"Get to Mason Industries immediately and find out how they achieved this."
"See what it will take for them to cooperate with us."
"No matter the cost, bring Mason Industries' technology back!"
"Try to get close to Gene Mason. Find out what he likes—whatever it is, give it to him."
"I want that technology!"
Governments around the world were mobilizing, eager to uncover the secrets behind Gene Mason's astonishing rocket launch.
At the same time, their radars and satellites were all locked onto the rockets in the sky, desperately analyzing every detail, hoping to extract valuable intelligence.
Atop the Mason Industries building, the journalists had finally snapped out of their shock. They now turned toward Gene Mason like a pack of hungry wolves eyeing fresh meat.
"Mr. Mason! Mr. Mason! Can we have a moment of your time for an interview?"
"Mr. Mason, how did Mason Industries accomplish such a feat?"
"Mr. Mason, your company is truly incredible!"
Faced with the frenzied reporters, Gene simply smiled and said, "If you have any questions, Skynet will answer them on my behalf."
As he spoke, the ground beneath him suddenly opened up, revealing an elevator platform.
Before the stunned reporters could react, Gene was already descending.
Just as the platform was about to close, a stunning female reporter suddenly made a swift, agile move—leaping forward and landing gracefully onto the elevator before it disappeared from sight.
Her movements were so fast that even the other reporters were momentarily stunned.
"What just happened?"
"Did someone just jump in?"
"Yeah, and she was pretty good-looking too."
"These people will do anything for a scoop."
…
Once they snapped back to reality, the reporters began criticizing the reckless journalist who had just vanished with Gene Mason.
"So, you're saying… you want to be my secretary?"
Gene's eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked at the alluring woman standing before him. According to her press ID, her name was Selena.
"Yes, Mr. Mason. I believe my skills make me an excellent candidate for your secretary," Selena replied seductively, her voice dripping with charm.
"Alright, then it's decided. I'll take you to sign the contract shortly," Gene said, his expression unreadable.
Selena froze.
That was… too easy.
Wasn't Gene Mason rumored to be completely indifferent to women? Yet today, he accepted her offer without hesitation. Something wasn't right.
As the platform descended into the heart of the Umbrella Corporation facility, a massive metallic door slowly opened.
Selena's breath hitched.
The sight before her was unlike anything she had ever seen.
The walls, sleek and metallic, gleamed with an almost otherworldly luster. Cutting-edge equipment lined the interior, and a team of highly skilled personnel worked in perfect synchronization.
This… was definitely not an office where contracts were signed.
...
"Selena, just stand in front of me, and we'll begin the contract signing," Gene said, his voice still calm and friendly.
But something about his smile now sent chills down her spine.
"Mr. Mason, please don't joke with me. If you don't want me as your secretary, just let me leave," she said with a forced smile, her eyes darting around, searching for an escape route.
Gene chuckled softly.
"Selena… or should I say, Natalia Alianovna Romanova?"
His voice was still gentle, but the words sent a cold shiver down her spine.
Black Widow's heart pounded in her chest.
"Mr. Mason, I don't understand what you're saying," she responded, forcing herself to maintain her cover.
"A person can disguise their face with makeup, but their movement patterns remain unchanged."
"Unfortunately for you, Ms. Romanoff, your body movements perfectly match a certain someone in our database."
Gene smiled again, but this time, it was a predator's smile.
"Or should I address you properly as Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D… Black Widow?"
__
Black Widow's mind went blank.
How?!
Her cover had been flawless. Every detail had been meticulously prepared. Yet, in mere moments, Gene Mason had seen through her disguise.
"Mr. Mason, since you already know my identity, then please let me leave. You should understand—S.H.I.E.L.D. sent me only to gather information about you."
Now that her cover was blown, Black Widow dropped all pretense, standing tall as a seasoned agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Gene, however, showed no sign of concern.
"You have quite the fascinating history, Ms. Romanoff."
He waved his hand, and suddenly, a holographic screen materialized in the air.
The screen displayed a detailed record of her past.
Everything.
From her childhood in the Red Room…
To her most classified S.H.I.E.L.D. missions…
Every piece of data was there.
Her pupils shrank in shock.
How was this possible?
These records should have been top-secret.
How did Gene Mason get his hands on them?
"Did you think Mason Industries was a place S.H.I.E.L.D. agents could just waltz into as they pleased?"
Gene's tone remained calm, yet his words carried an undeniable weight.
"You infiltrate my building, show no remorse, and then try to act as if you're the victim?"
"This is how S.H.I.E.L.D. agents operate?"
Black Widow's expression darkened.
This situation… wasn't going to end peacefully.
"If that's the case… then I'll apologize later."
Her eyes gleamed with a dangerous light.
She had only one goal now—neutralize Gene Mason.
If she could subdue him, then getting out of here would be simple.
In a flash, she moved.
Her legs shot out like twin whips, closing the distance in an instant.
Gene Mason was right in front of her—so close she could feel his breath.
She just needed to—
...
Suddenly.
A hand clamped around her throat.
Like an iron vice.
A terrifying force lifted her off the ground.
She couldn't breathe.
Her vision blurred.
Her limbs flailed, but she couldn't break free.
Gene Mason held her aloft with a single hand, his grip unrelenting.
Black Widow's face turned red from lack of oxygen.
Her mind screamed in disbelief.
How… how could he be this strong?!
Just before she lost consciousness, she heard his voice one last time.
__
"You dare use force against me?"
"You truly don't know your place."
Then, everything faded to black.
--------------
T/N:
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