Chapter 69: Uncle Ben’s Death, Peter Goes Away

Gwen approached Ethan with a bright smile on her face, showing no signs of being upset that he hadn't returned home the previous night. She now understood that her boyfriend was one of the wealthiest individuals in New York.

"Ethan, thank you for the gift. I received it, and it's absolutely beautiful—I love it!" she said, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

Ethan, naturally slipping an arm around Gwen's slender waist, leaned in close and whispered, "At the prom this weekend, I want you to be the center of attention."

Gwen beamed. "Then I think we need to practice our dancing," she said, eager to perfect their moves for the big night.

"This is an important moment for you, and I support you unconditionally," Ethan replied, his voice low and reassuring. "Why don't you come over to my apartment tonight in a dress, and we'll practice? I'm sure Ms. Tracy won't mind."

"Deal," Gwen giggled, agreeing without hesitation.

Back in the classroom, the upcoming prom was the main topic of conversation. After the prom, Gwen and many of their classmates would be preparing for the college entrance exams. However, Ethan had already decided not to pursue university.

Hannah, sitting beside him, leaned over and whispered, "Ethan, did you hear?"

"Hear what?" Ethan asked quietly.

"Peter Parker got accepted to the University of London, but his uncle Ben disagreed with his decision. They had a big argument, and Peter ran away from home. Uncle Ben went out to look for him and… he was shot and killed on the street," Hannah said, her voice heavy with sorrow.

Ethan could tell that Hannah had feelings for Peter. "Poor Peter," he said with a sigh.

"Peter Parker has left the school," Hannah added sadly.

"That must've been a devastating blow for him," Ethan mused, though his heart felt weighed down by the news.

Even though he had tried to alter the course of events, fate's powerful corrections were at work again. Still, Gwen had become Spider-Woman, and with her abilities, she could protect herself from many threats. Ethan's role now was to deal with the enemies she couldn't handle.

"Yeah, who knows when we'll see him again after graduation," Hannah said, her tone somber.

"It could be tomorrow, or it could be next year. Maybe we'll never meet again," Ethan said, reflecting on his past life. Some classmates from his old life vanished after graduation, and even if they did cross paths again, the bond was never the same.

Just then, Harry Osborn made his way into the classroom. The rich heir had skipped so many classes recently that his sudden appearance caught many off guard. The campus beauties turned their heads, particularly Mary Jane Watson, who was always eager to catch Harry's eye.

Ethan felt indifferent toward Mary Jane. Although she bore a resemblance to the actress from the Spider-Man movies, he couldn't ignore how she wavered between Harry and Peter. Yet, she and Gwen had been good friends, even forming a band together before their relationship soured and the band broke up.

Harry's arrival clearly brightened Mary Jane's mood, and the two began chatting animatedly. But Ethan could tell that Harry's mind was elsewhere. His eyes kept scanning the room, searching for one person—Peter Parker.

Harry and Peter had always been close, practically brothers. But in every version of their story, Peter always seemed to betray Harry in some way.

Ethan watched Harry closely, his thoughts heavy. Harry, don't let me down. You've lost the Osborn Group, but you have the potential to surpass your father if you stop indulging in the distractions of this world. It's time to remember that survival is for the strongest.

When the bell rang for the end of class, Harry finally made his move, stepping in front of Ethan to block his path.

"Why?" Harry's voice was deep and filled with restrained anger.

"You shouldn't be asking me, Harry. There's a lot you don't know," Ethan replied coldly.

Harry stood his ground. "I just want an answer," he said, lowering his voice.

Ethan towered over him, the pressure of his presence making Harry feel small. "Osborn was just a tool for me to make money, nothing more. If I'm right, Peter Parker saved Dr. Connors, and they've already formed an alliance," Ethan explained with a disdainful tone. "I've fought those two monsters before. For your sake, I didn't kill Peter. Consider that a gift. As for Dr. Connors, he's likely using Peter's connection to you to continue his research on genetic modifications with the resources of Osborn."

Harry's expression was grim, his mind trying to process Ethan's words. The weight of the Osborn legacy and his father's downfall bore heavily on him.

"Why should I trust you?" Harry asked, his voice laced with despair.

Ethan placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. "As your classmate, here's my advice: You're no match for Peter or Dr. Connors. They're on the path of genetic fusion, perfecting the integration of spider and lizard genes. I've seen it firsthand, which is why I didn't kill them. They might be your friends, but they're also your competition."

Harry looked at Ethan, unsure of what to say.

