"Man, this is good coffee," said Eric after he took a sip. "I wish we knew about this place a long time ago."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwjinveX0U
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjrPXx66KD
"You should thank Angel," said Leo as he took his coffee cup from the counter after paying. "She suggested that we come to this place."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64VG5O9uB7
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3B1zkfW5E
"Now that I think about it," Eric turned to look at Leo as they approached the door of the café, "didn’t her mum own a bakery before she died?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYoSjc3qYu
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSfLEUaszn
It soon dawned on Leo like a revelation, and he turned to look at Eric. He remembered the look Angel gave him this morning when she directed Bill to this café. That must be it, he thought. "I should think so. But this can’t be it, can it?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50IeRJ9WU2
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfgFMHLpV7
"Maybe we should ask her. It might have been a bakery and also served as a café."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJgfRXJanf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJksOpoDIV
Eric has two coffee cups in his hands, so Leo had to open the door. When they walk out, they find Angel standing outside the car, leaning on the rear. They had left her in the car when they had gone inside and were surprised to see her standing there. She had her back to them looking across the road. Leo and Eric stood there in silence, looking at her. 443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcOZltWzZAA
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0dGSWjOhF
"What do you think she could be looking at?" Eric asked, breaking the silence.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4gGPbHiBe
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTjt3RqFIt
"I think we already know the answer to that," Leo answered.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7d1G0wk6x4
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe1MyExEbcN
They approached the car and Eric went on even closer towards Angel. "Hey," he said, coming into her view. "Your mind seems to have wandered off. Are you okay?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGRX8JsYoeG
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIFL2fdcBP
Angel turned to look at Eric. "Yeah, sorry," she said. "I was just looking at the shop across the street."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldTYWJQIlN
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ7OEqntFx
Eric looked over at Leo, who also looked back at him. They both shifted their eyes across the street and there stood a shop. Just by looking at its huge display window, they could tell it was once a bakery. But now, the lights inside were off, and the place looked deserted.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4jb9mKcZT
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBUXEzIBFMw
"That was mum’s bakery," Angel said as she went back to look at it. "But along with the house, the bank also took it away."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qLeOiQTIM
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ipmfwTqUe
Eric gave Angel a sad smile. "Do you ever plan on getting it back?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81Js1lYI1Z
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8mAvDPrbw
Angel scoffed. "To be honest, I was never really interested in baking like my mother was. Business was going well for a while until we started to go through some financial issues. I used to help out whenever I can before I found a job at the editing company to try to support us."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWrwUUMQTZd
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXPQDZIXl3
Angel now sniffed. Talking about it made her eyes start to water, but she fought back the tears as she passed her finger below her right eye. Leo couldn’t help but look. For some reason, he felt a weird feeling in his chest. What could it be, he wondered.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdRVDiBxCC
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo76ITHIILQ
"We can talk about that later if you want," said Eric. "It won’t look good if you cry here in the street."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNBGG2rAnj
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEcbrxuLqn
"Yes, you’re right," said Angel as she tried to pull herself together. She took a deep breath and put up a smile.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0GITKmmd6y
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnYx7lKyz2
"Here, the coffee is amazing," Eric held up the cup for Angel.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMoorvyK6G
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kVqOKffyI
"I know, it’s why I suggested we come here," Angel said with a laugh as she took it. "We used to serve coffee as well, but when this place opened, we tried it out. We couldn’t deny that they serve very good coffee. Better than ours, to be honest."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlawy9iuChb
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4X0Sx4Ze8G
"Well, you were right to come here," said Leo. "Dad also complimented that their croissants are good too."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8EBUyz7aTD
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRPPicSLLB
Angel smiled at him. "They serve great pastries, no doubt."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGmbcUhgrKM
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeZyXBvY4W
"We better get a move on," said Eric. "Traffic is already starting to build."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ExsJKrIKv
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDSVTv41DEl
"If you haven’t noticed, Eric, there’s already traffic," said Leo as he opened the driver’s side of the car and went in.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKcW3YHJNs
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAabdspFxpZ
Eric playfully rolled his eyes and Angel couldn’t help but chuckle. He opened the back door for her, and she went in. She is greeted by Leo’s angry stare. 443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3edDgCMMIk
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0LgeLLCzk
"What?" she asked, trying her best not to burst into laughter.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjgp2Lrp1AB
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe9NAGr1dg
"You were laughing at me, weren’t you?" he asked.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtxazwZoUYm
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡakSKpQxKgD
"No," Angel puts her cup on her lips to conceal her smile. She knew Leo didn't buy it, so when Eric sits in the front passenger seat, Leo starts attacking him.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56hlGRiyhF
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpverQeFOP8
"What did you say outside?" Leo asked.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROXoWMjdOY
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9NTSmoTvN
"What did I do?" Eric asked, looking puzzled. "That look of yours almost scared me. I would've spilt my coffee."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNFxTRGGr5
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF4nYBF7oNH
