Chapter 20: Framed and Vindicated
---
Leo only left after having breakfast at Betty's house. It could only be said that Betty's vocal cords were in excellent condition and had not become hoarse.
Finally, it was the weekend — a time for rest.
Leo still had a new task today.
He first went to Tony's villa to ask the for developing security equipment for the Hero Daily newspaper office.
After a brief exchange with Pepper, he was gently shooed away by the strong-willed CEO.
Leo could only sigh, lamenting that he hadn't found an opportunity to spend more time with her.
"Leo, I have to go. I still need to fly abroad," Pepper said apologetically.
Leo was a bit helpless. "Another business trip?"
"You know, Stark Industries' business spans the globe."
Saying it spanned the globe was a bit of an exaggeration, but they did have many collaborations with Europe.
Leo suddenly had an idea. "You should be relatively free on the plane, right?"
Pepper paused. "What?"
Leo leaned in and whispered his plan into Pepper's ear. Pepper immediately shook her head with a smile.
"Leo, I still have a lot of documents to read."
Pepper proactively offered a kiss as an apology.
"In about another week, I should be free."
Leo finally cheered up a bit. "That's great. Otherwise, I would have to plan a kidnapping of Stark Industries' current CEO."
Pepper knew Leo was just joking. "Leo, it's best not to do that."
"Of course. But I truly think a romantic dinner on a plane would be a magical experience."
"I'd like to try it too, but I really have to go."
Pepper was off to work again, so Leo could only find something to do himself.
Actually, Leo did have something important to do, and he had already started preparing for it.
---
In the evening, Leo began his plan.
Driving a low-key luxury car, he arrived in the Manhattan area.
Leo stopped in front of a gallery.
Vanessa Gallery!
Leo had only recently learned that Kingpin was still single. So Leo had found Vanessa's information online.
Just looking at her photos and information, Vanessa was a very elegant beauty.
Leo came to the gallery today, ready to approach Vanessa, and even begin his plan to... well, to get to know her before Kingpin could.
"Kingpin, Kingpin, it seems your head is about to be turn green," Leo thought with a confident smile as he walked into the gallery.
Inside the gallery, there were many paintings. Leo admired them one by one. The quality was indeed good.
Leo stopped in front of a particular painting, looking at it with genuine interest.
"This painting is still here? Has Kingpin not been to this gallery yet?"
Leo remembered that in the series, Kingpin and Vanessa had formed a relationship because of this very painting.
"This gallery's exhibition started a few days ago, and Kingpin seems to have been a bit busy these past few days," Leo mused.
"So, by having Peter and Gwen fight criminals, I indirectly created an opportunity for myself?"
It could only be said to be a fortunate coincidence.
Leo was deep in thought in front of this painting when Vanessa, passing by, noticed him.
Vanessa observed that this young man was very handsome. He clearly didn't look melancholic, yet he seemed to have a special interest in this painting.
This painting was a true reflection of her inner self: loneliness.
"What do you see in this painting?" Vanessa asked.
Leo turned slightly, then back to the painting, and gave his answer. "Loneliness."
Vanessa continued. "You look very young and very charming. To me, you don't seem like the type of person who would be drawn to this painting."
"You guessed correctly. I don't actually like this painting," Leo admitted. "However, as I looked around, only this painting showed me a person's inner world."
"It makes me want to understand more, to do something."
Leo spoke directly to Vanessa's heart, which made her change her perception of him.
In Vanessa's eyes, Leo possessed a certain quality that was attracting her.
"What do you want to do?" she asked.
"I want to warm your lonely heart with mine, Ms. Vanessa."
Facing Leo's proactive approach, Vanessa did not panic. Instead, she was very calm. As a painter, Vanessa was exceptionally beautiful and had many admirers. But the person in front of her sparked more interest.
"So, specifically, how would you do that?"
"It's very simple, and quite traditional. I think, perhaps a date, or perhaps sharing dinner together."
"It is a bit traditional, but it's also a very effective method."
Leo didn't expect Vanessa to actually agree so readily. If there was chemistry, a day was enough to connect deeply.
