Natasha Romanoff was caught off guard by Ethan's mention of a "paranormal biosphere." This was something that even S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn't caught wind of. Her mind raced, trying to process the implications.
"Don't worry about me," Ethan said, noticing her discomfort. "I have no harmful intentions toward the world. After all, I'm rich and just want to enjoy the luxury and wealth I've earned."
Ethan gave a helpless shrug, continuing, "You may see me as powerful, someone who poses a threat to ordinary people. But think about it—nuclear weapons exist, and humans created them. Are biochemical experiments any less dangerous? Both are man-made threats."
Natasha Romanoff narrowed her eyes, her thoughts betraying her disbelief. You're an ice demon, Ethan. A walking nuclear bomb.
Ethan chuckled softly, as if reading her mind. "When have I ever used my power against ordinary people? The triads were pushing drugs, trafficking people, and selling weapons. They were a societal cancer. And as for Jin Bin, I had no quarrel with him until he decided to make me a target. I just acted in self-defense."
Natasha Romanoff couldn't argue with that, though she still didn't fully trust him. "The law—"
"The law? The law is made for the masses, Natasha. And it's only as effective as those who enforce it. You and I both know how dark things can get behind the scenes. You've experienced it yourself," Ethan interrupted, relaxing back into his chair.
"But what you've done—" Natasha started again, but Ethan cut her off.
"My actions only challenge the ruling class, the ones whose interests I threaten. That includes S.H.I.E.L.D., of course," he said, giving her a pointed look.
Natasha Romanoff sighed, knowing that there was no convincing Ethan otherwise. He was right, after all—powerful people always faced opposition from those who feared losing control.
As the conversation wound down, Ethan decided to change the subject. "I think we should drop this topic. It's not exactly uplifting."
Natasha Romanoff nodded, feeling the tension ease. She knew that Ethan wasn't completely unhinged—just someone who had built walls around himself, driven by past traumas and an ever-present sense of danger.
Yet, despite his immense power, Ethan still seemed insecure, as though something more terrifying than the threats they already faced was looming on the horizon.
"I think you should get some rest, Natasha," Ethan said gently. "I'm glad you're here, but I don't want you to be on edge the whole time."
His soft tone unexpectedly warmed Natasha's heart. "Then, my knight, guard me while I sleep," she teased, stretching languidly.
Ethan averted his eyes as Natasha's shirt rode up slightly, revealing just enough to stir something within him. He resisted the temptation by reminding himself of the ice in his veins, a reminder that he could control his desires.
"It would be my honor, Princess," he said, bowing with a touch of medieval flair.
Natasha laughed, heading upstairs. She knew Ethan wouldn't follow her just yet—he would give her space to pass some information to Nick Fury. Ethan was no fool; he knew she would report what she had learned. Still, he allowed it, confident in his own plans.
Left alone, Ethan logged into his Interactive Brokers account. The stock price of Stark Industries had skyrocketed after Tony Stark's return and public antics. The market was more optimistic than ever about Stark's future, especially with technologies like the Arc Reactor and the Mark Armor gaining attention.
Less than a month ago, Ethan had entered Stark Industries stock at its lowest point. Now, the stock had reached an all-time high of $21.1 per share. His long contracts were worth $15.04 billion. The short-sellers who had bet against him had suffered massive losses, while Ethan stood on the verge of his biggest financial gain yet.
"It's time to cash out," Ethan said with a smile.
He closed his positions, selling off all his long contracts. His account balance surged to $17.5 billion. After repaying the $4 billion leverage loan and covering fees and interest, Ethan was left with $10 billion in pure profit.
Name: Ethan Hayes
Wealth value: 10.18775 billion points (can be used to improve Ability)
Desire points: 680,000 points (can be used to break through)
Ability: Frozen Fruit (Tier 2, Awakening peak), Psychic Immunity (Passive), Water Control Magic (Dominant level)
Skill: Baji Phantom Fist (Transformation Realm)
Reward: Blue Blind Box (2)
Ethan leaned back, satisfied. The loan he had taken out from Wells Fargo was paid off, and he still held $2.25 billion worth of Stark Industries stock.
"The next step will be Osborn," Ethan mused. But capturing the Osborn Group wouldn't be easy or quick. And while Stark Industries still had room for growth, it wouldn't reach its trillion-dollar potential until after the Battle of New York—an event that was still three years away.
As Ethan pondered the future, Natasha Romanoff stirred from her sleep upstairs. She woke up feeling strangely peaceful, an unfamiliar sensation for her. She stretched, glancing around the luxurious room. She hadn't expected to sleep so soundly here, yet she had felt safe, almost like she was in a sanctuary.
He's an ice demon… she reminded herself, though her thoughts softened as she recalled their conversations and the way Ethan had treated her.
She stood, her bare feet brushing against the rose petals that covered the floor. A beautiful gown hung near the bed, a note attached: "Princess Natasha Romanoff, please wear your princess robes."
For a moment, Natasha couldn't believe what she was seeing. She had expected to be manipulated, to be used as a pawn in a bigger game. But instead, Ethan had treated her with care and respect, offering her a glimpse into a dream she had long buried—one of a girlhood she had never fully known.
Downstairs, Ethan was waiting for her, dressed in a crisp white suit. He smiled warmly as she descended the stairs, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Thank you," Natasha whispered, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.
"You're welcome," Ethan replied, taking her hand. "I'm your knight, after all. It's my duty to make sure you're treated like a princess."
As they sat down to dinner, the room dimmed, leaving only the soft glow of candlelight between them. The music played, and for a moment, Natasha allowed herself to believe in this fairytale, to enjoy the warmth and care Ethan had surrounded her with.
Outside, the storm raged on, but inside, everything was calm and peaceful—for now.
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