This Patek Philippe Nautilus 7021/1G-001 ladies' mechanical watch featured a diamond-encrusted white gold case and sapphire crystal glass. Even more extravagant was its silver strap, also set with diamonds—bringing the total price to a jaw-dropping $300,000.
"This… this is outrageous!" Aunt May didn't even need to check the price. She knew this model never went for less than $200,000.
"Hey, whether it's $300,000 or $3, it's all just numbers to me," Aetheris said, brushing it off with a wave. "Is Peter back?"
"Huh? He's upstairs tinkering with one of his little inventions. I'll go call him," Uncle Ben offered.
"No need. Nova, you stay here and chat with Aunt May and Uncle Ben. I'll go check on Peter."
"Got it, boss," Nova replied sweetly.
"Aunt May, what are you cooking? Need a hand?"
Having just received a $300,000 gift, Aunt May was overjoyed. "Oh no, dear, you're our guest. How could I let you help an old lady like me?"
"It's fine. You're the boss's aunt, which makes you our elder too. Where I come from, we've always valued respecting our elders and caring for the young. Besides, I'd love to learn a little American cooking from you, maybe surprise the boss one day."
Nova gently looped her arm through Aunt May's.
"Well, that sounds wonderful!" Aunt May immediately took a liking to the beautiful, well-mannered girl. She couldn't help but compare her to Mary Jane.
And the verdict was clear, Mary Jane only had her figure going for her. In every other way—personality, education, career, looks—this girl was in a league of her own.
If only her nephew could have a girlfriend like this—she'd be the envy of every old lady in the neighborhood.
But from the way she interacted with Tony—no, Aetheris—it was probably wishful thinking.
"Peter? You in there?" Aetheris knocked on the door of Spider-Man's bedroom.
No answer.
No doubt, he was probably out wall-crawling and chasing criminals again.
Aetheris pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Hello? Mr. Stark , Aetheris?" Peter's voice sounded flustered, as if he were right in the middle of something intense.
"Peter, your Aunt May's calling you home for dinner."
Dinner was roast turkey, a traditional American comfort meal.
Aetheris didn't mind. With his current physique, it didn't matter what he ate anymore.
And now that Peter was earning a good income, he could help cover some of Aunt May's household expenses.
"Uncle Ben, what kind of work are you doing these days?" Aetheris asked casually.
"Oh Tony, you'll laugh. I've been unemployed for a while now. And at my age, with my health, no company wants me," Uncle Ben admitted with a somewhat embarrassed smile.
"Don't worry about it, Uncle Ben. You can take your time finding something. I've grown up now—I can help support the family," Peter said, feeling a deep pang in his chest as he looked at his aging uncle.
"I still check the job listings every day. Worst case, I'll do some volunteer work."
Seeing this touching exchange of care and responsibility, Aetheris smiled and said,"How about joining my company? Our warehouse needs a supervisor—someone just like you, Uncle Ben. Responsible, trustworthy, experienced."
"Oh, Tony, I… I'm just an old man. I don't even know how to use a computer. Your company's all high-tech—I'd only slow things down," Uncle Ben said modestly, though the offer clearly tempted him.
And he wasn't being entirely modest. In his sixties, no longer in his prime, and lacking technical skills, he knew he didn't have much of an edge in today's job market.
Aunt May gave him a sharp kick under the table, then stood and poured Aetheris a glass of champagne.
"That old man's just being stubborn. Isn't Mr. Tony a genius? He said he needs someone reliable and what's your motto again? 'With great power comes great responsibility'?"
"Haha, Aunt May's absolutely right," Aetheris said, laughing. "Young people might be tech-savvy these days, but when it comes to work ethic and loyalty, veterans like you still shine."
"How about this—just come by the company tomorrow, get a feel for the job. If it's not a good fit, no harm done."
"Tony, you've not only saved my life but also given both Peter and me such amazing opportunities. I'm just an ordinary man, no special talents but from now on, whatever you ask, I swear I'll walk through fire for you. This one's for you!" Uncle Ben raised his glass, filled it to the brim, and downed it in a single gulp.
Aetheris smiled faintly. It had only taken a simple offer to earn Uncle Ben's heartfelt loyalty. The power of money… it really was one of the world's greatest superpowers.
"Peter, what are you doing just standing there? Go pour Mr. Tony another drink!"
After draining that full glass of champagne, Uncle Ben's eyes were red and his words slightly slurred.
Peter scrambled up to refill the glass. Aetheris didn't stop him—he had earned it.
Dinner ended on a warm, fulfilling note.
Declining Aunt May and Uncle Ben's offer to stay longer, Aetheris stepped outside with Peter.
Since he had been drinking, Aetheris handed the car keys to Nova.
He and Peter stood under a streetlamp near the apartment building, casually chatting.
"Peter, did you spend the afternoon playing friendly neighborhood hero in Brooklyn?"
"Mr. Tony..." Peter began, but Aetheris held up a hand.
"I know far more than you think. Ever heard of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D.? Nope. Doesn't ring a bell," Peter replied earnestly.
"That's because you haven't made enough noise yet. But I'd bet they're already watching you."
Aetheris pulled out a pack of cigarettes and lit one.
"Want one?"
"No thanks. I can't stand the smell," Peter said, quickly waving his hand.
Click. Aetheris took a deep drag.
"Some things are better learned early. S.H.I.E.L.D. Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division is an ancient organization. Its roots trace back to Egypt, when a hero led humanity to repel an alien invasion from the Zerg. His shield became the symbol of a secret group devoted to defending Earth from major threats. Over the centuries, its members have included brilliant minds like Da Vinci, Galileo, and Newton. In the 20th century, my father, Howard, and Mr. Fantastic's father, Nathaniel Richards, were also among them."
"What?! Da Vinci, Galileo, Newton, Howard Stark?" Peter's jaw dropped in disbelief.
(End of Chapter)
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