"According to the U.S. tax calculation method, the actual amount of lottery prizes received equals the total prize amount minus 25% federal tax, state tax, and personal income tax," Peter muttered as he stared at the winning lottery numbers on his phone.
He leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. The initial excitement of winning millions quickly faded as he realized how much would be deducted.
As Peter lamented the tax system, his phone buzzed. Helen's name flashed on the screen.
"Congratulations, Peter! You hit the jackpot!" Helen's voice was playful yet teasing.
"Thanks," Peter replied flatly.
"Come on, aren't you excited? Tell me how you guessed the winning numbers. Maybe I'll try your method next time," she probed.
Peter smirked. "I traveled to the future, saw the numbers, and came back to buy the ticket. Do you believe me?"
Helen chuckled. "Sure. And in the future, who becomes the next U.S. president? Or when does World War III start?"
"Do you actually care about world politics?" Peter asked, surprised by her questions.
"Why not?" she countered.
Peter leaned into the playful banter. "Sorry, the future is classified information. Speaking of secrets, Matt told me you're from the past. How about sharing some tales from a hundred years ago?"
"Sorry, that's classified too," Helen quipped, mirroring his tone.
Changing the subject, she asked, "Aren't you curious about the underground ruins discovered by Warren Mining Group?"
Peter tensed. "What's your angle?"
"Simple. I want you to explore them with me. They might be connected to the Queen's origins," Helen said, her voice taking on a more serious tone.
Peter hesitated. "How do we even get in? That place is swarming with guards from Warren Mining and Stark Industries."
Helen sent him a location pin. "That's for you to figure out, Spider-Boy."
Before ending the call, she added, "By the way, how's the Queen doing? I miss her."
Peter softened. "She's fine."
"Good. I'll visit her soon," Helen said before hanging up.
Peter sighed, knowing "soon" likely meant trouble.
---
Evening
In the Parker household, Aunt May was cooking while Uncle Ben sat on the couch reading the newspaper.
"Peter," Aunt May called from the kitchen. "Your school called today. You didn't attend."
Peter's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his composure. "I was in the lab working on a project."
Aunt May gave him a skeptical glance but didn't press further. Her newfound leniency stemmed from her belief that Peter was growing more responsible.
Uncle Ben folded his newspaper and eyed Peter. "Lab work is fine, but don't neglect your studies. They're important for your future."
Peter nodded, offering a vague excuse about the experiments he was conducting. Just as Uncle Ben was about to delve into another lecture, the doorbell rang.
"I'll get it," Peter said, relieved for the distraction.
When he opened the door, his jaw dropped.
Standing outside was Helen, dressed in a bohemian-style dress with long, wavy hair cascading down her shoulders. Her sunglasses barely hid her striking features, and her confident stance radiated charm.
"Hi, neighbor," she greeted with a sly smile, holding a box in her hands.
Peter glanced over his shoulder nervously. "What are you doing here?" he whispered.
"Surprise! I'm your new neighbor. Don't tell me you're not thrilled," Helen said, her voice dripping with mock innocence.
Before Peter could argue, Aunt May's voice called from inside. "Who's at the door, Peter?"
Peter sighed in defeat. "A new neighbor," he said, stepping aside to let Helen in.
---
Dinner
Helen's charm worked its magic. Aunt May and Uncle Ben were quickly smitten by her politeness and easy conversation. She handed Aunt May the box of banana pie she brought as a gift, earning instant approval.
By the end of dinner, Aunt May was insisting Helen stay longer.
"Thank you for the wonderful meal," Helen said graciously. "I'd love to visit again sometime."
Peter watched warily as Helen left, her every move calculated yet seemingly innocent.
Once outside, he turned to her. "What's your game?"
Helen laughed softly. "Relax, Peter. I just wanted to meet the people who raised you. They're delightful."
Peter's expression darkened. "If you ever harm them—"
"You have my word," Helen interrupted. "I'd never hurt them. You, on the other hand, make the worst assumptions about me."
Peter didn't respond.
Helen leaned closer. "Now, where's the Queen?"
---
The Swamp
Later that night, Peter and Helen stood in the middle of Gass Wetlands. The air was thick with mist, and the swampy ground squelched under their feet.
"I often bring the Queen here after dark," Peter explained. "She seems to like the environment."
Helen frowned, surveying their surroundings. "This place feels… off. Are you sure it's safe?"
Peter shrugged. "Why wouldn't it be?"
Helen smirked. "You still have a lot to learn, Peter. There's more to this world than vampires and werewolves."
She stepped forward and gently stroked the Queen's smooth, dark head. The creature initially resisted but calmed when it sensed Peter's approval.
"She's extraordinary," Helen whispered.
Peter crossed his arms. "What are you trying to say?"
Helen withdrew her hand and looked at him. "If you're willing, I could show you things you wouldn't believe—things even your web-slinging alter ego hasn't encountered."
Peter hesitated, then nodded. "Fine. But don't expect me to be easily impressed."
Helen's lips curved into a knowing smile. "We'll see about that."
---
The journey into the unknown had only just begun.
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