William hesitated for a moment, then followed Happy downstairs.
If there really was an issue with the insurance, then Happy wouldn't have been the only one to come.
Who cares!
There will always be a way out.
The Stark Industries luxury car smoothly drove away from Queens.
William looked at the familiar street scenes rapidly receding outside the window—the graffiti-covered walls, the dilapidated fire escapes—his heart filled with uncertainty and a hint of inexplicable anticipation.
"Mr. Hogan, are we going to... Stark Tower?"
"Mr. Stark has arranged some matters for you."
Happy drove, his eyes fixed on the road, his tone still flat.
Seeing that Happy didn't want to talk, William silently lowered his head and scrolled through his old phone.
Business couldn't stop.
About half an hour later.
The car stopped in front of a high-end apartment building with a modern design.
It was located in Midtown Manhattan.
Surrounded by towering skyscrapers.
Far from the style of a technological fortress like Stark Tower, yet it exuded more luxury and privacy.
"We're here."
Happy turned off the engine.
William followed him into the apartment lobby.
The marble floor was so polished it reflected light, and a faint fragrance permeated the air.
A blonde woman in an exquisite professional suit, with a welcoming smile, came forward to greet them.
"Mr. Hogan, Mr. Rodriguez, this way please."
They were led to a high-speed elevator.
William's Mechanical Induction told him that the elevator's operating system and security level far exceeded ordinary civilian standards.
The elevator ascended smoothly to a mid-to-high floor and stopped.
The lady used a room card, glowing with a faint blue light, to open one of the heavy apartment doors.
"Mr. Rodriguez, this is your new apartment."
The moment William stepped into the apartment, he was stunned.
First to catch his eye was a massive floor-to-ceiling window spanning an entire wall.
Outside the window was the breathtaking Manhattan city skyline.
The spires of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building were clearly visible.
The spacious and bright living room was even larger than his shabby Queens apartment.
Modern furniture, simple yet luxurious.
In the open-plan kitchen, brand new German appliances sparkled under the lights, and there was even a built-in coffee machine he had only seen in movies.
This decor, this unbeatable view, this prime location, this astonishing size... "Mine?"
He could barely believe his ears, his voice trembling slightly.
"Yes."
Happy took out a finely bound document and a small black velvet box from his briefcase.
"Mr. Stark has already paid your rent for the next five years and has purchased the first right of refusal for this apartment after the lease ends."
He handed the document to William.
William mechanically took it, opened it, and saw his name and the apartment's detailed information written in black and white.
"Additionally," Happy paused, seemingly observing William's reaction.
"All of your previous personal debts, including student loans and several small consumer loans, Mr. Stark has also had someone clear up for you."
William felt his brain crash.
Debts... cleared?
The debts that had plagued him for so long, like maggots in his bones, making him even calculate the coins for the self-service laundry.
Just like that... gone?
Principal and interest, not a single cent missing?
"This... why is this?"
William's voice was a bit dry; he struggled to process this sudden, immense surprise.
Happy opened the small box, revealing a black bank card with a metallic sheen.
There were no numbers on the card, only a simple Stark Industries logo.
"Mr. Stark said he doesn't want his exclusive risk consultant to look like a homeless person who might go bankrupt at any moment because he can't pay rent."
A rare hint of something akin to a jest appeared on Happy's face, but he quickly returned to his serious demeanor.
"That would make him lose face."
William took the bank card, which was cool to the touch but substantial in weight, his fingers trembling slightly.
"This card contains one million U.S. dollars, which is Mr. Stark's payment to you for consulting fees and a settling-in allowance."
One million U.S. dollars.
William's breathing suddenly became rapid, and his vision even blurred.
He pinched his thigh hard; the intense pain told him this wasn't a dream.
He looked at Happy, then at this unbelievably luxurious apartment, and the thin card in his hand.
It felt like he had been hit directly on the head by a giant pie.
"Mr. Stark believes that a decent living environment and sufficient financial security will allow you to better focus on your work and provide him with superior risk management services," Happy added, with a hint of official business in his tone.
William opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but found his throat seemed to be blocked.
A simple "thank you" felt so pale and powerless.
He knew very well that this wasn't just about money and a house.
This was Tony Stark sending him a clear signal.
He recognized William's value and was willing to invest real money for it, considering him a truly trustworthy partner.
"Please... express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Stark."
William finally managed to say only this, his voice carrying a subtle hoarseness and emotion.
"I will."
Happy nodded.
"The apartment details, smart home system instructions, and physical keys are all in this document folder.
If you have no other matters, I will return to report to Mr. Stark."
"Okay, Mr. Hogan, thank you very much for coming in person."
After Happy left, William stood alone in the overly spacious living room.
The sunlight streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows, falling on him, warm and dispelling the perennial chill of his Queens apartment.
He looked down at the black bank card in his hand; its cold metallic touch made him feel incredibly real.
One million U.S. dollars.
A high-end apartment in a prime Manhattan location, five years rent-free, and a first right of refusal.
All debts cleared.
It all came so suddenly, and yet so... Tony Stark.
Overbearing, direct, and non-negotiable.