Wouldn't You Feel Heartbroken?

Before long, Tony Stark, his hand wrapped in bandages, arrived at the podium under the protection of his bodyguard, Happy Hogan.

"Could everyone sit down? Please sit down, so you can all see me."

"And I can just point at whoever I want."

Though Tony Stark was injured and did not look well, his mouth was as casual as ever.

As soon as he said that, the reporters and other visiting guests present all took their seats.

Sitting at the front of the podium, Tony Stark spotted Harvey Anberaka standing at the very back, conspicuously taller than the crowd.

Although he had never formally met Harvey Anberaka, there had been no shortage of rumors about him in recent years.

So Tony Stark had heard of the man. His identity was quite memorable as well—one of New York's few asian tycoons.

To Tony, Harvey Anberaka was the kind of guy who had gotten rich through sheer dumb luck, with no real ability to speak of.

So as far as Harvey Anberaka was concerned, Tony had only remembered him, nothing more.

Still, although the man was not as wealthy as Tony, he was undoubtedly rich. His purpose was not difficult to guess—perhaps he wanted to discuss an investment.

Faced with Tony Stark's gaze, Harvey merely smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

The Tony Stark from before would certainly have spoken with Harvey Anberaka after officially holding the press conference.

He would have found out whether the man really intended to invest. But Tony Stark had just gone through that incident and was still injured, leaving him without the energy for it.

Besides, he knew what he was about to announce.

It would have an enormous impact on Stark Industries Shares, so Tony Stark no longer had that inclination.

Then, Tony Stark began delivering that classic scene of a speech that countless people would remember.

"So, I intend to shut down Stark International's weapons manufacturing division as soon as possible."

When Tony Stark announced that Stark Industries would abandon the arms trade, it immediately caused an uproar and drew all kinds of doubts.

Stan, the bald man beside Tony Stark, forced a smile at that moment.

When Harvey saw this incredibly familiar scene, a smile appeared on his face.

Everything was far too familiar. He was now ninety percent certain that this was Marvel's main universe.

Tony Stark had noticed just now that Harvey Anberaka had not been surprised in the slightest when he suddenly announced his intention to shut down the weapons manufacturing division. Instead, Harvey had seemed pleased.

If Tony remembered correctly, Harvey Anberaka had also bought Stark Industries Shares, and not a small amount—at least more than 500 million dollars.

Yet Harvey Anberaka showed none of the disbelief or anger one would expect from someone whose shares were about to plunge sharply.

Why was that? Tony Stark was somewhat puzzled as well.

But while Tony Stark was thinking, he noticed that Harvey Anberaka had already turned around and seemed ready to leave.

"Colonel Rhodes, stop him. I want to talk to him."

Seeing this, Tony Stark immediately called out.

"Stop who?"

Although Rhodey did not understand Tony Stark's actions, he did not refuse his good friend. He was simply puzzled about whom Tony wanted him to stop.

"That Harvey Anberaka."

Tony Stark said hurriedly.

Just as Tony Stark was about to have Rhodey do something.

Coulson had already arrived in front of Harvey.

"Mr. Harvey Anberlaka, I am an agent of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."

"May we talk?"

Coulson asked politely with a smile.

"You're with that crazy woman. I've been hiding for so long, and you're still haunting me?"

When Harvey saw Coulson blocking his path and heard those words, he did not hold back at all.

"Mr. Harvey Anberlaka, that was merely a misunderstanding. We mean you no harm."

"We only want to learn some information from you."

"I can assure you that I absolutely will not hurt you like that crazy woman did."

"And I'm not carrying any firearms."

Coulson had also heard about the FBI questioning their department earlier. An awkward look crossed his face as he patted his chest, pockets, trouser legs, and other places with both hands, indicating that he carried no dangerous weapons.

"What exactly do you want to talk to me about?"

Harvey knew that forcibly leaving would only make him more suspicious, so he eyed Coulson skeptically and spoke.

"This is not a suitable place to talk."

"If it is convenient, you can choose somewhere you believe is safe and does not have too many outsiders."

"I can fully guarantee that I will not harm a single hair on your head."

Their Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division was desperately short of capable helpers, and the Avengers Initiative had made no progress whatsoever.

Therefore, Coulson did not want to give up on anyone who had a certain chance of possessing superpowers.

There were reasons why Harvey Anberaka had caught their attention. It was simply that Natasha had been too hasty and reckless in handling things last time.

So Coulson wanted to speak with Harvey Anberaka again and see whether he could make any progress.

"You two seem busy."

"I'm Tony Stark."

"Harvey Anberaka, this may be our first time meeting, but I'm sure you've heard my name, just as I've heard yours."

"How about we find somewhere to talk?"

"It won't take much of your time. My time is valuable too."

At that moment, Tony Stark saw the two talking at the entrance. There was no need for Rhodey to stop Harvey anymore, so Tony walked straight over and casually greeted them.

Yet his words carried an arrogance and conceit that brooked no refusal.

"Sure."

Seeing that Tony Stark had actually approached him on his own initiative, Harvey's eyes flickered, and he agreed.

"Then follow me."

Seeing that Harvey Anberaka neither refused nor seemed surprised, Tony Stark merely said that before walking away.

He led Harvey Anberaka and the Coulson who had followed them into a room beside the press conference venue.

"Harvey Anberaka, as far as I know, over the past two years, you have bought large quantities of Stark Industries Shares."

"Based on Stark Industries' current market value, they are worth roughly 1 billion dollars."

"Rumor has it that whenever you buy stocks, you only make money and never lose any."

"But because of the announcement I made today, your wealth should drop drastically."

"Yet you do not seem surprised or angry at all. You even seem somewhat pleased."

"Wouldn't you feel heartbroken to see your wealth plummet from this point onward?"

Tony Stark poured himself a glass of water and asked in a probing tone.

His luxurious Stark Mansion alone had cost tens of millions of dollars to build.

1 billion dollars was an astronomical sum that countless people would never dare dream of in their lifetimes.

If that much money suddenly lost more than half its value, ordinary people simply could not bear it. Some might even pass out from such a sudden rise and fall.

Second update. Please recommend and keep reading.