Homelander let out a long sigh of relief, a relaxed smile returning to his face.
"All right."
Solomon stood up, straightened his collar, and swept his gaze over everyone.
"The press conference starts soon. Go get ready."
With that, he was the first to walk out of the conference room.
The Seven exchanged glances behind him, each suppressing the turmoil within before hurriedly following.
In the press hall on the first floor of Vought headquarters, the spotlights shone a dazzling white, and the gold Vought logo gleamed on the backdrop.
The press seating was packed solid. Cameras formed a dense forest, and shutter clicks mingled with whispers in a boiling clamor.
Ashley stood at the center of the podium in a smart black skirt suit, a composed, professional smile on her face. Her voice carried clearly throughout the hall through the microphone.
"Good afternoon, members of the press. Today's conference is being held to put a definitive end to the recent incidents of Supes causing havoc worldwide, and to formally introduce the person who actually controls Vought International. First, please welcome The Seven!"
Stirring background music began on cue. Homelander stepped out first, wearing his trademark sunny smile, and raised a hand to wave at the audience, habitually waiting for thunderous cheers.
But only a few scattered claps answered him.
Far more numerous were the cold stares. The reporters in the front row pressed their lips together, their hands resting on rolled-up protest signs, undisguised disgust in their eyes.
Someone in the back muttered, "Murderer." It was quiet, but it reached Homelander's ears with perfect clarity.
Others simply raised signs reading "Give me back my family." Cameras swung toward him in unison, waiting to see him lose his composure.
The smile on Homelander's face froze instantly. Before he could lower