Chapter 102: Professor X's Brainwave Amplifier
"Alright, ladies, Raven has called. Something has happened at the company. You can either continue your vacation here in Long Island or follow me back to the office," Ethan said calmly.
Domino's eyes lit up with excitement. "I'm going back with you! I'm a full-time employee now, right?"
"My equipment is still at the company," Outlaw Inez said, setting her ice cream aside and wiping the corner of her mouth.
Sandy Brandenburg, with a knowing smile, added, "Time to get back to work, right, boss?" Her playful tone was underscored by a hint of regret. She had hoped for more time alone with him after last night.
Ethan glanced at Sandy and immediately understood her thoughts. With a wave of his hand, he activated the Sling Ring, forming a golden portal that opened a passage directly to his private office at Osborn Group.
The three women moved gracefully through the portal, and Ethan, using his psychokinesis, tidied up the villa within moments before stepping through.
At Osborn Group Headquarters
Ethan and the women emerged into his office, where Julia Roberts, his personal assistant, looked up in surprise. She knew Ethan had been away and wasn't expecting him to return so soon.
"Boss, do you need me to inform President Tong Ruimei?" Julia asked softly.
"No, but have Raven come to my office. Julia, this is Domino. Domino, meet Julia, my personal assistant."
Domino and Julia exchanged polite, yet competitive, glances—an unspoken rivalry sparking between them.
"Julia, take Domino to complete her onboarding. Her position should match that of Sandy and Inez," Ethan instructed.
Julia smiled sweetly. "Of course, follow me, Domino."
Domino grinned, "Thank you, Sister Julia."
Three women in one workplace often created drama, and Osborn Group now had five, all aware of their intertwined relationships with their boss. Ethan sighed inwardly at the potential chaos.
Raven entered the office moments later, her expression serious.
"Sandy, Inez, take care of your tasks," Ethan said, dismissing them. As they left, Raven's tense expression melted, and she leaned forward to kiss Ethan passionately.
"Tell me what happened," Ethan asked, once they broke apart.
"Wells Fargo is pressing us for repayment," Raven said, her voice heavy.
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Does Smith know about this?"
"No. Mr. Smith has gone missing. I've tried contacting him, but there's no trace. When I checked with his family, I found they'd been murdered—brutally," Raven said, her tone filled with dread.
Through Raven's memories, Ethan glimpsed the blood-soaked scene of the Smith family's demise. His eyes glinted with cold fury.
"Smith was a friend, and now someone has targeted him to send me a message. Raven, notify the top executives at Wells Fargo. I want to meet with whoever is behind this," Ethan said, his voice sharp.
Smith had been a vice president at Wells Fargo. His disappearance and the sudden demand for repayment were too coincidental. The DuPont family, who controlled Wells Fargo after acquiring it from the Floods, was clearly involved.
President Bart Barlow of Wells Fargo arrived at Osborn Group's rooftop helipad, sweating nervously. He descended the stairs quickly, leaving his bodyguards behind at the entrance as he approached Ethan's office.
Ethan sat comfortably on a leather sofa, while Raven stood behind him. President Barlow's face paled as he took in the young man's commanding presence.
"Does the DuPont family intend to explain themselves?" Ethan's voice was calm but threatening.
Barlow wiped the sweat from his brow. "This… this is a misunderstanding, Mr. Hayes. A pure misunderstanding."
Ethan's gaze pierced through him. "Where is Vice President Smith?"
Barlow stuttered, unable to respond as beads of sweat dripped down his temples. Ethan's mind mastery allowed him to probe the man's thoughts, confirming his ignorance of the deeper plot.
"I am disappointed in Wells Fargo's management," Ethan continued. "Smith once proposed I control the bank, but I declined to avoid government scrutiny. Yet, this attack on him and his family must be answered."
Barlow's knees buckled, and he sank to the floor.
"Mr. Barlow, stand up. This isn't Dongying," Ethan said with an edge of irritation.
"The DuPont family asked me to deliver a message," Barlow said shakily. "They acknowledge Wells Fargo's fault and are willing to forgive Osborn's debt. They will also use their resources to find Smith."
Ethan's smile returned. "That's acceptable. Ensure there's no internal resistance from other shareholders. If there is, inform me."
Barlow nodded hastily, excusing himself as quickly as possible.
Raven perched on the sofa beside Ethan, wrapping her arms around his neck. "What do you make of this?"
"The DuPonts didn't order the hit, but they aimed to seize control of Osborn through financial pressure. The real players are using this as a distraction," Ethan said, eyes narrowing.
"So, who's behind it?" Raven asked.
"It's more than just HYDRA. There are multiple forces at work. They plan to reveal my true identity, make me a public enemy, and strike when I'm too preoccupied to respond."
Raven's eyes widened. "Do we rescue Smith?"
Ethan's smile turned icy. "Not yet. We're going to the Wezel School for Gifted Youngsters."
Raven's heart skipped a beat as Ethan opened a portal to the hidden location. The sight of the brainwave amplifier left her speechless.
"Why play by their rules when I can change the game?" Ethan said coldly.
He stepped forward, eyeing the silver helmet. "Raven, have a chat with Charles. Ensure he doesn't interfere."
Raven nodded, understanding the power Ethan wielded. This time, they wouldn't be outmaneuvered.
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