"Whatever. You said or did something silly out there."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwnJ57QWkpB
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyRWRI62ZPi
"And what makes you say that?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGuS2ANC1A0
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ5Ad7jkJN
"Because Angel looks like she's on the verge of laughter right now."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbCHeOq0wi
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡabozreu20U
"No, I don't," Angel tried her very best to sound serious, but she quickly thought she should try and keep her mouth shut.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7bYrAz3UuU
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSSvqOCYon
"You see?" Leo pointed at Angel.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4stc4Xhu4
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYmfWr1HtNL
"Start the car, will you?" Eric proposed. "We need to leave. And like you said, we're already in traffic."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZstLVDWpT9
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47XSeVH5OI
Leo didn't argue any further as he put his plastic coffee cup in the cup holder, inserted the key in the ignition and started the engine. Eric and Angel continued to look at him in silence, but Angel soon burst out laughing. She just couldn't hold it in any longer. Eric soon followed. Leo shook his head as he put the car in reverse.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhQEG0E8pZ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx51hbWyEya
"You two are hopeless," he muttered.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiUYRxfHJ9p
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg4CjoM21V
Eric and Angel continued to laugh. Leo did his best to ignore them as he reversed the car slowly into the road when there weren’t any cars coming. When he was finally on the road, he put the car in drive. He looked up at the rearview mirror to see if there were any cars still heading his way. Angel was in his sights. She is still laughing and Leo looked at her for a second, before refocusing his eyes back on the road. For some reason, he found himself smiling. After realizing it, he felt like slapping himself for doing so.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kXhWDODVl
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLclcfHfYuh
"Okay, this coffee is good," said Eric after taking a few sips. "We should be stopping by that café in the morning for breakfast."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuY5sNH2VE
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyWs81nDHE9
"I don’t think so," said Angel. "We found Kim here this morning. So it’s pretty obvious that she also comes here."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnQ9wfpVTV
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmQ6AyPAzA
"Aw," Eric cooed as he turned his head to look at Angel. "Are you looking out for Leo now?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcWn8ZQoFv
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBrMUxGToK
"What are you saying?" Leo asked, giving Eric a brief glance. He felt his cheeks slowly heat up.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYLTdYVGRf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdHDcwdTIx
"Angel is so thoughtful, that she’s even looking out for you, you sour puss," said Eric, giving Leo a light punch on the shoulder. "You should feel thankful."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPvBunzxlB
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyblZKUKMfo
"Maybe," Angel said as she looked out the window. "If you do come here, then either Eric or me should be getting the coffee. We already know how Leo easily gets irritated just by the sight of Kim."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXzV6cgseJ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC05s7grtQp
"Yeah, I hear you. We don’t want to hear a case of someone burning someone’s face with hot coffee."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUI5ott9YQ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wT5bLyXmJ
"Seriously, I wouldn’t go to such an extent," Leo defended himself.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuMe3Gmoiq
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ786bYKVkl5
"But Angel does have a point. Kim is still upset. And in this case, I was actually picturing Kim burning your face, not the other way around."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzrw2fCX9a
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDjtBoIsTH
"Same here," said Angel.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM1voFwAxTy
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Leo shook his head as Eric and Angel both chuckled.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxxnKop9OX
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZnBQmMfjA
"Okay, it’s settled," said Eric. "Leo, you’re off limits from entering that place. Unless you don’t have much of a choice."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGCjaj4eba
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9KPhC2Ygn
No one said anything afterwards as Eric switched on the car radio and there came pop music from one of the radio stations he tuned in. Leo found himself looking up at the rearview mirror and his eyes fell on Angel. He replayed the conversation about Kim and the café, and he couldn’t help but feel that Angel is indeed looking out for him. The thought of it made him feel some weird sort of comfort. The kind that could make anyone feel like they are being cared for. Does Angel really care about his whereabouts? He didn’t want to think much of it, but the thought stuck with him. He concluded that the only reason she brought that up is because he’s dating Carly and would do anything to make sure she’s safe.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1xhQ4Glzf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHrNP1f6EK
Maybe that’s it, he thought. There’s nothing to it.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOc1KndhVk4
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa4oUeVHcp
He looked up at the rearview again and this time, he finds Angel shaking her head to the famous pop song that’s now playing. She had a smile on her face, showing she really enjoyed it. Leo looked over at Eric, who looked out at the side mirror. The passenger window is wide open where Eric had a clear view of Angel in the backseat. He looked at Angel with a smile on his face. Leo rolled his eyes, trying his best not to think of what he has just seen. However, he can’t help but conclude that Eric really looked like an idiot.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF2ZAsJN1u
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXkarDTuUaR
He looked up at the rearview mirror one more time, and he cleared his throat, looking back in front of him. He might not have realized it at the time, but the corner of his lips was raised up into a smile again.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeypKzVVfw7
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi8reFjWUZ6
***443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7RpR0iEnt
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY00clDlzhN
Carly looked around the dressing room. The walls looked like they were coloured pink when there were wall lights above the room, making it appear so. At the end of the room stood a white dressing mirror table. There were all kinds of makeup tools and products. So too were hair products. Next to it is a mobile clothes hanger and Carly could tell that all the colourful outfits are skimpy. She hoped she could’ve the liberty of choosing an outfit. It won’t be the first time she’ll have to dress in such clothes.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9sorMvaLy
