Chapter 10: It's all just a coincidence

When Shane first moved into this apartment complex, he met May and her nephew, Peter. After hearing their names, he immediately guessed their identities.

Of course, Peter wasn't yet the neighborhood's friendly chatterbox Spider-Man, but even at his young age, the kid was quite talkative. Shane had only met him a few times, but that was enough to figure that out.

Right now, though, standing in front of Stark Industries in his uniform, Shane wasn't thinking about his beautiful, charming, and still stunning neighbor.

Instead, his mind was on the other neighbor he had met two days ago.

Black Widow.

Damn, say what you will—she wasn't as tall as May, but her figure? Top-tier.

Just like the stunning beauty walking toward him right now. Curvy in all the right places, swaying gracefully with every step.

'Wait. Hold up. That's her?!'

Shane couldn't believe in his eyes.

"Hi, Shane! It is you! I wasn't sure at first, but when I got closer, I recognized you!"

A gorgeous woman with long, wavy auburn hair, black open-toe heels, and a stylish dress ran up to him, covering her mouth in playful surprise.

"Yeah, Natalie. What a coincidence~"

If looks could kill, Shane would've died a thousand deaths already. Not because of Natalie, but because of the countless men walking in and out of Stark Industries.

How could a woman this stunning be talking so casually with a security guard? No, no, no, this wasn't right. She should be with them—handsome, successful, high-status elite men. Not some random uniformed dude standing at the entrance.

Jealousy was eating them alive.

"You look pretty good in that uniform," Natalie complimented effortlessly.

The security guard standing on Shane's other side was practically drooling, his saliva almost dripping onto his uniform. The guy looked like he wanted to throw himself at Natalie's feet and start licking.

"Yeah, just started working here a few days ago. What about you? Here for business or…?"

Shane already knew she was here for him, but since she wanted to play a game, why rush?

Acting? He could act too.

"What a coincidence! I just joined Stark Industries as well. I work in the Legal Department."

Shane's oh-so-genuine surprise looked flawless. "Wow, that is quite the coincidence!"

They could feel the eyes burning holes into them from all around. So, Natalie "reluctantly" said goodbye and walked inside, throwing three lingering glances back at him before disappearing.

The moment she was gone, the black security guard next to Shane leaned in, grinning like a creep.

"Bro, that chick your friend? She's smokin'!"

Shane glanced at him.

Damn. He hadn't even noticed this guy existed until now. Looked like a shadow just standing there the whole time.

"Just met her two days ago. She's my new neighbor. Funny thing, huh? Turns out she works here too." Shane smirked, keeping his tone casual.

The guy's eyes practically sparkled with opportunity. He immediately offered to treat Shane to dinner after work.

Shane looked at his eager face and thought for a moment.

Free food? Who'd say no? Only an idiot.

"Sure, why not."

---

Just as the workday was wrapping up, Natalie reappeared.

"Shane, are you free tonight? Wanna grab dinner together?" She smiled radiantly at him.

'Damn, that was fast.'

Was this really a Black Widow mission? This beauty trap was so basic—straight to the dinner invitation? No slow burn, no playing hard to get?

Clearly, she didn't think he was that important. She didn't even try to drag it out. Just went straight for the kill.

Shane glanced at the desperate black security guard next to him, whose eyes were practically popping out of his skull.

"Uh… I actually just made plans with my coworker."

Natalie's brows lifted slightly. She hadn't expected him to decline.

"That's fine! We can all go together," the security guard jumped in before she could respond.

He had been eavesdropping this whole time, and now, he finally saw his chance!

Natalie took half a step away, instinctively avoiding the funk radiating from the guy.

'Okay. Wait a minute.'

At first, she had assumed reeling in this young man would be a walk in the park. With her looks, seducing a guy like Shane should've been effortless. Even if he was supposedly a "top-tier bodyguard," at the end of the day, he was still just a bodyguard.

The apartment "coincidence" went well.

The "workplace encounter" went well.

But now, when she invited him to dinner? He turned her down?

Natalie stole a glance at the black security guard's horrifyingly thirsty expression.

'Phew. Okay. Still got it.'

It wasn't her charm failing.

But what was up with this Shane guy?

Is he… Is he gay?

"I Don't Mind." Shane shrugged. Free meal? Why say no?

"Great! Then it's settled~" Natalie flashed another stunning smile.

Her flawless face, soft pale skin, full and bountiful curves, the deep valley of her cleavage, her perky hips, long legs, and the tiny, cute toes peeking out of her high heels—all of it combined into a visual overload.

Shane could literally feel the heat radiating from the guy beside him.

…And something else… rising.

Oh damn.

"All right, I'll come find you after work," Natalie said before turning to leave.

Shane watched her retreating figure.

The security guard beside him? Bro was about to turn into a full-on werewolf.

If not for gravity, the guy might've floated straight up to the sky.

---

Dinner Time.

Maybe it was on purpose, maybe it wasn't. But Natalie chose a high-end restaurant that definitely wasn't budget-friendly. And so, the poor security guard got absolutely robbed at dinner.

Shane could barely hold in his laughter watching the guy's face twist in agony as he paid the bill.

Ah, life.

But apparently, getting financially destroyed only made the guy more determined. Fueled by his empty wallet and bruised pride, he suggested they hit a bar next.

Hearing this, Natalie thought for a second. If she could get Shane drunk? That might actually work out.

So instead of agreeing right away, she turned and looked at him. Shane raised an eyebrow. "Sure, why not?"

---

At the Bar.

Music pounded through the speakers. The lighting was dim, flashes of neon flickering over the dancing bodies in the pit below.

Shane casually sipped on his drink, rejecting the fourth woman to approach him.

＼(￣︶￣)／

'Being handsome is a curse.'

He took another sip of what was supposed to be a "strong" drink, but for him? Might as well be water. Yeah, he had tested it before—pure alcohol did nothing to him.

Natalie, on the other hand, had grabbed a drink and disappeared into the crowd. Naturally, the security guard immediately followed her like a lost puppy. Shane watched as Natalie effortlessly dodged the men trying to get too close to her.

And yet, every now and then, her eyes flickered toward Shane's direction.

---

"Why Aren't You Dancing?"

A voice suddenly whispered in Shane's ear.

He turned his head—Natalie. Back already?

"Didn't you go dancing with him?" Shane asked innocently.

"Oh, he left. Said he had something to do. Told us to have fun."

She clinked her glass against his.

Shane didn't say anything, but his lips curled up slightly.

Left? No, he didn't.

Shane had seen it.

The security guard kept bothering Natalie, so eventually, she dragged him into the alley behind the bar. The idiot thought she was into the whole "public fun" thing. His 'gun' was already loaded and ready.

And just as he eagerly pulled down his pants— A group of massive, black-clad men appeared and dragged him away.

After that? Natalie came right back to Shane, completely unbothered.

Poor guy. Shane wondered if he'd still have a job tomorrow.