Chapter Nine: Don't You Feel Any Pain in Your Heart?

Soon, Tony Stark, his hand wrapped in bandages, made his way to the podium under the protection of his bodyguard, Happy Hogan.

“Could everyone please take a seat? If you’re seated, you’ll be able to see me. And I’ll be able to pick someone at random,” Tony Stark quipped, his tone casual as ever, despite his pallor and the injuries he’d sustained.

At his words, the assembled journalists and other guests quickly found their seats. Tony settled at the front of the stage, his gaze falling on Harvey Amberlake, who stood out at the very back of the room.

Though Tony Stark had never formally met Harvey Amberlake, rumors about the man had circulated for years. Stark had heard enough to recognize him—a rare Asian tycoon in New York, and a memorable figure at that.

To Tony, Harvey was just another lucky upstart who’d struck it rich by sheer chance, lacking any real substance. So he’d only ever bothered to remember his name.

Still, while Harvey was by no means as wealthy as Stark himself, he was undeniably a man of means. His presence today was easy enough to interpret; he was likely seeking some sort of investment opportunity.

When their eyes met, Harvey simply nodded and smiled in greeting.

If this had been in the past, Tony would certainly have sought Harvey out for a conversation after the press conference—just to see if the man was indeed here to discuss investments. But Tony, having just endured a harrowing ordeal and still physically recovering, lacked the energy for such things. Besides, he knew what he was about to announce would have a profound impact on Stark Industries’ stock.

With that, Tony began the speech that would become an iconic moment, etched into countless memories.

“So I’ve decided to shut down the Weapons Division of Stark International as soon as possible.”

The moment Tony declared that Stark Industries would abandon its arms business, the room erupted in a storm of controversy and doubt.

Beside him, the bald-headed Stane forced a smile.

Harvey, witnessing this scene he knew so well, couldn’t help but smile himself. Everything was so familiar that he was now almost certain—nine times out of ten—this was indeed the main universe of Marvel.

Tony Stark had noticed something odd: Harvey Amberlake had not shown the slightest surprise or distress when Tony announced his intention to close the Weapons Division. In fact, he seemed almost pleased.

If Tony remembered correctly, Harvey was heavily invested in Stark Industries—at least half a billion dollars’ worth of stock, if not more.

Yet here he was, showing no signs of disbelief or anger over the impending crash in stock value.

Why? Tony wondered to himself.

As Tony pondered this, he noticed Harvey turning to leave.

“Colonel Rhodes, stop him. I want to talk to him,” Tony called out immediately.

“Who am I stopping?” Rhodey was puzzled by Tony’s sudden request, but he had no objections—he just wanted clarification.

“That Harvey Amberlake,” Tony replied urgently.

But just as Tony was about to ask Rhodey to intervene, Coulson had already approached Harvey.

“Mr. Harvey Amberlake, I’m an agent with the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. Could we have a word?” Coulson asked with a polite smile.

“You’re with that crazy woman, aren’t you? I’ve been keeping my distance for so long, and yet you people just won’t leave me alone,” Harvey replied without the slightest courtesy.

“Mr. Amberlake, it was all a misunderstanding—we mean you no harm. We just want to ask you a few questions. I assure you, I won’t hurt you like that crazy woman did. In fact, I’m not carrying any firearms,” Coulson said, a hint of embarrassment on his face as he patted down his chest, pockets, and pant legs to show he wasn’t armed.

“What exactly do you want from me?” Harvey eyed Coulson warily, knowing that trying to force his way out would only arouse more suspicion.

“This isn’t the right place for a conversation. If you’d prefer, you can choose anywhere you consider safe and private. I promise you, not a hair on your head will be harmed,” Coulson said earnestly. S.H.I.E.L.D. was in desperate need of allies, and the Avengers Initiative had made no progress. He didn’t want to give up on anyone with even a remote chance of superhuman ability.

There were reasons why Harvey Amberlake had attracted their attention—Natasha had simply been too hasty and reckless during her last attempt.

Coulson wanted another chance to speak with Harvey, hoping for some progress.

“You two seem busy,” came a new voice. “I’m Tony Stark. Harvey Amberlake, this may be our first meeting, but I’m sure you’ve heard of me, just as I’ve heard of you. Care to have a chat? It won’t take much of your time—mine is just as valuable,” Tony said, walking up to them without waiting for Rhodey, his tone brimming with self-assured arrogance.

“Of course,” Harvey replied, his eyes flashing with intrigue at Tony’s initiative.

“Then follow me,” Tony said, as if it were only natural, and led Harvey and the accompanying Coulson into a side room adjacent to the press conference hall.

“Harvey Amberlake, as far as I know, you’ve been buying up large quantities of Stark Industries stock these past two years. Based on the current market value, your shares are worth about a billion dollars. Rumor has it you never lose money on a trade. But my announcement today is going to cut your fortune down by quite a bit. Yet you didn’t seem surprised or angry—in fact, you looked almost happy. Aren’t you the least bit pained at the prospect of your wealth taking such a massive hit from here on out?” Tony asked, pouring himself a glass of water, his tone probing.

After all, the construction of his luxurious Stark Manor alone cost tens of millions. A billion dollars was a fortune most people couldn’t even imagine owning in a lifetime. If it were to suddenly shrink by half, most would be devastated—some might even faint from the shock.