at Angel. They were hiding something, he concluded. What could be "not important" for them not to tell him anything? Now he was curious.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGOmAoDRjQo
"You guys are acting funny," said Leo. "Eric, you have a strange look on your face. There's something you're hiding from me."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhMw16Rtcr
"No, we aren't," said Eric. "I'm telling you, it's nothing serious."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEZvyZ4pyr
"Well, if it's nothing serious, then can the two of you be serious and get back to work then?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGaMKNiusl
"Leo, it's lunchtime," said Angel. "Like I said, I had some free time on my hands, and since it was heading to lunch, there's nothing wrong with getting away from your cubicle and chatting with someone for a while. Or do we have to work tirelessly to the bone without taking a break once in a while?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDwUiSirp3
Leo had no idea how to answer that. Of course, anyone was free to do whatever they wanted to take a breather. If he answers wrongly, he is only going to look like a manager who didn't care about his employees. Which isn't what he wants.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VrjP6JH5z
"I don’t mean to say that you aren't allowed to take a few minutes off," said Leo. "I was only asking because you've been away from your desk for too long, and no one knew where you were."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIqkHeRyeH
"Oh, I see," said Angel, blushing a little. "Were you looking for me then?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8GfwAKWkq
This time, it was Leo who was blushing. "No," he said. "Derrick happened to notice that you weren't at your desk and asked about you. I happened to have passed by a few times near the pool office and realized that he was right. I didn't expect to find you here."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY4DfkYcyt
Eric had a grim look on his face. "It just had to be Derrick," he said. He turned to look at Angel. "I'm now starting to think that the guy has a crush on you, Angel."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4EPX5efeal
"We're just really good friends," said Angel.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIObPRVlBEB
"That's what they all say until you start dating him."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4222h8FT7v
Leo found talking about Derrick so annoying that he even forgot that he had asked them what they were up to. Now that he found Angel, he could go back to his office and think about what he was going to have for lunch. It was clear that Eric would spend his lunchtime with Angel.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqYYm7WCrC
"Whatever. I'll talk to you guys later," said Leo as he turned around and headed for the door.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwPB2BGXXs
Eric and Angel silently watched Leo go. When the door closed, they couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. Eric clicked the mouse, and the webpage they had been looking at before Leo came into view on his desktop. They were looking at different designs of birthday cakes. Angel wasn't too sure about which one to choose, so she and Eric were checking the Internet.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XgNVu0Pt1
"That was close," said Angel. "I actually thought he would come here and see what we were looking at."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShSHN66705
Eric smiled at her. "Don't worry. You saw I had it all covered."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnOkl5ShYy
When Leo had walked in, Eric opened another webpage, displaying expensive men's and women's watches. In case Leo ever did get the chance to look at the monitor.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IjmY3wW7X
Angel smiled at Eric. "Yeah, that was really smart of you to do that."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT07NsCBvS9
"Okay, now back to the topic," said Eric as he looked back at his monitor. "We've already decided the flavor of the cake and the icing. Now, all we're left with is the design."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVqGXgkFaf
"Do you think we should do a big cake? Considering that there will be a number of people at the party."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0sWmBIqH36
"Yeah, that's fine for me," said Eric as he scrolled through the pictures of cake designs. "I suggest you do a tier cake."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQktwTcGQqJ
"Like they bake for weddings?" Angel raised an eyebrow at Eric.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGFzV2W0Pp
"Well, sort of. Many people have their birthday cakes made that way these days. And trust me, everyone will love it because at the end of it, everyone will get a piece."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bpAF9Sgp3
Angel couldn't help but agree. "Now we have another issue," she said. "Where am I going to bake from?" I can't bake the cake at home. Leo will notice."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKjRyJ5lTt
"Yeah, but it should be at a place where you won't feel intimidated to use the person's kitchen."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEEpRd8VSK
Angel bit her lower lip, and an "ah-ha" moment came to her. "Why not at the McAlister's?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3aN1tOspP
"Sounds like a good idea. You should give Zac a call and ask. But since it's you asking, not even his mother will refuse."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrz4RVzxzN
Meanwhile, as Leo went back to his office and sat, it was then that he remembered that he didn't get to find out what Angel and Eric were up to. Whatever it was, it was obvious that they didn't want him to know. He really wished he knew what it was, though.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVofEKNLrqQ
Leo took his phone and thought of ordering some food to be brought to him at the office. He certainly wasn't in the mood to go out. Then the thought of Angel being in Eric's office this whole time came to mind. He paused for a second as he replayed what he saw when he entered the office.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCzYbJZgwt
He didn't know what he was going to gain by thinking of what he saw. It wasn't like the two of them were doing anything inappropriate. They were old enough to realize that they were at a place of work. And it wasn't like they were in an intimate relationship just yet. Just yet. What if they were, Leo thought. He shook his head, telling himself that he was being silly for thinking that way. So what if they decided to date each other? It shouldn't bother him, should it?
