There was something singr about Eleanor''s beauty-she wasn''t the ambitious type, nor did she unt herself. She had the gentle grace of a blooming flower, yet beneath that softnessy a hidden strength, an allure that left even the most self- assured men quietly astonished.


    Ever since Mansfield met her, he found it impossible to look away. Unless Eleanor chose to marry someone else, he had no intention of giving up.


    The drive was pleasant. Eleanor chatted with him about the basic principles of neural interfaces, her tone rxed and warm. For Mansfield, every moment was tinged with anticipation, his heart beating just a little faster than usual.


    "Which neighborhood does your friend live in again? Let me drop you off first," Eleanor offered, ncing over at him.


    "It''s fine, I''ll take you home first. I can head to my friend''s ce after," Mansfield insisted, refusing to budge.


    The underground parking garage at Cloudcrest Manor wasvishly decorated, all gleaming marble and golden lights. Eleanor directed Mansfield to her reserved spot, and he was out of the car first. As Eleanor reached for her seatbelt, she caught a glimpse-out of the corner of her eye-of a tall figure leaning against a pir. Ian stood there, a cigarette between his fingers, his gaze fixed on her car.


    Mansfield''s instincts kicked in. He scanned the area, spottedn, and blinked in surprise. "Mr. Goodwin?"


    "Major General Ellington,”n replied coolly, his greeting clipped.


    Eleanor stepped out and nodded to Mansfield. "Let''s head upstairs."


    "I''ll walk you to your door," Mansfield offered.


    Mansfield immediately sensed something was off. He stepped protectively in front of Eleanor. "Mr. Goodwin, it''ste. Is there something urgent?"


    Mansfield narrowed his eyes. "It''s veryte. Eleanor''s tired. Why don''t we talk tomorrow?"


    "And who are you to step in, Major General?"n''s frustration shed, barely contained.


    Mansfield shot a nce at Eleanor before facingn squarely. "A friend-or maybe her future boyfriend."


    Eleanor really was exhausted. She barely looked atn before turning to Mansfield. "Let''s go. Don''t mind him."


    Mansfield paused, a little surprised. Clearly, Eleanor had no intention of engaging withn, even without his intervention.


    "I''ll walk you home," Mansfield said, and with a gentle but assertive grip, he took her by the wrist. His gesture brooked no argument.


    Eleanor was caught off guard, but she allowed herself to be led toward the elevators.


    "Good night, Mr. Goodwin," Mansfield said over his shoulder, meetingn''s eyes as he guided Eleanor away.


    Eleanor didn''t look back or pull her hand free, but she could feeln''s stare


    burning into her until she and Mansfield reached the elevator lobby.


    Mansfield''s hand was warm and steady. He nced at Eleanor and, sensing her difort, released her at once.


    "Sorry if I overstepped," he murmured, his voice husky.


    "It''s alright," Eleanor replied, offering him a grateful smile. She knew he only meant to shield her.


    Back in the garage,n stood rooted to the spot, rigid as a wounded animal refusing to yield. His fists clenched at his sides, knuckles turning white.