Chapter 76 : Outrage
The next morning, every news channel opened with the same headline.
"Congress Opens Investigation Into Vought Following Compound V Revelation."
"The House Committee, chaired by Congresswoman Victoria Neuman, has announced a formal investigation into Vought International. Subpoenas have already been issued to several Vought executives, who will be required to testify under oath."
The broadcast switched to footage of reporters outside Vought Tower.
"Federal investigators are demanding internal emails, research files, financial records, and documents related to Compound V. The Department of Justice has not announced any criminal charges at this time, but officials say all options remain on the table."
Another reporter appeared outside the Capitol. "The hearings are expected to focus on three questions: Did Vought knowingly lie to the public? Did it hide Compound V from federal regulators? And who approved injecting infants without parental consent?"
The discussion moved to a legal analyst. "If Congress can prove senior executives knowingly continued the cover-up, this becomes much more than a public relations disaster. Perjury, conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction are all possibilities. But they’ll need evidence, not public outrage."
The anchor nodded before turning to another story. "The revelation has also triggered concern inside the intelligence community. Compound V is no longer just Vought’s secret. The formula now has strategic value."
The screen showed armed FBI agents entering a Vought research facility. "Federal agencies have begun reviewing the company’s security procedures. Officials are concerned that any missing samples could become targets for organized crime or foreign intelligence services."
A former CIA officer spoke next. "Yesterday, Compound V was a corporate secret. Today, every cartel, every arms broker, and every hostile government knows it exists. Even if they can’t reproduce it, stealing a few doses would be enough to create a serious security threat."
The camera returned to the crowds outside Vought Tower. Some demanded Vought be dismantled. Others wanted every supe registered. For the first time, the debate wasn’t about superheroes — it was about who controlled the substance that created them.
The broadcast cut to a live statement from Vought Tower. Stan Edgar stood behind a podium, his expression as composed as ever.
"Vought International acknowledges Congress’s request and will fully comply with the upcoming hearings."
Reporters immediately began shouting questions. "Did Vought hide the existence of Compound V from the public?"
Edgar didn’t hesitate. "Vought will present the facts before Congress. We will answer every question through the proper legal process, not through speculation on live television."
Another reporter raised her voice. "Will anyone at Vought take responsibility if the allegations are proven true?"
Edgar met her gaze. "If mistakes were made, the individuals responsible will be held accountable. Vought International has existed for decades under many different executives and boards. We intend to cooperate fully with the investigation." Without taking another question, Edgar stepped away from the podium.
***
Inside Vought Tower, A-Train rushed into the conference room carrying a tablet. "Homelander."
Homelander looked up. "What?"
"I found something." A-Train placed the tablet on the table and played the security footage recovered from Popclaw’s apartment. The video comes to show Billy Butcher and Frenchie entering the apartment and asking about Compound V.
Homelander watched without saying a word. "Hmm..." His eyes settled on Butcher’s face. "This guy..."
He knew that face. Billy Butcher. The husband of Becca Butcher. His expression remained calm, but his eyes narrowed. "So he’s still around."
A-Train waited silently.
"You’ve done good." A faint smile appeared on Homelander’s face. "I’ve got a few questions for Stillwell." He picked up the tablet and headed for the executive floor.
Billy Butcher was investigating Compound V — but that wasn’t what bothered him the most. It was the name. Becca. If Butcher was involved, then whatever had happened eight years ago hadn’t ended the way he’d been told. Something didn’t add up.
The elevator doors opened, and Homelander walked into Madelyn Stillwell’s office without knocking.
Stillwell looked up from her desk. "Homelander."
He placed the tablet in front of her. "Do you remember a digital marketing director named Becca? Becca Butcher."
Stillwell’s expression barely changed. "...Vaguely." She leaned back in her chair. "I think she worked here years ago. If I remember correctly, she resigned and moved away. It happens all the time, Homelander. People leave."
Homelander didn’t answer. He simply watched her.
Stillwell maintained the same calm expression, but Homelander could hear it — her heartbeat. It had quickened the moment he said Becca’s name.
She was lying.
A slow smile spread across his face. "Oh... so that’s how it is."
Stillwell kept her composure. "What do you mean?"
"Nothing." Homelander picked up the tablet and turned toward the door. "I was just curious."
He walked out without another word. The office door clicked shut behind him.
The smile disappeared. His jaw tightened.
Even Madelyn Stillwell — the woman he trusted more than anyone else — had lied to him.
A/N : There will be Minor crossover and the next world is Jujutsu Kaisen
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👉 /Mark841
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