Presumably, Vanessa was interested in him. Otherwise, she definitely wouldn't have agreed so easily.
"We've talked for so long without an introduction. My name is Leo Azmith. You can also call me Leo."
"Leo," she repeated, as if testing how his name felt.
"Ms. Vanessa, do you happen to have time now?"
"You mean, for me to leave the gallery now and go on a date with you?"
"Why not? The gallery is here, and you won't become happier by staying here. Rather than that, why not do something meaningful?"
Vanessa hesitated slightly. Leo had a point. After all, most people who came to the gallery were just ordinary visitors here to look at and buy paintings. The staff could handle them.
But finding someone interesting was a rare opportunity.
"Then let's go."
"Wait," Leo said. "I want to buy this painting."
"You want to buy this painting?"
"I have an idea. I think, when Ms. Vanessa is no longer lonely, she will add something to this painting."
Vanessa carefully looked at the painting again, and after a while, she said quietly, "I can't think of anything."
"So, I plan to buy it and consider it slowly."
Vanessa didn't refuse and called over a staff member.
"Take this painting down and package it up. I want to give it to Mr. Leo."
Leo was a bit surprised. "To me?"
"I'm also very much looking forward to what good suggestions Mr. Leo will offer."
"Then I'll have to think carefully."
Leo acquired the painting and secured the company of the beauty, so he was in a very good mood.
---
It was originally just an ordinary outfit, but under Vanessa's own grace and presence, it was very charming.
With just one glance, Leo couldn't help but think, "She's indeed beautiful, even more so than the actress in the series."
Leo seized the opportunity, using this time to genuinely connect with Vanessa.
"Actually, everyone has a lonely period, and I am no exception," Leo said as they walked.
Vanessa was clearly very interested. "Is that so?"
"Actually, my life was originally quite happy. Due to an accident, my parents passed away. So, I came here to live with my grandfather. But not long after, my grandfather also passed away."
"During that time, I felt that nothing I did had any meaning."
Vanessa was indeed moved by this story. "I'm sorry to hear that. Fortunately, you came out of it."
"I was lost for a long time — reading books, traveling. Finally, I understood one thing: life itself has no inherent meaning. So, I started trying to change. I no longer search for meaning. I only want to find happiness. Making my life happy is the only meaning."
Vanessa's beautiful eyes flickered, listening patiently. "It seems you've found it — happiness?"
"I've found a part of it, but a part is still missing."
"I will do good deeds, make others happy, and through that, feel happy myself."
"But I feel like I'm still missing someone who can accompany me, help me out of loneliness, and make me feel truly happy."
"I think, today, I found her."
Vanessa was also a lonely person, and she yearned for someone to understand her loneliness, someone to lead her out of it.
At this moment, Vanessa became even more convinced that Leo was that person.
"So, Vanessa, what about you?"
Vanessa mustered her courage and also shared her experiences.
"My experience is similar to yours. I grew up in an orphanage."
"Because I liked to paint and had some talent for it, I was adopted."
Leo invited Vanessa out for dinner, and the location had already been prepared. The restaurant had a great ambiance and a very romantic atmosphere.
The two chatted while eating.
"However, the new family was not perfect," Vanessa continued quietly.
"Before I went to college, I became financially independent and left that family."
Vanessa omitted the painful details of her experiences in her new home, but Leo could sense that this period might have been even worse than Vanessa's description.
It was precisely that experience that kept Vanessa trapped in loneliness until now — an experience that would require a lifetime for Vanessa to heal from.
Talking about these things did indeed break the romantic atmosphere, but it also allowed Vanessa to open her heart.
Leo said gently, "I know that your experience in your new family might have been even worse than you described."
"If you don't want to elaborate, I won't force you."
"Right now, I just want to give you a hug and tell you that everything is in the past."
"Perhaps you will still recall that experience. But in the future, you will feel the warmth of the present."
Leo stood up, walked to Vanessa's side, and extended his hand.
Vanessa looked at Leo's gentlemanly gesture, placed one hand on his, and stood up.
