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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1k8WOb895k
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OiCe6hHk3
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2ZOMHnkJo
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0phoBH9T9
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXUL735zb6
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o6TlaWqWX
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"Yes, I did," said Red Lion, feeling rather proud of himself. "Slowly but surely, I’ll get what I want."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ5VAJjGFe
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1fYP34HuA
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"I’ve calculated the risks. And trust me, I plan not to fail."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyK1rwVCU2v
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"What of Walters? What are you going to do with him?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2qJetBZiS
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI3ooTtXGn
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW9e8ZvMYS7
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"Yeah, I know. But I did tell Alex, though."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpM4x8DmNT
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR4M5RHMPgP
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"You told him? Why?" Hugo asked.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnK7ujT8UMa
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVLPFcwh73
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXoRoHy6xCA
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3k1MfGvui4
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"Really? Aren’t you forgetting that there are always minor setbacks?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaeoYAE2tEO
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXp3nHeIk5
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"If I were you, I would act fast on him."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMdhgU7QO1
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR1zkTuXjA
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"I trust you to make the right decisions, then."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArewMurXGp
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJbHA33lZL
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMApEL9iYzt
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***460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkhdkV6juHQ
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"Morning, how are you?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhlzv19tEf
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9b9zU7zmUm
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8n4zw5hzw
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"Yes?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZlEnMm8US
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"Please come over to my office, Leo," said Mr. McDonell. And with that, the line cut.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3MRPG898kC
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sCEe9CKVF
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS257YazFOT
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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?460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxU7ONasNDT
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGYbcBCzQf
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"You’ve been summoned too?" Eric asked when Leo got close.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOWu7gipae
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"Yeah," Leo answered. "And I have no idea why. Do you?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4nbzFgXDL
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The corner of Eric’s lips were lifted into a smile. "I might have a guess," he said.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9nXCORPRwj
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"Which is?" Leo folded his arms.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg53wwgKQiT
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"You’ll know soon enough. Let’s go in. We don’t want to keep him waiting."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqT0ewr0m2
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDk4QlX3xD
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrbnVnieso
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"Morning, Mrs. Lance," Eric greeted.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVeMCghga1
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"Morning to you too," Mrs. Lance replied. "Hey, Leo. Are you good?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡewdOx0Ukqd
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"I’m good, thanks," Leo replied.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhYLB8WJWEg
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UppqUskMb
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFB1w5dBGb2
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"That will be great," said Eric.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeM5wYB6qAk
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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?460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlPH8mE4J5
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"When will the meeting be?" Angel asked.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh18XSGKN4G
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"This week on a Friday," said Mr. McDonell. "Eric, Leo, how far with the preparations?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPuGTAN9ZQi
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfi8qfsW66Q
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniGElCXk94
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKLnMnhAyB
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZMSUt8rF7
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgVDsYMnOXo
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHYtXsIeY0
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"Alright, we will leave in the afternoon soon after lunch," said Eric.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7FwpnsFle
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"Sounds good," said Mrs. Lance. "Will that be all?" she asked as she turned to Mr. McDonell.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbeulRqPOJ
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"Yes," said Mr. McDonell. "Thank you all for coming."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQgIDin1Yy
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFfEuts07J
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1jyYDquve
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"I know you only mean Angel," said Leo, feeling irritated.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUeNqLBElm
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"Well, you know me so well." Eric beamed with a smile that Leo felt blinded his eyes.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQKloMnDky
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"Whatever, this is getting annoying. Why did my father pick Angel when anyone else would’ve helped out?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVCnV1YnJ7
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"To gain experience I think. Besides, it’s great to take on assignments outside the office."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0KZVEDwWU
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"Yeah, I guess. Hey, did you happen to know about this?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AjVcOVY8q
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Eric smiled as he answered, "no." Leo sucked his teeth.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJsvo6pB0KY
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40t0gccKy1
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"Morning," he greeted.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrbYu0XUqN
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"Good morning, Derrick," Angel greeted.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8NLNyEpQg
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBp6sDhiVO5
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEEIDDFkBdU
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"Well, you are close to the McDonells, aren’t you? I thought you might have the privilege."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN6pwkbpj4
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1BINDtmah
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JEbwsdyS9
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4skcdxsfcp
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7WUnuDdqF
