"Ward?"
Leo looked at the only familiar face still standing before him, frowned, and greeted him softly.
"How are you feeling now?"
"Wow, it's you! Even Golden Legend came over. Did Coulson ask you for help? This is fantastic."
Leo's face was still concealed behind his mask. Looking at Ward's delighted smile, however, he grew slightly wary.
The two had only met a handful of times, and Ward had never treated him with such enthusiasm.
Moreover, Ward had long since been bewitched by Lorelei. Leo's greeting had merely been a test, yet who could have expected Ward to eagerly take the bait?
He even seemed ready to walk straight over to Leo.
Leo looked at Ward and waved a hand. Several metal tubes instantly shot forward and restrained Ward's limbs.
"Uh, sorry. I can't trust you yet."
Because they had met once before, Leo did not seal Ward's mouth shut.
Looking at his bound hands and feet, unable to move, Ward finally became enraged and revealed his true colors.
"I really didn't expect Coulson to find you and ask for help after all. That's what I've always been worried about, but you still arrived too late. Heh."
Ward sat on the ground, wearing a helpless yet cruel smile.
"However, judging by what you did to Lorelei, it seems you can't resist Lorelei's abilities either. I've overestimated you."
"You anticipated that I would come?"
Leo chuckled softly.
"Of course." Ward smiled and nodded.
"So your purpose in going to New York was Tony Stark?"
"Yes. I knew that no matter how many subordinates Lorelei gathered, they wouldn't be of much use against you. Only by restraining you could there be any future for us."
Ward did not refuse to answer Leo's question at all and confessed honestly.
"That part is true.