Marvel: A Lazy-Ass Superman

Chapter 438 438 — Happy Birthday

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After thinking for a moment, Henry added:

"Darling, the reason I'm telling you all this is so you'll be extra careful in daily life."

"I don't know when they might escalate their methods, or how far they're willing to go."

"Anything done in my name—someone claiming I asked them to take you somewhere or have you do something—just refuse immediately."

"If something really comes up, I'll tell you myself or come get you personally."

"I'll never send strangers or people we don't both know."

"If anyone insists, just call me directly."

Charlize wasn't the type of girl who panicked and cried for help whenever trouble appeared.

She thought carefully about Henry's advice before asking:

"Would… these people really go that far?"

What she didn't say out loud was obvious:

That would basically be kidnapping.

It was a simple question.

So simple that Henry didn't know how to answer.

After a moment, he spoke honestly.

"I hope they won't."

"But vampires aren't just one or two individuals."

"They're a group. A big one."

"And within that group…"

"There are some who act like polite aristocrats—smiling while stabbing you in the back."

"And others who behave like street thugs—reckless, impulsive, and completely irrational."

"That's why I didn't even bother pretending to cooperate with them."

"I rejected them outright."

"Because inside their ranks there are too many unstable time bombs."

"They could explode at any moment."

"And when they do, they won't care who gets caught in the blast—even their own people."

"In many films and novels, vampires are portrayed as insane."

"That stereotype didn't appear for no reason."

"Don't treat them like normal humans."

Charlize forced herself to stay strong.

"I understand."

But her face was still pale.

She just hadn't realized it.

Seeing the tension on her face, Henry opened a drawer and pulled out a beautifully wrapped box.

"Well then," he said lightly.

"Happy birthday."

Charlize frowned.

"You do know my birthday is still months away, right?"

"I know," Henry replied.

"August 7th."

"I was planning to give it to you then."

"But considering the current situation… earlier seems better."

So it was probably something useful for her safety.

Charlize began unwrapping the gift.

Inside the box were five watches.

Three women's wristwatches

Two pocket watches

The wristwatches came in:

Gold

Silver

Soft pink gold, striking and elegant

The pocket watches were simpler—one gold and one silver.

No flashy pink gold this time.

Charlize's eyes immediately lit up.

Even J.J. Harris couldn't hide her reaction.

"All… all of these are for me?" Charlize asked.

Henry nodded.

"I made them myself."

"Using gold and platinum."

"They're not famous brands, but the designs should match many outfits."

"You made them yourself?!" Charlize exclaimed.

Both she and J.J. quickly examined the watches closely.

Henry smiled.

"Don't worry about accuracy."

"They use tourbillon mechanisms."

"Not like Rolex watches that need adjusting every day."

It was ironic.

Rolex might be among the least accurate luxury watches, yet they held the best resale value.

Pawnshops would often refuse many expensive brands or only offer about 30% value.

But Rolex?

They accepted it without hesitation and would lend up to 70% of its value.

Some even more expensive brands weren't nearly as popular in second-hand markets.

Charlize hadn't yet reached the level where every accessory she wore needed a famous label.

Henry's watches had elegant designs that perfectly suited her taste.

She immediately chose the pink-gold wristwatch.

The metal bracelet fit her wrist perfectly.

The edges were carefully polished too, so unlike cheap metal watches, it wouldn't scratch the skin.

Seeing how much she liked it made Henry smile.

"Now press the side button."

Charlize followed his instructions.

Normally that knob should be pulled out to adjust the watch.

But pressing it didn't seem to do anything.

She felt no movement.

However—

At the exact moment she pressed it, the watch on Henry's wrist flashed a red warning light.

It also emitted a beeping alarm sound.

Henry raised his wrist to show them before silencing the alert.

"It's also an alarm device."

"If you're ever in danger or trouble, pressing that button will send me a signal."

Charlize stared at him.

"All of them can do that?"

"Of course."

Henry continued:

"I'll admit that each watch and pocket watch also contains a tracking device."

"But the tracker only activates after you trigger the alarm."

"Normally it won't tell me where you are."

"But if you're uncomfortable with that possibility…"

"Then you probably shouldn't wear it."

Charlize rolled her eyes.

"You jerk."

"You didn't have to ruin the moment by saying that."

But she made no move to take off the pink-gold watch.

Henry chuckled.

"I prefer explaining things clearly."

"If you found out about it later in some awkward situation, I'm not confident you'd calmly listen to my explanation."

Knowing his personality well by now, Charlize stuck out her tongue playfully at him in protest.

Meanwhile, J.J. Harris—who had just witnessed an overload of couple affection—suddenly felt like going home to hug her husband.

Still, Henry didn't leave her out.

He turned to her and said:

"Jen, I don't believe Dragoneiti's blockade covers everything."

"There must be areas they can't fully control."

"And those areas are our opportunities."

"If vampires truly ruled Hollywood and controlled all resources…"

"Then surrender wouldn't be my plan."

"I'd just leave."

J.J. nodded.

"As far as I know, they do have influence over the top-tier resources and the major studios."

"But control?"

"Not even close."

"However, those top-tier resources operate on mutual benefit exchanges."

"Charlize's commercial value isn't high enough yet to attract their attention."

"But within the level she currently works in…"

"The vampires can easily sabotage things."

"And that's exactly what makes this situation so difficult."

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