Question: how would it feel to have a gorgeous woman lying on your couch, seemingly utterly defenseless, gazing at you through hazy, seductive eyes?
John answered, "The cost of the lock comes out of your salary."
Natasha: "..."
After witnessing Tony's multibillion-dollar fireworks show, John felt he was practically frugal to a fault.
He also realized he was still a long way from being rich.
After all, he had needed alchemy just to buy some vibranium last time, while Tony had blown up dozens of suits of armor without batting an eye.
Considering the money Tony would later spend developing new armor and rebuilding his mansion, John was moved by his own simple, thrifty spirit.
What boss didn't exploit their employees? It was just a question of ambition.
Although Natasha was a deeply calculating agent, even she couldn't resist rolling her eyes at a boss like this.
Abandoning her seductive pose, Natasha shifted from reclining on her side to sitting upright.
"Don't tell me you're working on Christmas, too."
John took off his coat and set it aside. It floated over to the coat rack and hung itself up.
He suspected Natasha had come over on S.H.I.E.L.D. business.
Natasha still tried to reclaim some pride in her charms. Thrusting out her impressive figure, she said suggestively, "Can't I just come over to catch up?"
"Catch up?" John looked astonished. "Don't tell yourself lies."
He was utterly clearheaded.
"Fine." Natasha gave up, suddenly feeling that even Tony was easier to deal with. "Just one thing. What's going on with Silverhand Fashion Architecture?"
"Exactly what you've seen." John walked over and shrugged. "Some friendly wizards saw that beautiful New York had been damaged and came out to help repair it."
"Wow."
Natasha's exclamation lacked any sincerity whatsoever.
If she hadn't known that