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJesgDPS97
The thought of the two of them dating didn't sit well for Leo. He could only imagine how Eric would be lovey-dovey all the time. It would annoy Leo even more. And when he thought of Angel, he didn't know what to think. That scared him a little. He wasn't so judgmental towards Angel like he was before. And the thought of Angel dating someone like Eric had made him feel something he had never felt before. What was it, he wondered.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyixKgAAfs
He decided thinking about this wasn't going to go anywhere. Besides, he had his own relationship to worry about, and he didn't need to pry into the relationships of others.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ60v5HE69lB
Leo looked through his phone and decided to make an order for lunch at an Italian restaurant. Maybe food will take his mind off of things. But it wasn't as easy as he thought.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoMZr9GTxk
***
The elevator doors drew open, and Carlos walked out with the three other men he came with. They were on the ground floor of the lobby, and they went straight to the receptionist, who had just put the landline receiver back down. When she noticed the men in blue overalls coming her way, she put up a big smile for them.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbQZnYRHu4
"Good morning," the receptionist greeted Carlos.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFzXHBviYf
Carlos took the blue cap off of his head. "Good morning to you, ma'am. We would like to meet the building's manager. We had scheduled an appointment with him."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvza6a1av2r
"Yes, he's expecting you on the fifth floor in the server room."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1l7xODm51
"Thank you, Miss. Have a good day."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65wTGL2rze
Carlos gestured to the men behind him to follow him to the elevator. When they summoned it, they waited for a few seconds before one of the elevators opened, and a few people in office suits walked out. Carlos and his men got in, and Carlos pressed the button to the fifth floor.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtufxxtwCt
After looking through the cakes in Eric's office, Angel decided it was time to take a break as it was lunchtime. She had already decided how she was going to design Leo's birthday cake; plus, she had called Zac to ask if she could use the kitchen at his house to do the baking. He was delighted to be of help and agreed. And he didn't have to ask his mother because there was no doubt that she would agree to let Angel use her kitchen.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBe1wd8urt
"Would you mind if the two of us went out for lunch?" Eric asked as he stood up from his seat.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPCJyMBKlQ
Angel had just walked around his desk and stood right in front of him. "Yeah, sure, that would be great. Is it the same place as usual?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqjQDpX0Y6
"You bet." Eric smiled at her.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1YnaOtW8C
"I'll meet you at the front if that's okay," said Angel. "Let me go freshen up and grab my purse."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5U3xM3OFJy
Angel quickly left Eric's office. On her way to the pool office, Derrick was in the corridor, talking to two of his colleagues. When he saw Angel approaching, he excused himself and stood in Angel's way to block her. Angel was startled by his sudden presence.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3C6Ycez6K
"Hey, Derrick," said Angel. "How are you?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxAx8Aeudz
"I'm good," said Derrick. "Where have you been? I haven't seen you the whole morning, and when I passed by your cubicle, you weren't there."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYj6lFUNjuK
"Oh, I was busy making decisions about Leo's surprise birthday party."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiz6A7bjLyB
"I figured. Isn't it funny how everyone at work knows about it except him?" Derrick chuckled.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvG5Kp74jc
"Yeah, but it's a good thing. The less he knows, the better."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzNmxMOnyi4
"Any plans for lunch?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdOFI9SeCy
"I'll be heading out with Eric. We still need to discuss a few details for the party."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡms5f0zQk0G
Derrick raised his eyebrows. "Oh. So you were with him this whole time?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiugcxlHAxC
Angel grew curious as she noticed the tone in Derrick's voice and his body language as he put his hands in the pockets of his grey trousers. No doubt he was acting weird.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2rzz0XEel
