Karl spoke calmly to Gwen.
To him, the honors he had accumulated already placed him among America's most outstanding young elites. Even Tony Stark didn't put on the Iron Man armor to chase street criminals every day. Problems like crime could never be eliminated — where there was light, there would always be shadow.
America itself was a chaotic society, riddled with inequality and prejudice. Yet no one dared look down on Karl. As a Stark Industries shareholder and Tony Stark's close associate, disrespecting him could cost someone their job… or their entire company.
"This… well… I didn't expect you to be this amazing," Gwen admitted.
She had almost said justice, but speaking about justice to a billionaire suddenly felt naïve. At the same time, she couldn't hide her shock at his accomplishments.
Karl said nothing further.
He slowed the Lamborghini.
"We're here."
The car stopped in front of her house.
Police cruisers lined the street.
Flashlights moved across the yard.
And her father stood at the center of it all.
"Dad! I'm here!"
Gwen rushed forward, guilt flooding her chest as she saw how anxiously he had searched for her — even mobilizing police units.
George Stacy pulled her into a tight embrace.
"You're safe… thank God."
Relief lasted only a moment.
He looked past her — at the luxury sports car idling at the curb.
His expression hardened.
"Stay behind me."
He stepped forward, drawing his service pistol.
Officers beside him did the same.
"Hands where I can see them! Step out of the vehicle!"
George's voice carried command authority.
As a father, seeing his teenage daughter step out of a luxury car late at night triggered every protective instinct he possessed.
He wasn't thinking about wealth.
He was thinking about danger.
Karl lowered the window slowly.
A faint smile rested on his lips.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Commissioner Stacy?"
His voice was calm — but carried unmistakable weight.
"I could accompany you to the station if you insist. But think carefully. Once I walk through those doors… this won't be easy to resolve."
George's jaw tightened.
Arrogance.
That's what he saw.
"I'll decide that," George snapped.
"Hands forward. Exit the vehicle. Three seconds — or I fire."
He began counting.
"Three—"
"No!"
Gwen rushed between them.
"Dad, stop! He saved me! If you shoot, this will turn into a disaster!"
Her spider-sense screamed danger.
The aura radiating from Karl felt worse than the monster she fought earlier.
"He's a Stark Industries shareholder… and Tony Stark's friend!"
Silence fell.
The officers hesitated.
Karl's expression didn't change.
"Go ahead," he said evenly. "Fire."
"If you do, you'll lose that badge tonight. Commissioner to patrol officer in a matter of hours."
He wasn't raising his voice.
He didn't need to.
George's anger burned hotter.
"I don't care who you are. Don't let me catch you exploiting your power. I'll put you behind bars myself."
Gwen looked back and forth anxiously.
One of the officers tugged George's sleeve and shook his head urgently.
They were patrol officers — not political players.
Offending a Stark Industries shareholder was not something they wanted on their careers.
Reluctantly, George lowered his weapon.
The others followed.
Karl studied him for a moment, disappointment clear in his eyes.
He had saved the man's daughter.
Not even a thank you.
Only suspicion and a drawn gun.
His good mood from dinner evaporated.
He wanted to crush the pistol like paper.
He didn't.
Killing the NYPD Commissioner in public would cause a political earthquake. Stark Industries' stock could suffer. Even Tony would face complications smoothing it over.
Quiet removal was one thing.
Public execution was another.
"Speed," Karl said without looking away from George, "send Tony the footage. Let him see what happened."
"Yes, boss. Transmission complete. Jarvis will notify Mr. Stark."
The officers stiffened.
George's stomach dropped.
Karl pressed the accelerator.
The Lamborghini roared into the night.
Silence lingered after the sound faded.
The officers slowly lowered their weapons completely.
Then the anger surfaced.
They glared at George.
They didn't serve justice alone — they served the system that paid them. Stark Industries had enormous influence over New York's economy.
And they had just pointed guns at one of its shareholders.
One officer threw his cap onto the pavement.
Others followed.
They turned and walked away without a word.
They had only responded because the Commissioner requested assistance locating his daughter — not to provoke powerful figures.
And now their careers might pay the price.
George stood frozen.
Gwen watched the officers leave, heart heavy.
He had never expected events to spiral this far.
He had feared his daughter had been harmed.
Even knowing Karl saved her… suspicion still lingered.
In George Stacy's mind, powerful men with money rarely acted without motive.
Not even Tony Stark was exempt.
The flashing police lights reflected across the quiet street.
And for the first time that night, the Commissioner of the NYPD felt the full weight of a reckless decision.
Visit patreon.com/ShiroTL for more chapters.