Chapter (10) Captain Marvel In NY

Baxter building

New York

___________

Pepper Potts leads May to a secluded hall, away from the vibrancy and enthusiastic atmosphere of the party downstairs.

It isn't the first time they have met; being someone that Darius is pursuing, obviously she met May. In the past, it was often , so they can be called good friends now.

"Pepper... why did you bring me here? Don't you want to enjoy the party? What if Mr. Tony gets seduced by some bad woman again?" May asks, aware of Pepper's feelings for Tony, as they are well aware of it.

"Bad woman? He's the one who can't control his lower body, like a dog always sniffing strange stuff. If someone is at fault, it's him, not those women. I don't know why the hell I even like him... just forget about him, sister May... tell me about your life at Inferno Estate," Pepper replies with a tinge of resentment and frustration, countering May's questions.

"Everything is good, and I'm very happy. My husband loves me to the point where sometimes I think I don't deserve it. He's kind and extremely loyal, just like I've always imagined my love would be... hehe... it's so good," May answers, without any reluctance, praising her deserving husband.

And what she says isn't a lie, as Darius is actually extremely affectionate towards his petite wife, making her feel cherished and reassured every time.

"It's good to be optimistic, but you don't know men that well, sister. While it's good that Darius is treating you the way you deserve, don't forget he is buddies with men like Tony. To say he is innocent is a bit much if you ask me... who knows if he has a woman outside... what if she is also pregnant with his child..." Pepper voices her concerns, based on what she had seen in a TV show last night where an innocent girl, similar to May, was betrayed.

"No... don't you dare, sister... even if the world turns upside down, I dare say my husband won't touch any other woman, let alone have an illegitimate child," May drops her drink from her hand, completely angry with what her ungrateful sister had said.

How could she try to sow discord between her and her husband?

That's what May thinks.

"I'm sorry, May... I didn't mean to hurt you. I'm just concerned about you. Let's just forget it and talk about something else. Where is Mary? She didn't come, although I sent her an invitation," Pepper changes the subject, watching May's upset expression.

She feels a little guilty for causing this rift in her devoted heart.

"I'm sorry, Pepper. I didn't mean to snap at you like that. I'm sorry too. As for Mary, she couldn't make it, I suppose. She's been busy with work lately, she and Mr. Parker also a couple, next I think they will be one to get married... I also hope one day also get married to someone who deserves you." May tries to calm herself down, realizing that her outburst was uncalled for.

Most importantly, pepper  was concerned about her just now, and in this world, it is hard to find people who truly care about you.

At the same time...

Darius finds himself in front of a majestic-looking young man who introduces himself as Victor Von Doom.

"And so, Mr. Darius, I've developed something truly remarkable," Victor says, his eyes alight with passion. "It's a sustainable energy source that could transform the world... if you want, I can show it to you anytime. I believe investing in me would also be beneficial for your Inferno Enterprises."

Darius, on the other hand, is in a dilemma. He had only watched MCU movies in his previous life, and there was no mention of such a character there. He believes, every scientist can be a scum in such a world, thus he just nods.

"This is just the beginning," Victor continues. "With your investment, we could accelerate development and make a real difference... and most importantly, my college friend Reed Richards is also helping me. In case, sir, you don't know, he is also a freak when it comes to science."

"Okay... you can leave your business card with me. I'll contact you when I have time," Darius responds.

"Please do so. I assure you won't regret it, Mr. Darius," Doctor Victor, who is still not graduated, exclaims proudly.

______________

Unknown streets of Hell's kitchen

______________

The streets of New York bustle with activity as Vanessa desperately flees from a group of ruthless gangsters.

Her car breaks down, leaving her no choice but to run on foot. Every step she takes sends waves of pain throughout her body.

Just two days ago, she gave birth to her daughter, and her wounds have not yet healed.

Clutching her newborn tightly in her arms, Vanessa knows she can't let these gangsters harm her child.

"Don't worry, sweetie. I know I made a mistake, but I won't let anyone kill you," she whispers, her voice filled with determination despite the torment she feels.

A figure with green eyes flashes in her mind, half-responsible for their predicament.

If only they had controlled their hormones that night, maybe her married life would still have been peaceful. Of course, when she looks into her daughter's green eyes, she feels it was not a bad decision at all.

The gangsters, growing frustrated by her escape, aim their revolvers at Vanessa.

Sixteen guns point directly at her as the pale, unmistakably mixed-race woman braces herself for the worst.

"Madam, if you run, we'll shoot. The boss has already ordered it. He doesn't care if you die," one of them threatens Vanessa.

Obviously, it's a lie; the kingpin doesn't want her to die. He's now searching for all the green-eyed men throughout the city, sending them to meet their maker one by one.

Frightened, Vanessa's face reveals a blend of American and Asian heritage, her expression now mostly one of despair.

"No... Don't... I'll listen," she pleads, her hope dwindling.

She has to play along for her daughter's sake.

She turns around slowly, facing a group of men in black with grotesque and ugly features.

Just as they are about to capture her, a powerful and assertive female voice echoes through the air.

"Everywhere I go in C53, there are always people like you," the voice declares.

It's none other than Carol Danvers, also known as Captain Marvel.

Carol, growing impatient waiting for Nick Fury's contact, has decided to explore New York City and lend a helping hand wherever she can.

Unlike Darius Inferno, who often commits righteous acts under coercion, Carol is inherently righteous.

The gang leader threatens Carol, warning her to stay out of their business.

"Woman, it's better for you to not get involved in this. It's between us and the madam. Otherwise, don't blame my boys if they rape you; you look delicate," he sneers.

But to his surprise, Carol's clothes transform, and she now dons a fancy red costume.

However, that's not the only change; a strange energy emits from her body, alien to the gangsters.

Before they can process what's happening, energy blasts shoot them all down, leaving them scattered on the ground.

One unfortunate gangster falls into an open sewer and drowns.

"T..Thank you, miss," Vanessa says, bowing her head slightly in gratitude.

"No need to thank me. Do you need any further help...miss?" Carol asks, concerned as she notices blood dripping from Vanessa's gown onto the concrete.

Carol quickly deduces that fighting without her powers would be a waste of time in this critical situation.

In response to Carol's question, Vanessa pulls out a business card and hands it to her.

"Can you contact him and tell him about my situation, miss? My name is Vanessa," she pleads.

Carol snatches the card from her hand and reads the name on it.

"Darius Inferno, CEO of Inferno Enterprises."