On the balcony of the Vought president's office.
Ashley brought Frenchie and Mother's Milk back to the office. Rather than getting straight to business, she chose to take a brief rest alone on the balcony, recovering from the fatigue of her demanding work.
Leaning against the railing, she had an unobstructed view of New York at night. Amid the dazzling lights, anyone could feel the allure of modern urban civilization.
Whenever she stood here, Ashley found herself filled with emotion.
The quartz clock's minute hand turned alone through a dozen or so marks. When a playful evening breeze tousled Ashley's hair, she gently straightened it, left the balcony, and returned to the office.
"Mr. Mother's Milk, please have some coffee. No need to be so formal." Ashley smiled, pushing the coffee toward him.
Mother's Milk nodded politely, but he still did not touch the coffee, his face full of unease.
Being left waiting for a dozen minutes or so was no big deal, yet that brief lull had made him increasingly nervous.
There was no other reason. This female president of Vought simply had too imposing a presence.
Although she seemed extremely approachable, her every gesture carried the air of someone in power.
Ashley smiled faintly, very satisfied with Mother's Milk's reaction.
"You want to join Vought?" She leaned back in her chair, scrutinizing the man before her.
"Yes," Mother's Milk answered in a low voice. "I don't want to keep running like Butcher."
Ashley raised an eyebrow. "According to our information, you used to be one of Vought's staunchest enemies."
Mother's Milk fell silent for a moment. "I'm tired, ma'am. And I don't want my wife and daughter living in fear."
As he spoke, Mother's Milk wearily rubbed his face.
Lately, he had kept dreaming about his wife and