Wanda had made up her mind—Leo needed a reminder of just how formidable she could be.
Let's see if you still have the energy to run around every day chasing chaos, she thought smugly.
"Don't worry, babe, I totally get it!" Leo said with a grin, nodding like a man whose survival depended on it.
After Wanda finished lecturing him, she stood proudly with her hands on her hips, radiating that queenly "Scarlet Witch" authority.
"Yes, yes, my Lady Wanda! I was wrong!" Leo said immediately, holding his hands up in mock surrender.
Only then did Wanda's glare soften.
"Hmm. Not bad. At least you're sensible."
Her adorable pout and bossy attitude made Leo chuckle. He couldn't resist reaching out to mess up her perfectly styled hair.
"Hey! Stop it!" she protested, laughing despite herself.
By noon, neither of them felt like cooking, so they just ordered enough food to feed an army and called it lunch.
After eating, Leo checked his notifications—and grinned.
Tony Stark's payment had already gone through. Fast and reliable, as expected of Iron Man.
"Well, that's one less thing to worry about."
"Lali, come on. We've got somewhere to be," Leo called out.
Android 18—now "Lali"—appeared instantly, wearing a perfectly fitted professional suit. With her serious expression and that confident walk, she looked like the kind of secretary that could scare CEOs into submission.
"Where are we going, Master?" she asked.
"New York City Hall. Got a little business to handle."
"Oh. Alright then."
After all, in this so-called "free country," money could open any door.
At City Hall, Leo didn't bother with small talk. He came straight to the point: he wanted to buy land—preferably a bankrupt pharmaceutical factory—to "build something fun."
If anyone else had said that the staff would've laughed them out of the building. But one look at Leo's custom suit, calm composure, and the balance displayed on his platinum card? No one was laughing now.
Word spread fast. Within minutes, the Governor of New York State himself hurried over, practically jogging down the hallway.
"Haha! Mr. Leo, such a pleasure! You're truly young and accomplished!" the Governor said, extending both hands enthusiastically.
Leo smiled. "Governor, you're too kind. Actually, I came today to ask a small favor."
The two exchanged the usual pleasantries—polished smiles, mutual flattery, and a few jokes about the economy—before getting down to business.
The Governor leaned forward. "May I ask how large a piece of land you're interested in, Mr. Leo? We'll do our best to accommodate your request."
It was right after a global financial crisis, and America was swimming in bankrupt businesses. Unemployment was high, people were protesting on every corner—any sign of foreign investment was a godsend.
Leo leaned back casually. "I'm looking for a bankrupt pharmaceutical company. Something I can acquire and rebuild. Initial investment—five billion dollars. Later, it'll increase to around twenty."
He said it like he was talking about spare change, but the Governor nearly dropped his pen.
"Are… are you serious, Mr. Leo?" he stammered.
"Of course," Leo said smoothly. "Why wouldn't I be?"
The Governor stood up so fast his chair almost flipped. "Hahaha! Mr. Leo, you're saving our economy! This is incredible—thank you, truly!"
Leo chuckled. "You're welcome. It's a win-win situation, Governor."
"Of course, of course! I'll personally arrange everything. We'll find you several suitable factories—land, equipment, the works!"
"Perfect," Leo said, nodding. "Here's my card. Once you've got the options lined up, call me. My lawyer will handle the contracts."
The Governor grabbed the card like it was made of gold. "Rest assured, Mr. Leo! I'll have everything ready by tomorrow morning. There are plenty of companies waiting for takeover right now, and prices are at rock bottom!"
"Excellent," Leo said, standing. "Then I'll leave it in your capable hands."
"Goodbye, Mr. Leo!"
"Goodbye, Governor."
The two shook hands warmly, the Governor practically glowing with gratitude.
As they hugged for the formal photo-op, Leo subtly reached behind the man's back—and plucked a single strand of his hair.
He slipped it into his pocket with a faint smile.
Never hurts to have a little insurance.