Chapter 2: The Proposal

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INT. NEW CARTER HOME — LIVING ROOM — NEXT MORNING

Sunlight filled the living room.

Alex and Mia were sitting on the floor in front of the television.

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The screen displayed the title:

HERO CLASH: ULTIMATE BATTLE

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Alex tightened his grip around his controller.

"Prepare to lose."

Mia smirked.

"You said that yesterday."

"And I was right."

"You won once."

"Once is enough."

Mia shook her head.

"You're impossible."

The countdown appeared.

3...

Alex leaned forward.

2...

Mia tightened her grip.

1...

The match began.

Their customized heroes immediately charged toward each other.

Alex's blue plasma hero launched a glowing projectile.

Mia's pink speedster disappeared in a blur.

Alex grinned.

"Got you."

Mia's character suddenly appeared behind his.

"What?"

Her character landed a rapid series of attacks.

Alex's character stumbled backward.

Mia laughed.

"Who's losing now?"

Alex stared at the screen.

"No way."

Mia grinned.

"Looks like the reigning champion is having a bad day."

Alex rapidly pressed the buttons.

"Not for long."

Suddenly—

DING-DONG.

The front doorbell rang.

Both twins stopped.

Alex looked toward the hallway.

"Who is that?"

Mia paused the game.

"I don't know."

The doorbell rang again.

Alex stood.

"Maybe it's Jamie and Ethan."

Mia followed him.

"They said they weren't coming over today."

Alex shrugged.

"Maybe they changed their minds."

They reached the front entrance.

ARGUS appeared on a nearby wall screen.

"I have detected multiple individuals approaching the residence."

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Mia frowned.

"How many?"

"Three."

Alex looked at his sister.

"Three?"

ARGUS nodded.

"Two are registered VIREX personnel."

Mia's expression changed.

"VIREX?"

Before either twin could say anything else, John walked into the hallway.

"I'll get it."

He opened the door.

Selene Ward stood outside.

Beside her was Finn.

A third VIREX agent stood several feet behind them.

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John's expression immediately became curious.

"Selene."

"John."

Finn smiled.

"Morning."

John stepped aside.

"Come in."

Selene entered.

Finn followed.

Alex and Mia stood near the staircase.

Alex whispered to Mia.

"Why is the VIREX director here?"

Mia whispered back.

"I don't know."

John noticed their expressions.

"Kids, come on down."

The twins approached.

Selene smiled at them.

"Alex. Mia."

"Hi," Mia said.

Alex gave a small wave.

"Hey."

Sarah entered from the kitchen.

She immediately noticed Selene.

"Selene?"

Selene nodded.

"Sarah."

Sarah looked at John.

"What's going on?"

Selene held up the folder.

"I'd like to discuss something with your family."

John's expression became more serious.

"About the twins?"

Selene nodded.

"Yes."

Alex looked at Mia.

Mia looked back.

Alex whispered:

"Are we in trouble?"

Mia whispered:

"I don't think so."

ARGUS spoke from the wall.

"Based on Director Ward's body language, I estimate that the probability of disciplinary action is low."

Alex looked at the screen.

"Thanks, ARGUS."

"You're welcome."

Selene smiled.

"I assure you, Alex, neither of you is in trouble."

Alex relaxed.

"Good."

Selene looked at John and Sarah.

"Would it be possible for everyone to sit down?"

John nodded.

"Of course."

The family gathered in the living room.

John and Sarah sat together on the couch.

Alex and Mia sat beside each other.

Finn sat across from them.

Selene placed the folder on the coffee table.

She opened it.

The first page was visible.

VIREX NEXTGEN

Alex leaned forward.

"What's that?"

Selene looked directly at him.

"That's why I'm here."

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