Following the opening ceremony, the Stark Industrial Expo transitioned into a private reception reserved for a select circle of influential guests. Stark Industries had invited only key partners, government representatives, and a handful of high-profile figures from the worlds of politics and finance. The atmosphere inside the luxurious hall felt entirely different from the roaring excitement outside, quieter but charged with the subtle tension of power and money.
Ethan Voss, of course, had received an invitation.
Many of Stark Industries' most important collaborators were present. Among the familiar faces Ethan recognized were Mayor George of New York, Justin Hammer of Hammer Industries, a senior executive representing the Osborne Group, and Anna Drucker from Molove Investment Group. Conversations flowed smoothly throughout the hall as champagne glasses clinked and business alliances quietly shifted beneath the surface.
Not far away, Tony Stark and his assistant Happy Hogan were greeting a group of government officials. In the middle of that conversation, Stark's eyes suddenly drifted across the room and landed on Ethan.
He immediately abandoned the officials mid-conversation.
With exaggerated enthusiasm, Stark strode toward him as though he had just discovered an old rival.
"Look who it is!" Stark exclaimed loudly, his voice echoing across the reception. "Mr. Theodore Vane, the guy trying to steal my people!"
He reached Ethan in a few quick steps and extended his hand. "Hey there, young man."
"The whole world knows I'm practically the cover model for Penthouse," Stark continued dramatically, "but somehow you managed to steal two of them from me. Honestly, those girls have terrible taste."
Ethan laughed lightly, unfazed by the theatrics. "Being young and strong definitely has its advantages," he replied with a relaxed smile. "Besides, the experience might be a little more comfortable that way."
"Really?" Stark snorted. "According to the surveys, technique is the most important factor. Of course, someone your age probably hasn't figured that out yet."
Rolling his eyes, Stark abruptly shifted the conversation.
"As far as I know, you've made several billion dollars off Stark Industries stock," he said, clapping Ethan on the shoulder. "I've got to admit, I applaud your timing."
"Hold on to those shares. If you're careful, you might even enjoy a perfect retirement someday."
The arrogance in Stark's tone would have irritated most people.
Ethan merely smiled.
"Of course," he replied calmly. "I'm really looking forward to that day."
"Honestly, I never imagined something like this would happen."
In a strange sense, it was almost amusing. The infamous New York playboy Tony Stark—the man whose name dominated headlines everywhere—would technically be working for him now.
That thought felt surprisingly satisfying.
Stark snorted dismissively. "If that's how you see it, then maybe I should just buy a few shares of your Typhon Group."
He paused for dramatic effect.
"Oh wait. I just remembered something."
"I never buy stocks with no potential."
With a playful pat on Ethan's shoulder, Stark grinned.
"Work hard, Mr. Vane."
Before Ethan could respond, Stark turned and walked away as quickly as he had arrived, leaving behind only the faint scent of expensive cologne and a ripple of quiet laughter from nearby guests.
Ethan shook his head with an amused smile and let the moment pass.
The reception gradually returned to its comfortable rhythm. Conversations resumed, drinks were refilled, and the elegant hall buzzed with the quiet murmur of deals and alliances being formed.
At one point, Ethan casually glanced across the room and noticed Justin Hammer speaking animatedly with representatives from the Osborne Group. Their conversation appeared surprisingly friendly, and Hammer seemed deeply engaged.
Perhaps sensing Ethan's gaze, Hammer looked over and lifted his glass in greeting.
Ethan raised his own glass in response.
But the polite gesture didn't reflect his true thoughts.
Justin Hammer had already caught his attention.
Hammer Industries lacked cutting-edge technology compared to Stark Industries, but their factories were impressive. Their production facilities were well equipped, their manufacturing lines were efficient, and their industrial capacity was extremely strong.
Exactly the kind of infrastructure the FDSW project needed.
Besides, Justin Hammer had a well-known tendency to make reckless decisions.
If he insisted on courting disaster, Ethan certainly wouldn't mind giving him a little push.
The following day arrived quickly.
It was the day Tony Stark would face questioning before the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Ethan sat comfortably in his living room, watching the broadcast with clear amusement. On the television, Stark and Senator Stern were engaged in a heated exchange that felt more like a comedy routine than a political hearing.
Finally, Stark lifted both arms dramatically.
"You want my technology?" he shouted toward the panel. "Don't even think about it! I alone can keep the world safe!"
Senator Stern's face turned red with anger as he began swearing under his breath.
At that exact moment, the doorbell rang.
Someone had come to visit.
Ethan walked to the entrance and opened the door, only to pause slightly in surprise.
Standing outside were two men.
One was a tall, dark-skinned man with a single eye covered by a black patch. The other was a polite-looking agent with a calm and friendly expression.
Nick Fury.
Phil Coulson.
