Chapter Twelve: Tony's Investigation

Harvey knew that it was absolutely impossible to expect Tony Stark, someone so proud and self-assured, to believe in the Void right away. He needed to make preparations, guide him subtly, and wait for the perfect opportunity.

But this was only the beginning. Tony Stark hadn’t even officially admitted to being Iron Man yet, so there was no need to rush things. The right moment would come when Tony Stark realized that the arc reactor in his chest was having adverse effects on his body. That would be the time when Tony Stark most desired to restore his health.

Although later, with some guidance from S.H.I.E.L.D., Tony would obtain his father's journals and invent a new element to get through that crisis, Harvey knew that period was the best time to draw Tony in.

Harvey remembered that it wouldn’t be long before Tony Stark reached that critical juncture. All he needed to do now was wait.

Harvey had many ideas, but it was not yet time to put them into action. Before he reincarnated into this Marvel world and became an adult, he grew up in an orphanage. Because of his Asian heritage, he was somewhat ostracized there. However, as someone who carried the soul of an adult from another life, he didn’t take these incidents seriously. Instead, he focused on learning and adapting to this world.

He had once considered that if this life was destined to be ordinary, he would find a way to return to his homeland before 2011. There was an old saying in Marvel circles: the rich rely on technology, the poor rely on mutation.

As for technology, Harvey had neither the money nor the genius. Mutation usually came with deadly risks, and he couldn’t be sure if he had the same luck—or resilience—as the superheroes of this world.

Therefore, Harvey knew that, as an ordinary person, his best bet was to invest all his savings into Stark Industries stock at the right time, perhaps even taking out a loan. If he could double his wealth that way, he might not become one of the richest men, but he would certainly be able to live a carefree and comfortable life.

But the awakening of his system had brought a drastic change to his life, and Harvey had never lacked patience. For now, he had things to attend to—namely, temporarily mortgaging his various properties to cash out a large sum of money.

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Meanwhile, after Tony Stark made his intentions clear to Obadiah Stane, he hurried back to Stark Manor.

“Jarvis, look into this Harvey Umbrella for me.”

Tony Stark walked straight into his basement workshop and gave the order. Whenever he wanted, he could access any information online, even the most confidential. Investigating Harvey Umbrella was no challenge for him.

“Yes, sir. Retrieving now.”

A pleasant synthetic male voice responded immediately.

Soon, every piece of information that could be found on Harvey Umbrella appeared before Tony Stark.

Tony had previously only heard rumors about Harvey Umbrella, but because Harvey had somehow learned about his success in building the arc reactor, Tony took the matter seriously and wanted to know who this person really was.

As a child, Harvey Umbrella was considered a gifted prodigy. Even though he attended a public school serving mostly poor families, he managed to skip several grades in succession.

He had entered MIT at fifteen and graduated with the highest honors. So, in Tony Stark’s eyes, Harvey Umbrella was at most a remarkable genius, but nothing out of the ordinary.

However, due to his Asian background, Harvey had faced a difficult upbringing. He never managed to blend in with his classmates or other groups, so the records described him as reserved and quiet.

At eighteen, about three years ago, Harvey won the lottery. That marked the beginning of his legendary rise.

These stories had become common talk around New York in recent years, and Tony Stark was patient enough to study them carefully.

He reviewed every move Harvey made as he built his fortune, including his recent activities.

About a year and a half ago, Harvey began using his considerable winnings to purchase shares in Stark Industries, gradually amassing more than eight hundred million dollars’ worth. It was clear Harvey had great faith in their company.

He sold off those shares in batches—information that would have been impossible for ordinary people to uncover, but before Tony, nothing was hidden.

“He really did sell off his shares more than two months ago...”

Tony found it incredible.

During that year and a half, Harvey had invested only eight hundred million dollars. Given the stock’s rise and the regular dividends, plus his timely exit at the peak, Harvey had made several hundred million in just eighteen months.

And he hadn’t needed a large operation or staff—just a keen sense for the right stock.

But Tony couldn’t fathom why someone who was so optimistic about Stark Industries would suddenly sell.

Harvey’s claim that he sold because he’d made enough was laughable.

After all, Tony’s decision to stop manufacturing weapons was a secret known only to himself. Even Pepper, his most trusted confidante, didn’t know until the press conference. Without that event, Stark Industries’ stock would never have dropped.

Yet Harvey sold off just before the crash, escaping unscathed.

People always have their reasons for making decisions, especially one as significant as dumping a large holding in what was essentially a blue-chip stock.

Even if Harvey had sold during Tony’s disappearance, that would make sense, as many others did the same, causing the stock to stagnate. But Harvey had made the decision before Tony left for Afghanistan, before he disappeared for two months, and he sold in batches, exiting at the very top.

Harvey also had no deep ties to the military or government.

No matter how Tony looked at it, Harvey’s logic was unfathomable.

There were rumors that Harvey possessed almost prophetic abilities. But Tony, a staunch believer in science and technology, would never accept that.

“Jarvis, show me all news about Stark Industries from the beginning of this year to July.”

Tony wasn’t going to give up. He issued another order.

“Yes, sir.”

Jarvis, without asking for a reason, pulled up all news reports about Stark Industries from that period.

Tony stroked his chin, pondering over the reports.

Aside from recurring scandals about the dangers of their weapons manufacturing, most news during those months was positive. Even those scandals, which the board usually suppressed, never really hurt the value of Stark Industries’ stock. As long as their weapons remained the most advanced, the company’s value was assured.

The more Tony studied, the more he realized Harvey Umbrella was no ordinary man.

“Jarvis, calculate Harvey Umbrella’s total net worth, including his assets and stock holdings.”

Tony asked casually.

“One moment, sir. Calculating Harvey Umbrella’s bank balances and appraising his properties and land.”

“It’s done. Rounding off, Harvey Umbrella’s total net worth is approximately four billion eight hundred twenty-seven million dollars.”

Jarvis promptly replied.

“...”

Tony’s eyes flashed with surprise at the figure, and he couldn’t help but feel a bit of admiration.

In less than three years, Harvey Umbrella had turned a little over four million dollars into this astonishing sum. It was truly a remarkable feat.

What’s more, Harvey had no staff on his payroll—everything belonged to him alone.

Harvey was only twenty-one, soon to be twenty-two, just at the start of his career.

Tony knew life was never smooth sailing. He hoped this was the peak for Harvey Umbrella. But the fact that Harvey had managed to escape the crash in Stark Industries’ stock proved his legendary path was only beginning.

Tony recalled what Harvey had said earlier that day: that perhaps someday, Tony would need his help.

Whatever admiration Tony felt quickly dissipated. No matter how desperate he became, he would never seek help from Harvey Umbrella. Besides, he didn’t believe he would ever be in such dire straits. Even though Stark Industries’ stock had taken a hit, he was confident he could turn things around and keep the company thriving.

And if that day ever came, he would figure out a way that didn’t involve asking Harvey Umbrella for help.

“Jarvis, keep an eye on any major moves Harvey Umbrella makes. Let me know if anything significant happens.”

Tony instructed.

“Yes, sir,” Jarvis replied.