"Prepare a fusion serum directly, Rick," Kain ordered.
Rick hesitated but complied as Kain reviewed the test data. The smooth progress of the experiments had made Rick apprehensive, but Kain remained confident.
After all, he was a personal test subject for the new Extremis virus and had witnessed its success firsthand.
Rick's skepticism stemmed from his experiences with Extremis during his time with Killian's team. Even though Kain had provided a sample of his flesh and blood, the Extremis virus's effects diminished without bioelectric support once separated from the body.
Yet, the current fusion had succeeded, fueling Kain's determination to proceed.
"If we move forward with human trials, we'd need to modify the subjects to be similar to me first," Kain mused. "Otherwise, the data won't have much reference value."
Rick voiced his concerns hesitantly, "But, Mr. Kain—"
"Just do as I say, Rick," Kain interrupted, his tone firm. "I understand the risks. Your job is to follow instructions. By this time tomorrow, I'll be back. Prepare everything. As for your team, have them study the information I provided about the green snake."
"Understood, Mr. Kain," Rick replied, realizing there was no room for further debate.
After leaving Rick's lab, Kain visited the adjacent one. Maya and Killian's progress on their project was steady. Maya's goal was to develop a serum that could benefit humanity, while Killian was driven purely by revenge.
The resources and security Kain provided hadn't alleviated Killian's hatred for Tony Stark, and it still lingered. Killian was resolute and undeniably talented, which was why Kain was doing his best to keep him on the team.
However, Kain knew Killian was dangerous. If he ever decided to leave, it might be for the best—otherwise, there was a risk he'd end up labeled a terrorist.
"Boss, I've reserved the restaurant," Betty Ross said as Kain emerged from the lab. "It's a new spot, and it's been getting great reviews."
Kain glanced at her, noting her eagerness. It was just past sunset, and Betty's eyes lit up with curiosity when she noticed his good mood, making her even more determined to pry some information out of him.
"It's rare for you to pay attention to my love for food," Kain remarked with a smirk. "Alright, let's go."
He checked the time. Since his body's transformation, he required more sustenance, and hunger was already gnawing at him. Perhaps this dinner would reveal more about Betty's intentions.
"Paul is ready, boss," Betty said with a slight smile, leading Kain toward the underground garage. But as they approached, she suddenly hesitated, realizing the restaurant she had chosen was quite upscale.
Should she change her outfit?
Betty didn't usually skimp on her appearance, especially since Kain never showed any sign of stinginess when it came to her expenses.
"What's wrong?" Kain asked, noticing her pause.
Betty glanced at her outfit—a fitted pencil skirt, a crisp white blouse, and sheer black stockings highlighting her long legs. "I was just thinking... maybe I should change clothes?"
Kain's gaze swept over her, assessing. "You look fine. Nothing wrong with that outfit. I'm starving, so let's go."
Betty nodded, abandoning the idea, and followed him into the elevator.
After dinner, they returned to Kain's villa.
"Paul, you can head back. I'll call if I need you," Kain said to the driver as he helped Betty out of the car.
Paul, ever discreet, gave a small nod and drove off without a word.
Once Paul left, Kain turned to Betty with a slight smile. "Alright, Miss Ross, would you care for a drink inside?"
"If you're inviting me, how could I refuse?" Betty replied with a playful tone.
She wasn't drunk, though she had tried to get Kain tipsy earlier during dinner. Unfortunately for her, his tolerance was impressive, and now she was the one feeling light-headed.
A glass of vegetable juice sounded far more appealing than more alcohol.
"Boss, you don't have any snakes in your house, do you?" she asked with a faint laugh as they approached the door.
"Of course not. The only one I had is at the research center now," Kain replied, unlocking the door and stepping aside to let her in.
His villa was spacious, but Kain was already considering purchasing a larger property with better privacy if he intended to keep more unusual pets like the green snake.
Not that he needed much security—short of a dozen RPG rounds exploding in his face, it was unlikely anything could harm him.
After offering Betty a drink, Kain casually mentioned his plans to buy a new house. As it fell within the scope of her duties, she raised an eyebrow but decided not to discuss it further at the moment.
"Boss, can I ask something about the lab?" Betty began, swirling the drink in her hand. "The recent expenditures are through the roof, which seems... unusual. You know, I have a background in cell biology. Maybe I could offer suggestions to streamline things and manage costs better."
Kain's eyes narrowed slightly, though his expression remained pleasant. The dim lighting concealed the amused smirk tugging at his lips.
Betty's words were riddled with inconsistencies, making her motives clear. She was acting alone, not as part of a team or under orders—likely a personal mission of curiosity.
If General Ross was involved, he seemed oddly unbothered by his daughter's activities. Either that or he trusted her judgment to handle this on her own.
"You make a fair point, Betty," Kain said smoothly. "But the research center is closed for the evening. However, I do have some materials upstairs in my bedroom if you'd like to take a look."
"Bedroom?" Betty echoed, her voice tinged with surprise. Her breathing became a little uneven.
At this time of night, entering a man's bedroom felt like crossing an unspoken boundary. She could almost picture the expression on Kain's face—serene, confident, and enigmatic, just like when he'd left the laboratory earlier that afternoon, smiling over the progress on the Extremis virus.
But the opportunity was too good to pass up. The research data was vital, and this might be her only chance to access it.
"Alright, boss. After reviewing the pilot project, I can provide a more accurate assessment," Betty said, trying to maintain her composure while rationalizing her decision.
Kain smirked slightly and led her upstairs, step by step.
When they entered his bedroom, Kain switched on a few dim, atmospheric lights, keeping the room cloaked in a warm glow. He walked over to his closet, pulled out a folder, and held it in his hand as he turned to her.
"Miss Betty," he began, his tone casual yet firm. "This is the project document on the Extremis Virus. You can look at it—" He paused deliberately. "—but it'll cost you a little effort. Like a massage."
"Boss, I could provide a more professional—"
"Dear Miss Betty," Kain interrupted smoothly, "I'm not interested in hearing that tonight. Tomorrow, in my office, you can present yourself as an investor, and we'll have a professional chat. But for now, if you want to see this document, this is the price."
The folder was right there, just within her grasp. If she left now, she might not get another chance. A massage wasn't too much to ask—it was just ten minutes. Afterward, she'd demand the document and leave.
"I understand, Mr. Kain," she replied, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
The room was sparsely furnished, with the bed being the only place to sit. She moved to the edge of the mattress, positioning herself next to Kain, and began the massage.
"Is this pressure okay?"
"Of course. I didn't expect you to be so skilled, Miss Betty," Kain replied, a teasing tone in his voice.
"Mr. Kain, I promised you a massage—"
"You've been working all day. You must be tired, Miss Betty. Relax. My massage skills are quite good, you know."
Kain's warm hands found her shoulders, and Betty stiffened at first, unsure of how to react. But under the combined effects of exhaustion, alcohol, and his surprisingly adept technique, she found herself relaxing despite her better judgment.
The atmosphere in the room seemed to heat up as his hands moved expertly across her tense muscles. Her own movements gradually slowed, transitioning from giving a massage to simply sitting there, letting herself enjoy the moment.
Tear.
The faint sound of silk ripping reached her ears. Betty didn't cry out in surprise—she barely noticed it. The sensations were overwhelming, and she felt oddly comfortable despite the situation.
There was a rustle of fabric, a shift of warmth, and Betty's foggy mind momentarily cleared.
'I'm sorry, Bruce.'
"Ohhh~~"
Her voice carried softly in the dim light, and the rest of her thoughts dissolved into the haze.
….
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