Garfield, Queenie, and Rin escorted Howard Stark back home that evening.
Along the way, Queenie shifted seamlessly into her public identity… Director of the High Claw Group, a title that carried significant weight in the American business world.
Her presence alone would smooth out the obstacles Howard's family might face once he launched his company.
When Howard's father, Howard Stark Sr, learned that Queenie and Rin were representatives of the High Claw Group, his hands trembled with excitement.
A silent power controlling two entire districts of New York stood behind his son.
It was as if Howard had stumbled into a dragon's nest and somehow walked out carrying the dragon's blessing.
Howard Sr personally welcomed Queenie and Rin into the house, treating them with the utmost respect.
Garfield, nestled casually in Queenie's arms, was completely ignored, mistaken for a mere pet.
Garfield's tail flicked once with annoyance but he let it slide.
Queenie smiled politely. "Mr. Stark, I'm afraid we can't stay long."
"There's much to prepare on our end. Howard is talented and truly gifted. We're looking forward to a long and prosperous cooperation."
"Thank you. We will not disappoint." Edward clasped her hand firmly.
"We'll send someone tomorrow," Queenie continued, "To escort Howard for the factory arrangements and legal filings."
"Your family will need time to discuss such a large investment."
She wasn't wrong.
One hundred fifty million dollars in this era was staggering and equivalent to several hundred million in future value.
The Stark family couldn't produce anything close to that kind of capital. Agreement or not, they needed to talk.
Queenie and Rin bowed politely and left with Garfield in tow.
…
After they were gone, Howard handed the contract and notes to his father. He read carefully, his expression shifting from disbelief to amazement.
When he finally looked up, he grabbed his son in a tight embrace.
"Son," Howard Sr said, voice thick with emotion, "Your mother and I are proud of you."
Howard scratched his cheek, embarrassed.
"Father… you're not angry I signed so many shares away without consulting you?"
Howard Sr shook his head. "It's not about shares. It's about power, protection, and future stability."
"Howard, even if you built a successful factory alone, sooner or later you'd face outside investors, hostile takeovers, government pressure… the adult world is messy."
He tapped the contract.
"But with the High Claw behind you? No one can touch Stark Industries unless you allow it. This partnership doesn't limit you… it frees you."
Howard understood perfectly.
His father needed reassurance that his authority still mattered. And Howard was smart enough to give him that.
✦••┈┈••✦••┈┈••✦
Garfield, Queenie, and Rin made one more stop that night—Steve Rogers.
The sickly child's color had improved significantly. His chronic pain had eased, his breathing steadier. Medicine of this era couldn't cure him, but Garfield could bolster what was already there.
Rin placed a gentle hand on Steve's forehead. "He'll be okay," she whispered.
"For now," Garfield added.
And then they returned home.
…
Early the next day, Howard and his father accompanied a High Claw attorney to finalize all legal procedures.
The speed was terrifying.
Permits.
Registration.
Licensing.
Land acquisition.
Military supplier documentation.
All processed in mere hours.
Howard Sr respect for the High Claw Group deepened with every stamped approval.
"They're… unstoppable," He muttered.
But the world was observing.
High Claw Group's sudden, massive investment in a new company… Stark Industries sent shockwaves through various powerful circles.
Some families and underground groups wanted to test this new rising star.
They didn't get far.
Anyone who tried to interfere received a very personal, very visceral message from Hell itself.
Garfield had been merciful… he let them live.
But something can be worse than death.
With obstacles cleared and enemies too frightened to act, the Stark factory was constructed at record pace. The U.S. military placed its first order within days.
Everything was progressing smoothly for Garfield's side.
But in the shadows of the magical world… the American Ministry of Magic had begun to panic.
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
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