"Common ground in technology?" Hank looked as though he'd heard a bad joke. He shot Daniel a sidelong glance. "Young man, what do you know about microscopic physics? Do you think money can buy the truth? Go find common ground at one of your yacht parties..."
"Enough, Father!"
Hope couldn't listen anymore. Seeing her father treat the man she cared for with such rudeness and contempt brought out every protective instinct she had.
She stepped between Homelander and Hank, her eyes sharp as she faced her father.
"Put away your persecution complex! Daniel isn't Tony Stark, and the Starr Group didn't get its start making bombs!"
"Daniel is a top scientist too! What he's achieved in the microscopic realm is every bit as impressive as what you have!"
Hope raised her voice, defending Homelander without hesitation.
"Stop acting like you're the only one who knows the truth. You aren't the only person in this world who can shrink things!"
The words struck Pym like a thunderclap.
He went rigid.
"What do you mean?" Pym's gaze moved between his daughter and Homelander, his voice low. "What do you mean, I'm 'not the only person who can shrink things'?"
The moment Hope said it, she realized she had let the secret slip in the heat of the moment.
She had revealed it without even asking Daniel's permission.
She instinctively covered her mouth, then turned to Homelander in a fluster, her eyes full of apology and regret.
"I'm sorry, Daniel... I didn't mean to. I just..." she said quietly, trying to explain.
"It's all right, Hope." Homelander gave her a reassuring smile, signaling that she didn't need to worry.
"There was no need to keep this from Dr. Pym in the first place. In fact, I came today hoping to have an in-depth