"This agreement will put you at a disadvantage in many ways. Fundamentally, it could render the Avengers' efforts futile," Diyan said, casually flipping through a book, her eyes scanning the dense lines of text. "It's just a way to control powers they can't fully manage. Whether it's good or bad for your future—I have no idea. Compared to what's happening now, I'm not signing this so-called 'grand' agreement."
Tony's temper flared slightly, but he held it in.
Carl and Diwu weren't from this world anyway, and eventually, they would leave. At this moment, he was merely stating his opinion—not trying to argue stubbornly with them.
Some unpleasant opening words floated in the air: "We don't know what the future holds, and honestly, I don't want to worry about it. We're just explaining ourselves; we don't want to act recklessly."
Carl smiled. "So, what's your shared opinion with them now?"
Tony replied, "Colonel Rhodes, Natasha, Vision—they've already stated their positions. Wanda and Quicksilver are still hesitant—they're kids, after all, and won't make decisions quickly."
"Mm." Carl smiled.
Tony turned, curious. "What are you smiling at?"
Carl shook his head. "It's obvious. Rhodes is loyal to his country, no surprise there. Natasha—she's done thankless work before. If she doesn't sign, even if she avoids capture, her future won't be easy. As for Vision…"
Carl looked Tony squarely in the eye. "Anyone rational, who can control their emotions, will naturally agree to sign."
"Ha!"
Diwan sneered. "And you have the nerve to talk about reason? Forget what you were like a few months ago? You're no different from Wilson."
Carl frowned, glancing at her. Diwan shot him a challenging look. "Wrong?"
Tony said, "You're right. Rationality is important." He took a deep breath. "We must remain rational and not let our emotions take over."
Carl glanced at Tony and shook his head. "This makes no sense. Tony acted rashly without realizing the many flaws in this plan."
He stood. "You should rest first. Your current state of mind can't handle this discussion. This… is a bit personal."
With that, Carl took Diwu's hand and led her out.
"What are you doing? Starting to hit women now?" Diwan struggled against Carl's grip.
Carl pressed the elevator button, glancing back at her. "Today's your treatment session—I need to help fix your back injury."
Diwu shivered and grabbed his hand, her voice pitiful. "Isn't there a Black Crow Stone or something? It could improve my condition, and I wouldn't need treatment at all."
Carl grinned. "Not a chance. The Black Crow Stone takes a long time to transform. It's not meant for healing—it's to enhance potential and physical strength."
He looked at her with a teary smile. "This is reason. I'm doing this for you!"
"Nonsense!" Diwan snapped.
Seeing her attack fail, she glared at him. "You're just cautiously trying to get back at me. Does that make you a phantom? What about you?"
"Ding."
The elevator arrived. Carl dragged Diwan inside and pressed the first-floor button. His tone was serious. "I'm doing this for you. How could I want to hurt you? That would be too late!"
Diwu crouched, burying her head in her knees. "It hurts… I regret letting you help me."
Carl glanced at her. "Don't be afraid. I'm right here."
Diwan lifted her head, eyes locked on him. She stood and pressed the first-floor button.
"You can't escape my grasp!" Carl laughed.
Diwu looked unimpressed. "Fine. We just woke up. Do you want me to go back to bed?"
The elevator passed their floor, but Carl didn't drag Diwu out. Instead, he closed the doors to the first floor.
"Why are you going out now?" Carl asked.
Diwan whispered, "Are you abusing your authority by staying here?"
"I wonder if this country is really safe," Carl said, glancing at her.
The elevator reached the first floor. Diwu hurried out.
She felt energetic, having slept plenty. She just wanted something to do.
"Bad security affects us, too. If you don't want to come with me, give me a good reason!"
Diwan didn't look back and continued walking.
Carl couldn't help but follow. But he also wanted to tease her a little.
"Why are you going this time? If it's just for nails, we can go back—I'll help. You know I'm great at it!"
Diwan walked ahead without looking back. "This time it's for my hair. I want a new color."
Carl grabbed her. "Are you crazy again?"
Diwan glanced at him. "How am I crazy? Don't want to come with me anymore?"
Carl said, "This isn't about wanting. You don't need to change. I like your black hair."
Shh.
Yet a faint smile tugged at his lips. Pretending to be impatient, he said, "Fine. Let's go to Broadway. The musicals there are a pinnacle of world culture."
"Drive. It's still a few blocks to Broadway."
Carl hailed a cab and got in with Diwan.
"Where to?" the driver asked.
Diwan thought for a moment. "The Winter Garden Theatre."
The driver glanced at them in the rearview mirror. "Going to see a show?"
Diwan nodded. "Yes."
He smiled. "At this hour, nothing's showing. Eleven o'clock, doors close at twelve. Come back tomorrow night at seven."
Despite that, he drove them to the Winter Garden Theatre anyway.
Passing another car, he added, "You could also try the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. No fixed showtimes—if you're lucky, you might catch a great performance."
They didn't fully understand, but as the people's leader suggested, they decided to go.
Diwan smiled. "Thanks. Let's go to the Ethel Barrymore."
That was all she could see for now. She assumed Carl wasn't particularly interested.
Once the destination was set, Carl asked her: "It's late. We'll only go as far as we need. Plus, we haven't bought tickets."
Diwan glanced at him. "You two… reconciled?"
"You…"
Carl reluctantly accepted that he wanted to take Diwan along. "You need to do this yourself, right?"
Diwan grabbed his leg and leaned against the car door, eyes full of disdain. "I haven't even asked about you and Wanda. Now tell me, how did two legs and four legs get tangled like that?"
Diwan trusted Carl wouldn't leave her and that she was the only woman for him.
But she might have noticed something here—so she needed to lock down Carl's side completely, and then add another layer of security.
Carl frowned. "Your aunt passed a week ago. Why are you still so capricious?"
Diwan kicked him. "Your aunt came. Stop changing the subject! If Wanda chases you, do you want me or her? Choose!"
Carl lowered his head to think seriously.
Diwan exploded. "You're still thinking?! Hesitating?!"
She didn't hit him—there were outsiders, and she had to maintain her image and Carl's.
Finally, Carl looked up, eyebrows furrowed, a bit lost. "Your problem… are you not feeling well lately?"
Diwan gritted her teeth. "Answer this. Do you always think these things don't concern you?"
Carl looked at her like she was crazy. "Can't you just stop causing trouble? Don't you get it? You need to be mad at yourself—and have some fun!"
"I just wanted you to say it out loud," Diwan's anger dissipated.
"You're crazy. We don't know what others are thinking, so you come to question me," Carl was speechless.
Diwan looked at him. "Before, I'd never ask. Now, you've changed so much—I'm not worried."
Carl suddenly frowned, looking at her. "Looks like you might run into something on your New York shopping trip."
"Exciting."
A heavy thump hit the car roof.
Diwan thought—Carl's just stirring the pot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
read 20 advanced chapter visit my patreon:
patreon.com/fatimasoomro123
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~