Hank received a call after resolving the matter between Richard and Eric.

Once the call ended, he turned to Eric, saying, "I'm sorry to ask, but could you give me a ride back to the village hall? The survey team is arriving soon."

Eric nodded immediately. He would have offered a ride even if Hank hadn't requested it.

They passed Hank's house on their way, and Eric pulled over.

"Why are we stopping here? I need to get to the village hall," Hank inquired.

Eric smiled and took out a carton of cigarettes from the trunk. He then said, "Mayor Jenkins, I didn't bring much when I returned, so I have this for you."

"I appreciate it, but I can't accept it," Hank declined politely. "It's too kind. Helping you with your matter is part of my job as the mayor. I can't take this."

Eric returned the carton to Hank and insisted, "Please, Mayor Jenkins, accept it. There's a difference between personal matters and work matters. When you visited my dad at the hospital, that was personal. It's separ