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxzC2OWyZct
She approached the dressing room and sat on the white plump stool in front of it. She can’t start dressing up yet as she had to wait for further instructions from Red Lion.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjuSi54wl5O
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4aHvxs9f7
As she looked at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but get lost in her thoughts. At this time, she would’ve been home, obviously having a bath and relaxing until supper is ready. Not only that, but she would’ve joined Angel in her room and asked how her first day went and if she and Leo had an argument. The thought of it made her chuckle. They probably didn’t have a go at each other since they were in a public place, she thought. But whatever frustrations they had had during work, they would probably take it all out at each other at home.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UACpL9y3y
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJNctqkx1u
The thought of missing out on all those moments and to whatever may be happening back at the McDonell mansion made Carly sigh. It might not be her home, but she felt comfortable there, despite Mrs. McDonell constantly watching over her and Angel.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HjIqxGr9v
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19aJmV8Go8
She felt her phone that she had in her hand beep. She has a message. It's from Leo telling her that he was told about her not coming home early. He also wanted to know how she's doing. She could call him, but it would be suspicious if he came to realize that she's in a quiet place and not where it's lively like a party.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4X62PFCTr
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmKqRtAzq2
Carly texted him back, telling him that she's fine. She also added that she missed him and couldn't wait to ditch the party a little early to come back home. But she knew as much that it isn't going to happen.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxPT4keeQ0
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGTw9cTKQW
After she sent the message, a knock came at the door, and she told whoever it is to come in. She hoped it was Red Lion. She couldn't wait to get her instructions as she wanted all of this to be over. But she knew this night was going to take a lot longer than expected.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qLXGGrHFQ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1bkN3XXQu
To Carly’s disappointment, Alex appears from behind the door as he swings it open. She silently growled as she quickly turned her head to look back at the mirror.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW01lXRys4
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1FfvyMT4v
"Here she is," she hears Alex say and that makes Carly turn again. Behind Alex is a middle-aged woman with wavy blonde hair that she let fall down her face. She wore a black blouse with matching black pants and boots. Carly couldn’t help but notice that she had a pink makeup box in her hand.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOeNUEbToe
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbT0D7v3H4s
"Carly, meet Jane," Alex introduced the two. "She'll be your makeup and hair stylist for the evening."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu2VruNoxO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wYm7HHc5n
"Nice to meet you," said Jane as she made her approach towards Carly. "You naturally look very pretty."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbJRu0Ul82
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVbBDurHk1
It's not a comment Carly hasn't heard before. She smiled at Jane and said, "thank you. The pleasure is mine."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVzTiQ08NNQ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ882NsVGXa9
Carly couldn't help but notice the look Alex gave Jane after she complimented Carly. He didn't look surprised at all, but there was something in his expression that made Carly wonder what he had in mind.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hAUAue5bj
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYsvflAAgV
"Now that you've been acquainted," said Alex, "I'll leave you to it. Red Lion will pass by as soon as you're done and give you a set of instructions, Carly."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkpDy0LwoJx
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hvPnjfhIZ
"He better give it to me in full detail and not leaving a stone unturned," Carly emphasized. "You all have a tendency of not telling me anything."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ39lrMnSHN
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwFlJuhDnC
"You should be telling that to Red Lion, himself. I'm just following orders. And if you think any of us really get to know the full details of his plans, then you're wrong. Just like you, he only tells us what we have to do. So do yours, okay?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ph7oE450P
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqfvgI5MQI
Carly folded her arms and pouted her lower lip. Alex thought she looked like a stubborn little girl who didn't like to take orders from anyone. He looked at her one more time and looked at Jane.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkoSMW2aUj
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYvzCweJIcD
"Tell me if she gives you a hard time, will you?" Alex demanded.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a01GPs7Id
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrqEqmyHAp
"I don't think she will," said Jane as she smiled at him.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3pdiwB5Ux
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrTxiWTpVR
"In case she does, just do."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIX6f0wxGIa
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFpgUf8587
Alex turned around to leave the room, closing the door behind him.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNUTarIMg5
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKJzWEgsq4
"Well, that was quite a conversation," said Jane. "Have you two known each other for a long time?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKr4XHJhq8
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnTOUPDRgJ
Carly scoffed as she turned to look back at the mirror, upset with Alex over their conversation. "No," she answered Jane.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HpmQTkDw8
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizweTfVsaI
"Mm, the two of you look that way. Anyway..." Jane came closer behind Carly and ran her hand threw Carly’s hair. "Let's get you looking pretty. Red Lion wants you looking like the most attractive woman in the room."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57I4X4I7uj
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsC5buMaI2y
"Pssh," Carly rolled her eyes. "Anyone can look like the most attractive person in the world with just a bit of makeup."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDOzDa3y5JK
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb8wwse9z10
