Chapter 61

In the hospital, Mike underwent a series of tests. The conclusion was reassuring—there was nothing serious; he had merely fainted. This news made Hope, who had accompanied him, breathe a sigh of relief.

If something had happened to Mike because he saved her, especially after Clark had already lost his father, she couldn't bear the thought. It would be too cruel for Clark and the boys.

What would she do then?

Would she have to marry Clark at such a young age and take on the responsibility of raising his two brothers?

The mere thought darkened her mood completely.

Noticing her expression, Charles couldn't resist probing her thoughts with his ability. What he sensed made him burst out, "Bah! Wishful thinking!"

"What did you say?" Hope turned to him suspiciously.

Charles quickly covered. "Oh, I said you're so beautiful!"

Before Hope could respond, Mike slowly opened his eyes, confusion etched on his face.

"Dad! You're awake!" Eric exclaimed in relief.

Mike blinked and looked around. "What's going on?"

Clark and Charles exchanged a knowing look, their faces deadpan.

Hope stepped forward. "Mr. Kent, this is the hospital. Thank you for saving me!" she said gratefully.

Mike offered a weak smile. "I'm glad you're okay."

Clark and Charles nearly rolled their eyes. This performance was over the top.

"Hey! I'm fine. Don't worry!" Mike reassured them, glancing at his sons. Embarrassed by their unimpressed expressions, his face briefly flushed before returning to normal.

At that moment, Hank Pym walked into the room, his face lighting up at the sight of Mike awake.

"You're up!" Hank said with a smile.

Mike nodded. "What happened to that guy?"

"He's been taken care of," Hank replied, giving Mike a pointed look.

Catching Hank's intent gaze, Mike shifted uncomfortably. "Well, I think I'm fine now. I can head home, right?"

"You should stay for observation." Hank Pym pulled up a chair, gesturing for the children to leave. "I need to speak with Mike privately."

The boys hesitated but eventually shuffled out. As the door closed, Hank leaned in.

"You did it, didn't you?" he asked bluntly.

Mike's face was the picture of innocence. "Did what?"

"Don't play dumb." Hank smirked. "But don't worry. I'm not here to out you. I'm not part of that world anymore."

Mike frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"Fine, don't admit it," Hank said, waving a hand dismissively. "It doesn't matter. I know you're not a bad person." He paused, then sighed. "I'll be leaving soon."

Mike raised an eyebrow. "Trouble?"

"You could say that." Hank leaned back, his expression darkening. "Back at my old workplace, someone tried to steal my research. I cut ties, but they've been watching me ever since. Today's incident only added fuel to the fire. If Hope stays here, people might spread rumors about her. Moving is the best option."

Mike nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. A fresh start might be for the best."

"I've already set up a new company in San Francisco. I'll drop by when I can."

"You're always welcome," Mike said with a small smile.

"Oh, and before I leave, I have a gift for you." Hank stood, patting Mike's shoulder. "I think you'll like it."

Mike blinked in surprise. "A gift?"

Hank grinned mischievously. "You'll see. Hope and I will head back now. Take care, Mike."

Mike chuckled. "I won't see you off, then."

"Ungrateful as always!" Hank shot back with a laugh as he left.

Outside, the kids were saying their farewells. Alone in the room, Mike flopped onto the bed, groaning.

"I'm such a terrible actor," he muttered. "Charles could've done better!"

"Dad, you called me?" Charles poked his head through the door.

Mike waved him in, beckoning all three boys. "Let's go home."

Eric frowned. "You should stay here and rest!"

Mike slapped his forehead, exasperated. "You didn't tell him?" he asked Clark and Charles mentally.

Both boys shook their heads. "We thought you'd explain."

Mike laughed, pulling Eric into a hug. "Silly boy. Do you really think anyone can hurt your dad that easily?"

Eric's eyes widened. "You were acting?"

Mike and the older boys burst into laughter, leaving Eric pouting. Before he could protest, Mike ruffled his hair. "Thanks for worrying about me, son. You're the best."

Eric's pout melted into a shy smile.

After gathering their things, the family left the hospital.

The mutant attack at the school quickly faded into an old story. By the end of the month, life in the town returned to normal. The incident became little more than a distant memory.

Time has a way of softening things. It helps people forget, helps them grow, and sometimes, it even brings people closer.

A few weeks later, Hank Pym and his family moved away.

Before leaving, Hank handed Mike a briefcase containing a set of keys and a property title in New York City—a villa in an affluent neighborhood.

Mike, ever casual, jotted down the address and tossed the briefcase aside. He'd check it out later.

As a farewell gesture, Mike invited Hank and Hope for a hotpot dinner. Hank, seeing the fiery red soup, was so moved he nearly wept. Amused, Mike even broke out a bottle of rare liquor from his stash.

Three days later, Hank called from San Francisco, cursing Mike over the phone for the stomach ache the spicy meal had caused.

Time flew by. Clark turned eleven, and Eric and Charles were soon to celebrate their eighth birthday.

Mike spent his days preparing gifts and planning celebrations. This time, he sternly warned the boys not to invite any "unusual guests."

The warning stemmed from an unforgettable incident two months earlier. For Clark's birthday, the boy had invited several young women, hoping to play matchmaker for Mike.

The memory still made Mike cringe. It was then he realized how people saw him—a wealthy, handsome, single dad. The perfect candidate for marriage or remarriage.

A golden bachelor.

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