In fact, it wasn't entirely unexpected.
After thinking it over carefully, Anton realized this incident wasn't as sudden as it seemed.
Months ago, at Batman's suggestion, S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury had begun investigating internal issues within his organization.
In other words, Hydra had already been at risk of exposure—or perhaps it had already been exposed.
While the conversation between Fury and Batman wasn't something anyone outside the Avengers would have known about, Hydra's intelligence-gathering capabilities couldn't be underestimated.
It wasn't difficult for them to deduce that Fury's heightened internal supervision in S.H.I.E.L.D. coincided with his meeting with Batman in New York.
From Hydra's perspective, Fury's actions were likely influenced by Batman.
"Better safe than sorry."
The difference between villains and heroes is simple: one side acts purely on logic, while the other is constrained by rules.
Acting purely on logic often means ruthless efficiency. If there's any suspicion, eliminate it. Kill all suspects, and you can guarantee results. To Hydra, that outcome was all that mattered.
Furthermore, as a superhero, Batman had taken a firm stance against Hydra by forming the Justice League, a team of heroes whose ideology clashed directly with Hydra's.
Hydra's infamous tactic—penetration and infiltration—was unlikely to succeed here. From the beginning, Batman had shrouded himself in mystery.
Even after the establishment of the Justice League, its membership remained tightly controlled, with little to no expansion beyond the original lineup.
If Hydra wanted to infiltrate, it would find no openings.
"No alliances, no infiltration... So they've decided to take the direct approach?"
Anton pondered this for a moment, then chuckled darkly. His eyes grew cold as he muttered, almost to himself:
"Batman may be a mystery, but everyone knows about his connection to me."
Anton and Batman had a well-known association, and because of this, the Jameson family—Anton's family—seemed to have an unusual relationship with Batman.
Wayne Enterprises stood as proof of this collaboration.
If Hydra wanted to move against Batman, their first step would naturally be to strike at his allies. The Jameson family would be an obvious target.
From Anton's perspective, this made it clear: Hydra would come after him and his family, hoping to extract information about Batman.
His face remained calm, but a cold glint appeared in his eyes as he analyzed the situation.
'Hydra is practically delivering themselves to my doorstep.'
Anton sneered inwardly.
'I wonder... If I cut off all nine heads, will they still grow back?'
"Anton?"
His father, John, noticed his expression and grew concerned. "Did something happen?"
"There's been a minor issue," Anton replied, his tone measured. He then turned to John, his voice calm but firm.
"The old man hasn't left yet, has he? John, I suggest you start familiarizing yourself with the company's operations. Tonight, I want you to attend the military banquet in Washington with him."
John's face changed as he realized the implication. "Is it that serious? What's going on?"
Anton gave a faint smile, but his tone carried weight. "Washington. A military dinner. It'll be safer there for now."
Needless to say, the security at a military-organized banquet is top-notch.
With John and the others within a military-protected zone, Anton could move freely to handle his affairs without distraction.
"Are you in danger?" John asked, frowning.
"Don't worry about me. I'm far safer than you are."
Anton smiled and added, "As a full member of the Justice League, my safety is pretty much guaranteed. Besides, my biggest secret... the old man hasn't told you yet, has he?"
"What secret?" John asked, curiosity piqued.
Ever since he had returned, John had been harboring questions. His once rebellious and wayward son had somehow transformed into a world-renowned director, a key ally to superheroes, and an official member of the Justice League.
Anton's rise from a rich playboy to a bona fide "big deal" had been nothing short of extraordinary.
What had brought about such a monumental change?
John had a feeling that the truth behind it all lay in the "secret" Anton had just mentioned.
"Ask the old man. Maybe he'll tell you," Anton said with a sly grin. He wasn't particularly averse to revealing his true identity to those closest to him, but he couldn't resist teasing his father and leaving him in suspense.
Without giving John a chance to press further, Anton took out his phone and made a call.
"Hi, boss, this is Phil. What's your order?"
Phil's tone was crisp and focused. Anton rarely called him, and when he did, it always meant something important.
"I have a task for you: protect someone," Anton said.
"Who?"
"My father, John Jameson."
Anton quickly explained the situation. A villain targeting the Justice League might be planning to attack him or his loved ones.
To ensure John's safety, Anton was assigning Phil as his personal bodyguard for a while.
"The old man has John Wick on his side, so his safety is pretty secure. But John here might still be vulnerable. I don't want to leave anything to chance."
"No problem. Leave it to me," Phil replied confidently, practically buzzing with excitement. Protecting John Jameson meant earning Batman's trust, a responsibility Phil didn't take lightly.
"Thanks. When this is over, I'll give you a bonus. Also, Wayne has been developing some new tech—feel free to pick out anything you like."
"Awesome! Thanks, boss!" Phil said, his enthusiasm palpable.
After wrapping up the call, Anton turned to John.
"I've arranged for a bodyguard. Let's go—I'll drop you off at the company. Tonight, you and the old man are heading to Washington."
"It seems you've got everything planned out for me," John said with a resigned sigh. His curiosity about Anton's secret would have to wait.
He followed Anton out of the house.
Meanwhile, in New York.
In a dimly lit safe house, a blue-skinned man sat hunched over, his expression twisted with resentment.
[Don't act yet. He's left the house.]
The man's glowing, hate-filled eyes darted between two screens in front of him. One displayed a live surveillance feed, while the other showed a chat window.
On the screen, a message appeared:
[Anton just made a few calls. He seems to have received some information. He's in transit now. His father, John Jameson, is still in the car.]
"How much longer? I can't wait!" the man snarled, his teeth grinding as his gaze returned to the monitor, which displayed a live feed of Anton driving out of the wealthy area.
[Almost there.]
The hacker on the other end of the chat window was meticulously tracking Anton's route.
[He seems to be heading to Wayne Enterprises.]
[Don't worry. The venue there is perfect for what you have planned.]
The blue-skinned man's lips curled into a wicked grin as he muttered under his breath, his anticipation growing.
….
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