"Umm, yeah, I was," Angel answered as she smiled. "We will catch up later. I need to hurry."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJ29PkpJid
"Yeah, sure."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXM9Q7jSYs
Angel smiled before walking past him and heading to the pool office. Derrick turned around to watch her go until she was out of sight.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1FbNSq8R8
The elevator reached the fifth floor, and Carlos stepped out first. In front of him was an office space occupied by The McDonell Construction Company. He didn't pay it much attention as he and his men made a turn down the end of the hall. There were no other office spaces occupying the other side of the building. It made sense for the server room had to be in an isolated part of the building.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqjEB5ZMGma
They met the building's manager, the IT specialist in charge of the control room, and one of the security guards. Once introductions were in order, the IT specialist led the way into the server room. He explained a certain problem one of the company servers was having, and led them straight to the server hardware. Acting like an expert on servers, Carlos examined the hardware and explained the situation, saying that he and his crew knew exactly what to do.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugFtUs0jY0
The building's manager and the IT specialist left the place, knowing that Carlos and his men would fix the problem. The security guard stood outside the server room, and if Carlos and his men needed any help, they could call on him.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgXItyCyLKk
As soon as Carlos and his men were all alone, they brought down their bags and started to get to work. They had one particular server they had to work on, and they had to do so discreetly without anyone finding out what they were up to.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IK4VVWx6s
When Angel reached her cubicle and grabbed her purse, she was just about to leave when Sabrina, who had stepped out of her cubicle, came back.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16yEJcj3y3
"Hey, Angel. Where have you been?" Sabrina asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFphsrZIx2
"Oh, I was around," Angel answered as she turned to look at her. "What is it? Was Mrs. Lance looking for me?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsx6ua0H6h3
"No, but Derrick and Leo were," said Sabrina as she made her way to her cubicle.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNuhWEu2Ge
"I met Leo a few minutes ago, and on my way here, I met Derrick."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GwB123rDp
"It must be nice being wanted. What's surprising, though, was that Leo was looking for you. Did he tell you why?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZ5GgZaQVZ
Angel didn't like where Sabrina was going with this, but she shook her head. "Beats me. I bet he thought I left the office or something."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEP94xfuuTe
Sabrina smiled at Angel. "I guess so." She looked at the purse Angel was holding in her hand. "Going out for lunch?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBLiBDgc78
Angel felt she had to be careful with what she had to say next. If she told Sabrina she was going out with Eric, it would make Sabrina all the more excited.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOCOHTypSE3
"Yeah, but there are some things I have to check for the party first. I'll see you later."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH973v1UzP0
Sabrina waved at Angel. Angel could tell that Sabrina was enjoying this. Why did Derrick have to come looking for me, she thought to herself. And Leo, for that matter? There was no time to think of that now. Eric was probably waiting for her in the lobby, and she didn't want to be late.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16iAHtKoUc
Carlos looked at his phone. They only had a window of five minutes to hack the servers before they were discovered. One of the men he came with was a good hacker. Hugo would've done the work himself, but they needed someone who could work fast. And Red Lion just happened to have the man on his payroll.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwLzfTIv0Q
Carlos watched as the man worked while the other two stood near the door to keep a lookout. Carlos' phone started to ring, and when he looked, it was Red Lion. He thought it better to take the call outside, and he made his way to the door.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQBI8obebV
When Carlos stepped out of the room, he asked the guard where the men's room was. After he was told it was on the other side of the floor, Carlos started to make his way there. When he turned round the corner, with the elevator in sight, he called Red Lion back.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3ZVdEECjU
