Chapter 84
Leon briefly explained Tony Stark's disappearance. Alexei's expression shifted to one of sudden understanding, but gloating quickly followed, showing his lack of fondness for Stark Industries.
Continuing, Leon shared that while the Sky Fortress's energy problem could be easily solved, the source was tricky to explain. He couldn't risk exposing the existence of Sky Blade. The Ark Reactor seemed like a good alternative.
"In that case, maybe we can use Tony Stark to our advantage," Leon mused aloud.
"Use him? But hasn't he been missing for two or three months? After being gone that long, he's probably dead," Yelena objected.
Leon chuckled, shaking his head. "Not necessarily. Everyone has a motive. I think it is someone in his company who is behind the kidnapping. Ordinary terrorists or criminals are just not equipped enough to do that. A billionaire and genius weapons developer? They want something—money, technology, or something else."
"Leon's right. The odds are Stark is still alive," Natasha agreed.
"So, if we save him, do you think he'll thank us with a few Ark Reactors?" Leon asked casually, taking a sip of juice. The taste was refreshing, reminding him how juice and coffee easily trump wine.
Alexei grinned, thumping his chest with confidence. "If we save him and he doesn't show gratitude, I'll take an arm off and make sure he's no longer a man."
Yelena smirked. "He'd probably be just freaked out by Alexei and call the cops."
"Haha!" The other couldn't help but laugh.
Alexei wasn't offended or embarrassed by Yelena's joke; instead, he felt proud. For this Eastern European man, having a fearsome body and appearance was something to take pride in.
"Then let's save this billionaire," Leon said with a smile.
After enjoying a lovely morning, Leon, Natasha, and the others had a lavish, nutritious lunch on the manor's rooftop. The sheer variety amazed Alexei: roasted whole chicken, pan-fried steak, lamb chops, hairy crabs, and other seafood filled the table. Alexei boasted that he could handle it all, but when he saw Natasha and Leon's appetites, he was stunned.
They ate enough food for five or six adults by themselves, finishing the entire spread quickly and gracefully. Alexei, shocked, had no chance to eat more and wondered if Natasha and Melina were emotionally starving during their time apart.
Naturally, Yelena didn't let the opportunity pass, teasing Alexei about his earlier boast.
After lunch, everyone returned to the main manor. The maids had already tidied up, allowing Yelena and the others to take a short break. Finally, Leon revealed the surprise he had prepared for Natasha.
Super Soldier Serum.
As Natasha gazed at the injection tube in front of her, her delicate and charming face lit up with astonishment. "Is this the surprise you prepared for me?" she asked, stretching out her hand to pick it up. A slight smile appeared on her lips, and a ripple of intrigue danced in her beautiful eyes as she regarded Leon. She sensed that he was becoming more mysterious with each passing day.
"This serum can enhance your physical capabilities significantly," Leon explained with a smile. "After injection, your strength will skyrocket. It will require a short period of adaptation, but since you have already built a foundation during your time in the Ural Mountains, this adjustment period will be shorter."
He gently touched her back, emphasizing her figure as he spoke. "And it will also repair any wounds in your body."
Natasha's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she repeated his words in disbelief. "Repair all wounds?"
"Everything," Leon confirmed with a nod.
A complex mix of emotions washed over Natasha—excitement and hope intertwined with memories of her past. The truth weighed heavily on her: she was not a complete woman. After enduring rigorous training in the Red Room, Dreykov had cruelly removed her uterus, stripping her of the natural ability to conceive. It was an indelible trauma that had buried deep within her heart.
Like many women, Natasha desired to embrace her womanhood, but she felt that this was taken from her. Now, however, she saw a glimmer of hope.
All of this was brought about by Leon. Natasha looked at him, her beautiful eyes shimmering with affection. His handsome face and gentle gaze radiated warmth, illuminating her like the sun. He had changed her destiny, guiding her out of confusion. Now, he was here to help her heal her remaining regrets and traumas.
"Leon~~" Natasha couldn't contain her emotions any longer. She reached out, hugged him tightly, and buried her head in his neck. Leon felt Natasha's unique softness, but instead of feeling overwhelmed, he was filled with concern. He understood that beneath her tough exterior as a secret agent, she was incredibly tender—just like now, when she finally opened her heart and let go of the need to pretend.
The two embraced in silence and tenderness for a long time. He gently patted her shoulder and whispered softly, "Go, Natasha, be your true self."
"Um," Natasha replied, leaving Leon's arms and nodding tenderly.