{T/N: Okay, come on guys. Enough with the jokes. 80 Chapters in and we only have 2 Reviews? More than 800 readers and only 2 Reviews? I can excuse the fact that only one reader frequently gives this book some power stones (bless you reader 'Ozen') while the rest of you are content with just freely enjoying without even a single stone in the past 80 Chapters... But did y'all collectively agree to withhold even Reviewing?
I don't enjoy catering to a dead crowd. Not even one bit... So I'm gonna put my focus on another fic until I get 12 decent Reviews... needlessly spamming thoughtless 1 star or 5 stars doesn't count. Until then, we're back to 1 chapter a day...}
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~Umbrella Labs~
Dr. Connors entered Sean's office with a worried expression, clutching the morning's newspaper...
The master of this laboratory stood by the bright window, gazing down at his private kingdom.
Sean turned to Connors, "Doctor, you don't look well. Dr. Helen Cho mentioned that the cross-species genetics research is progressing smoothly, just one step away from success..."
The one-armed middle-aged man's eyes were filled with anxiety, so much so that he had forgotten to knock before barging in.
"...Or has Umbrella run into some problem that's troubling you this much?" He smiled gently as he spoke.
"Sean, the Metis Serum isn't gaining traction… Many public hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are refusing to partner with Oscorp. Two-thirds of our pre-orders have been canceled..." Connors hesitated before handing Sean the newspaper.
The headline featured Senator Kelly, who had recently been making waves, criticizing gene therapy and claiming it carried unpredictable risks, even suggesting it could trigger unknown mutations in the human body.
The lower section of the article included a joint statement from several biologists, arguing that gene therapy was still in its infancy, incapable of fully curing diseases, and potentially fraught with unforeseen side effects. They urged caution before widespread adoption.
Public opinion had shifted overnight. Just days ago, Sean had been praised as a visionary. Now, he stood on the precipice of a fall from grace.
"Worthington has made their move." Sean tossed the newspaper aside indifferently.
As the leader of the medical industry, Worthington wouldn't sit back and watch Oscorp and Umbrella grow into formidable rivals. This deeply entrenched corporate giant would undoubtedly rally its forces to crush these newcomers who dared trespass into its domain.
Manipulating the media and launching smear campaigns were just the opening salvos. More ruthless tactics would follow until Oscorp and Umbrella were brought to their knees, forced to surrender the most lucrative slices of the market.
"Doctor, there's no need to worry. Umbrella may be a sapling compared to Worthington's towering tree, but we're far more vibrant." Sean walked over and placed a reassuring hand on Connors' shoulder, "To carve out a place in this industry and gain influence, scientific achievements alone aren't enough. Sometimes, we must employ… reasonable measures."
Connors blinked, studying Sean's calm face. Beneath the young man's ever-present smile, his tone carried a chilling edge.
The one-armed scientist quickly lowered his gaze, "What about Harry? He must have received this… less-than-pleasant news too."
"Harry isn't a child who needs constant coddling. Why do we fall? So we can learn to pick ourselves back up. Worthington's pressure is temporary. Businessmen chase profit... they'll soon realize who can bring them greater returns."
Sean's gaze lingered on Senator Kelly's triumphant photo in the newspaper, "As for this righteous senator… he'd better pray mutants don't come knocking."
Watching Dr. Connors leave with mixed emotions, Sean's expression gradually darkened. It seemed necessary to make contact with those hidden mutants...
.....
~New York Airfield~
A military transport plane pierced through the clouds, descending onto the tarmac with a roar...
Pepper Potts stepped out of a black sedan, looking up at the massive aircraft taxiing slowly.
Tony Stark, who had been missing for nearly three months, had finally returned to New York...
The weight crushing Pepper's heart finally lifted... her reckless boss hadn't died in the war-torn Afghanistan. Against all odds, he had escaped the clutches of ruthless terrorists, as if he was blessed by Lady Luck herself...
The news of his return brought mixed reactions... Some rejoiced; others, like Stark Industries' CEO, suddenly developed "health issues" that prevented him from greeting the miraculously surviving Tony at the airport.
The plane's hatch slowly opened. Tony, draped in a suit jacket with one arm in a sling, rose from his wheelchair. With Colonel Rhodes' support, he walked gingerly toward Pepper.
His slightly haggard face, bandaged arm, and minor scars made it hard for Pepper to recognize the man who once obsessed over appearances and charm.
"Eyes red? Were you crying over your missing boss?" Tony, ever the joker, teased his assistant the moment he stepped off the plane.
"Tears of joy that I don't have to find a new job," Pepper shot back with a smile. This was the Stark she knew.
"Your vacation's over." Tony's smirk faded. His time in that Afghan cave had changed him.
The young soldiers who died on the battlefield, and Yinsen sacrificing himself to buy time... these experiences had chipped away at Tony's icy heart. His world used to revolve around cold machinery and beautiful women. The Tony who thought he had everything had never cared about others...
To earn his respect, you either needed a genius-level intellect or a body that sent male hormones skyrocketing. Otherwise, the playboy genius would treat you to his trademark sarcasm and unparalleled arrogance.
"Where to, sir?" asked Happy, his bodyguard.
"Take us to the hospital," Pepper insisted, concerned about Tony's condition.
"No. I've had enough of being poked and prodded." Tony cut her off, "I've been locked up for three months. Right now, I only want two things: a cheeseburger, and..."
"You're that desperate?" Pepper's mind went straight to the gutter, her face twisting in disgust...
"...Not 'that'... I meant a press conference." Tony sighed.
Did his assistant really see him as nothing but a horny playboy?
He thought for a moment, replaying his past escapades, and reluctantly admitted... yes, that was probably most people's impression of him.
And he couldn't even argue…
Shaking his head, Tony dismissed the thought. Starting today, the world would meet a new Stark...