Following Tony's directions, Leo and the two women quickly entered the room.
Just like Tony said, the bed was huge.
"Wait. I need to check for bugs or hidden cameras," Leo said, narrowing his eyes.
"Tony's house is full of smart gadgets. Who knows if he's got something running in the bedroom too?"
With his powerful mental abilities, Leo scanned the entire room—floor, walls, ceiling, even the bathroom—leaving no corner unchecked.
"All clear," he finally declared.
Thankfully, Tony wasn't the type to plant surveillance in bedrooms. Still, being cautious never hurt.
After a hot shower, the three of them went to bed early.
A night filled with either killing or watching Hulk go berserk had drained them mentally.
The night passed quietly.
Leo woke up around eight or nine the next morning. Today was an important day—the contract signing ceremony.
The Governor of New York had already arranged for him to acquire a large bankrupt company that specialized in biotechnology and new energy.
Perfect. Umbrella Corporation's main focus was biotechnology anyway.
With this acquisition, he could use the existing facilities as the perfect cover to start operations.
Leo brought along a lawyer and an accountant from his stock trading team to City Hall.
There were too many clauses in the contract, and while he was sharp, he wasn't about to risk being tricked.
Even though the deal was backed by the city government, playing it safe was always wise. Professionals handled professional work.
"Hello, Mr. Leo. I'm Phil Charles, Chairman of Life Pioneer Biology. I've been authorized to represent the company in this negotiation," said an elderly white man with tired eyes and white hair.
He'd clearly fought hard to keep the company afloat. But the crushing weight of debt had pushed him into bankruptcy.
"Hello, Mr. Charles. My legal and financial team has already reviewed your company's situation," Leo said calmly. "Apart from the land, buildings, and equipment, everything else—including patents and products—has already been sold. We're offering 3 billion U.S. dollars."
The figure wasn't random. It was the best and fairest estimate given by his professional accounting team.
That was the reality of a bankrupt company—take it or leave it.
Charles's expression tightened. Seeing his life's work valued at that number cut deep.
"Can you increase it a little? This is lower than what I expected," Charles said carefully. Bargaining was instinct for businessmen.
Leo gave him a cool look. "I'm sorry, but that's the assessed price. You can think it over."
"Mr. Charles, I'm not exaggerating. Every company in America is standing on a cliff's edge right now. One misstep and someone jumps off a building tomorrow.
This is a fair price. And my time is valuable. If this doesn't work out, we'll find another company."
The ultimatum was clean and sharp.
Charles sighed heavily. "I accept."
He had no choice. If he refused, tomorrow's headline might as well be about another CEO taking a fatal leap.
Leo smiled. "Good. Wise choice."
Governor Viktor's secretary brought out the land transfer contracts. Both parties reviewed the documents carefully. Leo's lawyer went through every line to ensure there were no traps.
Once everything checked out, Leo signed without hesitation.
"Pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Charles."
"Thank you, Mr. Leo. Truly. You saved me. Otherwise… I might've jumped."
Charles shook Leo's hand tightly, gratitude clear in his eyes.
"Haha, you're too polite. It's just business. No one owes anyone," Leo replied with a light smile.
The deal was sealed. The land was officially Leo's.
Umbrella Corporation was already registered—it just needed a home base.
While they sipped coffee, Leo's finance team transferred the full amount to the company's account.
Everything was moving fast. Exactly how he liked it.
"Mr. Charles, would you mind taking me to the site?" Leo asked.
"It would be my honor."
Charles looked far more relaxed now, the weight of debt finally lifted from his shoulders.
Leo turned to Governor Viktor. "Governor, we'll be taking our leave. And… a small token of appreciation has already been transferred to your wife's account."
Viktor's grin widened instantly. "Mr. Leo, if you ever need anything, just call me. I'll give it my all."
He hadn't expected any personal bonus—this was already a big win politically. But Leo had gone the extra mile.
"You're too kind," Leo replied politely.
After exchanging goodbyes, Leo and Charles left City Hall and headed toward the company that would soon be the foundation of a global empire.
Umbrella had officially set sail.
Meanwhile, Viktor leaned back in his chair, humming as he skimmed the morning paper.
His phone rang. It was his wife.
"Viktor! I just got a text from the bank. Someone transferred one million dollars to my account! Did you do something dangerous again?" she blurted out anxiously.
"One million? Damn… generous," Viktor muttered.
"Viktor, stop this! High-risk deals bring high returns—but we have enough money. I don't want you involved in anything dangerous," she said, panicked.
"Calm down, dear. There's no danger," Viktor reassured her. "I just helped a wealthy man buy a bankrupt company. He insisted on sending a little thank-you gift."
"…Are you sure?"
"Of course. Would I lie to you?"
Her voice softened, finally reassured.
On the other side of Manhattan, Charles led Leo into the newly acquired facility.
Manhattan was the perfect location—central, convenient, and discreet.
Once everyone was dismissed, Leo went down alone into the underground research facility.
[System, extract Hive Base.]
Umbrella Corporation's first stronghold had just been born.
The age of Marvel Umbrella had begun.