The giant sun gradually disappeared behind Gotham's skyscrapers, its light fading into the shadows of the night.
Darkness quietly spread through the luxurious hotel suite, swallowing it whole. The crystal chandelier in the living room remained unlit.
The only illumination came from Diana's golden Lasso of Truth — a divine artifact forged by the God of Fire. Unbreakable, it compelled absolute honesty from anyone bound by it, a weapon of divine justice and truth.
If he were the one tied up by it, Malrick wasn't sure he would be immune. Divine artifacts forged by ancient Earth gods shouldn't be able to restrain him.
But given how unpredictable things in the DC Universe could be, he wasn't about to take chances.
So it wasn't him tied up right now.
It was Tony.
Poor, brave Tony.
He had been lounging in the corner of the living room earlier, watching the scene unfold through Jarvis's interface. When Malrick returned that afternoon with two women — Diana and Kara — the atmosphere between them was tense.
Tony's curiosity immediately flared. Following Jarvis's suggestion, he conjured a recliner from his nano suit, poured himself a cup of coffee, and settled in like an audience member at a live drama.
He was grinning from ear to ear.
When Malrick was younger, he'd always ruined Tony's good moments. This was poetic justice. Adding a little drama when Malrick was interrogated by two women seemed fair.
But things didn't go the way Tony imagined.
He'd been in similar situations — two women, one billionaire — and it always ended the same. One stormed off, or both melted under his wealth and charm.
But Malrick…
He was calmly sitting across from Diana and Kara, telling stories about his past adventures.
Tony blinked. The two women weren't angry at all. They simply asked Malrick to clarify, and whether he intended to take responsibility.
So, Malrick began talking about his past.
He spoke of awakening his latent power and sunbathing in orbit for years to absorb stellar radiation.
He spoke of rescuing trained assassins from the Red Room, saving the world from a viral catastrophe, fighting HYDRA, confronting Dormammu, and defeating the Skrulls.
By the time he finished recounting his cosmic-scale battles, both Diana and Kara were staring at him, mesmerized.
Tony froze mid-sip.
Oh no… he turned it around.
Women loved heroes — and now they were looking at Malrick like he was the embodiment of legend.
Tony slammed a hand on his thigh and stood up. "Ladies! You're ignoring the real issue here!"
His words cut straight into Malrick's weak spot.
"What he did in the past doesn't matter! So what if he's a hero who saved the world? That doesn't mean it's right for him to play with your feelings!" Tony declared passionately. "You should ask him properly — which one of you he's choosing!"
Satisfied with his performance, Tony sat down again, taking another sip of coffee, smugly watching the tension unfold.
But before he could swallow, Diana spoke up.
"But Malrick didn't just save the world," she said softly. "He saved me."
"Same here," Kara added, "He rescued me from that lead containment house."
Tony nearly choked on his drink.
Fortunately, Diana turned back to Malrick with a frown.
"Mr. Stark is right about one thing, though. Malrick, why do you attract so many women?"
Kara nodded, curious.
Tony leaned back, satisfied again.
But Malrick lowered his head and sighed deeply, his voice filled with mock pain and sorrow.
"It's all because my brother… is Tony."
Tony froze. "What the—? How is this my fault?!"
Malrick leaned back and began his tale solemnly. "I was adopted. After my parents passed away, Tony raised me. He took me everywhere — parties, events, galas. When things got heated with women, he'd put me aside to watch."
Tony blinked, confused. "I… left you with Jarvis, didn't I?"
But Malrick continued, his tone heavy with false melancholy.
"You see, childhood experiences shape us. Diana grew up hearing about gods and heroes — so she became one. Kara, despite years of imprisonment, stayed kind because of her parents' teachings."
He paused dramatically.
"As for me? My only role model was Tony. When I was a baby, I didn't understand what went on between men and women at night. But every morning, I'd see different women leaving — some sad, some smiling. From that moment, I made a vow."
He looked up, eyes full of noble conviction.
"All the girls in the world are so pitiful. I can't just care for them for a single night… I must help every one of them find happiness."
Tony stared, speechless.
Even Jarvis broke the silence. "Sir, based on family psychology, his conclusion seems... understandable. Your mentorship may have been, shall we say, inadequate."
Tony groaned, covering his face with his coffee cup.
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