His comments grew more audacious.

Leonel scoffed. "Ross, you're quite the modern thinker, but Alexis has a boyfriend now. Don't meddle."

Ross responded nonchalantly, "I'm more concerned about you. Alexis is just fine."

Leonel, frustrated, chose to ignore Ross.

Ross' grin widened in the rearview mirror.

Night enveloped the city, as their car slipped through the illuminated streets.

The interior of the car was cloaked in darkness, intermittently illuminated by passing Lights that briefly revealed their faces.

Suddenly, the car stalled.

Leonel frowned. "What happened? Why has the car stalled?"

Ross opened the door, stepping out into the chill. “It's freezing out here. This car is about as old as I am and just as temperamental. It's on strike. Let me check it out."

As Alexis reached for her door handle, Leonel cautioned, "You've removed your overcoat. Stay in the car."

He joined Ross at the front, where Ross had already lifted the hood to inspect the engine. “Looks like we might need a new engine."

Ross scanned the surroundings and then suggested, “We're very close to the mansion, about a 15-minute walk. Mr. Douglas, why don't you and Miss Fowler walk back? I'll wait here for the tow truck. It's going to get cold without any heat."

Leonel gave Ross a meaningful look.

Ross responded with a grin.

Returning to the rear of the car, Leonel opened the door and leaned in to speak to Alexis. "The car's broken down. We'll have to walk."

"The car won't start at all?"

As Alexis slipped her coat back on and shuffled to exit, Leonel extended his hand.

She looked up at him.

In the dark, his eyes shone like stars against the soft backdrop of falling snow.