**
Regardless of the circumstances, the Avengers Initiative would soon commence, bringing with it a series of interesting developments and bringing the Infinity Stones closer into view. Although Link had joined S.H.I.E.L.D. as a Level 6 agent, he remained on the periphery, far from the core of the organization. His display of prowess was merely a means to position himself for a future role among the Avengers.
Staying away from the inner workings of S.H.I.E.L.D. was prudent. After all, the organization was still in a state of flux, struggling with its dual identity as S.H.I.E.L.D. and HYDRA, creating a confusing situation.
Link saw no need to dive into the chaos of the core. Instead, he chose to wait patiently for the right moment.
As 2008 arrived, Fisk's retirement home was inaugurated. The facility was well-built and fully equipped. The elderly residents of Hell's Kitchen signed contracts to move in, transferring their modest pensions to the home. They were without funds, but all their needs would be met by the retirement home. Their property and lease agreements were handed over to the Joint Construction Company, increasing Fisk's control over land and assets.
The first batch of affordable housing units was now in use, and the construction of the first office building was already underway. Everything was moving in a positive direction.
In terms of charity, Fisk's new dock operation was successfully up and running, addressing a significant portion of the employment issue. Additionally, the red-light district project had commenced, with each gang assigned a portion of the district. This arrangement provided them with a primary income source, leading to an improvement in Hell's Kitchen's safety.
With increased safety, the district began attracting visitors. The area boasted a variety of attractions, including nightclubs, discos, clubs, and even a large casino, drawing many into Hell's Kitchen.
Each night, gang members and police patrolled the area, a situation that left Matthew Murdock feeling conflicted. Was this good or bad?
Fisk had severed the drug and human trafficking routes, forcing gangs outside Hell's Kitchen to seek new docks. This sudden shortage of supplies led Fisk to act, rounding up Hell's Kitchen's addicts and sending them to rehab centers.
To support this effort, Vanessa organized a charity auction featuring works from a lesser-known artist. Despite the artist's anonymity, the artwork was impressive. Link, attending with Jessica, purchased a piece for $20,000, hanging it in their guest room.
The auction was a success, touted as a means to aid addicts. However, the underlying goal was to clear them from Hell's Kitchen, making it nearly impossible for them to return. Rehabilitation was difficult, but there was hope for those who could overcome their addiction.
Vanessa shone brightly at the auction, achieving her objectives. This was just the beginning; she would soon become a prominent figure in New York's high society.
---
The Apex Award ceremony took place as scheduled. Link kept an eye on the event, noting Stark Industries' ongoing negotiations with the military regarding the Jericho missile procurement, which caused Stark Industries' stock to rise.
Seizing the opportunity, Link sold all his Stark Industries stock and immediately invested in Hammer Industries stock. At that time, Hammer Industries' stock had experienced a slight decline, so Link took action. His $1.1 billion had grown to nearly $1.2 billion.
He donated the dividends to charity.
After completing his transactions, news of Tony Stark's disappearance broke, causing Stark Industries' stock to drop by approximately 3%, while Hammer Industries' stock began to rise. Agent Coulson called Link, asking him to gather any information from the upper echelons of New York society, but no further instructions followed.
It was indeed strange that S.H.I.E.L.D., which should have been monitoring Tony Stark closely, had not intervened. How could Stark have been kidnapped while under military protection? It seemed like an implausible scenario.
As time passed, Stark's extended absence severely impacted Stark Industries, though its diverse profit streams limited the drop in stock price. Link analyzed the situation and concluded that Obadiah Stane, as the mastermind, would have made preparations to mitigate the stock's plunge.
Hammer Industries, on the other hand, benefited. Justin Hammer subtly implied Stark's death at various events, causing Hammer Industries' stock to rise significantly. Link profited handsomely.
Two months after Stark's disappearance, Link began to sell off his Hammer Industries stock gradually. His funds had reached $1.3 billion.
By employing a buy-low, sell-high strategy, Link made over $100 million, primarily from the appreciation of Hammer Industries stock.
With tax season over, Link was poised to wait for Stark's return and the potential closure of Stark Industries' weapons division. The company's market value had plummeted from $200 billion to under $100 billion, a drop exceeding 55%. Link planned to short Stark Industries to capitalize further.
He used tenfold financial leverage and borrowed over $10 billion worth of Stark Industries stock from various financial institutions for a month.
By the time Stark had been missing for three months, Link had received news of Stark's rescue, causing the stock price to begin rising. Link held onto his stocks until the day before Stark's return, then sold them all.
The stock price remained stable despite his large sell-off, as numerous buyers rushed to purchase. If Tony Stark returned and did not announce the closure of the weapons division, Link faced the risk of bankruptcy.
However, Link wasn't too worried. If necessary, he could always head to Africa, capture Ulysses Klaue, steal his vibranium, and sell him to Wakanda.
---
When Stark returned and was about to hold a press conference, Link watched the news from his foundation's office. Jessica sat beside him, unaware of Link's financial maneuvers.
Jessica took a sip from her glass and asked, "Why are you so interested in him?"
"Of course, I need to keep track of him. The development of our foundation depends on him," Link replied with a smile, continuing to watch the television.
Jessica said nothing more, noticing her boyfriend's intense focus.
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