Chapter 29: Natasha Romanoff, Have You Heard Of The Devil’s Deal?
Gwen Stacy asked curiously, "What did you do to make the new psychological counseling teacher summon you?"
Though she sounded curious, Ethan could hear the concern in her voice. He smiled proudly and replied, "Maybe it's because I'm too handsome."
Gwen burst out laughing. "You're so full of yourself!"
Ethan grinned, but then asked, "Did you notice anything different about Teacher Juliet today?"
"No," Gwen replied, shaking her head. "My eyes were on you the whole time. How could I notice anyone else?"
Despite the cheesy compliment, Gwen seemed pleased. She immediately dropped the topic of Teacher Juliet.
"I already told my family that I'm going on a trip with my classmates to Long Island. My bag's packed in my locker," she added, lowering her voice.
"Don't your parents care who you're going with?" Ethan asked, curious.
Gwen gave him a look. "They'll find out."
Ethan grimaced internally. It seemed inevitable now—he would have to meet her parents. Given that their relationship had already deepened, avoiding this step felt unreasonable.
"Fine," Ethan sighed. "After class, we'll drive straight to Long Island."
Gwen blushed slightly but didn't object. Their relationship had reached a point where she had completely accepted him. They were constantly together, and both families would soon be involved.
Ethan knocked on the door of the counseling room.
"Come in," said a soft, mature voice from within.
Ethan steadied himself before entering. He wasn't the average high school student anymore. If this new counselor was indeed Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow, he had the upper hand.
He pushed open the door with a calm smile, presenting himself as the picture of confidence. Even with his young appearance, his maturity and demeanor made him seem like someone who had already navigated the complexities of the adult world.
Natasha Romanoff, sitting behind the desk, took note of this immediately. The young man in front of her didn't seem like a typical high school student. His composed and sharp presence suggested a mental fortitude far beyond his years.
"Mr. Hayes, please have a seat," Natasha said, eyeing him cautiously.
She still found it hard to believe that the teenager in front of her had so easily dismantled the criminal empire of New York's notorious underworld king. While S.H.I.E.L.D generally stayed out of gang wars, they had crossed paths with Jin Bin enough times to know how formidable he was. Yet, Ethan had brought him down, earning the fear and respect of the entire underworld in the process.
"Ms. Romanoff, you are quite beautiful," Ethan said as he sat down.
Natasha smiled, though it didn't reach her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Hayes. Shall we get started?"
"No rush," Ethan replied, his smile unfaltering.
At that moment, Natasha went on high alert. She knew that the Ice Demon—Ethan's infamous alias—had recognized S.H.I.E.L.D agents like Coulson and Barton immediately. She wondered if he had already figured out who she was.
"Hao… is there something you'd like to discuss with me?" Natasha asked softly, trying to regain control of the situation.
Ethan smiled even wider. "Actually, I have no ill intentions toward S.H.I.E.L.D. In fact, I wouldn't rule out a potential partnership in the future. But you seem unaware of your current situation. Maybe I should go to Washington and have a nice chat with Director Nick Fury in person."
There was no need to beat around the bush. Ethan didn't care how S.H.I.E.L.D. found out about his knowledge. After all, they weren't the only ones with secrets. He relished the thought of Fury realizing that S.H.I.E.L.D. had morphed into something far more sinister—HYDRA's Snake and Shield Bureau.
Natasha's smile vanished. She felt a chill run down her spine. Despite the young man's calm demeanor, she knew that if he wanted to, he could freeze her solid right where she sat.
"You seem to know quite a lot about me," Natasha finally said, recovering her composure.
"Do you think what I know is about your past or your future?" Ethan leaned forward, resting his hands on the desk, his smile now gone.
Natasha's hand, hidden under the table, clenched tightly. "What about my past? What about my future?"
Ethan's eyes glinted as he recalled everything he knew about her. "The past is something you can't escape. The future… it's the result of choices, often painful ones."
Natasha stiffened. Her past was one of tragedy and darkness, and her future—sacrificing herself for the greater good—was equally grim. Ethan could see it all—the flickers of her life, from her defection to S.H.I.E.L.D. to her final sacrifice in the Avengers' battle against Thanos. She had supported S.H.I.E.L.D. with everything she had, only to die before seeing the dawn of peace.
She was admirable, more than most heroes. And now, here she was, part of an agency that had become her only sanctuary—her only sense of home. If given the choice again, she would likely sacrifice herself once more, even though her heart had always longed for a normal life.
Ethan reached into his pocket and handed her a card. "Ms. Romanoff, have you ever heard of the Devil's Deal?"
Natasha raised an eyebrow but noticed that Ethan was openly admiring her beauty, no longer hiding his gaze.
"Someday, if the moment comes when you want to make a deal, just call me. I'll make it happen."
Ethan stood up, not bothering to talk about S.H.I.E.L.D. any further. He didn't care about what happened within their ranks. He had his own power, and it gave him the freedom to shape his own future.
"And what price would I have to pay?" Natasha asked, gripping the card.
Ethan turned, laughing softly. "That depends on what you're willing to give. But I promise you, our deal will be fair."
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