"Oh, honey," Jane cupped both of Carly’s cheeks. "Red Lion knows I can make it happen. If I want to, I can even make you look far gorgeous that you can ever imagine."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMyNOQY4JQg
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKRfbe5AdH
Carly looked up at Jane through the mirror and didn’t say anything. She decided to watch and see how things pan out.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCMQjULVVB
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzkVPK9fCQ
***443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTylyFlYh2b
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjLmk7QfDb
Miranda laughed alongside Candy at a joke one of the girls had shared. Miranda held up her champagne glass and a blue-haired girl sitting across from her with the bottle of champagne poured the drink in her glass that it was full to the brim and over-flowed. Miranda giggled at the sight of champagne flowing down her hand. She took a swing of her champagne and gave a howl that the others did the same. Music played in the car and all the ladies were having a real good time as they danced. With the luxury they were having in the limo, Miranda knew she was about to have a good time at the actual party.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡna4bWma8Cd
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHwCbTwtLB
Miranda looked out the window as Candy, who is usually the loud mouth, captured everyone in some funny story about a certain client. Miranda wasn’t really listening as she looked up at the dark night sky. It was then, that she realized that they were no longer in downtown New York. Strange, where could they be heading to, she wondered.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCxJU4zyWS
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqByiNbhZ2U
"Hey, Miranda, are you listening?" Miranda felt Candy shake her shoulder, bringing her attention back inside the limo.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn8WC7wxuq
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3EGdEIpDB
"Huh, what is it?" Miranda asked.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSeNaOytfgf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe5dizJ71g
"We were asking if you knew who this client is," said Candy. "The one hosting the party. I won’t lie, he’s really spoilt us with all this champagne."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQTrq14rEIo
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhWVakZjIc
"No, I don’t know who he is. Walters didn’t give me details."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3QpRc0pS7
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ17oYD94hMt
"Well, as long as we have all this champagne to fire us up, I know I’m going to be paid well," said the blue-haired lady called Bubbles. She had her hair long tied into pigtails.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatePYqW6k5
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu5RKn4KpF7
"I just hope we don’t get to have weird customers over there," said Emma, a lovely brunette and the oldest among the five.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohGcMYERZf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM8TDOz93r9
Candy laughed out loud. "You know that we will always have weird customers."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmSCKc47wf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzP1BBHnw0N
"I just hope they aren’t criminals or gangsters, is what I really mean."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOgC9vGBCz
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLkkhcovJ5
Everyone now grew quiet with only the loud music filling up the void of silence among them.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnBqm2gv6r1
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYwOTVMXpD
"Wow, what a nice way to spoil the mood, Emma," said Candy as she frowned.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvVknu6YC5m
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYyEQc8ppR
"What makes you think they are criminals?" Bubbles asked, taking a sip of her champagne afterwards.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrt0viWcoBN
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KMcVzdDFd
"I’ve been in this business longer than you have," said Emma. "Trust me, it might all seem like fun and games until you see the owner of the party give a speech with a gun raised and shooting in the air like it’s nothing."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca0K83kSV2
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7VDjgLqVa
Miranda swallowed as she pictured it. Emma couldn’t be serious, could she, Miranda thought to herself.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMwz922Mv3
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFzJDM4iXZC
"Aw, you think too much," said Sandra who sat beside Emma as she brushed aside her long, blonde hair. The long fake lashes on her eyes, flickered up and down every time she blinked. She had glittering blue eyeliner, and with her lips painted in the same colour, she looked like a Bratz doll. "Didn’t you tell me that story? It happened a long time before you came to work for Walters, right?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SCd0bts5Q
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IyOzlzM6B
"Yeah, even if it did," said Emma, "we should all be careful."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9LuKfMqGHS
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVzseug9rT
"But Walters has never taken us to such dangerous places, has he?" Candy asked. "You’re just being paranoid, Emma. I bet wherever they’re taking us, it will be fine."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaC82NIzH0E
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIquoDlr3Ll
The limo soon stopped moving and Miranda looked out of the window to see where they were. They were close to the New York harbour. She raised an eyebrow. Strange place to throw a party, she thought.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5c8ufHTEbU
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZVuQNWHKR
"Are we already here?" Candy asked as she leaned against Miranda to look out of the window.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAk6bXD3Avf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxoUXuCQd5
"It doesn't look like it," Miranda answered.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQqEXKYAtL
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7I0hPiseHZ
The door to the limo soon opened, and they noticed the chauffeur bend his head over to look at the ladies inside.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uE4UAGunO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡldB8qVyD5K
"Hey, are you all having fun?" The chauffeur asked.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡextvsubAcb
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9FMbbHa62
"Of course," said Candy, being loud as usual. "With all this bubbly champagne, who wouldn't?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIdDYe7lUF
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBooGSqter
The chauffeur gave them a flashing smile. "That's good. The boss wants you all to have a good time, but there's a small favour that he wants from all of you."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJEQg6kcRJ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3T20tydp7
