A reporter stood up and asked,
"Mr. Smith, as we all know, rescuers shouldn't be held financially responsible. Otherwise, no one would step in to help—it's just too costly."
Smith Doyle nodded,
"You're absolutely right. Rescuers should not be held liable."
"But as I've mentioned before, this only applies to battles that involve me directly."
Another reporter raised a question:
"Mr. Smith, doesn't this put immense pressure on you? Can your foundation sustain itself long-term?"
Smith smiled and replied,
"To ensure smooth operations, I'll be coordinating with the authorities to pursue claims through subrogation—meaning the actual perpetrators will bear the costs. After all, if someone causes enough damage to need my intervention, they probably have some assets."
"Of course, if they really don't have a cent to their name, then my foundation will just have to eat the loss."
"Truthfully, I created this foundation to help minimize financial losses for the general public."
In the back corner, Agent Coulson had quietly arrived at the press conference, recording every word Smith said while analyzing his behavior and mindset.
The reporters responded to Smith Doyle's remarks with a round of enthusiastic applause.
Then, Tony Stark stepped onto the stage and publicly declared,
"To support Mr. Smith Doyle's charitable foundation, Stark Industries will be donating $100 million."
That's right—Smith's foundation was officially registered as a charity, which also offered him some tax advantages.
"And I, Tony Stark, will be setting up a similar fund to cover damages from battles involving me."
Hearing Tony's declaration, Smith responded with a smile.
This arrangement benefitted not just the general public but himself as well. It allowed him to legally claim and sell off spoils of battle and enjoy some tax relief—potentially a very profitable situation.
Especially in the future, when there would be an abundance of Chitauri tech and weapons.
Tony, unaware of Smith's thoughts, slung an arm around his shoulder and grinned,
"Hey buddy, tell me I'm not the best wingman!"
Smith chuckled,
"You're a true brother."
The flashing of cameras intensified as reporters eagerly captured this moment of camaraderie.
"Mr. Smith," one of them asked, "It's said that at this recent Stark shareholder meeting, you became the largest individual shareholder aside from Tony. And judging by your chemistry, you two must be close friends?"
Tony took the mic and answered for him:
"Smith is my friend. We've been through life-and-death together. He's helped me more than anyone knows."
With the shareholder meeting and press conference concluded, Smith Doyle left Stark Industries with his entourage.
---
Time flew by.
Three days passed in a flash.
In the training room, Smith Doyle was undergoing intense physical training, while Poole cheered him on from the sidelines.
"One hundred laps—amazing, Master Smith!"
Poole floated over with a towel and a bottle of water.
Smith removed the chains wrapped around his body, wiped off his sweat, and took a long drink from the bottle.
"Without a gravity chamber, this kind of training just isn't efficient enough."
Poole replied,
"Once the base is completed, Miss Bulma will set one up."
Just yesterday, Smith Doyle had attended the groundbreaking ceremony for their new base. With funding and policy support in place, construction would move quickly—though it remained to be seen just how fast.
"For now, we'll have to make do."
At that moment, the training room doors opened and Bulma walked in.
"Smith, I've solved the problem with Yelena."
Smith was taken aback—it hadn't even been a few days.
"You've developed the antidote?"
Bulma nodded,
"It's ready. Yelena has regained consciousness."
Smith turned to Poole,
"Poole, go inform Natasha's family."
---
In the lab.
Natasha, Melina, and Alexei had all arrived. Yelena lay inside a medical pod designed by Bulma.
"Yelena's mind has returned. I'm about to wake her now."
Bulma pressed a button, releasing white mist into the pod. As it dispersed, Yelena's eyes slowly fluttered open.
She looked around in confusion, then spotted Melina, Alexei, and Natasha.
"Mom... Dad... Sis..."
Bulma opened the pod. Yelena stepped out—still unsure of her surroundings, but clearly in control of her body and memory.
She ran into Melina's arms, and the family embraced in an emotional reunion.
Smith Doyle watched the touching moment, a smile on his face.
After a brief family conversation, Yelena approached Smith.
"Thank you for saving me."
"All my life, aside from the three years with my family, you're the only one who's ever pulled me from the abyss."
"You didn't just save me—you saved my whole family."
"You are the light in my life. I would gladly give my life for you."
Hearing her heartfelt declaration of loyalty, Smith nodded. Yelena, the White Widow, had a good reputation and a fierce devotion to her family. In the original timeline, she had rushed to avenge Natasha without hesitation, wrongly believing Hawkeye was responsible.
"I accept your loyalty. For now, focus on reuniting with your family."
"As for the rest, once you've fully understood the rules of the Assassin's League, there will be further arrangements."
Yelena nodded in understanding.
After Melina and Alexei left with Yelena, Natasha remained behind.
"Boss," she said, "S.H.I.E.L.D. has activated my recall protocol."
"I'll be resigning from the company and returning to S.H.I.E.L.D. for a new mission."
Smith wasn't surprised in the slightest.
Since he'd agreed to join the Avengers, it was only natural that Natasha—who was planted as a spy—would now be recalled. Her role at S.H.I.E.L.D. went far beyond being a standard field agent.
"Natasha, S.H.I.E.L.D. just invited me to participate in something called the 'Avengers Initiative.' Does that ring a bell?"
This was the same evaluation program once used to assess Tony's suitability as an Avenger. Smith wasn't sure if Natasha knew about it yet—though she and Hawkeye were part of the Avengers in the future.