The two were very close, and Vanessa naturally leaned into Leo's embrace.
"I feel it — the warmth," she whispered.
Leo smiled. "In the future, you'll feel even more."
After a while, Vanessa chose to pull away, revealing a beautiful smile. "I feel much better."
"Perhaps this would be even better."
Leo took the initiative and kissed her gently. Although Vanessa was momentarily stunned, she quickly became immersed in the moment.
After a moment, the two separated.
Vanessa's eyes were alluring, and her expression gained a touch of softness and vulnerability.
Vanessa was not a naive young girl. Having met Leo, she had no intention of letting this moment pass.
At this moment, she felt an immediate connection and decided to follow her feelings.
"Leo, I think it's time for us to go home. Can you take me back?"
Leo gently wrapped his arm around Vanessa's waist. "Of course."
---
The two immediately left the restaurant, and Leo drove Vanessa home.
Leo escorted Vanessa into her apartment, originally planning to take things slowly.
But unexpectedly, Vanessa took the initiative, which even surprised Leo.
As soon as the door was closed, Vanessa invited Leo to see her studio.
Leo looked at the surrounding environment later that evening. Vanessa leaned beside him on the simple bed in her studio.
"So, this is your bedroom? It's practically a bed placed in a studio," Leo observed.
Vanessa whispered softly, "It's all the same where I rest."
Leo gently held the beauty in his arms, sighing with emotion.
When Vanessa was at the gallery, she looked very elegant, a perfect woman. But her home was minimalist to an extreme.
One could even say it lacked any sense of home — more like a pure studio. The empty room was filled with easels and unfinished paintings. The bed looked very out of place, as if it were temporarily used for rest.
"Don't you mind it being so... sparse?" Leo asked.
"No. I just want to give you a real home," Leo said gently.
Vanessa was deeply moved and said nothing, simply enjoying the tranquility of the moment.
Although she hadn't completely shaken off the feeling of loneliness, Vanessa felt wonderful at this moment. Having someone by her side — this feeling was truly different.
Leo felt a touch of affection in his heart.
"Vanessa."
"What is it?"
"Regarding that painting, I have an idea. I know what content to add."
Vanessa's interest was piqued. She propped herself up. "What idea?"
"I want to draw hearts on it."
Vanessa found it a bit surprising. "What?"
"Do you think the style is completely wrong, and a bit too childish?"
Vanessa didn't hide her feelings. "That's how I feel, but since you say so, you must have your own thoughts. I'd like to hear more."
Leo continued, "In the future, we'll paint together. Every time we finish spending meaningful time together, we'll draw a heart on it. When the entire painting is filled with hearts, I think you'll only feel love, not loneliness."
"You might think the method is childish, like something a child would do. But the joy of childhood is that simple. What do you think?"
Vanessa paused, realizing there was some truth to that.
"Leo, I want to draw more hearts," she said with a smile.
Leo smiled back. "Then let's start now."
---
The next morning, Leo woke up early, originally planning to make breakfast.
However, it was clear that Vanessa's home was empty, basically having nothing in the kitchen.
He had no choice but to go out and buy something.
When Leo returned, he saw Vanessa, wearing a sheer robe, anxiously searching for him.
Upon seeing Leo, she immediately moved toward him.
Leo had to put down the groceries and embrace Vanessa.
It was probably because Vanessa lacked a sense of security and had no prior romantic experience, so she was a bit anxious and uncertain. She worried that Leo was someone who would leave after one night.
"Leo," she said quietly.
"Don't worry. I won't leave you."
Vanessa felt much better. She stood on her tiptoes and initiated a kiss.
"That's very nice. But I think we should eat something first to have energy for the day," Leo said with a warm smile.
Vanessa then let go of Leo, allowing him to work in the kitchen.
Vanessa watched Leo's back from the side, feeling a strong sense of warmth.
She felt her heart being filled with something new — something she had never felt before.
This feeling made Vanessa smile, a smile called happiness.
