When Coulson entered Wesker's office, he immediately felt the air thick with authority and cold indifference. The atmosphere was stern and highly secretive, making him a bit uneasy.
"This place feels even scarier than the Director's office," he thought.
Wesker sat behind a massive desk, dressed in a sharp black suit. His face was expressionless — like an iron mask — his eyes cold and resolute, hiding countless secrets and schemes within their depths.
Coulson couldn't deny the impression Wesker made. There was something commanding and unmistakably powerful about him — a quiet dominance that demanded attention.
At the same time, Wesker carried a mysterious aura — an inscrutable presence, as though he concealed truths no one could fathom.
Coulson thought to himself that Wesker didn't seem like someone easy to approach. His icy demeanor gave the impression of a man detached from the world, but beneath that indifference lay sharp intellect and deep calculation.
Deep down, Coulson felt both awe and curiosity. How does this man control such a massive organization — and pull the strings of so many dark plots behind the scenes?
"Coulson. Agent Phil Coulson, S.H.I.E.L.D.," he finally said, dropping the alias he'd used at the front desk.
"Wesker," the man said calmly, standing to shake his hand.
Coulson flinched slightly — Wesker's skin was unnaturally cold.
After they sat, Coulson went straight to the point: "Mr. Wesker, we found an image of your Umbrella Corporation's logo at a hotel in Monaco — the site of a violent crime scene. I know this may have nothing to do with you, but by protocol, I'm required to meet with you personally."
Wesker had expected this visit — he'd been waiting for it. Looking at the polite and diplomatic Coulson before him, his curiosity was piqued.
Wesker nodded slightly. "Agent Coulson, your efficiency is impressive. But let me be clear — Umbrella Corporation is not involved in any illegal activities. We are a legitimate enterprise."
Coulson smiled faintly, sensing the cold confidence behind Wesker's gaze. "Mr. Wesker, I believe you," he replied, his tone firm. "But as an investigator, I have to follow every lead. If you can provide any information related to this — beyond that symbol — it would be greatly appreciated."
Wesker replied calmly, "I trust that Agent Coulson will uncover the truth."
Their exchange wasn't exactly friendly — but not hostile either. After a few minutes, Coulson ended the meeting and left Umbrella Tower.
Inside Coulson's car.
"Director, this guy is tough to read," he said through his earpiece. "But I'm sure he's connected to what happened at that hotel."
"Tell me the details when you're back," Nick Fury replied, ending the call quickly.
Elsewhere, Merlin exited Hawke Industries and called in: "Director, they were cooperative. Nothing suspicious so far."
"Alright. We'll talk later."
After hanging up, Fury nodded politely to a passing agent — Alexander Pierce.
"I know you're busy, but I still wanted to see you in person," Pierce said, personally opening his office door for Fury.
"I was on my way here anyway," Fury replied with a smirk.
"Sit down — the finance report will be here soon. Just need your signature," Pierce said, half-joking. "Took me some convincing at the board meeting to get it approved, you know."
"Thanks, Alex."
Pierce leaned against the desk, lowering his voice. "I probably shouldn't ask this, but… I heard someone mentioned a snake?"
Fury met his gaze, expression unreadable. "Yeah. Still under investigation."
"Be careful," Pierce said quietly.
Fury nodded — he still respected this man who'd once helped him rise through S.H.I.E.L.D.'s ranks.
A knock came at the door.
"Come in."
A uniformed woman entered with a smile.
"Secretary."
"Sign this for the Director," Pierce said, signing first before passing the pen and report to Fury.
Fury signed, nodded to the woman, and handed the folder back. She smiled and left the room.
"Old times, huh?" Pierce chuckled, raising a finger.
Fury laughed softly. "I don't know how to thank you for all this."
Pierce waved it off, grinning. "You can start by not getting so many complaints next time you're on duty. I've got a stack of them about you already."
They shared a few jokes before Fury left. Once alone, Pierce's smile vanished, his eyes cold and thoughtful.
Hydra Emergency Meeting
A holographic projection flickered to life.
"I spoke with Nick Fury," Pierce said. "They haven't found our people yet — but we've caught his attention. S.H.I.E.L.D. is investigating. He's taking it very seriously."
"I'm starting to like this Umbrella company," Viper said, propping her boots on the table, eyeing Baron Strucker with amusement.
"Do you have a plan?" asked Arnim Zola, expressionless in his black leather coat.
"I think so," Viper said lazily, twirling her fingers without looking at him.
"If that's all, I'm leaving," Strucker interrupted, disconnecting his feed.
The others turned to Pierce.
"We underestimated our enemy's strength," Pierce said calmly. "They're powerful. We need to stay united — perhaps exchange resources."
The suited man's expression darkened. "You're initiating your plan, then?"
"Almost," Pierce replied coolly.
The man smirked. "Interesting plan. Need a little insurance? I could help."
"No."
"Suit yourself," the man said with a grin. "I'll send a few people to 'keep you company' soon. We'll talk later."
Viper's hologram vanished.
"Pierce, if you're interested, you know how to reach me," the suited man said before disappearing as well.
Meanwhile — Hawke Industries
As time passed, the heroes of the Hawke Group continued their acting careers — while also being hailed as real-life superheroes.
A group of children excitedly shared their dreams of fighting evil alongside their favorite heroes.
"I think Iron Man's the coolest! A man's true dream is a mech suit! Imagine controlling robots with your mind — saving a girl from danger — and she says, 'You're my hero.'"
"Ha!"
"Nonsense! Electro's way cooler — he can fly, shoot lightning, fight close or far — he's awesome!"
"Super-V is amazing too! Did you see the new trailer? When he raised his hand and the bullets stopped mid-air to protect people — that was epic!"
They kept arguing, each defending their favorite hero — until one kid asked quietly:
"Does anyone like the Invisible Man?"
The chatter stopped. Silence fell.
Faces turned red. "No, no — of course not. What's there to like? He's just… invisible."
"Ha," muttered the Invisible Man nearby, rolling his eyes. Typical kids — say one thing, think another.
Hawke Industries HQ
"Boss!" The secretary hurried into Nathan Hawke's office, excitement in her voice. "According to Rotten Apple reviews, the trailers for our three superhero movies are a massive hit! Pre-sale tickets are sold out — the hype is unreal!"
She was thrilled — this was the kind of good news that let her walk in unannounced and maybe impress her handsome boss.
"Well done." Nathan accepted the report, skimming through it with satisfaction.
Having reached the summoning stage, Nathan decided to wait just a little longer — until he couldn't hold back anymore.
Meanwhile — Vanko Industries
Ivan Vanko, recently freed from Monaco by Justin Hammer, was now eagerly building his new company.
At that moment—
"So, you're the Japanese scientist, Janji Lingma, that Hammer sent to 'assist me' during the incubation phase?" Vanko asked coldly, clearly displeased that Hammer had planted someone inside his project.
Still, he had to admit — he needed staff. Just not another scientist.
"No, there are others. I just arrived first," Lingma replied with a polite smile, his eyes burning with excitement. He couldn't wait to see the reactor technology Nathan Hawke had sent him to study.
The rest of the team had been recruited by Justin Hammer through a headhunting firm — all now working under Ivan Vanko's banner.
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