After resolving the issue with the test subject, the next experiment involving the Blacklight virus had to be relocated to a different lab due to the damage caused.
Although the Blacklight virus had surpassed expectations, it was still not considered successful since the test subject was uncontrollable.
After all, the purpose of developing the virus was for personal use, not to introduce instability.
Adam had no further interest in observing the experiments, so he returned to his office. As he was reviewing documents sent by the Red Queen, a knock echoed from the door.
"Knock, knock..."
"Come in."
As the office door swung open, Erika, dressed in a red, tight-fitting ninja outfit and wearing matching red high heels, stepped in and knelt on one knee.
"Master, Masanobu Tanikawa has escaped."
"Escaped?"
Adam raised his head, looking at her. He had already realized when Mariko submitted Tanikawa's head that it was a decoy, but since Mariko was a valuable pawn, he hadn't mentioned it. Secretly, he had sent Erika to pursue him.
"I'm sorry, Master. Masanobu Tanikawa and a few of his men have acquired some kind of enhancement. Their arms can transform into tentacles, greatly increasing their strength. I barely made it back."
Adam was silent for a moment before speaking, "You, the captain of the U.S.S., should return to your team."
Erika had been saved by Adam four years ago from the hands of Kingpin, who had been using special methods to control her, making her one of his sharpest blades in his conquest of New York's underworld.
After being rescued, Erika had pledged loyalty to Adam and joined Umbrella, where she had completed numerous missions, eventually rising to the rank of U.S.S. captain.
However, the U.S.S. was filled with talent, and ever since the T-3 virus appeared, many members had surpassed Erika in strength.
As a result, she opted to work independently, allowing the U.S.S. to flourish on its own. If the U.S.S. had supported her in this mission, it would have been impossible for her to fail.
"Boss, the members of U.S.S. aren't exactly obedient, so forget about it. Let those three fight among themselves."
"I won't force you, but Masanobu Tanikawa must die. You have one month."
"I understand. I'll have Zeta Squad assist me."
Zeta Squad, as the support squad, had a captain who was more inclined to follow Erika's commands than the other teams.
"Fine."
Adam could have enforced authority over the other three teams, but there was no need. After all, if Erika couldn't handle even this task, then she wasn't fit to be the U.S.S. captain. Once Erika left, Adam turned back to his computer screen.
"Breaking news: The Ten Rings have seized control of the Gomira region, plunging the Middle East into an unprecedented era of terrorism."
"Master," came the voice of the Red Queen, her projection materializing as a little girl before him.
"The military has placed a new order for ten units of the C-Virus."
"Arrange for the shipment as soon as possible."
It seemed that the recent zombie virus outbreak in Japan had drawn significant international attention, allowing groups like the Ten Rings to act freely and take control of Gomira.
The situation in the Middle East was bound to shift dramatically in the near future.
"Yes, Master. Also, Pepper has sent a notice on behalf of Tony. They're planning to hold a shareholders meeting in three days."
"What about Obadiah?"
"Mr. Obadiah hasn't sent any messages yet."
"He will soon."
"Ring, ring, ring…"
Sure enough, just as Adam finished speaking, the phone on his desk rang.
..............
Three days later, in the morning, Tony and Pepper, accompanied by Coulson, pushed open the doors to a large conference room at Stark Tower.
Inside, all the shareholders and top executives were already seated, and among them was Obadiah. Seated beside him was someone they didn't recognize.
After a moment, Tony and his companions frowned. There were no available seats for them. Every chair in the room was occupied, as if they hadn't expected Tony's group to attend.
Seated at the head of the table, Obadiah smiled slightly at their awkward entrance.
"Oh, Mr. Stark, my deepest apologies. We didn't anticipate your arrival and must have forgotten to arrange seats for you."
Though his words expressed apology, there was no effort made to add any seats. Amid the awkward situation, one of the company's senior members stood up.
"Mr. Stark, take my seat. I could use the chance to stretch my legs."
With that gesture, other senior members and executives also began standing up, showing their support for Tony.
Clearly, Pepper's efforts had not gone to waste, and she had successfully won over many allies.
Of course, this had come with substantial promises and compromises, but everything was worth it if they could regain control of Stark Industries.
After some shuffling, three more chairs were brought in, and everyone squeezed together to make room. No one had to stand.
However, Pepper noticed that despite Obadiah's initial provocation, he hadn't taken any further action, which left her puzzled. But she wasn't going to go easy on him because of it.
As soon as the shareholders meeting began, Pepper stood up and spoke.
"The first proposal of this meeting is to reinstate Tony Stark to the board of directors!"
She and Tony immediately raised their hands, followed by Coulson and many senior members and executives.
Seeing this, Pepper shot Obadiah a triumphant look, as if to say, "You've lost." But Obadiah remained calm.
"I believe, before we proceed with the vote, I should introduce the friend sitting beside me and then recount everyone's current shareholdings. After all, with the recent financing round, Stark Industries now has 1.5 billion shares."
Pepper felt a sudden wave of unease, but she reminded herself that Obadiah didn't have enough money to buy that many shares.
According to the original share distribution, her side held at least 50% of the shares.
Even with a one-third dilution, they still had around 35%, and Obadiah's side would have similarly been diluted, meaning they still held the advantage.
"Fine."
Hearing her agreement, Obadiah smiled.
"Allow me to introduce the man beside me. His name is Ivan Vanko, and he's here to represent Umbrella Corporation at this shareholders meeting. He also happens to be the son of one of Stark Industries' original founders—Anton Vanko."
At the mention of Anton Vanko's name, the room buzzed with chatter.
"He's his son!"
"Anton's son dares to come back?"
"Who would've thought Umbrella found him."
"Hmph, the son of a thief dares to attend this meeting!"
At the words "the son of a thief," the amusement on Ivan's face turned to a dark scowl.
"My father was no thief! Howard Stark was the thief!"
_______________________
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