Leo looked back and saw Vanessa just watching him. He extended a hand, and Vanessa understood his meaning, moving into his embrace.
Leo held the beauty with one arm and prepared breakfast with the other.
It could only be said that Western breakfast was relatively simple, and Leo could manage with one hand.
Vanessa greatly enjoyed this intimate feeling — something she had never experienced before.
After they had breakfast together, Vanessa didn't want to go anywhere, only wishing to stay by Leo's side.
Since it was a day off anyway, Leo decided to stay one more day. He accompanied Vanessa to the gallery and brought the painting back home.
In the evening, the activity of drawing hearts together was naturally included.
---
While Leo was spending time with Vanessa, Peter, Gwen, and Daredevil Matt also had big plans for the night.
According to Daredevil's intel, they were going to raid one of Kingpin's hideouts tonight.
The three acted together, breaking into an empty, abandoned building.
They did indeed find criminals, but it was completely different from the intel.
Daredevil's hearing was the first to detect that something was wrong.
"Be careful! Something's not right," Matt warned.
The three cautiously regrouped, waiting for more information from Daredevil.
"The personnel here have already relocated, but there's another situation."
"What situation?" Peter asked.
"It seems some criminals have captured a person, and this person might be very important."
Under Matt's direction, the three split up and continued forward cautiously.
Finally, they saw what was happening.
A group of armed men had captured a police officer.
The three already had some coordination and teamwork. They immediately cooperated and attacked from multiple directions, preparing to capture these criminals and rescue the hostage.
As the three were acting, police sirens sounded from outside.
Law enforcement had arrived, which seemed like good news.
The three decided to act quickly and then prepare to leave.
However, the criminals also had a plan. They grabbed the hostage and threatened the three heroes.
"Don't come any closer, or I'll kill him!" the criminal shouted.
Seeing this, the three couldn't act rashly. They had to protect the hostage's safety.
Gwen knew it was her time to act. Her suit transformed and shot a thin web, moving extremely fast.
The criminal didn't even notice such a thin thread until it caught his arm, suddenly restraining his hand and making him unable to move.
"What is this?" the criminal shouted in surprise.
As he was distracted, Gwen and the other two quickly attacked and subdued him.
All the criminals were captured, and a small team of police officers from outside also rushed in.
"The police are here. Our mission is complete. Let's go," Matt said.
Bang!
A gunshot pierced the night, and the three immediately became alert.
They thought the police had opened fire on them, but unexpectedly, the one who fell was the hostage they had just rescued.
The three were utterly bewildered. Weren't you here to save him? He was already safe. How did you shoot him?
As the three tried to understand what happened, they heard the team leader shout.
"They killed the hostage! They're escaping!"
"Requesting backup! Requesting backup!"
Gwen and the others immediately realized something was wrong.
"Stop! You three masked criminals!" an officer shouted.
Gwen looked confused. "What?"
Daredevil, despite being blind, could see through people's intentions even more clearly through their heartbeats and body language.
These officers had already been corrupted. They were probably already Kingpin's people.
"This is a trap. They work for Kingpin," Matt warned.
Before Matt finished speaking, gunfire erupted toward them.
Da-da-da-da!
The three quickly retreated, with Gwen covering the rear. With her high-tech suit, she could withstand bullets.
Daredevil Matt was just an enhanced human, and Peter was also vulnerable to bullets.
The three frantically fled, leaving the abandoned factory building.
However, the officers outside didn't know what had happened inside. They only knew that Daredevil and the other two were now being labeled as criminals.
The three quickly escaped the scene. The corrupt officers didn't pursue them too fiercely but rather allowed them to leave with relative ease — enough to make it look convincing.
The three stopped on a rooftop, preparing to catch their breath.
Peter and Gwen had never experienced anything like this before. They thought rescuing people was straightforward heroism.
But they never expected to encounter a situation like this.
Fortunately, Matt was calmer.
"This is their plan. It's clearly meant to frame us. I'm afraid tomorrow's newspaper headlines will be about the three of us becoming criminals."
Peter was dejected. "How could this happen? They're police officers, yet they were bought by Kingpin..."
