Chapitre 35: Chapter 35 Sincerity
"Phil Coulson?"
Anton paused, looking at the slightly bald man before him. He thought to himself that while Coulson didn't quite look like the others, they shared a common trait: thinning hair.
Perhaps all friendly men have the same weakness.
Coulson felt a bit uncomfortable under Anton's gaze, sensing an unkind look that seemed to target his "sore spot."
"I'm here because of yesterday's events," Coulson said, ignoring Anton's unfriendly look, his tone remaining gentle.
He got straight to the point: "Please come with me. I'm here on behalf of S.H.I.E.L.D., and I'd like to discuss a few things."
"And how will we discuss this?"
Anton crossed his arms, his tone casual and nonchalant.
"Your companions are already waiting in the meeting room," Coulson replied.
"Alright, let's go," Anton raised an eyebrow, signaling Coulson to lead the way.
In the hotel's meeting room, Eddie, Annie, and Dan Levis had already arrived. They sat around the conference table under the watchful eyes of S.H.I.E.L.D. agents.
Eddie observed the agents closely, a look of surprise crossing his face.
Even without Venom's reminder, he could tell these people had undergone special training, carrying themselves with a unique aura.
S.H.I.E.L.D.—a government organization.
No doubt they were here because of the incident on the Golden Gate Bridge!
Two monsters battling, with Batman joining the fray!
If an incident like that didn't attract the attention of a special department, did they think the government was just feeding them for nothing?
"Anton."
A few minutes later, they saw a sleepy-eyed Anton saunter into the room, led by Coulson.
"So, Coulson, what do you want?" Anton asked, nodding at Eddie and the others, signaling them to stay calm. He pulled out a chair and sat down with an air of authority.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Phil Coulson from S.H.I.E.L.D., the person responsible for this conversation," Coulson introduced himself to Eddie and the others and continued, "We've looked into yesterday's events. Carlton Drake is guilty of severe crimes, and we'll ensure he faces the strictest punishment. He won't be leaving prison for the rest of his life."
"No need to emphasize that. With or without you, Drake would be locked up for life," Anton replied confidently with a faint smile. "Departments like yours always arrive after the incident. You're here today to ask about the symbiotes, right? You'd be better off asking the Life Foundation's lab staff."
"That's partly true," Coulson acknowledged without taking offense. "Considering the people here, one of whom is currently the only symbiote host in the world, it's natural for us to be interested. Besides, S.H.I.E.L.D. would like to establish stronger ties with both of you."
"Stronger ties?" Eddie asked, surprised, looking at Coulson. "What does that mean?"
"This world isn't as peaceful as it may seem, and S.H.I.E.L.D. has contributed significantly to maintaining that peace," Coulson explained. "Some might think we arrived too late, but this was more of a test."
"A test of Eddie and me?" Anton asked.
"Exactly. You both passed the test, so we'd like you to become special consultants for S.H.I.E.L.D., helping us handle similar incidents," Coulson said. "In return, we'll take care of the aftermath, including any future complications."
"And if we don't agree, you won't clean things up?" Anton pressed.
"No, we'll still handle it," Coulson replied, keeping his friendly smile. "Whenever you need us, S.H.I.E.L.D.'s doors are always open."
"I'd like to see some sincerity before you say that," Anton remarked.
"In fact, we've already shown sincerity," Coulson responded, handing a check to Eddie. "Osborn Corporation asked me to apologize to Mr. Brock and assured him there will be no further harassment. Additionally, Norman Osborn has agreed to transfer ten percent of the Life Foundation's shares to the Jameson family."
Eddie glanced at the check, stunned by the zeros in front of him.
Ten million!
And that was just part of the apology.
Eddie understood well what ten percent of the Life Foundation's shares meant—a multi-billion-dollar deal, handed over to the Jameson family behind Anton. Osborn Corporation's wealth was truly astounding.
"That does seem sincere," Anton admitted, stroking his chin, then politely declined. "Alright, as for S.H.I.E.L.D.'s invitation, Eddie and I will carefully consider it."
S.H.I.E.L.D. might seem powerful, but it was practically a mess, filled with all sorts of issues. Anton wasn't naive enough to jump into that pit, especially with Hydra lurking within its ranks. Until Hydra was dealt with, S.H.I.E.L.D. was far from a safe place. For now, he'd maintain only a surface-level relationship, as Coulson seemed to suggest.
"Then I won't keep you any longer," Coulson smiled, understanding Anton's implication. He left a contact card and said, "You can reach me whenever you need."
"Will do," Anton nodded.
"Oh, one more thing."
Before leaving, Coulson looked at Annie and Levis, who had been observing silently, and politely said, "Ms. Weying and Mr. Levis, I have a confidentiality agreement for you to sign."
"Uh…" Annie and Levis exchanged a glance, surprised to be involved, but they agreed without hesitation.
A few minutes later, Coulson and his team left.
Anton and the others remained in the meeting room.
Eddie repeatedly ran his fingers over the check, grinning from ear to ear. He'd never imagined his biggest payday would come from something akin to extortion and compensation.
"Enough grinning!" Anton rolled his eyes. "Since things are settled, maybe it's time to think about getting back to a normal life?"
"What?" Eddie looked blankly. "I'm a millionaire now. Do I really need a job?"
Anton gave him a stern look. "I've saved the editor-in-chief position at the Daily bugle just for you. You're not planning to ditch me, are you?"
"A short break isn't too much, is it?" Eddie asked tentatively.
"Three days!" Anton said firmly. "Then you're back in New York on time."
"Alright," Eddie agreed. Though the break seemed a bit short, he accepted. After all the recent chaos, he could use a bit of normalcy to help him readjust.
He paused, remembering the man from the agency, "Phil Coulson."
"Phil?" Eddie thought for a moment, looking at Anton, a hint of concern on his face. "Did we forget about someone?"
Elsewhere in a San Francisco apartment…
Phil Urich was jumping for joy, watching the viral "Golden Gate Bridge Monster Battle" video online. Since the story broke, he had been sending emails to both Anton and Eddie.
Neither of them had replied.
Phil figured they were busy dealing with the fallout, completely unaware that his two bosses had spent the night partying and had completely forgotten their junior colleague, left alone in San Francisco.
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone