"Why?" Clark looked at Killian in utter confusion. He felt like this guy must've lost brain cells while combing his hair. Coming all the way here at night just to talk about this nonsense? It was absurd.
Clark figured Killian hadn't considered the nature of their relationship—or his connection with Tony. Given all that, why would Clark suddenly switch sides to support him?
"As long as you, Mr. Kent, choose to support us at tomorrow's meeting," Killian began, "first, you will receive 30 shares of our company, Advanced Idea Mechanics. Something you may not know: ever since Stark Industries exited the weapons industry and Hammer Industries collapsed, AIM has been receiving procurement orders from the Department of Defense.So the 30 shares we're offering you are currently valued at over 150 billion dollars.Additionally, if you support us, your father—Jonathan Kent—will become the next mayor of New York City."
Killian laid out the offer while looking at Clark.
But what he saw on Clark's face wasn't the interest he had hoped for—instead, there was indifference. Worse yet, there was disdain.
Yes, disdain. To Clark, if he really wanted to, not just 30 shares of AIM—the whole world could be his. He knew that as long as he didn't intend to destroy the world, even the Ancient One probably wouldn't stop him.
And even if she did try to stop him… could she?Clark's power had grown exponentially—at least a hundred times stronger than before. So even if the Ancient One opened a portal to the Dark Dimension and risked everything, Clark was sure he'd still come out the winner.
Given that power, why would he care about a measly 150 billion dollars in shares from AIM? Even if you added a couple of zeros, Clark wouldn't bat an eye.
After all, too little money is useless—and too much just turns into fancy toilet paper. Not even comfortable to wipe with.
"Mr. Killian, anything else? If not, I'd like to get some rest," Clark said casually, turning and heading back toward his room.
"Mr. Kent, I think it's in your best interest to reconsider. Here's my card. I hope to hear good news from you before tomorrow's meeting." Killian handed Clark a business card, tapped it lightly against Clark's chest, then turned and left.
"Hah, the nerve on that guy…" Clark chuckled as he watched Killian's figure vanish down the hallway. He closed the door, and without hesitation, tossed the card into the corner trash can.
After Killian exited the hotel, one of his men, Eric, immediately approached and asked, "Sir, should we—"
But before he could finish, Killian suddenly covered Eric's mouth with his hand. "Shh! Not here. Go outside."
Killian did this because he wasn't sure whether Clark Kent possessed Superman-level hearing like in the movies. If he did, Clark would likely hear the entire conversation—and if that happened, their plan would be finished.
Because if they angered Superman… even if Killian's Extremis-enhanced body was a hundred times stronger, he didn't think he'd survive. So he couldn't risk it over something trivial.
After Killian removed his hand, Eric finally realized this wasn't the place to speak openly. "Got it."
"Let's head back," Killian said with a smile. He strode to his car, opened the door, and got in.
Once they'd driven a safe distance, Killian finally spoke again."Don't do anything to Clark Kent. He's not someone we can afford to provoke—not yet. If we anger him, it could ruin everything we've been working toward. Understand?"
"Understood. But sir, if Clark sides with Tony Stark tomorrow, we might lose access to that Chitauri tech. Can we really just sit by and watch? Won't others object?" Eric asked, still hesitant to give up the opportunity.
"We're not 'just watching.' Didn't I try hard enough just now? I think they'll understand. And as for the Chitauri weapons—whether or not we get them is up to them, not us.It doesn't really matter to us anyway. Our focus is no longer on alien tech, right, Eric?"
As he spoke, Killian raised his left hand—and a red, glowing light began to pulse from within it. A faint heat shimmered off his skin.
Back in the hotel...
"Clark, who was that just now?" Diana asked. She was leaning against the doorframe of her room, dressed in nothing but a towel.
"I don't know… maybe an idiot." Clark replied, trying not to let his eyes wander. "But Diana, why are you dressed like that?"
"Do I look good?" Diana teased, flashing a charming smile.
Seeing the look on her face, Clark felt like he'd just received some kind of signal. He slowly started walking toward her room.
"You look amazing," he said, taking a few steps closer——but before he could reach her, Diana smiled and gently shut the door.
Staring at the closed door, Clark scratched his neck, then suddenly laughed out loud.He realized he'd been too eager these past couple of days—maybe because he saw Diana's moments of vulnerability, her homesickness, and thought he had an opening.
But judging by her reaction, at least she didn't seem to dislike him. That meant… there was still a chance.
With that in mind, Clark grinned at Diana's door, then turned and walked away.
After Killian's visit, no one else disturbed them. Diana didn't leave her door open either. So, just like that, a simple night passed… and nothing happened between them.
The next day, at the Vienna summit—
"Hi, Pepper! Long time no see—you're looking great today," Killian said as he arrived.
"Oh! Killian, wow, it's really been a long time. I didn't expect to see you here today," Pepper exclaimed. She hadn't seen her old classmate in years—let alone expected him to show up at an event like this.
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