Daredevil Matt was relatively calm. "We've already angered Kingpin. This is his retaliation. This situation exceeded my expectations, but we should have anticipated something like this."
"What do we do next, Lawyer Matt? Should we continue our activities while being wanted by the police?" Peter asked.
Gwen thought of Leo. "Fortunately, Leo had already prepared. We have a way to prove our innocence."
As Gwen spoke, she activated three small drones that had been following them. These were Leo's creations, custom-made for exactly this kind of situation.
The drones had been recording the three heroes' activities.
"The drones recorded the situation. We just need to release the content to prove our innocence."
"The problem is, how should we distribute the evidence?" Matt asked.
Gwen said with confidence, "I have a way. My father definitely won't be bought off. We can send him a copy."
"And there's Hero Daily!"
Gwen knew that this was the newspaper founded by Leo, and the person in charge was Bella, Betty's mother.
These drones recorded the three heroes' activities and would also provide footage to Hero Daily for reporting.
Matt knew about this newspaper because Tony Stark was a partner in it, and it specialized in reporting the deeds of superheroes fighting criminals.
As long as this information was sent to Hero Daily, it would definitely be reported accurately.
With George Stacy and Hero Daily, they could definitely break through the false narrative.
"I'll contact Leo to process the video content. Then I'll take a copy home for my father, and Leo can take a copy to Hero Daily," Gwen said.
Gwen contacted Leo, who was still with Vanessa.
Leo answered the phone, immediately understanding what had happened.
Gwen was in trouble, and he had to help her.
After comforting Vanessa, Leo chose to reveal his identity to her.
"Vanessa, I have to tell you something important."
"What is it?"
"I told you I help others, remember?"
"I remember you said that."
"Actually, I am a superhero. You might have heard of me."
Vanessa watched in shock as Leo activated his nanotech suit, which covered his body instantly.
"You..."
Leo explained, "I have to leave for a while. My friends ran into some trouble tonight while dealing with criminals."
Vanessa had only thought Leo was special, but she never expected him to also be a superhero.
Now that Leo had revealed his identity, Vanessa had no objections.
"I understand. You go do what you need to do."
"I'm going to leave through a portal. Don't be surprised."
"Will you come back? I'll wait for you."
Leo smiled warmly. "Wait for me."
Leo instantly opened a fiery golden portal and stepped through, disappearing from the spot. Vanessa, wrapped in a blanket, watched him vanish, feeling both amazed and a little worried.
---
After traveling through the portal, Leo met up with Gwen at Matt's apartment.
Currently, Peter was handling the drone footage and preparing the evidence.
Fortunately, the three heroes hadn't mentioned their real names during the operation, and the drone's camera had clearly recorded everything. This was a professional camera, capable of capturing incredibly clear footage.
"Leo, you're here," Gwen said with relief.
"I'm here."
Gwen took a slight sniff. Leo's scent seemed a little different — not Betty's or Mary Jane's perfume.
However, there were already three women in Leo's life, so it was quite possible there were others. Gwen didn't ask further.
"We've already checked the footage to ensure no identities or other private information were exposed," Gwen explained.
"Also, the moment that corrupt officer attacked was captured very clearly."
"Three angles, all recorded."
"I'm going to give one copy to my dad. He'll definitely come forward to clarify."
"There's also a USB drive that you need to give to Hero Daily so they can report the truth."
Leo took one of the USB drives. "I understand. You handled it very well."
Gwen felt much more relaxed. "It's a good thing you had the drones ready to record all of this. Otherwise, the three of us would have become villains."
Leo smiled. "It seems my preparation was useful."
"Although today's mission failed, it proves that we're getting close to Kingpin. I believe it won't be long before we get concrete evidence against him."
Matt, however, was a bit worried. "Kingpin has strong connections and has already corrupted many people in positions of power. I'm concerned that even if we find evidence, it might not be enough to bring him down."
Matt's concerns were not unfounded, but Leo also had backup plans.
"We can consider those complications later. Our current task is to gather the evidence and expose him."
