The Stark Industries' dedicated aircraft landed smoothly on the VIP helipad at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
The moment the cabin door opened, a wave of heat mixed with champagne and barbecue hit them.
Tandy and Tyrone, two young people, were clearly awestruck by the sight before them.
They were like two groundhogs who had stumbled into a bustling metropolis, their eyes wide and mouths slightly agape.
The entire park had been transformed into a futuristic temple of technology.
Giant holographic projections wove the history of Stark Industries in the air, from its first missile to the latest clean energy Arc Reactor.
Scantily clad, voluptuous "Stark Girls" carrying trays moved through the elegantly dressed crowd, their faces adorned with professional, sweet smiles.
On the main stage in the distance, heavy metal rock music was deafening, accompanied by dazzling lights, pushing the atmosphere to a climax.
"See? This is the embodiment of 'money power'."
William adjusted his expensive tie and whispered to the two interns behind him.
"You two need to get used to scenes like this. Because our clients either create such scenes or destroy them."
Tandy took a deep breath; the smell of money in the air made her a little intoxicated.
"Boss, are we here today... to expand business too?"
"No," William shook his head, a playful smile playing on his lips, "Today we're here to learn. To learn how our biggest client, Mr. Tony Stark, so ostentatiously... increases his own risks."
He carried his iconic briefcase and led the two interns into the venue.
Along the way, countless business moguls, politicians, and celebrities cast curious glances his way.
William's impeccable attire and the two young people behind him, dressed in hoodies and looking out of place, formed a strange and comical contrast.
"Hey! William! You finally made it!"
A familiar voice rang out.
William looked in the direction of the voice, only to see Tony Stark surrounded by a group of reporters and beautiful women, like a king.
He held a glass of champagne, raised it to William across the crowd, then deftly extricated himself and strode over.
Tony wasn't wearing his flashy red armor yet; instead, he wore a well-tailored Armani suit.
But the sparkle in his eyes was even more vibrant than when he was in his armor.
He looked William up and down, nodding in satisfaction: "Not bad, you look presentable in a suit. At least you didn't embarrass me."
"Your way of complimenting is still so unique."
Tony's gaze fell on Tandy and Tyrone, and he raised an eyebrow: "Your employees? They look... very individual."
"The future of the company."
William introduced them concisely.
"Alright, future titans of the insurance industry,"
Tony winked at the two young people.
"Enjoy the party to the fullest, drinks are on me, don't be shy. But, stay away from those serious-looking guys in Military uniforms; they're even more boring than I am."
With that, he put an arm around William's shoulder, led him aside, and lowered his voice: "That thing you warned me about before, I've looked into it."
William's heart stirred, but his face remained impassive: "Oh? Anything interesting?"
"Ivan Vanko."
Tony's tone was relaxed, carrying an inherent arrogance.
"Jarvis has already put him on the global watch list. He can't even buy a plane ticket to the United States. Don't worry, tonight's stage belongs only to me."
William looked at the confident, almost arrogant smile on Tony's face, but his heart sank.
Belongs only to you?
Perhaps Mr. Ivan Vanko thinks so too.
He said nothing more.
Too many warnings to someone like Tony would only annoy him.
He had fulfilled his duty to inform; the rest was up to Tony's own fate.
"Enjoy yourself, my friend."
Tony patted William's shoulder and then turned back to the World of fame and fortune that belonged to him.
William picked up a glass of champagne but didn't drink it.
He led Tandy and Tyrone, like ordinary tourists, wandering between the various exhibition halls.
Hammer Industries' booth was crowded with people.
Justin Hammer, the guy who always tried to imitate Tony but always ended up making a clumsy imitation, was enthusiastically pitching his "Hammer Drones."
Those machines, which looked like crudely made Iron Man replicas, posed stiffly on the stage.
"This thing... looks so stupid."
Tyrone couldn't help but blurt out.
"More than stupid, it's industrial waste."
William took a sip of champagne and commented.
"But, it's stupid in a valuable way. An opponent who can publicly challenge Stark Industries, no matter how stupid he is, can attract enough investment and... Military orders."
He looked at Justin Hammer, who was jumping around on stage, his eyes like he was looking at a walking insurance policy.
"Business Competition Failure Insurance"?
"Technology Plagiarism Lawsuit Insurance"?
Or maybe even a "Press Conference On-Site Mishap Insurance"?
William's thoughts began to drift.
Just then, all the lights on the main stage suddenly focused, and stirring music began to play.
Tony Stark descended from the sky amidst a thunderous roar of cheers.
William rolled his eyes.
This guy was just drinking next to him, and now he was in his armor, attracting everyone's attention.
"Welcome to the future!" Tony spread his arms, as if embracing the entire World, "Some say I am the future. But I say, the future belongs to each and every one of us!"
His speech was full of passion and incitement, and the audience below was mesmerized.
Tandy's eyes sparkled with admiration, and even the usually cool Tyrone watched intently.
Just as Tony Stark was proudly announcing that "Stark Industries will be dedicated to changing the World with technology," a discordant bang rudely interrupted his speech.
"Boom!"
In the distance, at Hammer Industries' booth.
A Military-type drone on display suddenly had its eyes glow red, and the Gatling gun on its back began to spin without warning, wildly firing into the sky!
Da da da da da—!
Tongues of Fire spewed, and bullets poured out like a storm, riddling a news helicopter hovering in the air!
The helicopter, spewing black smoke, spun and crashed down, and terrified screams erupted from the crowd, who scattered and fled.
"What's going on?!"
Justin Hammer's face on stage turned green as he shouted into the microphone.
"Technical malfunction! It's definitely a technical malfunction! Everyone calm down!"
Justin Hammer, attempting to explain, completely failed to notice that the rows of various models of drones he had brought, including naval and air force types, lit up with crimson eyes and shot into the sky like awakened terracotta warriors.
"Target locked."
"Tony Stark."
Tony's face on the main stage instantly turned incredibly grim.
He abruptly looked up, scanning all directions.
The Hammer drones, which he saw as stupid toys, had now all turned their weapons; the gaping muzzles and missile launchers were all aimed at him!
"Shit!"
Tony cursed under his breath.
"The drones are out of control!"
"Run!"
The scene completely devolved into chaos.
Champagne, gourmet food, fine clothes, celebrities—everything that represented civilization and order a second ago vanished instantly in the face of gunfire.
At the first sign of the commotion, William immediately grabbed a still-stunned Tandy and Tyrone and dodged behind a thick supporting pillar.
"Boss, is this... is this also the risk you mentioned?"
Tandy's voice trembled, her small face pale with fright.
-------------------------------
I've already uploaded 40 chapters of this story on Patreon!
If you enjoy it, come check out the latest chapters in advance.
[patreon.com/TripleCrown07]
Thank you so much for your support!!!
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"