All the ladies looked dead serious at the chauffeur. He might be smiling like a handsome school-boy, but his last statement made them realize that what he was about to tell them is pretty serious.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ULFaKKQhO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLs4sOTyQem
"And what is that?" Bubbles asked.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9wW0O1McI
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyfSSnAon8
"He would like that you put these on," the chauffeur held up in his hands black blindfolds.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxDezzoXAA
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0PaRlXfCic
"Huh? This is silly," said Candy as she gave the chauffeur a disdainful look. "What do you take us for?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HSj68MYpG
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx3ZgmDWxuZ
"It's his request. I'm just following orders."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qWCB1Nyhb
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiJPy7dAIw
"Then why does he want us to wear these blindfolds?" Emma asked as she folded her arms. "I'm not wearing it until I get a reasonable explanation."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3coqPbY8iR
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa80nFCgMMs
"He's a very strict and private man," the chauffeur answered. "He doesn't want anyone knowing where he's holding his party."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LTzJjolXn
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPQfC0GLzD
"But it's not like we'll come by once the party is over," said Sandra. "We know the kind of job we do and trust me, I don't think any of us would fall for our clients, right, girls?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQVPrVoik7
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU031oZOZeS
The rest responded, but Miranda’s wasn’t that convincing, and she knew that herself. Luckily, the others are all annoyed at the chauffeur to even notice it.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8mrRHmVUV
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JyjMS1l9i
"Then I’m afraid I better turn back," said the chauffeur as he straightened himself. "If you walk into those premises without them, he’ll have me fired on the spot. He’s a difficult man to please."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZikpChoyX
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XlzFJj2uw
Just as he was about to swing the door closed, Sandra who was close stopped him.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCMscNxbxh
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIWCKcysDV
"Wait, give them to us," said Sandra as she held up her hand to get the blindfolds.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1rU8qUtHuW
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAasEiUybuP
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Emma asked as she raised an eyebrow at her.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrJcQx8RHZ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3C14815Oxm
"Do you really want to miss out on this party just because we couldn’t abide to this little rule? Well, I’m not. I want to have a good night and get paid. If you don’t like it, then you can walk on home."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡke0vR6UZRd
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYmO8aQl6I
"As much as I don’t like this, I agree with Emma," said Miranda. "And remember that Collins gave us an instruction not to ask too many questions. Besides, it’s not the first time we’ve gone to a place where we never knew where we were. There’s that time for the van, remember? We couldn’t see where we were going, and it was really uncomfortable."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ0qi3sbY2C
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3Jt1CVx35
"Screw it, we’ve been through worse," said Candy. "Give us the blindfolds."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQbI0cLvEO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMaNNMm1Xhc
"I’m afraid I’ll have to put them on you, so if you don’t mind, kindly step out of the vehicle," said the chauffeur.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeI8WI4YtL
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrUJ9HGTxH
Sandra sighed in frustration as she quickly got out of the limo first and the rest followed. The chauffeur blinded Miranda first, and she couldn’t help but feel a little frightened with what’s going on. The thought of the party being hosted by some criminal gangster came to her. Could Emma be right about this? But Miranda has been in these situations before. What made this one feel so different?443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUiAxoaUIxw
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl5QJLh42n
Afterwards, Miranda felt Candy who has been standing next to her help her back into the limo. She sat there, knowing fully well that she’s right next to the window. She felt Candy come and sit next to her. It wasn’t hard to tell who came in after the other, and as soon as Sandra was settled in, the chauffeur said:443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwLUuzhFxC
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnL7mzJt8q
"No one takes their blindfold off until we get there. We won’t be long, so hang on tight."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1z1w1XoWV
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yMnZ8u9Da
He closed the door and walked back to the driver’s seat. The women remained silent for a while until they felt and heard the car move.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVEcgaySw7
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbu2PHnMQTX
"Goodness, this has ruined my mood completely," said Bubbles.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaVbhC6fNf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYGMVjiGRF
"I don’t think it’s that bad," said Candy. "That’s only if I could find the champagne bottle. I remember putting it around here." Miranda felt Candy grope around looking for it.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8suEt6tMoi
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIRXKlqzpl
"We might be dealing with a criminal after all," said Emma.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtPf8kyYewE
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf33Mv9DZUB
"Oh, don’t start with that," said Sandra. "The guy would’ve pointed a gun at us if we refused to abide."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs8vEZUei1
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCjV0FbcmY
"Well, he should have. I really have a bad feeling about this."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJKELpKRhO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiG3LcNQHua
"We can tell the chauffeur to stop the car. Is that what you want?" Candy asked.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AfUYEypqK
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3oKYx0OD9p
Emma only scoffed and Miranda could imagine her folding her arms. When she didn’t say anything, Candy laughed.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeR3B4IiHQ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSsWaEkJA1U
"At the end of the day, you know you need the dough more than anything," Candy continued to laugh, this time a little louder.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFC7YxnsQnV
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDPosj7TEB
"Shut up, Candy," Emma snapped. "You aren’t doing anyone any favours by laughing so loud."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSY6RqRbol
