Chapter 180: Wesley's Text Message

~Another weekend arrived~

Sean arrived at Reed's home with a dressed-up Mindy and the newly added Gali in tow...

Unlike his last visit, Dr. Richards, now free from financial troubles, had set up a small private laboratory and moved all his equipment there.

Party culture was deeply ingrained in this country, tracing its origins back to ancient times when early tribes gathered to watch religious performances, or sang and danced around bonfires before feasting on hunted game... Which was the precursor to modern parties.

Later, the lavish court balls of Louis XIV's France popularized extravagant gatherings, bringing luxurious parties to their peak. Nowadays, parties had become mainstream.

For Americans, holiday gatherings or family dinners happened at least once or twice a month, not to mention countless other types of parties.

Any excuse would do... whether among close friends or strangers, people could enjoy themselves in a relaxed atmosphere. Many saw it as a form of socializing, a way to deepen old friendships while making new ones.

Sean didn't mind this. Family-style gatherings like this usually involved neighbors or close friends, requiring little formality... just enjoying the host's hospitality was enough.

Sean brought some exquisite handicrafts as a token of gratitude.

The guest list wasn't large. Aside from the now-celebrity Fantastic Four, there was Ben Grimm's blind girlfriend and their new neighbor, Miss Scarlett.

Johnny Storm, currently overflowing with hormones, strutted around the glamorous woman like a preening peacock. He was attentive and obedient, a far cry from his usual carefree demeanor.

After shooing away the two gluttons, Sean caught up with Reed. The brilliant scientist was considering diving back into scientific endeavors, but struggled to find investors, especially since the fall of Doom Industries was hard to separate from his involvement...

"Umbrella's doors are always open to you," Sean said, glancing at the two gluttons chattering with Susan at the dining table, "But if you want to start your own private lab, I'd be happy to invest personally."

Now aware of Gali's true identity, Sean couldn't possibly let her roam freely. If something went wrong, the planet-devouring cosmic horror might snack on Earth long before the warlord arrived.

Fortunately, in this diverse nation of immigrants, obtaining legal residency wasn't difficult... at least not for Sean. He had taken care of everything for Gali, and kept the perpetually hungry girl at home. Aside from regular feedings, she wasn't much trouble.

Well… except for one thing...

This clueless glutton kept insisting that Sean met her father's criteria for a mate, stubbornly demanding to share his bed.

Honestly, Sean wasn't entirely opposed, after all, as a healthy young man, turning down such an offer felt almost cruel. But under Mindy's judgmental stare, he firmly declined.

"Thank you. I'm still figuring out which direction to take," Reed said gratefully.

The scientist was tired of public life. He was a scholar at heart, and was happiest when buried in research.

Sean waved it off, and they continued chatting...

Meanwhile, Miss Scarlett, seated on the sofa, casually brushed a lock of her wine-red curls over her shoulder. Her pearl-hued wrap dress accentuated her curves without being overly provocative... a move that had Johnny utterly spellbound.

Much like Tony Stark in his playboy days, Johnny Storm, the wealthy scion of the Storm family, thrived on chasing fiery, passionate women... though his flings never lasted long.

Proud of his reputation as a ladies' man, he rarely stayed interested in any one woman for long.

But this new neighbor, Miss Scarlett, was different. She knew exactly how to wield her allure... She reeled in men like an expert angler, keeping them hooked with just the right mix of distance and interest, never too cold nor too eager.

Inexperienced in such games, the young Johnny fell hard, showering her with attention in hopes of winning her favor. The redheaded siren neither encouraged nor discouraged him, leaving the usually confident Human Torch acting like a lovestruck teenager.

Watching this, Sean could only sigh inwardly, 'A man out of his depth against the Black Widow is doomed to be devoured whole.'

"Scarlett, there's a fantastic show on Broadway tomorrow. Would you like to go?" Johnny had clearly done his homework.

Knowing her background as a Hollywood actress and magazine cover model, he figured a theater invitation would pique her interest.

Languid as a cat, Scarlett reclined on the sofa and asked with interest, "Oh? What is it?"

"Uh… The Phantom of the Opera!" Johnny blurted after racking his brain.

"I saw it last month," Scarlett said regretfully.

Before Johnny could recover, she added, "Could you fetch me some water? The champagne has gone to my head."

Once the hormone-fueled Torch was dispatched, the redhead smoothly maneuvered toward Sean, who had just finished talking with Reed and stepped onto the balcony for air.

"Miss Scarlett, I'd hate to have Johnny challenge me to a duel over you," Sean said, catching her scent as she approached.

Her curves were impossible to ignore, and her wine-red curls only amplified her feline allure.

"He's just a boy," Scarlett murmured and laughed softly, her eyes glinting with mischief, "I prefer mature men. More reliable… and better at reading the room."

Faced with such a blatant advance, Sean feigned innocence, "What a shame. I guess a young guy like me doesn't stand a chance."

Just as he considered teasing her further, his phone vibrated. He didn't need to check, Skynet would naturally inform him of any urgent matters.

The playful glint in Sean's eyes vanished and was replaced by an icy sharpness.

Scarlett caught the shift instantly, "Something wrong?" she asked, feigning concern.

Sean smiled and shook his head, then he leaned in until his breath warmed her skin, her chest pressing against his.

The sudden closeness flustered her, though she masked it quickly.

"Nothing serious. A friend invited me to a play, but I'm tied up." His arm slid around her waist and pulled the red-haired beauty against him.

Lowering his voice, he murmured in her ear, "Miss Scarlett, did your acting coach ever warn you? Getting too deep into character can be… dangerous."

The redhead froze, but before she could react, Sean released her, then stepped back to a polite distance.

His smile was warm, his demeanor relaxed... It was as if the moment had never happened.

The seasoned spy found herself unnerved, 'Was that a veiled threat… or just harmless flirtation?'

When she met Sean's gaze, his eyes held only gentle amusement. There was no trace of the earlier edge...