"As for you, Harry, your future depends on how you handle this. The Osborn formula that was injected into you is a faulty version of the super-soldier serum. It magnifies negative emotions. Instead of chasing after revenge, you should focus on improving your knowledge and finding a cure for yourself," Ethan added, his words cutting deep.

Harry's shoulders slumped, his anger fading. He knew Ethan was right.

"I'm sorry, Ethan," Harry muttered.

"Study hard, Harry. Peter's been learning from Dr. Connors for a long time now. His potential is enormous. If you don't want to be left behind, you have to focus on yourself," Ethan said before walking away.

After school, Ethan returned to his apartment. Gwen, driving his Lincoln Navigator, arrived shortly after. She had grown accustomed to using the car, and Ethan didn't mind—he enjoyed seeing her happy.

Inside, Ms. Tracy had prepared dinner, and the smell of her cooking filled the air. As always, she welcomed Ethan warmly, while George, Gwen's father, looked troubled. New York had been in chaos recently, with two supernatural incidents in Central Park. While one had been covered up by Connery's influence, the other, involving freezing powers, had attracted military attention.

"Mr. George, Ms. Tracy, this weekend is the prom," Ethan began. "After dinner, I'd like to practice dancing with Gwen at my apartment."

George, lost in thought, was snapped back to reality. "The prom? It feels like just yesterday that Gwen was starting school, and now she's about to go to college," he said, putting down his knife and fork.

"Hao, have you decided which university to attend?" George asked, slipping into fatherly concern.

Ethan shook his head. "After high school, I might take a break from studying. I'm focusing my energy on a new company I'm starting."

Gwen stiffened slightly, surprised by Ethan's decision.

Ms. Tracy's curiosity piqued. "A new company? Hao, what have you been working on?"

George's attention shifted as well. He realized he knew very little about his daughter's boyfriend.

"It's been hectic. I made a lot of money shorting Stark Industries, and now I'm reinvesting it. I've acquired a significant number of shares in the Osborn Group," Ethan said casually.

George's eyes narrowed. The recent supernatural events, many tied to the Osborn Group, suddenly made Ethan's involvement all the more suspicious.

Ms. Tracy, though impressed, asked, "What's your plan now that you've become a shareholder?"

Ethan smiled. "I'm focusing on two key areas: genetic medicine and energy. Osborn's strengths lie in genetics, but I'm also planning to expand into the energy sector. With Stark Industries moving toward clean energy, there's a lot of potential for collaboration."

Both George and Ms. Tracy were stunned. They had no idea the quiet boy next door was one of the top investors in two of the biggest tech companies in the country.

George sighed. "That's a lot of responsibility to take on."

"It is," Ethan replied. "But it's also a huge opportunity."

As the dinner conversation wound down, Ethan took Gwen by the hand, and the two practiced dancing. Before long, their practice led them to the bedroom, their connection deepening as the night wore on.

Meanwhile, at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Nick Fury stood by the bedside of a man frozen in time—Captain America.

"Is this really Steve?" Natasha Romanoff asked, looking at the man in the hospital bed.

"Yes, it's him. The identity has been confirmed," Fury replied with a smile.

"It's a miracle," Natasha said. "Who would've thought he'd survive, frozen at the bottom of the ocean for nearly seventy years? Ms. Peggy Carter searched tirelessly for him."

"She was one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s founders," Fury said, his admiration for Peggy clear. But he hesitated to break the news to her—after all, she was now over ninety.

"What's the plan?" Natasha asked, knowing Steve would have difficulty adjusting to the modern world.

"For now, we stabilize his condition. We've recreated parts of the 1940s to ease him into it," Fury explained.

Natasha shook her head. "If it were me, I'd go crazy."

"Steve's strong. He'll pull through," Fury replied confidently. Then, his gaze shifted to Natasha. "Any updates on Ethan Hayes?"

Natasha thought for a moment. "He won't join S.H.I.E.L.D. He won't join any organization."

Fury frowned. "If things escalate between Ethan and the military, New York will become a battlefield. Not even Captain America may be enough to stop it."

Natasha shook her head again. "Ethan gave General Ross a choice: the law-abiding citizen Ethan Hayes, or the ice demon."

Fury's eyes widened. "Did he really say that?"

"He did," Natasha confirmed.

Fury sighed deeply. "Natasha, I'm afraid the responsibility of maintaining the relationship with the ice demon falls to you. If we can get him on our side, it'll give us the edge we need in the coming crises."

Natasha remained silent, knowing full well the weight of the task ahead.

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