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBLi0xuD5m
"Yeah, she’s right," said Miranda, nudging Candy with her shoulder. "If the windows were open people within a five-mile radius would hear you."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM7zdOSQfi
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYfFeAADvqy
"Please, you’re exaggerating, and you know it," Candy sounded irritated. Bubbles chuckled.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCdRItp4Yi
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInHDTlSdDG
"Let's hope this party is worth going there blindfolded," said Sandra.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmxzzjKZSL
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Q6nzvN4r9
"Oh, trust me, something tells me it will," said Candy. "Isn’t that right, Miranda?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjOpZKSKHl3
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4ui9dUwGd
"Totally," said Miranda with anticipation this time. She came to the fact that she had mixed feelings about this, even though she was scared. But she knew that whatever came her way, she’ll have to figure out how to deal with it.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KY5XPC3tc
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGYWxsLuEI
***443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLd50mNzLkx
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgOgIIT8nII
"How is everything going on your end, Alex?" Mr. Walters asked as he came up behind him in the empty hall.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FBEgGunp7
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfcFIUKqlq
"So far so good," Alex replied as he turned to look at his employer.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgekUtzj1yJ
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh3tmeKMnV
"If it’s not too much trouble, I would like that you take care of the group of ladies who will be coming from the club. They will be arriving anytime soon."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOTxOSZpXY
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM89vTj9Ax
"Let me guess, they will be blindfolded as usual?" Alex had his eyebrow raised.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOlvPljzu3Q
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvEHCYFnh6
"Red Lion likes to be cautious." Mr. Walters shook his head. "Even our most important guests will be coming in blindfolded. If you ask me, it’s silly."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ62dmFFjYO
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgwZTdV25D
"I heard him explain he’s trying to make it more like an element of surprise."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUW9Vf2jLT
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5OrgFmRVH
"Well, no one needs to be brought in here like it's their surprise party."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajPObGiPr3
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o1AYscsxG
Alex scoffed. "Can you blame the man? He’s trying to make this party more intriguing."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4FGUMWB7wf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGmDAm3O5j
"For those who don’t know who he is, he’s making himself look more like a gangster or who doesn’t want anyone knowing where he holds his parties."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb57nC2gOhX
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNc2yBqHCm
"Well, on his part, it’s all for his protection."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaReR65ne4v
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjE3xg1lOhD
"But not for those who truly know who he is. It’s quite absurd. Anyway, just get ready to receive the girls. They will be here soon."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrgb70i3uc
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡozX1L59ybt
"Yeah, sure."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzvG6oT5Ru
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BfuWcV0Xn
Before Alex could turn around, Walters said, "Alex, you and Red Lion have been talking a lot lately." Walters shortened the distance between them.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDuUTgvi0x
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtELBvRUuH9
"Well," Alex shrugged his shoulders, "it’s because of this party, right? We’ve been meeting a lot because of it. Why? Is there a problem?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUB5Qxpifdb
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfBsfCUC7i
"Oh, nothing. If you ask me, he seems to have confided a lot in you these last few days."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSoKgT5CVf
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwarQTvIcYd
Alex raised an eyebrow at him. "If I’m not mistaken, Mr. Walters, you’re the one who brought me here, and told me to help in any way I can."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQE44hSnsH
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmOIDB84gG
Walters sucked his teeth. "I know. However, after this job, I’m afraid he will realize how efficient you are. More efficient than his closet goons, Carlos and Hugo."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMlEGSrxta
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr06MtPyVhQ
"It’s just this party thing and that’s it. Remember, I only follow your orders. If you don’t want me working with him on any other project, then I won’t."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul2fdVydmg
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BWSr5O6Be
Walters titled his head. "Good. However, he might call for you once in a while, and it will be tough since he can be persistent."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGWrjF6PGC
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0NXpC1S4q
Alex continued to look at Walters, and he couldn’t help but feel his employer was trying to get to something. He just hoped that it wasn’t what he thought it was.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WysGarZWu
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZR38f0J4r
"I’ll be heading downstairs to check on the women," said Alex, marking the conversation over.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYpu2rWarY
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNEoAn0ywL
"Sure, you do that. We’ll talk later." Mr. Walters turned around and went back the way he came.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7CgAJ7tzT
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrULSOHrmy
Alex looked at him before he also turned around. And he couldn’t help but feel Mr. Walters might be up to something.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KdM59FoOY
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsLctsU3yN
***443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqDv7AY8sm
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlP2IKkr1O
"Ah, there you are," said Jane as she smiled brightly at Carly. She gently cupped Carly’s cheeks so as not to ruin her makeup. "Do you want to see yourself? You look like a Barbie doll."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJtJxfxJT2
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbk81S62sIY
"Let me see," said Carly, wanting Jane to move aside.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jELLwEhzv
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7ymLNuDX5
