"Necklace?"
Sharon stepped forward and picked up the vibranium necklace, surprised by how heavy it was. It weighed at least twenty kilograms.
"Boss, this is…"
Feeling the weight in her hands, Sharon's eyes widened.
Something this heavy had to be forged from either an alloy of kro-metal or pure vibranium.
She had recently heard that under Kevin's guidance, Helen Zhao had developed a nano-vibranium suit of armor.
"That's right, Sharon," Rowan said with a small smile. "This is Helen's newest creation the nano-vibranium battle suit. It might feel a little heavy for you now, but once you take the Heart-Shaped Herb, you should be able to handle it."
"Thank you, Boss!"
Sharon held the vibranium necklace with both hands, deeply moved.
She hadn't expected Rowan to gift her something this priceless.
Once equipped, this armor could withstand even a nuclear strike without sustaining damage. Its value wasn't just beyond wealth it was practically beyond nations.
"All right, Sharon, stop standing there. Try it on," Rowan said, amused. "The suit has already been coded with your DNA. Just think the command, and it will activate."
Sharon nodded, suppressing the excitement welling in her chest. She clasped the necklace around her neck. Though it dragged on her shoulders with its weight, she focused her mind and silently willed it to activate.
In an instant, particles streamed out from the necklace, spreading across her body like a tide.
The blue-black armor flowed into place, clinging to her form perfectly.
In the blink of an eye, Sharon transformed from a poised corporate elite into a heroine straight out of a movie.
Looking down at the snug, protective suit that filled her with confidence, Sharon's face lit up with joy.
After Rowan explained the functions of the armor, he dismissed her.
From her cheerful expression, he guessed she would head straight to Shuri and the others to discuss the Heart-Shaped Herb.
Once Sharon left, Rowan tidied up a few things and drove to the S.H.I.E.L.D. apartments.
His current ride was a vibranium supercar. Its sleek design resembled an Audi concept model, but the entire frame was forged from vibranium, custom-built for him by Shuri.
Its durability needed no explanation. The interior was luxurious, and the engine, also vibranium-based, was a marvel. At full power, it could reach speeds of 1,500 kilometers per hour faster than sound itself.
Rowan often thought that if he ever decided to use this thing like a bumper car, it would be ridiculously fun. After all, with insane speed, invincible defense, and perfect collision absorption, it was practically cheating.
Behind the wheel, he returned to S.H.I.E.L.D. in no time.
Tony had messaged him the day before: in two more days, the framework of the seaside villa would be complete.
That meant soon he could finally move out of these S.H.I.E.L.D. apartments.
He had lived here for years, so there was a bit of nostalgia.
But the space was cramped, and the building was crawling with S.H.I.E.L.D. agents and Hydra plants. Staying here wasn't really an option.
Rowan carried several shopping bags through the lobby, heading toward the elevator.
Just then, Maria Hill stepped out of the elevator with Nick Fury, carrying a light-gray case.
Rowan's sharp eyes caught the inscription on the side: Property of Howard Stark.
So Fury had finally decided to intervene after watching Tony spiral downward.
"Rowan, you're back," Hill greeted warmly.
Spotting the grocery bags in his hands, she instantly knew they were in for a feast tonight.
"Yeah." Rowan nodded. "Hill, I'll go start dinner. Don't be late."
"Okay."
"Wait a second, Rowan."
Just as he was about to step into the elevator, Fury called out.
Rowan glanced at him. "What is it?"
"Come to the rooftop after dinner. I need to talk to you," Fury said in a low, mysterious tone.
"No. I'm busy."
Rowan shook his head without hesitation.
Nothing good ever came from Fury's invitations.
Fury's face darkened, though with his complexion it was hard to tell.
"You realize how much trouble I went through to keep the Council off your back? Cut me some slack. Just show up."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice.
Rowan studied him for a moment.
It was true. For all the meteoric growth of Cross Industries, they hadn't faced much obstruction from government higher-ups. He had always assumed it was thanks to Sharon's Carter family ties. Clearly, Fury had been pulling strings as well.
"…Fine." Rowan gave a reluctant nod.
After all, Fury had been covering for him, and his sister was still working inside S.H.I.E.L.D.
Relieved, Fury gave a satisfied nod before leaving with Hill probably to track down Tony.
Rowan returned home, slipped off his shoes, and began cooking.
Years of using telekinesis in the kitchen had honed his multitasking skills. He could now handle four knives at once without effort.
Before long, Natasha arrived home first.
With her body healed and most of her inner burdens lifted, she no longer threw herself into work to drown out her thoughts.
Quietly peeking around, she confirmed Hill wasn't there and immediately dropped her restraint.
"Hey Natasha, don't start. I'm cooking."
Rowan hadn't intended to stop her when she entered the kitchen, but she suddenly crouched down, forcing his attention.
"Mmm… just keep doing what you're doing," Natasha murmured.
"Hill's coming back soon."
Rowan instinctively brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.
"Then I'd better hurry," she teased, smiling up at him.
"Stop it. What if she sees us?"
Her eyes glittered with mischief. She didn't reply, only quickened her pace.
Rowan's breath grew heavier until his expression suddenly changed.
A strange heat was rising through his body.
Startled, he looked down.
And froze in shock.
Natasha's cheeks were glowing faintly with a reddish light.
The Extremis virus.
Realization struck like lightning.
So that was the source of this overwhelming heat.
And in that instant, Rowan thought to himself in awe:
Natasha, you've truly mastered the Extremis virus.
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