Peter POV:
The fallout was instant. Defense CEOs were dragged before congressional hearings, their stocks plummeting overnight. Generals whispered in closed rooms, trying to spin the humiliation. But I only saw opportunity.
Inside a sleek boardroom in downtown Manhattan, I leaned back on a leather chair as legal representatives and bankers signed over assets.
"Northrop's West Virginia Missile Production facility. Raytheon's advanced optics division. And… Lockheed's Skunk Works division." Pepper read the files aloud, eyebrows raised. "Peter, you're dismantling the U.S. defense industrial base."
"Correction." I replied, fingers steepled. "I'm rebuilding it. Properly. No fraud. No corner-cutting. No generals lining their pockets while soldiers die."
At my words, several ex-special forces soldiers in civilian clothes stood nearby. New hires. All of them had the sharp eyes of men who'd seen war and survived it.
Each one bore my quiet gifts. Disabilities and injuries healed, families relocated to secure homes. In return, their loyalty wasn't bought with money. It was forged in gratitude.
Frank Castle, overseeing them, gave me a small nod. "They'll die for you. No questions asked."
I shook my head. "I don't want them dying. I want them living and fighting with purpose. With families safe. That's how you build loyalty stronger than fear."
Stark Expo Rising
Meanwhile, at Stark's mansion I stood with Tony and Pepper before the blueprints of a grand project.
"The Stark Expo 2010." Tony declared proudly, his usual showman flair in full effect. "A better tomorrow, designed today."
I looked at the plan intensely. "Catchy. Almost as catchy as all the lawsuits you'll dodge because I'm handling half the logistics."
Pepper interjected. "Don't joke. This could be the biggest public event since the World Fair. Every country, every corporation, every innovator… all eyes will be here."
"Exactly." Tony grinned. "Which is why I need the kid's drones running the show. Security's gotta be airtight."
Ionly nodded. "Done. But if Hammer sneaks in, don't blame me when Gwen webs him to the ceiling. Plus I won't be needing investors because I've already got few hundred billions in personal accounts after taxes plus I'm getting a tax refund granted by the Federal Government. I can focus on the next phase."
Hammer and Vanko
Far away, in Hammer Industries' private hangar, Justin Hammer strutted beside Ivan Vanko.
"State-of-the-art labs. Robotics divisions. Missile tech. All yours to play with, my Russian friend."
Vanko's cold eyes scanned the sterile white halls, unimpressed. He finally spoke. "I want my bird."
Hammer blinked. "You… what?"
"My bird." Vanko repeated, his accent thick. "From Russia. Bring it. Or I break your toys."
Hammer chuckled nervously, realizing too late the devil he'd smuggled out of prison.
Visions Academy:
Days later, under the warm glow of a rising sun, me and Gwen walked hand in hand through the gates of Visions Academy. Our clothes perfectly in place with the regular students apart from my Sandevistan.
"Feels weird, doesn't it?" Gwen whispered, brushing pink-tipped hair out of her eyes. "We fight mercenaries, buy weapons factories and now… math class."
My lips curve into a thin smile. "Math class might be harder."
She bumped my shoulder with hers. "Says the genius billionaire."
As we entered, a group of students waved. Normal, mundane faces. For a moment, I felt it. A slice of life untouched by politics, weapons or war. Gwen leaned her head on my shoulder, her split tongue playfully brushing my ear when no one was looking.
"Don't get used to peace, Tiger." She teased softly. "But… let's enjoy it while it lasts."
And I did.
Read 58 chapters ahead on P.A.T.R.E.O.N
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