**Fracturing Tensions**

As Pepper's words hung in the air, the fluorescent lights above seemed to hum in sync with the pounding of my heart. I exchanged a wary glance with Wanda, her eyes flashing with a mix of concern and defiance. The air was thick with tension, and I could sense the storm brewing between us. "Let's step into the conference room," I suggested, trying to diffuse the situation. "We can discuss whatever it is you need to say in private." Pepper's gaze lingered on me for a moment before she nodded curtly. The three of us filed out of the lab, the soft beeps and whirs of the equipment fading into the background as we made our way to the conference room. The room was small, with a sleek wooden table and a few chairs scattered around it. Pepper took a seat at the head of the table, her eyes fixed on me with an unyielding intensity. Wanda and I sat down across from her, our eyes locked on hers. "So, what's this about?" I asked, trying to keep my tone neutral. Pepper's expression twisted into a scowl. "It's about the Sokovia Accords," she said, her voice dripping with venom. "It's about the constant risks you pose, not just to yourself, but to everyone around you." Wanda's eyes narrowed, her hands balling into fists at her sides. "The Accords were a necessary measure," she said, her voice firm. "We can't just run around, causing destruction and chaos, without some form of accountability." Pepper's gaze flicked to Wanda, her expression cold. "You're not exactly one to talk, Maximoff," she spat. "Your...abilities are just as unpredictable as his." I felt a surge of anger at her words, but I bit it back, trying to keep the conversation civil. "I understand your concerns, Pepper," I said, my voice measured. "But we can't just sit back and let the government dictate our every move. We need to find a way to work together, to find a balance between freedom and responsibility." Pepper's scowl deepened, her eyes flashing with anger. "I've tried to work with you, Rogers," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "I've tried to trust you. But every time, you've proved me wrong. You've put the world at risk, and you've put yourself above the law." The room seemed to grow quieter, the air thickening with tension as Pepper's words hung in the air. I felt a sense of frustration wash over me, a sense of helplessness. How could I make her see that I was trying to do the right thing? Just then, the door to the conference room burst open, and Morgan walked in, her eyes shining with excitement. "Mommy, I found a puzzle in the playroom, and I need your help!" Pepper's gaze flicked to her daughter, her expression softening for a moment. But when her eyes returned to me, the cold, calculating gaze was back. "This conversation isn't over, Rogers," she said, her voice dripping with menace. "And it won't be until I've gotten what I want." The room seemed to darken, the shadows cast by the furniture growing longer and more ominous. I felt a sense of foreboding wash over me, a sense that the storm brewing between us was far from over.