Chapter 30: Chapter 30: Heading to the Heart of Marvel's New York
Wanda hesitated. Her current life was fulfilling and happy—spending every day close to someone she loved. Ever since Carl had deepened their relationship, she had grown more attached to him. The idea of suddenly leaving for New York to take on the position of hospital director naturally filled her with resistance.
Noticing her hesitation, Carl quickly stepped in to persuade her. "Umbrella Corporation's next phase of growth will focus on global expansion. Sokovia is just an insignificant starting point, but America is one of our key areas for development. That's why I'll be accompanying you to New York—to oversee Umbrella's growth in America and help you with the hospital's initial publicity strategy."
"You're coming with me?" Wanda's resolve began to waver. As long as Carl was by her side, taking the position in New York didn't seem so bad.
"Alright," Wanda finally said with a nod. "If you're going with me, then I'll go to New York!"
Hearing her agreement, Carl gazed at her lovingly. "Thank you, my dear. Umbrella isn't just my brainchild—it belongs to both of us. I want to seize this moment to strengthen Umbrella so we can give our future children a beautiful life."
Carl's explanation dispelled the last shred of resistance Wanda felt. For the sake of their children's future, she simply couldn't say no to such a noble reason.
Blushing at the mention of children, Wanda's face turned crimson. Seeing this, a mischievous glint flashed in Carl's eyes as he couldn't resist moving closer and reaching out to her.
Furious yet flustered, Wanda slapped his hand away and glared at him. "I just finished training, and I'm all sweaty! It's uncomfortable. Wait until tonight."
Ignoring her protests, Carl shamelessly grinned and scooped her up into his arms. "Then let's shower together!" he declared as he carried her off to the bathroom.
From the bathroom to the hallway, to the living room sofa, and finally the bedroom—the battlefield shifted again and again. By the time they were done, even five or six pairs of Wanda's designer stockings from Balenciaga had been torn to shreds. The intense "battle" lasted well into the afternoon.
When Carl finally boarded their luxurious private jet, his legs were still trembling. Wanda, whose stamina had only improved thanks to her regular training, seemed more like a relentless force of nature. Her insatiable enthusiasm had nearly overwhelmed Carl.
Now that Wanda was "convinced," Carl wasted no time. He brought her, her twin brother Pietro, and the long-detained Sharon Carter aboard the plane bound for New York.
Pietro had just returned from Antarctica and had barely enjoyed a few carefree days of bar-hopping and chasing women when Carl roped him in with promises about New York.
"New York women are hotter, and American girls are even more passionate and open," Carl had said. Pietro, gullible and intrigued, was thus coaxed onto the plane.
As for Sharon Carter, who had been confined for months, Carl had almost forgotten about her until Red Queen, his AI, reminded him. She was now tied up and tossed into the back of the plane like luggage, playing the role of a helpless, teary-eyed beauty. Unfortunately for her, Carl wasn't the type to feel sympathy for a crafty agent.
Carl planned to release Sharon soon. He'd already dropped hints to her that he was affiliated with HYDRA. Meanwhile, Captain America was likely receiving falsified intel from S.H.I.E.L.D.
Carl suspected that once Sharon returned to S.H.I.E.L.D., she and Captain America might spark some "interesting chemistry." He intended to subtly feed information to Alexander Pierce, ensuring that Steve Rogers and Sharon would "discover" Pierce's true HYDRA identity through their own investigation.
When that happened, Carl could retreat to the shadows, watching as S.H.I.E.L.D. collapsed under their combined efforts.
Perhaps, during their alliance, Steve and Sharon might even develop romantic feelings for each other. The thought of such a scenario amused Carl immensely.
And what if Captain America and Sharon tried to confront him instead of dismantling S.H.I.E.L.D.? With Wanda, an indomitable powerhouse, by his side, Carl was confident they'd make the "right" choice.
Just then, Pietro's exclamation interrupted Carl's musings.
"Carl, is this Iron Man suit really for me? It's so cool!" Pietro exclaimed, eyes gleaming as he touched the sleek A1 Iron Armor Carl had gifted him.
Snapped out of his thoughts, Carl chuckled at Pietro's enthusiasm. This kid was so easily pleased. He'd been sulking when they boarded, and now he was grinning from ear to ear.
With a serious tone, Carl warned him, "Even though you have super speed, you're not invincible. If you're not careful, a single 5.56mm bullet could end you. I don't want Wanda losing the brother she cares for most. This suit is meant to protect you—not to help you pick up girls. If I catch you using it to flirt, forget about getting any new upgrades. Understood?"
Pietro waved dismissively, replying, "Yeah, yeah, got it."
Of course, in his mind, he thought it'd be a waste not to use such a "big toy" to impress girls. Carl's stern attitude only fueled his rebellious streak.
Noticing this, Wanda stepped in, adopting her older-sister demeanor. "Pietro, stop wasting your life in bars, drunk and mingling with dirty women. One day you'll die because of them!"
She then turned to Carl, scolding him as well. "And it's your fault for not helping Pietro find a gentle, caring girlfriend. He keeps acting out because he doesn't have someone to keep him in check."
Faced with Wanda's anger, Carl quickly admitted fault. "Alright, alright, it's my fault! How about this—I'll enroll Pietro at Columbia University. He can further his education and maybe even meet a nice girl while he's there."
Pietro froze. School? He hated studying more than anything.
"No way! I'm not going to school," Pietro protested, shaking his head furiously.
But Wanda, thrilled at the idea of her brother studying at a prestigious Ivy League institution, dismissed his objections. "That's perfect! Columbia is an excellent school with bright, kind-hearted students. You'll meet good girls there. Just think of it as going to college to meet women. It's settled!"
Pietro was dumbfounded. His sister had just given him official permission to flirt in college, but her unwavering determination left him no room to escape. Their shared history of relying on each other since childhood made it impossible for him to refuse her well-meaning plans.
"Fine, fine. I'll go," Pietro relented reluctantly.
With just a few words, Pietro's "wonderful" college life was decided. Watching from the sidelines, Carl could barely contain his laughter.
---
Enjoying the story? Want to read ahead?
Get early access to 50+ chapters and faster updates by joining the Black Widow tier for just $5! You can choose to support me on;
Patreon: patreon.com/iGreyed
Your support helps keep this story alive, and I deeply appreciate every contribution.
Thank you for reading and supporting my work.