Chapter Ten: Who Are You, Really?

The words of Tony Stark made Coulson, who was standing nearby, pause and glance at Harvey Amberlake. It was precisely because of Harvey Amberlake's sharp, almost prophetic vision that the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division had set its sights on him. If Harvey Amberlake had made a single mistake, they might not have suspected anything. But he had never failed. Now, with Tony Stark suddenly announcing the cessation of weapons manufacturing, this was a dramatic, unexpected downturn.

"Why should I feel any regret?" Harvey replied, his smile unwavering in the face of Tony Stark's probing. "I sold all my shares more than two months ago. The bad news you've announced today is going to make Stark Industries' stock plummet. It only proves that my actions were wise."

"You say you sold them all already?" Tony Stark asked, disbelief heavy in his voice.

Coulson immediately pulled out a tablet and checked the facts. He discovered that Harvey Amberlake had sold off his shares, worth one billion three hundred million dollars, in batches at nearly their highest price, all within the month before Tony Stark’s disappearance. Until today, before Tony Stark's announcement to halt weapons manufacturing, the stock of Stark Industries had been steadily rising. Anyone holding onto those shares would have been making money effortlessly. Yet Harvey chose to exit, and that buy-and-sell maneuver earned him at least another three hundred million dollars in profit. Coulson found it hard to believe—was this man superhuman, or did he truly possess such extraordinary insight?

But recalling his own purpose for intercepting Harvey Amberlake, Coulson was reassured.

"In the past year, the percentage gains and dividends have been considerable. I felt I’d earned enough, so I sold," Harvey said, spreading his hands and smiling at Tony Stark’s incredulous gaze.

Tony Stark also noticed the man who had accompanied them, checking data earlier. Now, hearing Harvey’s seemingly casual words and seeing his relaxed, cheerful demeanor, Tony couldn’t help but wonder. If not for today’s sudden announcement, Stark Industries stock would still be on the rise. Most people would keep investing, expecting even higher returns in the future. Yet Harvey Amberlake had managed to get out just in time?

"No wonder everyone else is so agitated, while you seem completely unruffled, even a bit happy," Tony remarked. "But how long will your streak of luck last?"

Indeed, in Tony Stark’s eyes, Harvey Amberlake’s rapid rise could only be attributed to sheer luck.

"Hahaha, Tony Stark, you certainly don’t mince words," Harvey replied with a laugh. "When it comes to wealth, I’m still far behind you. As for intelligence, I can’t compare with your genius-level mind. You may call my actions a stroke of luck, or whatever else you wish. But it doesn’t change the fact that I’m making money, does it?"

Harvey spoke without irritation, smiling.

"So, why did you come to my press conference today?" Tony asked, his mood inexplicably irked by Harvey’s radiant smile. "Was it just to flaunt your foresight?"

Coulson glanced at Harvey Amberlake as well, genuinely curious why the man, who rarely attended formal occasions, had suddenly appeared at Tony Stark’s press event.

"To flaunt my foresight? That never crossed my mind," Harvey replied, shaking his head with an easy smile. "You disappeared for several months without explanation. I just wanted to see how you were doing. Could you tell me where you’ve returned from? So I can avoid that place when I travel."

"Afghanistan," Tony answered, his tone and expression softening, revealing the name.

"Afghanistan? The hotspot of terrorist activity? You really went somewhere extraordinary," Harvey said, visibly surprised.

"Yes, but even if I hadn’t told you, you’d never go there," Tony replied. "After all, your business is limited to the mundane world of real estate and stocks—you’ve yet to create anything truly your own to grow your wealth."

Harvey’s surprise seemed to please Tony, though his words remained sharp, pointing out the lack of innovation in Harvey’s current money-making methods.

"For now, it’s real estate and stocks, but the future is uncertain," Harvey said, unfazed by Tony’s mockery. "Perhaps someday you’ll need my help."

"Need your help? Impossible, absolutely impossible," Tony said, first with a questioning look, then laughing and declaring with absolute certainty.

"Don’t be so sure. Genius like yours, able to create groundbreaking technology time and again, means anything is possible," Harvey replied, tapping his chest lightly with his index finger.

Coulson wasn’t surprised by mention of advanced technology—Tony Stark’s intellect was world-renowned. But Tony’s eyes narrowed at Harvey’s gesture and words. The miniature reactor in his chest was known only to the late Yinsen and Colonel Rhodes; he was certain Rhodes hadn’t interacted with Harvey Amberlake. How did Harvey know?

"Who are you, really?" Tony’s expression changed, his gaze serious as he looked at Harvey.

"Harvey Amberlake—the man you called lucky," Harvey replied, offering nothing more than the impression Tony had just voiced.

"I suspect we’ll cross paths again, so let’s leave it at that for now," Harvey said, rising and heading for the door.

Coulson had no idea what had transpired between Harvey Amberlake and Tony Stark to so abruptly shift Tony’s attitude. But he had no intention of letting Harvey leave without a conversation.

"Mr. Stark, I’m Coulson, an agent from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division," Coulson said politely, placing his card on the table. "I’d like to ask you about your escape from Afghanistan, but I see you’re about to get busy, so I’ll come back another time."

With that, Coulson hurried out after Harvey.

Tony Stark watched Harvey Amberlake depart, his gaze contemplative. He couldn’t quite fathom Harvey Amberlake, but he knew Obadiah Stane was likely searching for him. Tony himself was ready to share his new thoughts with Obadiah.