"Can you even play it like this? Where is your integrity?"
Artoria watched in surprise as Natasha was treated like a 'queen'. How did she turn this group of straight-laced lawyers into simps? This was truly beyond Artoria's expectations. Seeing them eagerly pouring coffee and bringing snacks for Natasha, Artoria couldn't help but sigh. She was truly a formidable social butterfly and a top-tier female Special Agent.
"This naturally requires skill... Do... you... want... big... sister... to... teach... you... properly?"
Natasha enjoyed Artoria's surprise. Elegantly declining a 'gentleman's' dinner invitation, she walked to Artoria's side, tilted her head, and whispered into her ear.
"Hehe! No thanks."
Learn how to'seduce' men from you? Don't be ridiculous. She used to have a 'big treasure'. If you had dared to speak to her like that before, she would have taught you how to behave immediately. Unfortunately, she lost her treasure during the transmigration, leaving only two big breasts that made her back ache all day. It was very sad.
"I heard you like girls. What do you think of me?"
Seeing that teasing Artoria didn't work, Natasha smiled at her, ignoring the heartbroken expressions of the men around them. But she was met with Artoria's eye-roll and a stack of documents. Artoria had come to see if Natasha was worn out and disheveled, but she hadn't expected this woman to turn a group of straight men into simps to help her process the massive amount of documents Artoria had sent her. Truly impressive! As expected of a human gene collector... cough! I mean, as expected of a big shot. Can't mess with her, can't mess with her.
"Get back to work and stop messing around."
Giving Natasha a warning look (─━ _ ─━?), Artoria advised her to pay attention and stop affecting everyone's work.
"Fine."
Calmly watching Artoria's departing back, Natasha felt she was slowly entering Artoria's social circle. This was a good thing for her; once the relationship was established, future matters would be easier. However, that girl Sharon hadn't arrived yet. It seemed she was busy. Since Director Nick hadn't contacted her, he probably called the girl away again.
"Excuse me, are you Stacy Johnson?"
"Yes, do you need help?"
Having no interest in playing around with these men, Natasha left the office alone and happened to run into a busy Stacy. Natasha quickly called out to her. Stacy was startled for a moment when she saw Natasha, then she smiled, remembering Natasha had just started yesterday and thinking she needed help. She was happy to help the newcomer.
"There's an envelope here that seems to be for you."
Natasha took out the materials she had prepared yesterday. This was accurate information she had obtained from the Nick Fury cyclops last night. Having confirmed it, she handed it over to Stacy in the form of a letter and then turned to leave. This matter definitely couldn't be discussed face-to-face; it was better to guide her and let her find out on her own.
"I knew you S.H.I.E.L.D. people weren't honest. Fortunately, I prepared quite a few measures."
After Natasha left, a ripple like water appeared on the wall, and Artoria slowly stepped out. She knew Natasha's visit wasn't simple; it seemed she was here to poach her staff.
"However, there are benefits to Stacy joining S.H.I.E.L.D., such as being able to eavesdrop on their internal affairs better."
After thinking it over, Artoria decided not to stop Natasha's little move. S.H.I.E.L.D. was already riddled with Hydra infiltrators anyway; adding one of her own people shouldn't be a problem. Having an eye inside S.H.I.E.L.D. was better than being blind. Thinking this, Artoria didn't act and simply went back to her office to wait for Natasha or Stacy.
"You must be the Captain!"
Natasha was right; Sharon had indeed been taken away by the one-eyed Nick Fury. Her aunt's time was up, and she wanted Sharon and Captain America to accompany her in her final moments. Sharon was brought before a person by the Nick Fury. Seeing this tall, handsome man, Sharon guessed his identity. On the way, the Nick Fury had revealed that he was taking her to see the man Peggy Carter had waited for her whole life.
"I'm Steve Rogers. You can call me Steve."
Sharon watched the man introduce himself, her heart feeling no particular stir. Back in the day, every time her aunt told stories about Captain America, she would listen with admiration for the hero. Now that she saw him in person, her enthusiasm had faded, leaving no lingering attachment. Instead, her heart was full of pity and relief for her aunt. 'Auntie, the man you waited decades for is finally here.'
"I won't go in. Sharon, you take the Captain inside."
Recalling the 'care' Peggy Carter had shown him years ago, he still had a lingering shadow in his heart. After saying that to Sharon, he claimed he was very busy and walked away.
"Come with me. My aunt has been waiting for you."
"Mhm."
Captain America followed Sharon with a heavy heart. His heart hadn't been right since yesterday, feeling very apprehensive. He was guilty but helpless, following Sharon like a schoolboy who had made a mistake.
"Go on in."
Inside the peaceful and serene small courtyard, Sharon pointed to one of the rooms. She wanted to give the Captain and her aunt some time. After speaking to the Captain, she stopped there and didn't take another step forward.
"..."
"Long time no see. You're back."
"Yes, I'm back, Peggy."
Captain America took a deep breath and walked toward the door Sharon pointed to. Opening the simple door, he saw a white-haired woman wearing a breathing mask. Her eyes snapped open the moment he entered, looking at him first with confusion, then with surprise, and finally with a joyful smile. The woman finally recognized him and gave the man a smile she hadn't shown in a long time.
Seeing Peggy lying on the hospital bed, her hair white and her face full of wrinkles, Captain America's heart was filled with guilt and pain. This woman had never given up searching for him and had kept her promise to wait for his return. Thinking of this, Captain America shed tears of heartache. He stepped forward and took her no-longer-young, slender hand, suppressing the urge to wail. A smile that was both happy and sad formed on his lips, completely different from his former bright, sunny smile.
"I've finally waited for you. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to wait any longer."
As if experiencing a final surge of vitality, Peggy's old and weak hands suddenly gained strength. She reached out to caress Captain America's face. At that moment, his tears fell like broken strings of pearls onto Peggy's hands. Who says men don't cry? They just haven't reached the point of true heartbreak.
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