Jane did just that, turning the chair Carly sat on so that she could face the mirror. When Carly saw herself, she couldn’t help but feel she was staring at a whole different person. It was her, but with the peach and glittery eyeshadow and eyelashes, she looked different. If anyone who knew her were to see her right now, they wouldn’t even think that it’s her; that’s if they look really hard enough.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsTZn7Ke4g
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYdITkSDDE
Carly pulled the chair to get a little closer to the mirror to look at herself. She can’t believe it. Jane is a very good makeup artist. She could barely believe that it’s herself staring back through the mirror.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjxmGru43p
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDQyjGc4sr
"I know, I’m fantastic, aren’t I?" Jane asked, sounding flustered. "It’s the reason why Red Lion hired me."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtpkfv3obV
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2UoJ3laGV
"I won’t deny it," said Carly as she tilted her head to look on the right side of her face. "You’re superb, Jane, really."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLut2n5IEpl
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0J92AyRzWF
"Aw, thank you, dear. Red lion will be more stunned to see you."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5DLngOE7a
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡythFhj8cxX
Carly rolled her eyes while looking in a mirror, and it made Jane giggle at how pretty Carly looked when she did that.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ923p9yYeFY
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCv51wqknvy
"I wonder why he wants me looking like a Barbie doll," said Carly. "With this makeup, I look like an entirely different person."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZ5HK8IYt2
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjScK1lAVoo
"He wants you looking like the prettiest woman in the party and also for anyone not to recognize you as you."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTwrmmLG73
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PYLOtw06R
Carly turned in her seat to look at Jane. "He doesn’t want anyone recognizing me? Could there be people he’s inviting to the party that might?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJki9R5Dxag
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniAZ5ffRJZ
"Maybe. I’m just doing what he ordered me to."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iyyv7QykL
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD30BfKEok
"Seems strange for him to want to hide my identity." Carly looked back at the mirror. "I almost feel like a performer in a mask."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7u7geCpFd8
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYbaG5EMvg
"A perfectly designed mask if you ask me."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLswFgudp1P
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13wZJ95iuK
A knock came at the door and Jane quickly turned around to open it. Red lion soon walked in, and when he saw Carly’s reflection in the mirror, he stopped to take in her alluring presence.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej6F1LRHTN
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO6Nbhcl8A
"Oh, my, Jane," said Red Lion as he approached Carly from behind. "You really went all out, didn’t you?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnIKwYgCKTD
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CYVJnQd9k
"This isn’t my finest of works, but I’m glad that I’ve managed to impress you, Red Lion," said Jane as she gave him a huge grin.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9HxQbBpLA
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"You really do look beautiful, Carly," Red Lion with a genuine smile. "All the men will drop dead when they see you."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwErkx6uGY9
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzZm5KteZw
"Thanks," said Carly, not sounding grateful over the compliment.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡif7uM1UFHt
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TMosuYgRi
"I had Jane pick out a dress for you as well," said Red Lion. "Within an hour the party will begin. The guests have already started to arrive."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKuAaeyGsG
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"I thought I was going to pick out clothes from there," Carly pointed at the clothes hanger by the corner of the room.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuMFD0Zu6d
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"You, Carly, need to look more refined like your makeup. Jane, bring in the dress for her."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3V5HR6wNy
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"Oh, yes, the hanger is just right in the hall," said Jane. She walked out through the open door.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1QPgm0POD
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Red lion continued to look at Carly through the mirror and Carly in return, looked away, feeling uncomfortable.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEl3IXdPeB
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"I’m only here to give you your set of instructions for tonight."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6EmK8kMTT1
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"Well, it’s about time," said Carly as she took an eyebrow pencil on the dressing mirror table.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrN6pkcnqv
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Red Lion could already tell that Carly isn’t in a good mood. He came to stand next to her, making Carly feel even more uncomfortable.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvP8PbSlEH
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"You sound a little cranky," said Red Lion as he looked down at her. "Alex did warn me to be careful with you tonight. And that’s not the right mood for this party."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZU4sq9P5G
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"I’m sorry if my mood doesn’t suit yours, but if you did talk to Alex, then you’ll know that I’m not happy with the way you go about your plans and don’t tell me until the last minute."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnB22cAX3B
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"Yes, I was told, and I apologize." Jane soon entered the room with a black garment bag. "It’s a big party after all, and I’ve been busy."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr92Ns933P6
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Carly gave Red Lion a look. He knew she didn’t believe him.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOONjAp5CRV
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"What are my instructions?" Carly asked.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GfMJNwPWH
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"Ah, hold your horses," said Red Lion as he turned to look at Jane still holding the garment bag. "Let’s see the dress Jane picked out for you, alright?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2tL9ehGOi
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVW56tq4TU3
