Ch. 259 The Beehive and the Death Star

While Skye's hacking skills were impressive, Russell decided to have No. 3 test her capabilities.

Some things couldn't be accurately assessed without practical testing.

After instructing No. 3, Russell resumed playing his game with the Cloak of Levitation.

Night fell quickly, and instead of returning to their apartment, Russell and Diana planned to stay at the Justice League headquarters for a few days. With Diana's identity now public, reporters would likely be lurking around the building more than before.

Staying at the Justice League headquarters not only kept them away from pesky reporters but also allowed Diana to more conveniently take over the Justice League operations.

After enjoying a meal at the Justice League cafeteria prepared by the robot chef, Russell and Diana had a brief sparring session in the training area. Once they finished their post-meal exercise, they returned to their rooms, played a few rounds of chess, and formally ended their day.

The next morning, in Russell's study:

"Good morning, sir," Bakshi, dressed in a sharp suit, greeted Russell with a frosty expression.

"Please, have a seat," Russell said.

"Of course, sir!" Bakshi replied with a slight bow, taking a seat.

Bucky didn't sit down but stood behind Bakshi, acting like a bodyguard.

"Tell me, what responses did the various HYDRA branches provide, following your previous instructions and contacts with their leaders?" Russell asked calmly.

In truth, regardless of the responses from these HYDRA branches, they wouldn't affect Russell's plans. The only difference would be whether there would be casualties and how many.

"According to your previous arrangements and instructions from two days ago, I contacted all HYDRA branches and met with several of their leaders," Bakshi began. "Since I didn't reveal all the details to them, none of them have agreed to your proposal so far."

Bakshi wore an expression of regret and guilt as he finished speaking.

"If they don't agree, there's no need to be polite with them," Russell replied. "Hand over their information to No. 3. I'll handle this matter personally."

"The plan to use the high table to deter others doesn't need to continue. Take some time to rest. I'll reach out to you if there's anything."

Russell's expression remained as calm as ever, as if he didn't care about the rejection from the various HYDRA branches.

Bakshi nodded, and along with Bucky, he left the study.

Once they left, Russell instructed No. 3, "After receiving the information sent by Bakshi, send me the data regarding Pierce's branch."

"Understood, sir," No. 3 replied promptly.

After giving the orders to No. 3, Russell paid a visit to Diana's study to inform her.

Then, he left the Justice League headquarters alone.

Instead of going to the Octopus Monster headquarters or returning to their apartment, Russell drove his self-driving Porsche 911 to a coffee shop in Manhattan.

After taking a seat near the window, Natasha, dressed casually, entered the café. She scanned the surroundings before sitting down in front of Russell.

"Now is not the best time to meet, especially in public," Natasha said, removing her sunglasses and speaking coldly.

"Is there a problem?" Russell asked.

"If I recall correctly, you said we would discuss the matter of the Cosmic Cube's conclusion and how to settle the brainwashing issue once it's over," Russell replied with a smile.

"Are you sure you want to discuss this here?" Natasha raised an eyebrow, her gaze icy.

"This place seems fine to me. It's elegant, and there aren't too many customers," Russell replied with a nonchalant expression.

"Since you don't mind, let's talk then," Natasha said, summoning the waitress and ordering a latte and some pastries.

After the waitress left, Russell examined Natasha's attractive face and said with a smile, "We're quite familiar with each other by now, so there's no need to waste time. What's your plan for settling the brainwashing issue with me?"

Natasha frowned but eventually said, "I haven't decided yet."

"Is it that you haven't decided, or you don't intend to settle with me?" Russell continued to inquire.

Although Natasha's tone was unfriendly, she had spent a considerable amount of time working for him under the influence of brainwashing, so he had a fairly good understanding of her.

If Natasha truly hadn't made up her mind, she wouldn't have come here today.

"You're overthinking it. I'm not as generous as your girlfriend, Diana," Natasha retorted.

"You certainly aren't as generous as Diana," Russell replied with a nod, appearing serious.

"You…"

Even though Natasha had encountered her fair share of rogues and scoundrels, she couldn't help but admit that Russell always had a knack for getting on her nerves.

If she weren't aware that she couldn't match Russell, she would have loved to teach him a lesson.

"Alright, let's stop joking around," Russell said. "You didn't voluntarily inform Nick Fury after the removal of the brainwashing, choosing instead to speak with me. This indicates that you've already thought through the consequences."

"If you're really planning to settle scores with me, you wouldn't be chatting with me on the Helicarrier, and you certainly wouldn't be meeting me in person today."

Russell took a sip of his coffee and continued, nonchalantly, "By the way you look now, it seems like you've already figured out how to compensate me."

Natasha might have been a top-notch spy, but she wasn't sure about Russell's true intentions regarding HYDRA. Thus, she was currently unable to determine what exactly Russell had in mind.

However, one thing she was certain of was that Russell intended to use her to accomplish something.

After thinking for over ten seconds, Natasha finally spoke, "If you really have such a list, Fury shouldn't have a problem accepting your 'gift.'"

"No, this isn't a gift," Russell corrected her.

He had never been in the habit of giving gifts to men, especially not to a man like Nick Fury.

"When can you provide me with this list?" Natasha asked.

"It can be done now. Use the same secure mailbox as before. I'll have No. 3 send the list to you."

"After receiving the list, you can either hand it directly to Nick Fury or verify it yourself beforehand."

Russell replied promptly.

"Alright," Natasha agreed without hesitation.

After discussing the matter of the HYDRA list with Natasha, Russell left the coffee shop and returned to the Justice League headquarters.

As he sat in his self-driving Porsche 911, he contemplated his next steps.

First, he would deal with the HYDRA branch led by Baron Strucker, hidden in Sokovia, and search for Wanda and Pietro. Then, he would address the issue of the legitimate HYDRA led by Gideon Malick and the Hive.

Gideon Malick had a daughter, didn't he? What was her name?

Russell furrowed his brows as he tried to recall. Stephanie!

Stephanie Malick!

Russell remembered Stephanie's name and her fate in the original plot.