Many people had no idea that, at what seemed like a lively party, a conversation had taken place that could reshape the balance of power across the entire Solar System.
Ivan Vanko, far away in Detroit, received the news. He suddenly realized that if Steel Digital went public, he would become the de facto head of the most powerful company in the world.
In terms of scientific patents, research and development, and market valuation, Steel Digital still seemed to fall short of Stark Industries.
But in terms of industry, land, and workforce, Steel Digital was now unquestionably the world's largest conglomerate.
Who could have imagined that Alvin had bought the company for just $20,000?
The company now owned most of Detroit and all of Crimea, and in the future, it would build a spaceship production base on Nidavellir.
What did that even mean?
The rugged old Russian had arranged for protective gear for the players to be manufactured. Then, in a rare move, he put on a suit and walked into a conference room.
He looked at dozens of accountants who had been working through the night, along with several company executives whose faces glowed with happiness...
Ivan took his seat, picked up the vodka specially set out for him, and took a sip. Then he fished an orange out of his pocket, peeled it, and popped a segment into his mouth.
As a group of people turned their eyes toward him, Ivan grinned and asked, "Which is richer, Steel Digital or Stark Industries?"
An old accountant wearing glasses looked up at Ivan, his expression a little weary. "Boss, if we're talking only about the money in the bank and the appraised value of our factories around the world, then of course Steel Digital is richer.
"After two years of