Marvel: The Devil’s Reign

[Ding! Favorability +3. Current total favorability of Steve Rogers: 33%.]

JM's eyes flickered at the system prompt.

A 3% increase? Interesting.

Last night, he had deliberately ignored Steve's subtle attempts at drawing a line between them—letting the man stew in his own frustrations. And yet, despite the rejection, the favorability score had climbed.

Even without directly engaging, Steve's dependence was deepening.

Why is that?

The system hesitated before offering a response: [The target exhibits subconscious attachment to challenges. By asserting dominance, you increase his emotional investment.]

JM chuckled. So even Captain America isn't immune to psychological warfare?

Meanwhile, at Avengers Tower...

The air was thick with tension. Tony Stark paced in his lab, fingers tapping against his forearm. His eyes remained locked on the security feed displaying Steve Rogers' recent whereabouts.

"Tell me I'm not the only one seeing this pattern," he muttered.

Natasha Romanoff, leaning against the wall, raised a brow. "You're obsessing, Stark."

"I'm concerned," Tony corrected. "Rogers is spending a lot of time with the most dangerous strategist alive. And call me crazy, but that screams 'bad idea.'"

Natasha smirked. "Steve's a big boy."

Tony shot her a look. "That's what I'm afraid of."

Just then, a soft chime echoed through the room.

[Incoming Transmission: Classified Priority.]

Tony swiped at the screen, only to frown when he saw the sender's name.

Sky is returning from Sweden.

His stomach twisted. Oh, great. The ghost from Rogers' past.

Natasha, reading over his shoulder, let out a low whistle. "That complicates things."

Tony rubbed his temples. "JM is already playing mind games with Rogers. Now Steve's ex is back in town? This is a goddamn soap opera."

Natasha tilted her head. "What's the plan, Stark?"

Tony exhaled. "Simple. We find out exactly what JM wants with Rogers—before it's too late."

Back at JM's Penthouse...

JM poured himself a glass of whiskey, swirling the amber liquid as he considered his next move. He knew the second Sky set foot in New York, Steve's attention would inevitably shift.

Which meant—this was the perfect opportunity to tighten his hold.

A knock echoed at the door.

JM didn't look up. "Come in."

Steve entered, his blue eyes scanning the room. Dressed casually in a white Henley and jeans, he looked effortlessly handsome—yet slightly unsettled.

"You knew, didn't you?" Steve's voice was firm, but there was an underlying tension.

JM smirked. "You'll have to be more specific, Captain."

Steve stepped closer. "Sky. She's back."

JM finally met his gaze, swirling his drink lazily. "And how does that make you feel?"

Steve frowned. "What?"

JM stood, closing the distance between them. "Does it make your heart race? Do you feel conflicted? Or... do you feel nothing at all?"

Steve tensed. "That's none of your business."

JM chuckled, taking another sip of his drink. "Oh, but it is. You see, Rogers, people like you—sentimental, noble—you're so predictable when it comes to matters of the heart."

Steve's jaw clenched. "And what's that supposed to mean?"

JM leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "It means—I know exactly how this will play out."

A pause.

Steve swallowed. "You think you have me figured out?"

JM smirked. "I don't think. I know."

[Ding! Favorability +2. Current total: 35%.]

JM's smirk deepened. Checkmate, Captain.