Reminder

Tony Stark soon arrived at the venue where Stark Industries was holding its charity ball.

This was a ball for high society, filled with handsome men and important figures dressed in expensive attire, as well as many young, beautiful, and alluring women.

Tony Stark's arrival immediately drew countless eyes.

After handing his car over to the valet, Tony Stark swept his gaze over the surroundings, casually responding to those who greeted him while searching for Harvey Anberaka.

He wanted to speak with Harvey Anberaka again and find out just how much the man knew about him.

Unfortunately, Tony Stark did not spot Harvey Anberaka.

So Tony Stark could only go find Obadiah first and ask why a charity ball was being held without his knowledge.

The two exchanged a few words. Just as Tony was about to pull Obadiah inside and question him further—

An Audi R8 roared up and pulled off a stylish drift to a stop by the roadside.

New York was prosperous, but most of the upper class knew one another's cars.

The arrival of this silver Audi R8 immediately let most people present know who its owner was.

Tony Stark had specifically investigated the man, so he naturally knew who owned the car.

The door soon opened, and a tall, handsome man with black hair and black eyes stepped out.

"Directly diverted 3.5 billion dollars in liquid funds and became one of Stark Industries' shareholders in a single stroke."

"There'll be one more person among the elite from now on."

Those who knew more of the details quietly discussed his arrival.

"He actually came to a ball?"

"He didn't bring a female companion this time, did he?"

The young, beautiful women who saw Harvey Anberaka arrive were both incredulous and eager to make a move.

Although Harvey Anberaka had attended Tony Stark's press conference last time, this was undoubtedly Harvey Anberaka's first appearance at a ball.

And charity balls like this generally required a female companion. If luck was on their side, they might spend a wonderful night together.

Tony Stark stood on the steps, his gaze meeting Harvey Anberaka's.

Tony Stark did not waste any words and walked straight over.

"Rumor has it that you never attend occasions like this. We sent you an invitation, but why did you come this time?"

Tony Stark came before Harvey and asked.

"There should be plenty of good food here. I happened to receive an invitation and had nothing else to do, so I decided to come take a look."

"Besides, I felt that you probably wanted to talk to me right now, so I came."

Harvey smiled faintly at Tony's words.

"So, do you have time to talk with me?"

Hearing the certainty in Harvey Anberaka's words, Tony Stark did not deny it.

"That depends on what you want to discuss."

Harvey did not give a definite answer.

"Let's go inside first."

Tony Stark glanced around from the corner of his eye and spoke.

Harvey nodded and followed Tony Stark inside.

The sight of the two talking as though they had known each other for a long time stirred the gossiping hearts of many people nearby.

When Coulson saw that Harvey Anberaka had come as well, and seemed to have discussed something with Stark, he decided to find an opportunity to talk to Stark.

"Why did you suddenly buy Stark Industries shares?"

Stark and Harvey entered the venue together, then went straight to an empty balcony outside the ballroom.

"The reason, of course, is that I wanted to make more money."

Harvey looked out at the night view and answered calmly.

"That's exactly what I'm asking. Why did you suddenly start seeing Stark Industries in a favorable light again?"

Tony Stark's words sounded almost like an interrogation at Harvey's evasive answer.

No matter how he thought about it, he could not figure this out. He could only learn the answer from Harvey Anberaka.

"With your brain, it shouldn't be difficult to figure out why I did it, should it?"

Harvey glanced at Tony Stark's chest and spoke meaningfully.

"Who told you?"

"Obadiah?"

That single glance made Tony Stark feel as if he had been seen through completely. His pupils contracted as he immediately began guessing, tentatively naming the most likely person.

"Trash that can be erased at any time and is of no consequence isn't worth befriending."

Harvey replied calmly.

"..."

Tony Stark heard an utter indifference in Harvey Anberaka's tone.

It was not an act. He could feel it. In Harvey Anberaka's eyes, Obadiah Stane was like an insignificant nobody.

But Obadiah Stane had worked with the military for many years and was a prominent figure in America.

What gave Harvey Anberaka the confidence to say such things?

"We have no grudge between us, so I'll pretend I never heard that."

Tony Stark did not think especially highly of Obadiah Stane, but Obadiah belonged to his father's generation and was also one of Stark Industries' veterans.

So while he could not say that he held Obadiah Stane in high regard, he would not consider him foolish either. Their relationship over the years had been decent enough.

Based on all the background and history Tony had investigated regarding Harvey Anberaka, if Obadiah Stane learned just how much Harvey Anberaka looked down on him—

Harvey Anberaka could face a devastating blow.

Although Harvey Anberaka annoyed Tony Stark greatly, the two of them did not actually have any real enmity.

"You actually want to keep it from him for me? Then I truly thank you."

"As thanks, Tony Stark, I can offer you a reminder. I wonder if you want to hear it?"

Upon hearing Tony Stark's words, the indifference and calm in Harvey's eyes instantly melted away, and a faint smile appeared on his face.

"This time, I'm not the one asking you. You're the one who wants to say it."

Hearing that Harvey Anberaka wanted to give him a reminder, Tony Stark remained cautious and made their positions clear in advance. It was not that he was asking; Harvey simply insisted on saying it.

"Of course. It's merely a token of thanks."

"Aren't you investigating who deliberately arranged your kidnapping?"

"Trust your instincts, and be careful of the other party."

"After all, even trash can cause some trouble."

Seeing Tony Stark desperately distancing himself, as though afraid Harvey would think Tony was begging him for help, Harvey spoke.

"You... how did you know I was kidnapped?"

When Tony Stark heard him say to trust his instincts, a name surfaced in his mind. But he quickly came back to himself. He had been about to raise his voice in question, but immediately lowered it.

"I'm a little hungry. I should go get something to eat."

Harvey glanced at Tony Stark without answering. He rubbed his stomach, spoke to himself, and headed into the ballroom.

Tony Stark watched Harvey Anberaka cross the dance floor and head straight for the dining tables piled high with food. He had many questions he wanted to ask.

But where Harvey Anberaka was standing was clearly not suitable for continuing their conversation.

So he could only temporarily suppress the doubts in his heart and enter the dance floor as well.

Three updates today. This was the first.