"How is everything going?" Red Lion asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDtwASaEGW
"It's going as planned," Carlos answered. "In a minute's time, we will be logged in."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdztF9xtov
"Things are about to get a little tricky from now on."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EFdRXiD05
"You know we'll always have your back, boss."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtUIItTd8m
As Carlos approached the elevator, he came into view of The McDonell Construction Company. A smile soon appeared on his face.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphROzou06Y
"They really have no idea what they have coming, do they?" Carlos asked as he stopped to look at the front glass doors, looking at the logo of the company.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0Qi5VmbkD
"Not a clue," Red Lion answered. "And it's best it stays that way."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPctmjaRyHU
Angel found herself in the lobby. Surprisingly, Eric wasn't there. Strange, she thought it herself. Where could he be? She asked the receptionist if Eric had already been in the lobby. No, he hasn't, the receptionist told her. Angel couldn't help but wonder where he could be.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUeOF3eqCs
She turned around and started to look through her purse for her phone. She had briefly seen the man standing outside the office premises wearing blue overalls. Afterwards, she paid no attention to him.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduDkAozqx9
Carlos had noticed Angel from the time she had appeared in the lobby. With his phone still at his ear, he watched Angel as she walked around and checked her phone. Was she looking for someone?
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwQRa1OYbn
"You won't believe who I have in my sights, boss," said Carlos as a huge grin appeared on his face.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFWExKdZ7D
"Who?" Red Lion asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7StR7eINU6
"Angel." Carlos continued to look at her as she walked around the lobby. "She's just like a sister. Fine and good-looking."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6iuFAcspT
Red Lion sighed. "She's not part of the plan, Carlos. I need you to focus."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdoNvbqDaN
"Oh, I know, I know," said Carlos, sounding a little annoyed. "I'm just complimenting her, that's all."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsCidDjHgTB
Red Lion paused for a bit before saying, "That better be all you do because she's off-limits. Do you understand?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Wh3dkjdb1
"Sure thing." The line got disconnected, and Carlos put the phone back in his pocket.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSd8HL8zxc
"Hey," said Eric as he came rushing into the lobby. "Sorry, I was summoned to Mr. McDonell's office."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOywnAsJA7p
"No, it's okay," said Angel. "Shall we?"
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlLpdmATbvf
"Sure."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdChVCEwRZO
Eric and Angel started to make their way out of the lobby, with Carlos still standing in the hallway. He stood there for a bit as he watched Eric reach the door first and draw it open for Angel. When Angel walked out, she noticed the men in the blue overalls still standing where she had found him, and still looking at her.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnWzCp83YF
Angel couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at him, and it was then the man gave her a smirk and went down the hall, bypassing her towards the lavatory. There was something about his look that gave Angel a tingling feeling. Did she know him from somewhere, or was it the other way around? She couldn't put a finger on which was which.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyQ1tRb9Km
Eric had also noticed the man's strange behavior but didn't see his face. He looked at Angel. "Do you know him?" he asked.
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKiKtbkU5n
"Not at all," said Angel as she shook her head. "The way he looked at me was a little creepy. It's like he knew me or something."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8azPIhSca3
"That's what you get for looking gorgeous. Men can't stop looking at you. Come on."
137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi35ezHz6k4
Eric made his way to the elevator, and Angel followed. Even if she didn't know the man, the way he acted towards her felt strange. Her intuition told her she better keep an eye out for anyone like him from now on.
ns18.116.80.77da2
