The situation had nothing to do with Steve Rogers directly. Crossbones had helped Speaker Nancy arrange a scheme — hiring people to pose as members of the Ten Rings and attack Captain America, putting the blame on them.
Now, the Ten Rings had kidnapped Senator Wakeman to force him to reveal the truth and clear their name.
If the Speaker refused to cooperate, they would expose evidence showing he was using charity organizations to distribute illegal profits and that he had staged the attack on civilians to cover his own corruption.
To redeem himself, the Speaker would have to issue a public apology and pay ten billion dollars in compensation for reputation loss.
Speaker Nancy was Gorgon's right-hand man and managed the Senate. Now that such a scandal was about to break out—one that also involved charity and corruption—his political career was on the line.
Even if he tried to clear his name, it would still be difficult to move forward. His only options were to resign gracefully or be held accountable later.
And even if he didn't resign willingly, others would force him to step down.
Wakeman understood perfectly: whether the accusations were true or not, once this scandal stuck to him, it was over.
Even if the Ten Rings released him, he would likely be silenced by the Speaker and his allies once he returned.
If he was destined to die either way, he might as well die here.
But the Ten Rings had another offer — they wanted to recruit him. They promised him 200 million dollars upon completion of a mission. If successful, he didn't even need to join them permanently; they could help him defect to Russia.
As a persecuted politician, his senatorial status would ensure his safety there, and with 200 million dollars, his future life would be secure.
Wakeman hesitated. Defecting meant death in one way, but survival in another. As long as he was alive, there was still a chance for a comeback.
Behind him, a countdown bomb ticked. In front of him were photos of his family — and even his hidden illegitimate child. Everything was exposed. His secrets, his life — laid bare.
Cornered, Wakeman compromised. He would "die bravely," leaving himself a small chance at survival.
He turned on the camera and began recording:
"Speaker Nancy, I've been kidnapped by the Ten Rings. You sent people to falsely accuse them of committing a massacre outside New York, which has enraged them. They're being slandered for something they didn't do.
I hope you can clear their name. If you fail to do so, they'll release evidence of the Miami Charity Foundation's corruption and its collusion with Middle Eastern terrorists to embezzle military funds.
They're also demanding one billion dollars in compensation for damages. Please, think carefully."
Wakeman's hands trembled as he spoke, his voice filled with grief and despair. This had nothing to do with him, yet he was caught in the middle. Could he ever survive in politics after this?
Captain America was never mentioned — proof that this entire incident had nothing to do with Steve Rogers at all.
And after the scandal broke, who would even care about the hearing against Captain America anymore?
When one's own house was burning, there was no time to fight someone else's battles.
If the plan worked, the Ten Rings could place their own people in the Senate. If not, they would at least create chaos — and chaos always created opportunity.
Crossbones, watching Wakeman's expression twist in anger, turned off the camera, patted his shoulder, and said with a grin, "Very good. You did great. The emotion was perfect. I'll even give you an extra chicken drumstick tonight."
The next morning, while Steve Rogers was still sleeping soundly, Pepper Potts had already gotten up. She picked up her high heels and torn stockings from the floor, her bare feet — marked with faint bite marks — stepping lightly on the carpet.
After slipping on an apron, she headed to the kitchen to make breakfast for her beloved boyfriend.
Just then, the phone rang.
"Captain, we've got confirmation. The trade is possible," Crossbones said, his tone filled with excitement.
Although they were still technically part of Hydra, money was tight. Steve had promised bonuses once the mission succeeded.
With a capable leader and enough funding, Hydra's remnants could be revived.
Alexander Pierce couldn't embezzle openly, so he relied on secret deals — but most profitable channels were already controlled by rival factions. That made survival difficult.
The Winter Soldier had only been recovered recently, almost by chance. If not for that, they would have no real powerhouse left.
Steve, however, wasn't particularly invested in the Winter Soldier. What he wanted now was stability — and money to support his team.
Crossbones handled the dirty work. Steve just had to manage things from above. After all, if he didn't keep his people motivated — and Pepper satisfied — life would quickly become complicated.
"Got it," Steve replied. "Tell Sitwell to verify the intel carefully. We can't afford to be tricked. Once it's done, we'll celebrate your success tonight."
"Yes, Captain!" Crossbones answered eagerly. He admired Steve Rogers deeply now — not just as a fighter, but as a leader. Hydra's indoctrination made loyalty absolute once someone earned their respect.
After hanging up, Steve sat up, rubbing his temples. "That old fox Pierce can't be trusted," he muttered. "I need someone reliable. Someone close."
He thought for a moment. Men were harder to manage — they lacked subtlety and often had their own agendas. But a woman, one with both intelligence and loyalty, could be a true partner.
Then he thought of Sharon Carter.
Although still new at the time, Sharon had already become director of the liaison department. With Peggy Carter's legacy and her own ability, she was more than capable.
"What if I let Sharon handle Hydra's internal affairs?" Steve pondered aloud. "With the right guidance, she could excel quickly."
Just like Pepper — once Tony Stark's secretary, now a competent businesswoman managing her own team at Stark Industries.
As a responsible man, how could he let his woman stay idle at home?
"It's settled then. Sharon it is," he decided with a smirk.
"Honey, breakfast is ready! I've got to head to work soon!" Pepper called from the doorway, her radiant smile glowing in the morning light.
Steve turned to her and grinned. "Breakfast? No, sweetheart… breakfast is you."
Then he pulled her back into the room and closed the door.
...
📢 Author's Note
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✅ Part 1 Complete — 117 Chapters
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