"Director Fury, Agent Coulson," Ethan said with a faint smile. "I have to admit, I didn't expect to see you here."
"I've heard quite a lot about you," Fury replied with a stiff smile. "But we've never had the opportunity to meet in person. I decided it was time we had a conversation."
His single eye scanned the room briefly before he walked inside and took a seat on the sofa.
"Mr. Vane," Fury continued slowly, "your business seems to be doing very well lately. You've received contracts from both the White House and the Pentagon."
He leaned forward slightly.
"I thought you were supposed to be S.H.I.E.L.D.'s exclusive supplier."
Straight to the point.
Ethan chuckled softly.
"Good technology should be shared," he replied casually. "As a patriotic businessman, cooperating with the government is a great honor."
He glanced at the television, where Tony Stark was still arguing with the Senate.
"I'm not like certain people who prefer to keep all the best things for themselves."
"After all," Ethan continued, "technology can only truly benefit the world when it's applied on a large scale."
Fury's expression grew colder as he studied the man sitting across from him.
"I'm concerned that some technologies," he said slowly, "might become the source of chaos in this world."
"Technology itself is innocent," Ethan replied smoothly. "It's the people who use it that are guilty. Wouldn't you agree?"
Fury's eye narrowed slightly.
"Technology might be innocent," he said in a low voice, "but if someone hands that technology to the wrong person, then that someone becomes guilty as well."
Ethan leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow.
"Which technology are you referring to?" he asked.
"Or perhaps you're referring to a specific person?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D.? The White House? The New York government?"
"Which one?"
Fury didn't answer directly.
"Have you ever considered," he said instead, "that enhanced soldiers might someday threaten society?"
"I have," Ethan replied instantly. "Just like I've considered that Iron Man might someday threaten society too."
Fury had always been like this—suspicious, calculating, and prepared for the worst possible outcome.
After witnessing Thor's arrival on Earth, he had immediately begun worrying that extraterrestrial forces might attack the planet. That fear eventually led him to experiment with the power of the Tesseract in order to develop advanced weapons.
That decision alone had attracted the attention of Thanos.
In many ways, Fury carried a significant share of responsibility for the chaos that followed.
Now he looked at Ethan with the same wary suspicion.
"Frankly," Fury said flatly, "if someone wanted to harm society, you might be even more dangerous than Iron Man."
"Magneto—a Level Four mutant—is currently under your control. You have a close relationship with Professor Charles, and the teachers and students of Xavier's School appear to be under your influence."
"And let's not forget the yellow monster that rampaged through New York."
"Half the city's gangs are locked inside your prison now."
Ethan smiled inwardly.
Now the real conversation had finally begun.
Fury's first objective had been to pressure him about the enhanced soldier program. His real goal, however, was clearly something else.
Did S.H.I.E.L.D. want manpower?
Or were they simply trying to poach talent?
Either way, Fury was about to be disappointed.
"And what exactly does the Director want?" Ethan asked calmly.
"To fulfill S.H.I.E.L.D.'s responsibilities," Fury replied without hesitation. "We control dangerous individuals and protect the world."
"Then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
Ethan stood up slowly.
He picked up a document from the table and casually tossed it toward Fury.
"Just a few days ago," he said, "I received official authorization from the White House."
"I'll be cooperating with the U.S. government to establish a superhero team."
"A team responsible for fighting crime, protecting the United States, and upholding justice."
Ethan smiled faintly.
"I've even chosen a name."
"The Justice League."
For the first time, Fury's expression shifted slightly.
If his skin had been lighter, the change in his face would have been obvious.
Ethan continued speaking, a trace of amusement in his voice.
"Of course, the Justice League can't possibly compare to S.H.I.E.L.D."
"You answer directly to the World Security Council, while we operate under the U.S. government—specifically the Department of Homeland Security."
"You protect the entire world."
"We're only responsible for this little piece of land called the United States."
"You clearly have the harder job."
He smiled politely.
"So I sincerely hope that back here in America, my Justice League can help relieve some of your pressure."
Fury said nothing.
He stared at Ethan in silence, suspicion flashing through his single eye. The idea of a superhero organization forming outside S.H.I.E.L.D.'s control was clearly not part of his plans.
What exactly was this so-called Justice League?
Seeing that Fury had fallen silent, Ethan turned toward the other visitor.
Coulson had remained quiet the entire time, politely observing the conversation.
"You look like a very capable man," Ethan said casually. "Would you be interested in working for me?"
He spoke as if discussing a perfectly ordinary business offer.
"One million dollars a year."
"Meals and accommodation included."
"Year-end bonuses, full insurance coverage."
He smiled.
"I can even help you win back your wife and enjoy a happy life."
Fury suddenly stood up.
"Farewell!" he said coldly.
.....
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