The black sedan drove along Fifth Avenue, passing by the East River where the first lights of evening had already begun to twinkle... Towering skyscrapers, like spears thrusting into the sky, lined the riverbanks...
This was Manhattan's Upper East Side, the most coveted residential district for New York's wealthy elite, often referred to as the "Gold Coast" by outsiders. Many of society's upper crust preferred to purchase property here, flaunting their considerable wealth and refined tastes.
The military provided generous benefits to its high-ranking officers, and General Ross, hailing from a prestigious Northern family, certainly had no financial worries.
For the average person, buying a home in the ultra-expensive Upper East Side might require decades of hard work, but for a top military figure, it was as easy as a wave of the hand.
This iron-willed general, known as 'Thunderbolt' within the Department of Defense, was born into a traditional military family. His father and grandfather had both served with distinction in American wars.
In his youth, he graduated at the top of his class from West Point, later marrying the daughter of a commanding officer and rapidly rising to the rank of captain. His ascent through the ranks was as meteoric as it was improbable.
By the time Ross fought in his first war, he had already become one of the youngest majors in history...
His leadership in battle earned him immense prestige, and his fearless lead-from-the-front style silenced any lingering doubts about his rapid promotion.
Over his long military career, his battlefield achievements and uncompromising attitude won him the admiration of the Defense Department's hawkish faction, propelling him swiftly to the rank of general...
The black sedan pulled up in front of a modern-style duplex villa.
Dressed formally, Sean stepped out as the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city. He walked up to the door and rang the bell. A servant answered... General Ross had been waiting in his study for some time...
"The military is very satisfied with Ivan Vanko's energy weapon design. Considering its power, the cost isn't exorbitant, and it's durable enough for mass production."
General Ross was extremely pleased with Sean's gift. He had always valued pragmatism, and compared to the many young men who were all talk and no substance, this low-key mild-mannered ally was growing on him more and more.
What had begun as a mutually beneficial relationship was now becoming closer. This young man, whose influence continued to deepen, had long since earned the right to stand as his equal. And so, General Ross was now considering taking their connection one step further.
"Technology changes lives," Sean said, sounding almost like he was reciting an advertising slogan, "The future holds endless possibilities. Energy weapons could revolutionize warfare, I have no doubt about that."
The young man's words resonated deeply with General Ross. He had dedicated his entire life to the United States, rising from a lowly soldier to a three-star general, wielding power beyond most people's imagination. Everything he had done was in service of military honor and a sense of duty to his country.
"Resources and land have always been the eternal themes of human conflict. The old era is over. As a great man once said, 'The world is yours, and ours, but in the end, it will be yours.' Sean, you're like Stark in his rise... you will usher in a new age." The general clapped Sean on the shoulder, his voice thick with emotion.
"The future won't be limited to just energy weapons. We can achieve so much more," Sean said earnestly.
General Ross nodded as he opened a bottle of brandy with enthusiasm and invited Sean to join him.
The Military Committee's debriefing hadn't affected him much... only the Hulk capture operation had been temporarily suspended.
This left Ross deeply frustrated. He had an inexplicable obsession with that green beast, but the Department of Defense had prohibited any further tracking of Bruce Banner.
He had originally planned to select an elite soldier from the military, inject them with a modified version of the failed super-soldier serum, and pit them against the Hulk.
Blonsky, who had performed admirably during the capture operation, would have been the perfect candidate. But now, all of that was just a pipe dream.
"God bless America," the general toasted.
Sean raised his glass in agreement. He and General Ross were now inseparable allies. On top of that, he had cultivated a strong personal connection with the ambitious Vice President.
Through these strategic partnerships, he was steadily weaving a complex web of influence... much like the entrenched mega-corporations, using intricate exchanges of interest to solidify his position.
Having finished with official matters, the general turned his attention to Sean's personal life. Adopting the tone of a kindly elder, he asked, "Are you seeing anyone?"
"I had a crush on a girl in high school once. She was the cheer captain. A gorgeous girl with a killer figure. But I transferred schools a lot... from L.A. to New York, then to Manhattan. We kept in touch at first, but eventually, things just fizzled out." Sean spun the lie effortlessly.
He knew exactly what the general was hinting at. From a strategic marriage perspective, this was undoubtedly an excellent opportunity... a union between him and military influence would multiply his power and reach.
But on the other hand, it would also be an invisible shackle. Umbrella would forever bear the military's stamp, adding constraints and complications to its path forward. In the long run, the drawbacks might outweigh the benefits.
"Young love is always beautiful but fleeting. The road ahead is long, and choosing a life partner is a crucial decision, much like selecting a business partner. Sometimes, you have to pick the right person."
The general's words were steeped in pragmatism, a perspective shared by most of high society.
Cinderella and Prince Charming only existed in fairy tales. In the real world, marriages built on mutual interest often proved more stable than those fueled by fleeting passion.
Of course, Sean had never been particularly moved by such arguments. At his current level of influence, he had no need to force himself into anything. Besides, the general's approval was likely temporary... he might not truly be willing to marry his precious daughter to a playboy (a label Sean could arguably claim, given his current romantic entanglements)...
The general didn't press the issue. He knew this young man had a strong will and wouldn't be easily swayed.
He also believed Betty could capture Sean's attention. That way, his daughter could finally move on from that dangerous Bruce Banner, and the bond between the Ross family and Sean would grow stronger... no longer just an alliance of convenience.
"I'm hosting a family dinner tomorrow. If you're free, you should come." Ross chuckled, "Oh, and you haven't met my daughter yet, have you? Betty, my little angel. I'll introduce you. I'm sure you youngsters will have plenty to talk about."
Sean smiled faintly and nodded, though inwardly, he found the situation bizarre. Why did this feel like some awkward blind date setup?
An image flashed through his mind... a certain Asgardian prince being ragdolled by the Hulk like a punching bag…
"Dr. Banner, I'm being forced into this," the young man muttered silently...