Night falls in New York City, its lights blazing brightly.
Under the glow of skyscrapers and the headlights of countless cars, the city looks magnificent.
Of course, if you look closely, it loses some of its charm.
In the dark alleys, the homeless are everywhere, and with the smell of urine and feces hanging in the air, you're quickly reminded that this is a place best admired from a distance.
But it's different in Manhattan's wealthy districts.
Here, everything is clean, tidy, and orderly—there's not even a single homeless person in sight.
At this moment, in Obadiah's mansion~
The place is brightly lit, and luxury cars, tycoons, and celebrities make frequent appearances.
Although it's a private party, the recent surge in stock prices has drawn many reporters outside the villa, eager to get the latest scoop.
With the screech of brakes, Tony steps out of a luxury car, holding Pepper's hand.
Seeing Tony and Pepper arrive, the surrounding reporters rush over to take photos.
"Mr. Stark, what do you think about the recent surge in Stark Industries' stock price?"
"Miss Pepper, we heard you were kicked out of Stark Industries due to performance issues. Do you have anything to say about that?"
"Stark Industries signed a new energy cooperation agreement for the Ark Reactor with Umbrella today. What are your thoughts on this?"
Normally, Pepper might have had the patience to deal with these reporters.
But hearing these pointed questions, she just keeps a stern face, holding onto Tony's arm and walking briskly away.
Obadiah, who was in the midst of greeting other guests, immediately noticed them. Excusing himself, he walked over with a glass of wine in hand.
"Oh, my dear Tony, I'm so glad you could make it."
Although the two have had their differences, Tony is a major shareholder in Stark Industries, so he has no reason not to invite him.
Of course, his main reason for inviting Tony is to show off how Stark Industries is thriving under his leadership, doing even better than before.
He actually thought Tony wouldn't come, but to his surprise, he showed up.
Looking at the man he once respected the most, Tony felt a mix of complicated emotions.
"Uncle Stane, please allow me to call you that one last time. For the sake of Stark Industries, please, stop this. The Umbrella Corporation is just using you. They will eventually take over Stark Industries."
Hearing this, Obadiah smiled faintly and took a sip from his glass.
"Of course, I know that, but I also have my own contingency plans."
"Tony, just relax and enjoy being the young master. Stark Industries will have a brighter future under my leadership."
After saying this, he warmly patted Tony's shoulder, showing no sign of the malice he had harbored just a few weeks ago.
That's the American way, after all.
Friends in public, backstabbers in private~
Just like before, when Tony returned from the Middle East, Obadiah's heart bled, but he still put on the act of a caring uncle.
Pepper, who was standing nearby, spoke up in a low voice, "Obadiah, Umbrella is far more dangerous than you think. It's best not to have Stark Industries get involved with them."
Obadiah glanced at Pepper and then turned his gaze toward the entrance.
A regular sedan had just pulled up, and a handsome Asian man and a blonde woman stepped out.
"Of course, I know the risks, but don't underestimate me either."
After saying this, he stopped paying attention to Tony and Pepper, and headed toward the newly arrived Adam and Luna.
"Oh, my, tonight's star is none other than Miss Luna herself. An angel fallen to Earth, truly."
"And this must be Mr. Adam, the Chairman of Umbrella, correct?"
Luna smiled softly, her hand wrapped around Adam's arm.
"I'm sure Mr. Obadiah must have charmed many young ladies in his youth with such words. I'm almost unsure of my own identity, haha."
Adam smiled slightly as well and extended his right hand.
"Hello Mr Obadiah, I'm Adam."
After a brief handshake, they quickly released their grip, walking further inside while chatting casually.
However, their conversation didn't cover any substantial topics—just some polite business banter before Obadiah moved on to greet other guests.
Not far away, Tony observed Adam, a thoughtful expression on his face.
The last time Jarvis was hacked, Tony had suspected it was Umbrella's doing.
After all, it was too much of a coincidence that Jarvis was hacked right after entering the Umbrella building.
However, due to Jarvis's data rebooting and his lack of evidence on how the hack was executed, he hadn't taken any further action.
But now, looking at the owner of Umbrella, he couldn't see anything special about him, apart from his good looks.
Moments later, Tony noticed Adam glancing his way, prompting him to quickly avert his gaze.
Yet, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Adam and Luna walking towards him.
"Mr. Stark, it's an honor to meet you."
Hearing this, Tony couldn't just pretend he hadn't heard.
"Hello, and you are?"
"You can call me Adam, Chairman of Umbrella."
"Oh..hello, Mr. Adam."
After a brief exchange, Tony hurriedly took Pepper by the arm and left.
"Phew..."
Once Adam was out of sight, Tony let out a sigh of relief.
"Strange, why do I feel like I've been caught doing something wrong?
Is it because I snuck into his company last time?"
Standing there, Adam watched Tony hurry away, a slight smile playing on his lips.
"What an interesting young man."
This was their first meeting, after all. The protagonist of Marvel, it seems, has yet to fully come into his own.
After a moment, Adam turned to look at Obadiah, who was deep in conversation with some politicians about campaign contributions.
He simply smiled at the sight.
............
Early the next morning, even before the sun had fully risen, the sky was already beginning to brighten.
After getting up, Tony kissed Pepper, who was still asleep.
"Darling, I'm heading to Japan for a few days."
"Mm, stay safe."
Pepper mumbled half-asleep before turning over and continuing to sleep.
After getting out of bed, Tony felt a slight chill, "Ah, the weather is starting to cool down."
"Yes, Mr. Stark. According to the weather forecast, the temperature has dropped seven degrees recently. It's even colder in Tokyo, so I suggest you pack a few more clothes."
"Got it."
Heading down to the kitchen, he finished his breakfast, grabbed the briefcase for the Mark V armor, and heard the doorbell ring.
"Ding dong..."
"Strange, who could be visiting at this hour?"
When he opened the door, he saw an elderly bald man in a wheelchair, with a red-haired woman standing behind him.
"Hello, Mr. Stark. My name is Charles Francis Xavier."
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