New York Airport
Smith Doyle's private jet slowly descended onto the runway. Nearby, six vehicles were already parked, including two military Humvees, two Rolls-Royces, a Cadillac SUV, and a medical ambulance.
Pepper Potts, having confirmed Tony's safety, had notified Colonel Rhodes, who halted the search operations in Afghanistan and came to the airport himself to receive Tony.
Fox and John Wick stood beside one of the Rolls-Royces, waiting for Smith Doyle's return. Nearby were Pepper Potts, Happy Hogan, and a team of security personnel.
Even Colonel Rhodes had brought a squad of his own.
Everyone had gathered for one reason: to welcome Tony Stark and Smith Doyle home.
As the cabin door slowly opened, Tony Stark emerged at last.
Pepper Potts' eyes turned red as she saw Tony step out. She raised a hand to wave, and the medical team immediately rushed forward with a stretcher.
Tony eyed the medics approaching and said to Pepper,
"I'm fine. I don't need that thing. Have them back off."
Despite his disheveled appearance, Tony looked stable. Pepper, visibly emotional, smiled through tears. At least on the surface, he didn't seem seriously harmed.
Tony walked up to her and said,
"Your eyes are red. Worried about your boss?"
Pepper smiled,
"These are happy tears. I really don't want to go job hunting."
Tony replied with a smirk,
"Alright then, vacation's over."
Just then, Smith Doyle stepped off the plane holding Pool in his arms. He had waited to let Tony have his moment. To the others, it simply looked like he was carrying a plush blue cat.
Seeing him, Pepper quickly approached and said gratefully,
"Mr. Smith, thank you so much for rescuing Tony from those brutal militants. We'll make sure your agreed payment is arranged immediately."
Tony didn't know exactly what Pepper had promised Doyle, and he didn't ask.
Doyle gave a friendly smile.
"Pleasure doing business."
He wasn't concerned about Stark Industries' arms sales channels. Soon, Tony would announce an end to weapons manufacturing anyway. Smith intended to redirect those supply channels toward research equipment and materials—things Tony could easily help him purchase, thanks to his influence.
Colonel Rhodes saw an opening and stepped forward to give Tony a hug.
"Bro, don't ever disappear on me again. That 'Funvee' was anything but fun."
Tony shrugged, helplessly.
After Pepper finished thanking Smith, Tony chimed in,
"Smith, don't forget our deal. I'll show you my new masterpiece soon."
Clearly, he hadn't forgotten the embarrassing scene with the Mark I suit or his promise to gift Smith a private jet.
At that moment, a metal crate was unloaded from the plane. Tony instructed his staff to take it, then gave Smith a nod and headed toward his Rolls-Royce. He had a lot to do.
Fox waited until the military team had left, then stepped up to embrace Smith.
"GOD, welcome home!"
John Wick opened the car door and climbed into the driver's seat.
Smith got in with Fox, and Wick drove them toward headquarters.
Inside the car, Fox reported,
"We've borrowed $500 million worth of Stark Industries stock from other institutions. Once the stock price drops, we only need to return the equivalent number of shares."
"If the price goes up, though, we'll need more capital to repurchase shares and return them."
"But with Tony back and publicly known as Stark Industries' chief scientist, the stock will likely rise. We could take a big hit."
Smith shook his head.
"Don't worry about the rebound. Dump all the borrowed shares now and short the stock."
"Keep borrowing from any willing institution. Give them whatever collateral and interest they want."
"Keep shorting it."
Fox hesitated,
"Are you sure about this?"
Smith nodded calmly.
"Get the word out. $500 million isn't enough."
"You'll soon understand why I'm doing this."
Fox gave a quick nod and began issuing orders. John Wick remained silent, eyes focused on the road ahead.
---
Meanwhile...
In another vehicle, Happy asked,
"So, where are we going?"
Pepper was the first to answer,
"Take us to the hospital, Happy."
Tony immediately cut in,
"No."
Pepper looked at him in disbelief.
"No, Tony. You have to go to the hospital."
Tony insisted,
"I said no."
"You need a medical checkup," she argued.
"I don't need anything," Tony replied.
"I was held captive for three months. There's only one thing I want to do…"
Pepper, assuming the worst, frowned.
"Don't say it."
Tony noticed the misunderstanding and quickly explained,
"Not what you're thinking. I want to hold a press conference."
Pepper blinked in surprise.
"A press conference?"
Tony turned to Happy.
"Yeah. Drive."
Pepper asked again,
"Why a press conference?"
Tony didn't answer her directly.
"Just get things ready. Gather the press. I'm sure they'll be interested to hear I'm still alive."
Happy didn't ask again—he just started the engine and drove off.
—End of chapter—
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