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"What could they be talking about?" Eric asked, his eyes never leaving the two.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUHFlfpBEX
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"Who cares?" Leo replied as he tried his very best to look away, but couldn’t.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9GUEwg85O
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"I hope he isn’t asking her out or anything. He will not like me."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyH93M9evre
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnrV6FGG8c
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Eric sucked his teeth. "You’re probably right. But she doesn’t seem interested in the guy."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqPwJcPEfP
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"So, are you busy this afternoon?" Derrick asked.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tRKhUajmK
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYYRX10BbA9
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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?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RoLcaGPEw
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Angel smiled. "When there will be time, I’ll keep you informed. I still haven’t forgotten about our lunch."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo43Obm1SSs
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2PAqfnSk1
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"Oh, my goodness, is the guy blushing?" Eric asked as he noticed Derrick’s body language.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFkptHXnVqA
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"Hey, Eric, we better get going," Leo warned. "You don’t want to stir up trouble."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqlDeauzS0
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rIz00IPqa
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"Yeah, I haven’t forgotten," said Angel. "Just make sure that we have that lunch."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXL633txzA
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqbWL1F7pu
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"Okay, see you later." Angel smiled and went on her way.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiFSKuebl6
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"Look, she is leaving," Eric whispered to Leo. Derrick was coming in their direction. "Quick, act natural."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX58AdJZxJZ
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"What? No, I won’t," said Leo.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFaRx08Imsc
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmREUUWvCO
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"This is ridiculous," said Leo, rolling his eyes. "We should never do this again."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDGaHBcLJB
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Leo started his way down the hall, which Angel took, and Eric quickly followed him.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMEb4kUXvN
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"Oh, I’m sorry," said Eric sarcastically. "But it’s not my fault that he was talking to Angel."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDaDUqTUBK
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"Please, you never see me acting like that with Carly," said Leo, making sure to keep his voice down.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8WX7B32Nqz
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"That’s because you don’t visit her college. Trust me, she probably talks to many guys."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SiVUx6WkB
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"But she loves me, though. So I’m not worried."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKuhv44GTx
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"Well, your relationship with her is already set in stone. I have to fight to get what I want."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2l4jSYE98B
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"Hard luck, pal. There are a lot of men, as you see, who want her hand."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlLUx0L5GB
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"Tell me about it. I've got to stand above everyone else if it comes down to it."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡex5CYGHoZK
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"You think too much. If Angel is smart, she’ll definitely go for you."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM64QCeX1qC
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"Angel is smart. I just haven’t told her how I deeply feel yet."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRlY8Fl2t4
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyOCLvFbop
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"Oh, I will. And something tells me she knows."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElp3HhtC0c
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"How? Did she say something to you?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEX9Dhd0N6
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"No. I have a hunch," said Eric with a smile on his face.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnuUqk13JK
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVymGhrHgWh
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJx2K6e9Zhd
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***460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiVSpA7ITs
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"Well, you’re up early, boss. Did you get any sleep at all?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEicF7k8giU
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeelgxk0pYm
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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.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjAtzDZHzlB
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"No, I couldn’t sleep," answered Andre. "That party last night was a blast."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3e6G7pyrlG
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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?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡamGaiQRt7u
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cQa09Wgr1
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"Is it because of that woman you met last night?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdF6HXThqP
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Andre chuckled as he took a sip of his whisky. "Maybe."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlvyahbWam
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWeC7T7dxk
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"And what are you going to do about it?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Tp7aR7dYB
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ723CM6jdes
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9snfJnACg8
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"Which led to some committing suicide." Diego, in return, raised an eyebrow.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEVrVI0ecQ
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"Whatever." Andre went over to sit at the foot of his bed. "This girl feels different, though."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyjFO8EWWf
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"Isn’t that what you say about every other girl?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FZ7Mt2b7a
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"No, I don’t. Don’t try and confuse me, Diego."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZFFvlhULR
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXesiuIbSf
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"That’s the whole idea," said Andre with a wicked smile as he took a sip of his whisky.460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dHMWudmQc
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"Ha, ha, very funny," said Diego, not looking impressed. "When do you plan on going back?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PaWvSGEH1
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCbS1lduW9
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"But you do have her number, right?"460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTH9zphL594
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjb4ZcboU0
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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."460Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnxm4m1bAP
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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.8964 copyright protection456ＰＥＮＡＮＡkf2aFgyN4c 維尼

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