New York!
The legendary Big Apple, an undisputed international metropolis. It seemed that no matter the world, as long as there was an Earth, there was a New York City.
This was a city of miracles—America's largest city, the world's financial hub, the crossroads of the globe, the most traffic-heavy city…
Here stood Stark Industries, its market value consistently topping the charts for years.
Here was Osborn Biotech, dominating the biopharmaceutical industry for decades.
Here was…
In short, compared to the New York of the Origin World, the New York of the Marvel Universe was even more luxurious—and far more dangerous.
What was that saying?
To destroy something, first drive it mad. Right now, New York still appeared calm and peaceful, but that was only because the time hadn't come yet. Once it did, New York—and the entire world—would descend into madness.
How long until then?
It was August 2007. There was still a year before that chaotic curtain rose.
Good.
Sitting in the car, Lake gazed at the iconic Stark Industries building sliding past his eyes from left to right, and a wave of relief washed over him.
After all, his divine power was currently under a year-long delay.
The real estate agent driving the car, Jeremy, glanced up at Lake in the rearview mirror. Speaking with an East London accent and dressed in an obviously expensive suit, Lake exuded wealth. "Sir, I believe choosing to settle in New York is absolutely a wise decision."
Lake chuckled softly. "I hope the residence I'm about to see lives up to your description and truly makes me feel like the master of New York City."
Jeremy's face bloomed with a radiant smile. "Of course, sir. I guarantee it."
Mikaela, sitting beside Lake, seemed a bit lost in thought. It had been three months since they left Queens. Honestly, she still wasn't entirely sure what she'd been thinking back then—why she'd so obediently followed Lake.
Over these three months, Mikaela had witnessed Lake spend money like water. In fact, she even felt that Lake's lavish lifestyle rivaled that of Tony Stark, who kept ten percent of New York's gossip rags alive with his personal scandals.
And now?
Living in a hotel that cost ten thousand Franklins a night wasn't enough anymore—he was looking to buy a house.
But…
With just over a million in that bank card, could he even afford this place… no, this entire floor?
Half an hour later, Mikaela stared at the luxurious property before her—an entire floor spanning over five thousand square feet. Watching Lake's back, she silently vented her exasperation.
Eager to secure the sale and a commission of at least two hundred fifty thousand dollars, Jeremy followed closely behind Lake, introducing the property. "Sir, this is the place I told you about—Star Tower. The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a 360-degree view of Manhattan's unparalleled scenery, showcasing every iconic landmark in New York City: the Hudson, the Statue of Liberty…"
"The building area is over five thousand square feet, with twenty-one-foot-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows topped with arches—perfect for entertaining or displaying an art collection. The chef's kitchen spans over a thousand square feet, complete with a dining area, a lounge with a wet bar, and a butler's pantry."
"There are four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. Even the master suite is ultra-luxurious, covering a thousand square feet, equipped with a jacuzzi and steam room…"
"The tower's eighty-three residences come with a full list of luxury amenities: a resident manager, on-site premium concierge, twenty-four-hour doorman, a full-floor fitness center, basketball court, library, billiards—all exclusive to residents."
"And most importantly…"
Jeremy, his mouth dry from talking, swallowed and looked at the coolly composed Lake before delivering the final point. "This is one of Star Tower's selling points: among the eighty-three residents in this building, not a single one is anything but white-skinned…"
Lake snapped out of his thoughts and glanced at Jeremy, intrigued. "That sounds like discrimination, doesn't it?"
Jeremy's heart leapt with joy, and he smiled. "Sir, it's not explicitly stated. Let's call it an unspoken rule."
Lake nodded and asked, "How much?"
Jeremy's inner excitement surged, though he kept it in check. "Sir, thirty-seven million. Pay now, and you can move in tonight."
Mikaela, who'd been admiring the massive swimming pool on the outdoor terrace, spun around at the price.
She saw Lake respond casually, "I'll take it."
Mikaela was instantly dumbfounded. Over the past three months, she'd meticulously tracked Lake's extravagant spending. By her calculations, that million-plus in Franklins should be down to almost nothing—ninety-plus women didn't come cheap.
Jeremy's delight was impossible to hide. "Sir, are you sure? That's thirty-seven million dollars—thirty-seven million Franklins."
Lake's expression remained calm. "Do you think I can't afford it?"
Jeremy shook his head like a rattle. "Sorry, sir, I shouldn't have doubted you. I'll prepare the contract right away."
With that.
Jeremy gave Lake a ninety-degree bow of apology, then awkwardly mimicked an English butler as he backed away slowly.
Mikaela snapped out of her daze and walked up to Lake. "Are you insane? That's thirty-seven million, not three dollars and seventy cents."
Lake said, "I know. I'm a god, not an idiot. I've got the bank card—just swipe it."
Mikaela was on the verge of losing it. "You've spent nearly a million in the last three months. How could there still be money on that card?"
Lake grinned. "Mikaela, want to make a bet?"
Mikaela eyed him suspiciously. "…What?"
Lake gazed at her vixen-like face. "If the card goes through, I get you tonight."
Mikaela took a step back, wary. "You said you were only interested in me after I become a goddess."
Lake nodded. "I did say that. But these past three months, I've gotten tired of switching to a new stranger every day."
Mikaela wanted to laugh, but frankly, she couldn't.
Was that even a reason?
He was tired of switching every day?
Three days into Lake's daily rotation, Mikaela had asked him about it—after all, he'd said he wasn't interested in mortal women.
And guess how Lake answered?
Good grief.
He'd told her, "I'm idle anyway. Living in luxury every day, occasionally eating some 'green food' is good for the mind and body."
Listen to that.
Was that even human speech?
…No, wait.
Even for a god, that wasn't something you should say.
You're the "green food."
I'm a damn enchantress.