Ashley froze. This compensation far exceeded her expectations, but she accepted it anyway.
Ryan watched the whole time, not quite understanding what Soldier Boy was saying. He scuffed the ground with the toe of his shoe and asked Homelander, "Dad, what's Grandpa talking about?"
"He's compensating the victims and taking responsibility," Homelander said quietly.
In truth, he was also looking forward to seeing what Soldier Boy would do.
Soldier Boy had changed him in many ways, especially when it came to being a "superhero," opening up a new world and showing him new sights.
And so, without realizing it, Homelander had grown dependent on Soldier Boy. Whatever happened, he would instinctively refer to his approach and compare it with his own.
After making a few brief notes, Ashley was about to leave when something stirred in Homelander's mind, and he stopped her. "Wait."
Ashley turned back, puzzled.
"Ashley, I think you need compensation too." Homelander smiled.
Ashley froze. "There's no need, sir."
Homelander waved a hand, his tone sincere. "You're Vought's most indispensable employee, and you also own shares in Vought. We're in this together. Do you understand?"
Ashley fell silent, unable to figure out what Homelander was up to.
She had never seen him like this before.
"Take three months' salary from the company account," Homelander instructed. "It's both compensation and a reward for continuing to work despite your injury."
"Oh! My God, this..." Ashley was a little overwhelmed by the unexpected favor, her mind wavering between surprise and doubt.
Only when Homelander gently waved her off again did she leave as though waking from a dream, looking down at the floor.
Her burgundy heels clicked crisply against the floor in a light, regular rhythm, without a trace of disorder or turmoil.
And lately, the changes in Homelander had