"I thought you would never address it," said Jane as she grinned. Carly turned a 180 in her chair to look at Jane who had already started to unzip the bag as she held it up the hanger. Carly raised her eyebrows when she saw the dress.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeODXYLsJqw
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"Beautiful, Jane," said Red Lion, sounding so exhilarated. "With the way she’s looking and this outfit, no doubt she will stand out."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh68ghzlDrT
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"That’s the whole point. I knew you would like it. And I made sure to bring in matching shoes too. Don’t you like it, Carly?" Jane now looked at Carly.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMOTrm60MK
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"It’s gorgeous, Jane," said Carly, putting up a small smile. "You really know how to pick a dress."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡca23RBupZ9
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"I know, don’t I? If you’d like, I can be your personal clothes designer."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEidrVhdEPh
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"Thanks, but there are a lot more rich people out there who would love to have you."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkCVjY9Fw8
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"Now, back to the topic at hand," said Red Lion as he turned to look at Carly. Jane went to hang the dress on the hanger in the room. "Your instructions."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJ8rt62ic1
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Carly slowly turned to look at Red Lion. "I hope it won’t be complicated."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDCYLlEak94
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Red Lion scoffed. "I should’ve warned you before that working with me is complicated."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hUPantEly
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Jane giggled. "It’s true. He’s not like any straight forward man."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuhUkYyrD87
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"I was also born complicated," Carly looked at Jane through the corner of her eye. She looked squarely at Red Lion, and this time, she had a deadly stare. "What are my instructions?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWXCdxz4NY
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Red Lion smiled after seeing the look in her eyes, and he knew from then on that she was going to take her role seriously.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmOmkz0sn7
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***443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFpwDe4H52
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"We’re finally here, sir," came a voice of a man with a strong British accent. "Have you enjoyed your ride so far?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysn8Foiz48
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqjE94XQWO
"Pssh, enjoyed it? I rather hated it. Can you remove this blindfold now? Before it gets me on my nerves."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGDAExwRRD
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The man soon got what he wanted as he felt the chauffeur come up behind him and remove the blindfold covering his eyes. He had to blink a few times for his eyes to adjust to the lights. There stood floodlights that shone brightly on him. He shielded his eyes with his hand.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHEo096iO2
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"What the heck is this?" he asked. "Am I on some show or something?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDr4XQI0EdB
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"You always complain about everything, don’t you, Andre?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHfyicPlZv
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Andre turned to where the voice came from and approaching him was Red Lion in a stunning black cocktail suit. Andre raised his sharp eyebrows at Red Lion, but a smile soon came across his face as he went over to greet his comrade.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxwrGIL6Zq
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"I’m glad you could make it, brother," said Red Lion as they gave each other a brotherly hug.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL5qEwhvOc
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"Well, I couldn’t ignore your invitation," said Andre after they broke away from each other. "You do throw the best parties."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ8BOmaqEf
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"Coming from you, I feel glad," said Red Lion as he patted Andre on his shoulder. He looked down at his smart red jacket and black pants. "You look good today."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSBd5gjJ9a
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"Well, look at you," said Andre, staring down at Red Lion in the same way. "I knew you would look great, so I told myself I had to do the same."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIi7LBEveX
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Red Lion laughed as he looked at the vehicle Andre came in. The British chauffeur brought out two beautiful Mexican ladies out of the car also in blindfolds. Two other black cars were lined up behind the first car and Andre's security detail also came out, removing their blindfolds.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMW7IYux2iE
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"I see you brought some ladies with you," said Red Lion as he looked at Andre.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxLFHOjnir
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"Well, yes," said Andre as he turned to look at them. "Just showing them a wonderful night." He now looked at Red Lion. "That is if there are even prettier girls at the party."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSs3ZxfdBjv
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"Oh, there are," said Red Lion. "Come. Sorry for all the floodlights, since it gets dark out here. But then, I want my guests to feel like superstars."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisfsA4aQ63
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"What are you getting at, Red Lion?"443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGNJd4iPlZB
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"You feeling like a celebrity is what I mean. Follow me, please."443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTeqRRb7uQ
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Red Lion led the way in the direction in which he came and Andre now noticed what he meant. They were now walking on a straight red carpet with the floodlights on either side. The ladies he came with, quickly came to join him in their short glittering black dresses. Andre hadn’t noticed this before, but besides him and the security detail that came behind him, Red Lion’s men were all around. Other guests had also arrived and were also walking down the dock covered by a red carpet ahead of him which led to a huge cruise ship.443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKtJvV7LGq
443Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWS9NaTrTt
It looks like the party will be great, Andre thought to himself.
Penana
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