Nick smiled at Reed and the other two, his eyes full of anticipation. Once Johnny saw Ben agree, his already wavering loyalties swung fully toward S.H.I.E.L.D.
"I agree too."
With that, Johnny turned to Susan in the neighboring hospital bed. "Sis, you should agree too. If we miss this chance, we won't get another."
Susan parted her lips, but rather than agree outright, she looked at Reed. "Reed, what do you think?"
Ben and Johnny immediately turned to Reed as well.
As their team's leader, Reed still commanded their respect. But with their futures at stake, Ben and Johnny had made their own choices.
Naturally, they hoped Reed would agree too, so their little team could stay together. More importantly, if Reed agreed, they wouldn't have to feel guilty about betraying the team.
Looking at their expectant faces, Reed sighed softly. He knew their little team had reached the end of the road.
"I'm sorry. I appreciate the government's offer, but I'm already with Stark Industries."
Reed rejected the offer outright.
Nick's expression shifted slightly before he smiled again. "Are you worried about breach-of-contract penalties or something like that?"
"Don't worry. However much the penalties are, we'll cover them in full. All you need to do is follow your heart and make your choice."
Nick's promise could hardly have been more generous, but that was precisely what made Reed even more resistant.
Nobody offered favors for nothing; they always had an ulterior motive. Reed might not have known that saying, but he knew how treacherous the world could be, so he still shook his head firmly.
Nick was filled with disappointment at the sight. Had he known what Reed was thinking, he might have coughed up blood.
He only wanted to poach them. He really had no ill intentions.
Disappointed