Ashley: I Have to Vote for This-Loyalty!

When people got angry, they were ruled and controlled by an emotion called anger.

That emotion often affected their thinking, judgment, and self-control. Many things they would later regret could easily happen when they were angry.

For example, Stormfront.

But there was another kind of person who often grew calmer the angrier they got. Their thinking even became sharper and quicker than usual.

Ryan was also a master performer, with a command of his lines far beyond that of ordinary people.

And if someone hadn't undergone the relevant training, it was difficult for her to suddenly change her tone, speaking habits, and choice of words.

But Raven Mitchell had changed.

At first, Ryan wasn't sure. Then he suddenly told Mitchell she'd get an important supporting role in a movie, and she immediately let her guard slip.

Because in that moment, Mitchell had genuinely revealed what she wanted.

In fact, the sudden fulfillment of a desire she'd held for so long had, for an instant, freed her from the control and coercion she'd been under, revealing her true state.

Taking advantage of the surprise, he immediately and decisively asked Mitchell where she was, using a commanding tone. Godol...

"Godol? Ashley, can you help me think of a place with 'Godol' in its name?"

Ashley jolted, snapping back to reality.

She stared at the eight-year-old boy in front of her in disbelief. She couldn't even bear to face his sweet smile.

No! Why had he suddenly stopped acting?

This... I... I didn't know what to do.

This was way over my head!

We'd all been happily playing our parts: you were your daddy's good little boy, and I was your loyal subordinate. Sure, it was stressful, but I was willing.

But, young master Ryan, don't lay your cards on the table with me.

I really could be blind, deaf, and stupid.

Ashley forced an awkward smile, still trying to salvage the situation. "Godol? All right, Ryan. I can't think of anything right now. How about I look into it carefully when I get back?"

Ryan suddenly stretched, then settled back into the big sofa and pointed at the mini-fridge. "Ashley, I'm thirsty. Could you get me a bottle of... Hmm?"

He paused, seeming to consider what he wanted to drink.

Ashley answered instinctively, "Last time you wanted Jinwei yogurt, Ryan, so I rushed an order through. There's some in the fridge... Huh?"

A compliance test??

A humiliating phrase suddenly popped into Ashley's mind. Before she could think it through, Ryan had already agreed.

"All right, Jinwei it is. Thank you, Ashley."

"Of... of course."

A moment later, a bottle of yogurt with a straw in it was set on the table.

But Ryan didn't get up to take a sip. He only stared at the bottle, lost in thought.

Only when Ashley grew even more nervous did he suddenly say, "Ashley, can I trust you?"

"W-what... Ryan, what are you saying?"

"You know exactly what I mean, Ashley. You've always been by Dad's and my side. So much has happened lately, and you've even been handling the aftermath of Stormfront's death."

Ryan looked at her. "You've figured it out too, haven't you, Ashley?"

Ashley raised a hand, about to grab her hair.

Ryan abruptly stopped her. "Don't!"

Ashley snapped to attention instinctively and shouted, "Yes, sir!"

After that "yes," the room fell silent for a long while.

"Ah..."

Ryan's sigh broke the stillness.

He didn't look at Ashley's even more troubled face, only grumbled to himself, "Mitchell definitely didn't leave here willingly."

"She'd be happy to live in Vought Tower for the rest of her life, wouldn't she, Ashley?"

"Y-yes, I suppose."

How the hell would I know? Who keeps track of what some nobody thinks?

Ryan got his answer and continued analyzing. "But she left after doing something for me, without even saying goodbye."

"So someone's controlling her. You heard the phone call just now too. She—or he—let something slip."

"And in Vought Tower, who could do that, Ashley? Who do you think?"

"Not me!"

Ryan rolled his eyes. "I know it wasn't you. Forget it. Give me Stan Edgar's number."

Ashley tensed again.

She hurriedly asked, "Ryan, why do you need Mr. Edgar's number? This definitely has nothing to do with him. Let's not bother him."

Ryan was about to ask for the number again, but then he reconsidered.

He was a hundred percent certain that Stan Edgar had discovered Mitchell and taken her away. But even if he called, would Edgar tell him anything?

And what would he even say?

Should he shatter their unspoken understanding—you know I'm Little Fox, and I know you're an old fox?

Or just threaten him?

Ryan understood clearly that without some show of force to back them up, words were weak and utterly unconvincing.

And in the current situation, Stan Edgar's control over Vought International and his hold over Homelander were beneficial. Ryan couldn't be the one to upset that delicate balance.

Unless someone could take Stan Edgar's place.

Ryan looked at Ashley again. Could she?

She was capable of handling affairs and highly competent, but his Homie still lacked someone he could fear a little...

No, to be precise, someone who could make Homie willingly restrain himself.

I could do that myself, but I absolutely couldn't be that person!

I represent love. That person needs to represent fear, hatred, and the longing for recognition.

So, for now, Stan Edgar couldn't be touched.

Just as Edgar had immense power but had only taken Raven away to warn him, "I've seen through you."

They were wary of each other.

The weight of his thoughts and misgivings kept the room silent for a long while.

Once Ryan had thought it through, he suddenly broke into a smile. "Ashley, you're right. Let's not bother Mr. Edgar."

"Then can you tell me about this 'Godol'? You must know, right?"

Ashley breathed a sigh of relief, then immediately tensed up again. She hadn't even had a moment to catch her breath.

She gave up trying to dodge the question and shared her guess outright. "It's probably Godolkin University, the only university for supes in the entire country."

Ryan: "?"

Had Godolkin University been mentioned in The Boys? He couldn't remember.

Had it only appeared after season four?

While Ryan was still trying to recall, Ashley brought up another name.

"If Mitchell's being controlled, there's only one person I can think of with that kind of ability."

"Who?"

"Cate Dunlap, one of the top students at that university."

After saying her name, Ashley seemed to remember something else and immediately began to explain.

But just then, Ryan suddenly made a gesture for her to stop.

First came the sound of a sonic boom outside. Then the glass doors leading to the balcony in Ryan's room opened automatically.

Homelander came in, looking delighted.

"Hahaha! Son, guess who I just rescued?"

Ryan reacted smoothly, wearing a puzzled expression. "Dad, I can't guess. Who did you rescue?"

"A major Hollywood star. My approval rating is about to skyrocket!"

Then Homelander's imagination took off. "Ashley, since you're here, go contact some of the biggest Hollywood stars in a little while."

"Ah! What for?"

Homelander frowned and gave her a scornful look. "To rescue them, of course. Haven't you noticed they have a lot of fans too?"

"Not as many as we do, but I'll take what I can get. Go on."

"Yes, I understand, sir."

Ashley glanced at Ryan. Seeing no reaction from him, she immediately excused herself.

As soon as she left the room, she took out her phone and dialed a number.

"Thomas! We've got an emergency. I want you in my room within three minutes!"

"Damn it, don't ask me what's going on! Just bring the biggest little flag you've got and get over here!"

"Motherfucker! Two! I want one too!"