Billionaire in Kingsman with a Marvel System

Aware of William's vengeful nature, Garris said seriously, "Don't mess around. If something goes wrong, we'll all suffer."

"Heh, don't worry. As long as you abide by the agreement, I promise not to cause trouble. But if anyone dares to double-cross me, that's a different story," William said nonchalantly. "Give me an official authorization document and the full investment tax refund document, and do me a favor."

Garris had nothing more to say. Worrying about William's retaliation before the mission even started seemed unreasonable, and saying more would imply they planned to renege on their promise.

Seeing Garris' conflicted expression, William secretly rejoiced. "Alright, don't think too much about it. We'll talk after I complete the mission. If you don't keep your word, I don't have to invest in England. I could easily invest in the Arctic Bear instead. Money is welcome everywhere in this world."

Garris' face darkened again. Downing Street was desperately seeking investment. If they found out their own people had turned William's funds away, they'd be in trouble, not to mention the prospect of William investing in the Arctic Bear.

"William, I assure you we'll fulfill our promise. Let's not talk about this anymore," Garris said, shifting the topic to avoid further headache about the funds. "Thank you for helping me. I really couldn't find anyone more suitable for this task. Your undercover investigation will be more discreet, preventing our opponents from finding any internal clues. Since you don't want to get involved in our affairs with M, then we need M to retire."

Checking his watch, Garris continued, "In about ten minutes, I'll meet with her to officially discuss her retirement. If you had agreed to investigate M undercover, I would have stalled her until the investigation was clear. If M was innocent, she could have continued to oversee the agency."

William understood the concerns of the Security Committee. M was indeed getting old, and with such a serious leak, M had to bear the main responsibility. So, regardless of M's guilt, she would retire and take the blame.

If the investigation later showed M was innocent, she could enjoy her retirement. But if she was guilty, the chances of her being eliminated were high.

"What are you thinking about?" Garris asked, seeing William deep in thought.

"Heh, thinking about M's fate," William shook his head, sighing. "No one can stay on top forever. I didn't expect the hard-working queen of special agents to end so unceremoniously. If I were M, I wouldn't go down without a fight. I'd catch the mastermind behind this and then leave the mess to you."

Garris didn't comment. "We'll discuss M's work arrangements for the next few months. You can listen in and get a new identity."

"Alright, what's my new identity?"

"During M's retirement period, you'll be the liaison between the agency and the Security Committee until a new head is appointed."

"So, I'll have to stay in London for a few months?"

"You really are useless," Garris said with a look of frustration. "You only work a few months a year. What more do you want? You don't have to stay at the agency all the time. The liaison position is just a cover. Your task is to find the leaked special agents' information and the mastermind."

"Heh, I was hoping to live a bit longer," William said helplessly. "I guess I need to buy a house in London. Any recommendations?"

Garris checked his watch and shook his head. "Don't ask me. How would I know where houses are for sale? You won't buy an ordinary house, and I don't know anything about mansions. Ask Prince Wilson. Kensington Street is nice. Wilson surely knows if there are any mansions for sale. Time's almost up. Help me go get M."

"Wait a minute. I'm not your subordinate. Why should I go get M? Can't you send a secretary?"

Garris chuckled, "Such a good opportunity to boss you around won't come often. During this mission, you are my subordinate. Got it, Mr. Devonshire?"

Seeing Garris' gloating face, William said irritably, "Garris, you'd better hope I forget today's events, or I'll get back at you."

"Don't worry. I'll make sure you forget. Don't forget you still need my help with something, haha."

"Alright, for the sake of money, you're the boss now. You call the shots," William said helplessly as he left the office to fetch M.

At the door, William saw M and her assistant Bill Turner walking in. M stared at William in surprise, "What are you doing here?"

William smiled, "Ma'am, I'm here at Chairman Garris' request to escort you. Please follow me."

"William, when did you, a billionaire, become a lapdog for the Security Committee? This isn't like you. Did someone catch you doing something?"

Thinking of the upcoming conversation between M and Garris, William ignored M's sarcasm and said cheerfully, "Heh, sorry to disappoint you, ma'am. I don't have any dirt on me. You should focus on your meeting with Garris. I guarantee you'll be surprised."

M and Turner exchanged worried looks. William's mockery made them realize this meeting with Garris wasn't good news.

William led M and Turner to Garris' office. "Sorry, Turner, you can only wait here," he said at the door.

M waved dismissively at Turner, who sat on a nearby sofa. William knocked on the door and brought M into Garris' office.

Garris stood at the door to greet M, poured her a glass of whiskey, and the three of them sat down.

Garris began apologetically, "I'm sorry to call you here on the day of Bond's funeral, but the leak has dragged on too long. Some people are growing impatient, so our conversation might be abrupt. Please don't take offense."

"No problem, directness is best, Garris. We're old friends, no need for pleasantries."

"Alright, I'll get straight to the point. Downing Street is very concerned about your progress over the past few months. They want to know if you've made any headway."

Sitting up straight, M replied, "You can tell them that the reason it's taking so long is because I'm after the mastermind. Catching small fry is meaningless. I believe it won't be long before we have results."

If Garris hadn't planned for M's retirement, he would have pressed her for a timeline. But given the current situation, M's words suited his purpose, making it seem like she was dragging her feet.

Garris changed the topic, "Have you considered recalling the agents whose identities have been leaked? They are no longer safe."

M tensed up, sensing something was off. She calmly replied, "I've considered it, but we haven't received any information about leaked identities. Recalling agents now would create chaos. Although it's harsh, I don't believe all agents are in immediate danger."

"Sorry to interrupt, ma'am. You actually think they are still safe? That sounds like shirking responsibility."

Angered by Garris' insinuation, M asked, "Excuse me, Garris. If you don't trust my judgment, why did you call me here?"

"Ma'am, forgive me, but I think you know why we're meeting today."

M sighed internally. After three months with no leads, she knew her long service was the only thing keeping her in place. Now, some people had run out of patience. "Garris, are you interrogating me?"

"Of course not. That's for others to do. I'm here to formally notify you of the Security Committee's decision. We hope you will retire in two months."

Expecting a reprimand for her lack of progress, M was surprised by the sudden retirement notice. Though her face remained expressionless, William noticed the light in her eyes dimmed, her previous fierce demeanor gone.

"We appreciate your outstanding contributions to England over the years. The committee gives you the highest praise. After you hand over your work, we will award you the Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath, granting you a noble title. You'll retire with honor."

Garris looked at the impassive M. "Congratulations, ma'am."

M mocked herself, "So you're firing me."

Staring into M's eyes, Garris replied, "No, ma'am. We hope you'll voluntarily retire after completing your handover in two months. As for your successor, we'll seek your advice. Voluntarily retiring benefits everyone."

M stood up with a bitter smile. "Voluntary retirement? Heh, Garris, I'm not an idiot. You've already decided. What can I do as a subordinate? I know this job isn't forever, but sorry, Garris, I can't step down now. Not until I find the leaker and the mastermind."

Standing straight, M said firmly, "I must catch the mastermind myself to end my career satisfactorily. Otherwise, I'll spend the rest of my life in regret and ridicule. So don't get in my way, Garris. For someone my age, reputation is more important than anything, including my life."

Garris could only offer a wry smile at M's determination.

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