Chapter 35: Loose Ends
If we reach top 5 in 30 day ranking then I'll make two chapters the day after tomorrow
As for the schedule generally i can't upload more than one chapter anymore.
Sorry for that
But my studies are intensifying!
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Niklaus Vought stood outside the hospital, his expression hardened as he took in the sight of the reporters still lingering around despite Vought's best efforts to suppress the story.
His jaw clenched in irritation.
Even after silencing most major news outlets, some stragglers remained, desperate for any scrap of information they could spin into a headline.
Not even the political parties dared to step out of line. Their funding, their medicine—all came from Vought. They knew better than to bite the hand that fed them.
Niklaus took a deep breath, adjusting his suit as he walked past the cameras, ignoring the flashing lights and murmured questions.
Inside, the sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, and the hushed tones of nurses and doctors created an atmosphere of tense calm.
Niklaus made his way to the room where Matthew Murdock was recovering, his mind already formulating the approach he would take.
When he reached the room, he was met by Jack Murdock, Matt's father.
Jack stood up from the chair he had been sitting in, his expression a mixture of anger and fear.
He was a rugged man, the kind who had seen too many fights, both in and out of the ring.
His hands clenched into fists at his sides, but he knew better than to act on his anger.
He was smart enough to understand that going up against Vought was a losing battle.
"Mr. Murdock," Niklaus greeted, his voice smooth and controlled. He extended a hand, but Jack didn't take it. Niklaus lowered his hand, unperturbed. "I'm here to discuss how Vought can make this right."
Jack's eyes narrowed. "Make it right?" he echoed, his voice tight with barely restrained fury. "My boy's blind because of your damn company. You think you can just walk in here and throw some money at us, and we'll forget about it?"
Niklaus held his gaze, unflinching. "I understand your anger, Mr. Murdock. But I'm not here to offer just money. I'm here to ensure that your son's future is secure."
Jack's posture remained tense, but the mention of his son's future made him pause. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice wary.
Niklaus took a step closer, his tone softening, almost empathetic. "Vought is prepared to cover all of Matt's medical expenses, including any specialized treatments or surgeries he may need. Additionally, we're offering to fund his education—In our own school, the best teachers, whatever he needs to ensure he has every opportunity to succeed."
Jack's anger flickered, replaced by the weight of the reality he faced.
He knew the kind of power Vought wielded.
Fighting them would only bring more pain and suffering to his family. But the thought of taking their money left a bitter taste in his mouth.
"And what's the catch?" Jack asked, his voice low.
"No catch," Niklaus replied smoothly. "All we ask is that this matter stays between us. No interviews, no lawsuits. We want to make sure Matt gets the best care possible without any distractions after all."
Jack looked down at his hands, the weight of the decision heavy on his shoulders.
He was a proud man, but he wasn't a fool.
He knew that going against Vought would only hurt his son in the long run. Slowly, he nodded, his voice filled with resignation. "Fine. But if you ever think about hurting my boy —"
Niklaus cut him off, his voice as cold as ice. "That won't be necessary, Mr. Murdock. I assure you, Matt will be well taken care of."
Niklaus met Jack's resigned nod with a cool, confident expression, signaling the moment for the next step.
With a subtle gesture, he motioned to the suited lawyer standing just outside the room.
The man stepped in, carrying a sleek leather briefcase which he placed on the small table in the corner.
"Mr. Murdock," Niklaus began, his tone businesslike now, "This is the official Non-Disclosure Agreement, as well as the compensation package that we discussed."
"Everything is outlined clearly—Matt's medical expenses, his admission and full scholarship to Vought Academy, and a substantial financial settlement for your family."
The lawyer opened the briefcase, retrieving a stack of papers and a pen, which he handed to Jack.
Jack hesitated, his eyes flickering over the documents reading them more than twice, before he looked back at his son, who was lying still in the hospital bed, bandages covering his eyes.
Jack's hand trembled slightly as he reached for the pen.
His pride warred with the knowledge that this was the best chance for Matt to have a good future.
He signed the papers, each stroke of the pen feeling like a nail in the coffin of his anger and bitterness.
As Jack finished signing the last document, the lawyer swiftly gathered the papers, placing them back into the briefcase with practiced efficiency.
He nodded to Niklaus, who then turned back to Jack.
"Everything will be taken care of from here," Niklaus said, his voice firm. "The funds will be transferred to your account within the next 24 hours. Matt will be enrolled at Vought School as soon as he's ready. And rest assured, Mr. Murdock—this will be the last time you'll need to worry about your son's future."
Jack didn't respond.
He simply nodded again, his eyes downcast, the fight drained from him.
The bitterness still lingered, but it was overshadowed by the acceptance of his decision.
Niklaus offered a curt nod in return before turning on his heel and exiting the room, the lawyer following closely behind.
As they walked down the sterile hospital corridor, Niklaus couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
The situation had been handled efficiently, and Vought's interests were secured.
Outside the hospital, the cameras still flashed, but Niklaus didn't spare them a glance.
With the signed agreement in hand, the story of Matthew Murdock would be quietly buried, just another chapter in Vought's carefully managed narrative.
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Sitting in his car, Niklaus leaned back, his mind racing.
The settlement with the Murdocks is now wrapped up, and the media's focus would eventually shift.
But the lingering coverage still gnawed at him.
He needed something bigger, something that would completely drown out any remaining chatter about the incident.
His eyes flickered to the sun as it began to set, casting long shadows over the city.
A thought crept into his mind—a bold, audacious idea.
He wouldn't just let this story fade away; he would bury it under something so massive that no one would even remember the name Matthew Murdock.
What he needed was a spectacle, a grand display of power and heroism that only Homelander could pull off.
Something that would dominate the headlines and make people forget everything else.
He needed to make a big splash, the kind that would leave the world in awe.
As Homelander, he had the means to do it.
All he had to do was choose the right moment, the right event, and make sure it was one that no one could ignore.
It didn't matter what it was, as long as it was big enough to overshadow everything else.
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