Chapter 132: The Aftermath of the Breakup

Michael looked at Tony, speechless.

"If you're here to mock me, you can get lost."

Seeing Michael in a foul mood, Tony replied, "That's not it. I don't want to see you make a fool of yourself."

Catching Michael’s exasperated look, Tony sighed and conceded, "Alright, I am here to see you make a fool of yourself, but I’m more concerned about your life. You might be young and unsure of what you want, but don't hurt the people who love you."

"I know."

Michael could only sigh, offering nothing further.

"I’m preparing for Iron Man 1. Do you want to make a cameo?"

"Not interested."

Michael turned and left. He had recently purchased an island, and he decided it was time to do something with it.

Since Tony had not acquired the Mind Scepter, there were no signs of Ultron being created. In the original timeline, the Avengers had retrieved the scepter from a Hydra base, leading Tony to discover the program hidden within the gem and create Ultron. Without the scepter, there would be no floating sky city. Michael decided to launch his newly acquired island into the sky to serve as his next base of operations.

"Hey!"

Michael sped off in his car, only to be intercepted by Spider-Man, who had also recently bought a vehicle.

"Hey, Michael, I want to talk to you."

"We have nothing to talk about, Peter."

Not wanting to engage, Michael turned to leave.

"I know, I understand, but I just want to know what happened between you and Gwen?"

Michael looked at Peter, a sense of irritation rising within him. The more he looked at him, the more he disliked him.

Stepping forward, Michael pointed at his chest and said, "Whatever is going on between us, it has nothing to do with you."

"But Gwen is very upset. I mean, you shouldn't let Gwen be sad because of you."

Peter didn't know how to phrase it; his position was awkward. He, Michael, and Gwen were merely acquaintances, or at best, teammates.

"What does this have to do with you? Do you have feelings for Gwen? I thought you had a girlfriend."

"I don't... yes, I have MJ." Peter’s confidence wavered.

"So? Instead of worrying about MJ, you’re interfering with us. If I didn't know better, I’d wonder who you think you are."

Michael scoffed and conjured a portal, tossing Peter into it.

Peter felt himself falling rapidly and frantically shot a web to steady himself. Looking around, he realized he had been dropped in the middle of the city center.

"Shit!"

Peter immediately pulled up his hood and reached into his backpack to put on his spider mask.

Just as he finished, a man eating in a nearby building happened to catch the entire scene. He stared in disbelief, whispering, "Peter?" He couldn't fathom why Peter would be Spider-Man; he was his best friend.

Meanwhile, Michael’s frustration grew, and he drove faster and faster, quickly losing the cars behind him. He pulled up to a bar and walked inside. Feeling agitated, he sought the solace of alcohol.

The bartender recognized him instantly—he was that doctor from the news, the one who had recently dismantled a human trafficking ring and reunited countless families.

"Sir, what can I get you?"

"Something strong. Something that can get me drunk."

Given his current physique, ordinary alcohol had little effect, yet he still craved it. After downing several shots of high-proof liquor, Michael felt only a slight warmth in his stomach before the effect faded. He looked up at the bartender and said, "Give me that."

The bartender followed Michael’s gaze and immediately said, "Sir, you can't drink that. It’ll kill you."

"I want it. Bring me all the Spirytus you have."

Spirytus was ninety-six percent alcohol, a level comparable to medical-grade surgical spirits. It was intended only as a base for cocktails; it was essentially undrinkable. A single sip would numb the lips and cause dehydration, and consuming it could even perforate the stomach. There was a saying that one shouldn't smoke while drinking it, lest they burst into flames.

If a hero were to vomit blood here, the bar would become infamous, and the bartender would surely be fired.

"Bring it."

"I really can't." The bartender pleaded.

Michael pulled out a stack of cash and handed it to him. "Is this enough?"

The stack was worth several months of his salary. The bartender stared, his eyes wide, but his job was at stake. "I really can't, sir."

Michael glanced at him and said, "You're fired."

The bartender gave a bitter smile. "Sir, if I serve you, I’ll be fired anyway."

Michael smiled. "I just bought this place. You’re already fired."

The bartender pulled out his phone; a new text message confirmed the establishment had indeed been bought by Michael. The bartender was stunned. Could the wealthy really do whatever they wanted?

At that moment, several women approached, some seeking autographs, others looking for a one-night stand.

Michael grew impatient and ordered the security guards to clear the room. Once everyone was gone, he had some fruit platters brought over and began drinking the Spirytus straight.

"Drinking alone?"

Michael turned to see Black Widow, Natasha, standing there.

"Have a drink." Michael poured a glass and handed it to her.

Natasha looked at it and downed it without hesitation. Exhaling a cloud of alcohol vapor, she remarked, "Refreshing."

Michael smiled. "Are you here to lecture me, too?"

Natasha nodded. "Yes."

Nick Fury could no longer manage the Avengers, but Natasha remained his spy, and he still received intel on the team. Based on recent reports, Fury had a feeling that Michael was becoming increasingly unstable. Something must have happened to trigger this shift, so he had sent Natasha, a professional spy, to probe him.

Natasha had already tested the waters with Gwen, but Gwen didn't understand why Michael had suddenly changed his heart; there had been no warning. Ever since the night they wiped out the vampires, Michael had decisively ended things. Natasha was certain it wasn't due to infidelity, but rather something that had occurred that night.

"What happened that night?"

"Which night?" Michael retorted.

Natasha smiled. "You don't need to hide anything from me."

"Really? Are you done with your day job as a spy? Oh right, you’re already a household name." To the public, she was just an actress.

Natasha continued, "Tell me the truth this time. Don't worry, Nick Fury won't know."

She was indeed under orders from Fury, but she didn't work for him alone; she valued the unity of the Avengers just as much. Michael looked at Natasha. Could a spy be trusted? Still, he found he truly needed someone to talk to.