Even if she didn''t ask, the Ellington family would. Seeing it that way, Eleanor decided she should be the one to do it.


    "Yes. I know this is very sudden, but if you''re willing to help, I can promise you one favor. As long as it''s within my power and doesn''t vite my principles, I''ll do it."


    After she spoke, Eleanor felt her cheeks grow warmer. This was practically a transaction, one that put her in a vulnerable position.


    At her words,n''s gaze suddenly deepened, like a stone dropped into a dark pool, sending ripples across the surface. He took a small step forward, closing the distance between them. He watched her, his voice low and slow,ced with a


    dangerous curiosity.


    "Anything?"


    Startled by his sudden proximity and the loaded question, Eleanor instinctively took half a step back. She bit her lower lip, forcing herself to meet his gaze calmly. "I said, as long as it''s within my power and doesn''t vite my principles-"


    The intensity in his eyes gradually softened, reced by a moreplex emotion. He turned and walked to the refrigerator, pulling out a bottle of cold water. As he twisted it open and walked back, he said, "Leave the chip to me."


    He took a sip of water. When he spoke again, the intimidating edge was gone from his voice, reced by a reassuring strength. "I''ll contact Andreessen & Co. I''ll have it for you in three days, tops."


    He emphasized the two words-for you.


    In other words, he was doing this for her.


    Eleanor''s head snapped up, her eyes wide with incredulous joy. "Three days? Really?"


    "Yes,"n confirmed, his gaze fixed on her excited expression. He added, "The cost will be covered by the project fund. You don''t need to pay for it yourself."


    Eleanor blinked. He was using project funds?


    Eleanor''s heart leaped into her throat, and she looked at him, suddenly nervous.


    However,n just curved his lips into a smile that didn''t quite reach his


    eyes. I''ll hold onto it for now.?


    cash in when think of something: it


    met


    His words made Eleanor even more anxious, like a debt hanging over her head, but she couldn''t refuse.


    She had no room to negotiate on this matter. Since she had made the offer, she had to honor it.


    "Okay. Thank you," Eleanor nodded.


    "Go get some rest,"n said, looking at her flushed cheeks. "And remember to take your medicine on time."


    Eleanor nodded. "I''ll leave the matter of the chip to you, then."


    "I''ll let you know the moment it arrives,"n replied in his low voice.


    Eleanor had gotten a far better oue than she''d expected. "Thank you," she said again, softly.


    This time,n didn''t respond to her thanks. He walked quickly to the door and opened it for her.


    After Eleanor left, the door closed. Behind it, the man tugged at his


    cor in frustration. He had, or


    course, seen her panic and her guardedness.


    The favor he really wanted—


    He knew he could never ask for it.


    Later, Eleanor returned to her


    apartment and told Ryan the news.


    He was andfarged fer thrilled and urged her to get


    some rest, telling her to call


    anything came up.


    Eleanor went to her room andy down. The medicine she''d taken earlier knocked


    her out, and she slept soundly.


    It wasn''t until seven in the evening thatn''s phone rang. He saw it was Joslyn and answered. "Hello, Joslyn."