"Those connections can protect him, but they can also turn against him."
These people were all greedy and self-interested. They could protect Kingpin for profit, and they could also choose to abandon him to save themselves.
After a brief discussion, they prepared to go their separate ways.
Leo brought Peter and Gwen back to the balcony of Gwen's apartment through a portal. Peter naturally had to go home by himself afterward.
Leo and Gwen then knocked on the door and found George.
"You two — you still dare to show up here?" George said, though his tone wasn't as harsh as his words suggested.
Leo, still in his hero suit, took out the USB drive. "This contains the truth of tonight. This incident was not done by us, but by corrupt officers within your own organization who framed us. They've already been bought by criminals."
Chief George still had trust in Leo, the mysterious hero, because he couldn't understand why Leo and the others would do such a terrible thing. Now that evidence had appeared, Chief George believed Leo's words even more.
"You mean someone inside our organization wants to frame you?"
Leo explained, "We are currently investigating and preparing to deal with a massive criminal organization through proper legal channels."
"As long as the evidence is complete, he can be arrested."
"Clearly, this attack was his retaliation. He wants to turn us into villains so we can't continue."
Chief George found it hard to believe. "You mean you're collecting evidence and will arrest him through official channels?"
"Otherwise, what? Do you want me to rush over and deal with him violently?" Leo said pointedly.
Chief George chose to believe Leo, clutching the USB drive. "I will use the evidence on this drive to help you clear your names."
Leo smiled. "I trust Chief George's character, but you'd better be careful."
"Kingpin's corruption and infiltration are far more serious than you imagine."
"The last time your daughter was in danger, it was very likely Kingpin's attempt to threaten or control you."
Chief George's expression hardened. "I will be careful. If he dares to harm my family, I will personally arrest him."
"Well then, sorry for the disturbance, Chief George. Goodbye."
Leo took Gwen back to her room, and after they said goodnight to each other, Leo left through another portal.
He still had to visit Bella.
---
Leo teleported to Betty's house and knocked on Bella's bedroom door.
Bella was not yet asleep, but she had already changed into her pajamas.
Hearing the knock, she thought it was Betty, but it turned out to be Leo.
"Leo, how did you get in?" Bella asked, surprised.
"I have the ability to teleport."
"It's so late. Is something wrong?"
Leo took out a USB drive and handed it to Bella.
"Tonight, Daredevil, Spider-Man, and Ghost-Spider fell into a trap. They were framed for killing a hostage and are being labeled as villains."
"This USB drive contains the recording from that time."
"I need you to write a report to clarify this matter and get the truth out there."
Bella took the USB drive. "Do you know it's already very late? Does this count as overtime?"
"I know, and I'd be happy to compensate you with a raise."
Bella yawned and stretched, momentarily forgetting that Leo was standing right in front of her. Her pajamas shifted slightly.
Leo quickly averted his eyes. I'm not that kind of person, he thought.
"If there's nothing else, I'll leave first," Leo said quickly.
Bella seemed to notice his reaction and smiled slightly. "Goodnight, Leo."
Watching Leo leave in a bit of a hurry, Bella smiled to herself.
"It seems I still have some charm."
---
Leo decisively returned to Vanessa, who was indeed painting while waiting for his return.
A night passed, and early the next morning, shocking news broke out.
Daredevil, Spider-Man, and Ghost-Spider — who were originally considered superheroes — had all become labeled as major criminals.
In the newspapers, Spider-Man and the others, who had been fighting crime, were now accused of eliminating rivals and being part of a criminal organization themselves.
In an instant, Spider-Man and the others went from superheroes to villains reviled by the public.
The Daily Bugle, a major newspaper, immediately seized on the story.
J. Jonah Jameson, the bombastic owner of the Daily Bugle, immediately stepped forward to accuse Spider-Man, Daredevil, and the others.
"They are not heroes, but menaces!" Jameson declared loudly on television.
Suddenly, public sentiment turned sharply against the heroes.
But Leo, Gwen, Peter, Matt, George, and Bella all knew the truth.
---