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 violate 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, lan'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, laced 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 violate my principles-"

lan saw the flicker of panic in her eyes. He knew what she was worried about—that he would make an inappropriate demand.

The intensity in his eyes gradually softened, replaced by a more complex 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, replaced 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," lan 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?

lan stepped forward again, his eyes locking onto hers once more. His tone was level but held an undeniable weight. "As for that favor you mentioned—"

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

However, lan 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," lan 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," lan replied in his low voice.

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

This time, lan 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

collar in frustration. He had, or net

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 and lay down. The medicine she'd taken earlier knocked

her out, and she slept soundly.

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