Eleanor followed her daughter''s small finger, her voice gentle. "That''s the North Star," she exined.


    Footsteps sounded behind them. Startled, Eleanor turned to see Mansfield Ellington approaching in his usual attire. He offered them a warm smile. "I just finished up. What are you two looking at?"


    "Mr. Ellington, we''re watching the stars. Look-that''s the North Star," Evelyn piped up, eager to show off her newfound knowledge.


    Mansfield beamed at her. "Very clever, Evelyn."


    Eleanor watched her daughter cover her mouth, suddenly shy at the praise, and


    felt her own lips curve upward in a smile she couldn''t suppress.


    "Looks like you''re in a good mood tonight," Mansfield remarked, ncing at Eleanor.


    She didn''t bother to hide it. "I am. Very much so."


    Mansfield met her eyes, his gaze thoughtful in the starlight. "I hope I''m part of the reason for that."


    Eleanor blinked, surprised, then let out a softugh. "Of course, Major General Ellington. You''ve been so thoughtful and considerate. I truly appreciate it." His eyes seemed even deeper beneath the stars. "Just call me Mansfield." Eleanor nodded, unembarrassed, and said clearly, "Mansfield."


    He grinned, perfect white teeth shing—a smile both handsome and disarming. As the night deepened, the three of them strolled leisurely back toward the vi. Mansfield kept a respectful distance, stopping at the garden gate rather than following them inside. He bid them goodnight there.


    "Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!" Evelyn called, waving her little hand.


    "See you tomorrow," he replied.


    Eleanor and Evelyn stepped into the vi''s cozy living room. Mansfield lingered in the yard for a moment, watching their lighted windows before heading back to his own quarters. On his way, he nced up and caught a streak of silver-a shooting star zing briefly across the night sky.


    He''d never believed in wishes or superstitions, but in that quiet moment, Mansfield closed his eyes and silently made a wish.


    ***


    Morning arrived.


    It was already Eleanor''s fifth day as a consultant here, and Garrison''s experiment was drawing to a close. Everything was going smoothly.


    Eleanor stood at the observation deck, watching the final results. Garrison approached and handed her a cup of coffee. "The results are better than we hoped, all thanks to your expertise, Miss Sutton."


    "It was your team''s excellent cooperation," Eleanor replied, epting the coffee with a smile. "Once thest details are wrapped up, it''ll be time for me to head home."


    Not wanting to dy her, Garrison nodded. "I''ve asked Mansfield to make arrangements for your trip back to Ashford City."


    On the sixth day, with the project finished, Mansfield took leave from work so he could personally escort Eleanor and her daughter back to the city—a detail he kept to himself.


    It wasn''t until the morning of the seventh day, with Eleanor''s bags packed, that Mansfield arrived to help carry their luggage to the airstrip.


    With Evelyn in hand and Decker, who had done an outstanding job assisting, apanying them, they boarded the ne together.


    Eleanor turned to her daughter. "Evelyn, say goodbye to Mr. Ellington." "Goodbye, Mr. Ellington!"


    "I''ll walk you both to the ne," Mansfield said, a hint of amusement in his eyes.


    To Eleanor''s surprise, once they settled into their seats, the ne began to taxi. She turned to Mansfield, startled. "You haven''t gotten off yet!"


    Buckling his seatbelt, Mansfield grinned. "I took a couple of days off. I''ll be taking you back to Ashford City myself."


    Eleanor stared at him, feeling a bit guilty. "Are you sure this isn''t interfering with your work? You''re needed here. I''d hate to be an inconvenience."


    Mansfield shook his head. "Not at all. I have a meeting to attend in Ashford City anyway."


    Of course, there was no meeting, but he didn''t want her to feel burdened. Reassured, Eleanor nodded, believing him.


    Gazing out the window as the airbase shrank below them, Evelyn pouted. "Will I


    be able toe back and catch fireflies and watch the stars again?"


    "Of course," Mansfield replied. "Next time you have a break, just let me know and I''ll bring you back."


    Evelyn''s eyes widened in delight. "Really?"


    Eleanor didn''t want to trouble Mansfield, but she couldn''t bear to dash her daughter''s hopes, so she stayed silent.


    "Really," Mansfield promised with a sincerity that made Evelyn beam.


    During the flight, Eleanor and Evelyn dozed together. When Eleanor opened her eyes, the ne was circling over Ashford City.


    Theynded at a military airfield. On the wide tarmac, a sleek ck Maybach and two dark SUVs drove up to meet the ne.


    As Eleanor stepped down the stairs, she spotted a tall, familiar figure waiting—n.


    Four bodyguards and his assistant, Gavin, stood behind him.


    But whenn saw Mansfield disembark with Eleanor and Evelyn, his eyes darkened a shade.


    "Daddy!" Evelyn shouted with glee.


    Just then, a military-green SUV screeched to a halt nearby and a young officer poked his head out. "Boss, am Ite?"


    Mansfield smiled. "Right on time." Turning to Eleanor, he asked, "Which car would you like to take back into the city?"


    Eleanor didn''t hesitate. "Yours."


    "Mommy, what about me?" Evelyn piped up.


    "You''lle with me in Mr. Ellington''s car," Eleanor told her.


    Evelyn wriggled in her father''s arms. "Daddy, I want to ride with Mr. Ellington!"


    Eleanor stepped forward, arms out. "Evelyn,e to Mommy."


    Evelyn reached eagerly for her mother. Seeingn reluctant to let go, Eleanor assertively took her daughter from his arms and walked toward Mansfield''s SUV. Mansfield gaven a polite nod. "Mr. Goodwin, we''ll head off first, then."


    As Mansfield''s car drove away, the wind swept across the runway. Ian stood motionless, tall and solitary—a lone wolf who would never bow his head.