The heir's predicament

Although Audrey Hepburn hoped to support the United Nations ' charitable activities as much as possible in the time she could go, and help more children in need.

But if he doesn't want to rest, can he force others to work as hard as he does?

For the Western world, the Christmas and New Year holidays at the end of the year are major events. Not many people would want to travel to Africa to celebrate with those black guys, and it's the same in other poor countries; it's much better to spend time with family.

But even without a visit to the United States, there's plenty to do on the mainland.

With the Christmas holidays approaching, this is a time when many people are willing to spend generously.

Aside from religious reasons, many are also drawn by the policy that allows charitable donations to be included in tax-free allowances. Wealthy individuals who have their accounts checked and are eligible for tax reductions need to adjust their accounts before the New Year to avoid paying large sums of unjust taxes.

Therefore, the period before the New Year is also a bountiful season for fundraising. Ms. Hepburn, who has been a goodwill ambassador for the UNICEF since 1988, certainly wouldn't miss out on these wealthy people.

Since the money is going to the government anyway even if these people don't donate, they might as well donate it to charity, which will give them a good reputation and save them taxes.

Besides the charity banquet, this time also marks the beginning of the Oscars' public relations campaign.

As a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Audrey Hepburn naturally had to maintain certain social connections. However, since her activities were centered in New York, she wouldn't be invited to fly to Los Angeles, Hollywood's home base.

However, just before Christmas, on December 17, a news report shocked the entire United States: Howard Stark, the head of Stark Industries, and his wife Maria Stark Stark were involved in a car accident.

It is reported that on the evening of the 16th, the couple was driving home when they had a braking accident on a secluded road. They were not discovered until the morning of the 17th, when someone called the police. A forensic examination confirmed their deaths.

The biggest shock came from the wealthy, primarily the business community. Even at the fundraising banquet, conversations inevitably gravitated towards Stark Industries.

It's clear to everyone that Stark Industries is facing a very difficult situation: the unexpected death of its leader, and whether the successor is prepared.

The preparation mentioned here is not about whether Tony Stark is qualified or capable; it concerns a more practical aspect: legacy planning.

As is widely known, the estate tax in the United States is as high as 45%. What If...? a person does not legally transfer assets during their lifetime, their heirs will have to pay nearly half of that amount to inherit their estate after their death.

Furthermore, it's best to pay taxes in cash only. Tax deductions in kind are often based on significant underestimation, and the amount of inheritance includes the valuation of both movable and immovable property. This means that even if you collect all the cash from the inherited property, it may not be enough to pay the estate tax.

Therefore, the Inheritors can only find a way to partially liquidate their assets in order to pay taxes.

However, the pricing of the sale depends on who is more anxious and has more confidence. What If...? Tony Stark is eager to raise money before the deadline for paying the estate tax, others will have room to lower the price.

Alternatively, they could mortgage their assets to banks for loans. However, even with collateral, such massive loans would inevitably involve multiple banks acting as syndicates, and if that wasn't enough, other financial institutions would be brought in. This would also give others an opportunity to interfere with Stark Industries.

It's fair to say that no one was mourning the death of a business tycoon or a brilliant scientist; they were simply looking to grab a slice of the pie in this unexpected feast.

In truth, Audrey Hepburn wasn't very interested in the Stark Family's affairs; the two sides didn't have a deep relationship. But every guest she met would chime in with a few words, and even if she didn't want to care, she eventually found out.

However, just because Audrey Hepburn didn't have any close relationships with him doesn't mean that his circle of friends was so peaceful.

One evening while resting, Audrey Hepburn received a phone call from a friend at a hotel. Hearing the friend's tearful voice, she couldn't help but ask with concern, "Catherine, are you alright?"

On the other end of the phone was another Hepburn, Catherine Hepburn. She and Howard had been friends for decades, though there were disagreements along the way and they ultimately didn't end up together, but they were friends who could confide in each other.

Catherine sighed on the phone, "That's one of the downsides of getting old. You hear about someone passing away today, and someone else dying tomorrow. It still hurts, but you get so used to it that you can't even cry anymore."

"Please accept my condolences, Catherine. Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Of course. Tomorrow is Howard's funeral, and I'll be in New York. Could I borrow your driver for a day? Tony Stark introduced us, and I thought it would be good for him to go and pay his respects on such a day, even if we don't end up speaking."

Audrey replied, "Of course, I think I'll go and pay my respects too. After all, I've received a lot of help from Mr. Stark."

"Catherine, when are you coming to New York?" No one in Hollywood dares to say they have absolutely no connection to Stark.

"Actually, I'm on my way to Bradley International Airport. I might arrive in New York quite late."

"Okay, I'll have Henry arrange it," Audrey said.

"Oh, it seems our little driver is quite clever. You can confidently entrust everything to him," Catherine said, forcing a cheerful tone as if to dispel her sadness.

Audrey chimed in, "Yes, that child was a great help."

Although he wanted to continue the conversation, Catherine had to catch her flight. So he said on the phone, "Let's talk when we meet. Otherwise, my flight will only be later and later."

"Okay, let's talk when we meet."

After hanging up the phone, Audrey Hepburn found her watch on the dressing table and gently pressed it against a section of the metal strap.

A moment later, there was a knock on the door. Henry said from outside, "Boss, you wanted to see me?"

"The door's open, come in."

The lady's room had an inner and outer section; the outer section was a small living room. Although Henry wasn't dressed formally, he was still neatly dressed. He asked, "Boss, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Catherine will be flying to New York later. Could you please pick her up from the airport and arrange accommodation? We're going to Mr. and Mrs. Stark's funeral together tomorrow."

Henry asked in surprise, "Did Catherine receive an invitation?"

"Do you need anything?" Audrey asked in return.

"I thought invitations would be needed to limit the number of people on those occasions." What If...? it were a funeral in his hometown, Henry could go on and on from the seventh to the forty-ninth day. But he had no idea how things were done in the West.

Audrey remained silent in the face of such a common-sense question.

After thinking for a moment, she explained, "The invitation is only for informing close friends and family of the time and place of the funeral. But even those who didn't receive an invitation can attend if they wish."

"Is there no limit to the number of people?"

Shaking her head, the woman said, "What If...? there are many people, their relatives or close friends will naturally maintain order. Besides, no one wants to cause trouble in such a sad setting, and it's not suitable."

The concept of respecting the dead is universal, both in the East and the West. However, it's perfectly normal for Henry to be unaware of things he hasn't encountered before.

But what moved him even more was the death of Howard Stark. He was sacrificed to the heavens, following the path of Iron Man's achievements.

Those familiar and unfamiliar people and things seem to be gradually blending together.