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Coulson, on the other hand, got back into the car and closed the door with a soft click.
"Let's head back," he said.
Barbara Morse—sitting in the passenger seat—glanced at him.
"How did it go?"
"It went well," Coulson replied, loosening his tie slightly. "He was a bit shocked, but honestly, who wouldn't be? Even if I were a normal guy, getting handed that kind of money out of nowhere would stun me too."
Barbara chuckled. "Yeah, you handled it smoothly. Now we just need to get his company registered."
Coulson nodded. "Right. Let's get that done before tomorrow."
As the car pulled away from the villa, Barbara rested her elbow on the window.
"Still can't believe Fury has a child," she muttered. "I figured that man would die before even considering it."
Coulson sighed. "That man was married once. A long time ago. Just because no one in S.H.I.E.L.D. knew doesn't mean it didn't happen."
Barbara tilted her head.
"Well… at least the kid didn't end up with Fury's attitude. The world doesn't need two of them."
Coulson cracked a rare smile. "True enough."
After a moment of silence, Barbara glanced at him again.
"What about you, Coulson? You're getting older too. Ever think about having kids?"
Coulson blinked, then gave a helpless shrug.
"Haven't met anyone who would willingly tie their life to mine. My job… doesn't exactly encourage long-term relationships."
Barbara rolled her eyes softly. "You're hopeless."
"Maybe," Coulson said with a small laugh. "But at least I'm honest."
The car drove on, disappearing into the city lights—while back at the villa, Ethan's new future was just beginning.
The black sedan slipped into the shadows of the private road, heading toward the rendezvous point.
A few minutes later, they reached an isolated clearing—quiet, dark, and empty.
Empty… until the cloaking shimmer peeled away.
A quinjet appeared, decloaking like a ghost returning to reality.
Barbara unbuckled her seatbelt.
"Well. Back to work."
Coulson stepped out and straightened his suit, his expression shifting from "friendly lawyer" to "S.H.I.E.L.D. agent" in an instant.
They approached the quinjet's ramp as it lowered with a mechanical hiss.
"Still weird using this much covert effort for one kid," Barbara muttered.
Coulson shrugged. "He's Fury's son. That alone means half the world will want him dead if they find out. Better to keep eyes on him early."
"Yeah, yeah," she said as she boarded. "Still feels like overkill."
Coulson followed her up the ramp.
The hatch sealed behind them with a thud.
A pilot's voice came over the intercom.
"Quinjet One, ready for takeoff. Returning to Helicarrier."
"Proceed," Coulson replied.
The engines hummed, energy thrumming through the metal frame.
With a burst of thrust, the aircraft lifted smoothly off the ground, then shot upward, disappearing into the night sky.
Far above the clouds, a massive silhouette waited.
The S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier—silent, armored, floating like the world's largest guardian.
The quinjet slid into its docking bay, the lights guiding it inside.
Barbara stretched her arms. "Another day, another secret."
Coulson simply nodded.
"And a new variable enters the board."
Deep within the Helicarrier, they walked down the metallic corridor toward the debriefing room. The hum of engines echoed faintly through the walls.
Coulson glanced sideways at Barbara.
"Fury wants a female agent assigned to him," he said quietly. "Someone who can act as his secretary… and step in if things get out of control."
Barbara raised a brow. "He has seen my face as Dr. Kaelyn. I don't think its an good idea for me to go there."
"Exactly," Coulson replied. "Which is why I was considering recommending someone else who can take your place. Someone equally professional… and, well—presentable."
Barbara snorted. "Sending a pretty agent to that hormonal kid? Coulson, your priorities are questionable."
Coulson shook his head firmly.
"It's not about flattering him. It's about control. Teenagers with absurd advantages can spiral fast. He'll need someone who can keep him grounded."
Barbara sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"And you're certain she won't end up distracting him instead?"
"That's why I need a professional," he replied.
"You know more about the agents than I do," Barbara said as she looked at him.
"I already have a candidate in mind," Coulson admitted. "I just wanted to check if there was anyone you'd recommend."
They reached Fury's office.
"Let's talk later," he said.
She nodded and stepped aside as he entered. Inside, Fury was already there with Maria Hill, both reviewing documents. Fury leaned back as he saw them enter and set the tablet aside.
"How did it go?" Fury asked.
"It went without a hitch, sir," Coulson said and then he explained it all in full detailed manner.
"A car company?" Fury raised a brow, glancing at Ethan's file as Coulson nodded.
"The first thing he said after seeing the gift you prepared for him," Coulson explained.
"At least he has a good head on his shoulders. He thought of working with it instead of splurging like a normal kid would." Fury nodded.
"He's not just any kid, sir," Coulson added. "He was raised by the woman who fooled S.H.I.E.L.D for some time."
Fury nodded slowly."Yes, you're right—and also assign an agent to him. Someone with a clean background, no questionable ties."
"Not even ties to us," Barbara added. "Otherwise people will start wondering why a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent is babysitting a kid."
"I was thinking of assigning him a secretary," Coulson said.
Fury's eyebrow rose."A secretary? Coulson, he's not Stark. I assigned Widow to Stark because he's a playboy. Ethan isn't like that. According to his file, he's still a virgin—with no girlfriend."
Coulson nodded."Yes, sir. He's not Stark. But if he's followed around by a hot secretary, no one will question it. Rich kid, beautiful secretary—that's normal."
Fury considered that for a moment, then nodded."Alright then. Choose one and assign her to him."
Coulson inclined his head."Yes, sir."
He left the office with Barbara at his side.