When Coulson heard Aetheris say he was planning to fly over in the Hellfire Armor, cold sweat broke out on his forehead.
If that actually happened, they might as well roll in the Marine Corps with tanks.
"Then what do you suggest? We can't just let that old bastard Victor walk free, can we? The weapons and tech he's hoarding are a threat to Stark Industries, the U.S. government, and even innocent lives around the world!"
Aetheris parked the car downstairs at Nova's place but didn't tell her in advance.
Today was her birthday, and he wanted to give her a surprise.
"I'm currently tracking Victor's role in drug trafficking inside the U.S. Call you later." Coulson cracked the window open slightly, keeping an eye on a white Camry parked nearby.
"Alright. Let me know the moment you find anything. And be careful."
Aetheris couldn't help but admire how tough these agents had it, constantly going undercover behind enemy lines.
They lived under intense pressure and danger. One wrong move and they were exposed, and the enemy didn't show mercy only cruelty.
Someday, when he built his own organization, he swore that every member would be equipped with a Nano-Iron Hellfire suit. If they couldn't win, they should at least be able to escape.
"Thanks," Coulson said, then ended the call.
"Mr. Victor, the weapons you gave us are insane! Last time, when the Veracruz police raided one of my labs, I turned the tables and wiped them out!"
Sam raised his glass, swirled the blood-red wine inside, and downed it in one gulp.
"Haha, of course! Mr. Victor is Tony Stark's uncle. he's a true legend, on par with Howard himself. These weapons are nothing! With proper research facilities, even Tony's Hellfire Armor would be no big deal!" Norman Osborn cackled.
"Ah, Norman, don't exaggerate. Titles and praise mean nothing—haha," Victor chuckled, clearly in great spirits.
Back in the U.S., after his betrayal was exposed, he'd been hunted like a dog by S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and Tony Stark. He thought it was over for him.
But after fleeing to Mexico, he felt like a dragon returned to the sea—completely in his element.
There was no real government here, only money and muscle.
As long as you had enough firepower, even the authorities bowed their heads. Officials and police alike would become your lapdogs.
"This... this is living."
Victor lounged in the arms of a curvaceous Mexican beauty, casually eating peeled crystal grapes she fed him.
Slurp.
After finishing the grapes, he started sucking on her fingers.
The woman didn't dare resist, letting him do as he pleased.
"With these weapons, we can open the route between Mexico and the U.S. In no time, the entire American drug market will be ours. By then, Stark Industries and all that corporate crap will be ancient history!"
Sam slapped the thigh of the woman next to him. A bright red handprint bloomed on her pale skin.
She winced in pain and let out a soft cry.
Sam's face twisted with rage. He hurled his wine glass to the floor.
"Damn it, you whore! I touch you and you act like it's a favor? Not happy about it? Tiger! Drag her out, let the boys downstairs have a turn!"
"Yes, Brother Sam."
A nearly seven-foot-tall tank of a man stepped forward.
Without a second thought, he grabbed the woman by the thigh and ignored her pleas as he dragged her away.
"Tch. That Tiger really doesn't know how to appreciate a woman. I said drag her out, and he really did it," Sam scoffed.
One of his lackeys handed him a cigar immediately.
"Doesn't that just show how well you've trained your men? Loyal to the bone."
"Exactly! For the glory of our great cause—cheers!"
Victor pushed the woman's arm aside, stood up, and raised his glass.
"Cheers!"
Norman Osborn joined in, his voice loud and sharp.
Clink!
Their glasses collided forcefully. Red wine sloshed, slowly trickling down the sides.
"Nova?"
Aetheris opened the door and walked in.
She had given him a spare key long ago, so coming and going wasn't a problem.
But the apartment was empty, Nova wasn't home.
"That's odd. It's already past working hours. Where'd that little minx go? Don't tell me she's out messing around…"
He let his imagination spiral as he typed out a message.
Ding!
Her reply came quickly. Lying on the couch, Aetheris picked up his phone.
"I'm with Pepper. There's a huge backlog, and she asked me to stay and work overtime."
Aetheris smacked his forehead in frustration. Weren't Americans supposed to respect working hours?
Why was everyone he met the opposite?
Did he cross into a bootleg version of America?
"When are you getting off work? I've got something for you."
After hitting send, Aetheris dozed off in Nova's room.
Maybe it was the cozy atmosphere. Maybe it was her lingering scent.
Either way, when he woke, the wall clock already pointed to 10 p.m.
Outside, New York's nightlife was just getting started.
Click.
The front door opened. Aetheris shut his eyes and pretended to sleep.
Nova noticed the pair of men's shoes by the door and instantly knew he was home. Her heart fluttered with joy.
Quietly, she stepped out of her heels. Her feet, wrapped in sheer stockings, touched the cool floor as she moved silently.
She tiptoed into the bedroom. Aetheris was sprawled on the bed, arms and legs spread, a soft snore escaping his lips.
Her stocking-clad feet inched closer. Gazing at his peaceful face, she couldn't resist leaning down for a gentle kiss on his forehead.
But just as her lips were about to touch him, a sudden pull yanked her into his arms. She gasped in surprise, the sound stuck in her throat.
"Mmm… mmm…"
Her muffled protests melted into breathy murmurs. In Aetheris's ears, they were like whispers carried by a spring breeze, stirring his senses. He pulled her even closer.
"The light's too bright… can you turn it off?"
Her lips were slightly red and swollen. She peeked out from beneath the covers and whispered shyly.
(End of Chapter)
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