Rumble.
At the New York airport, a gunship descended from the sky, its rotors whipping up a fierce wind. From inside the helicopter, Colonel Rhodey, Allen, and several U.S. soldiers stepped out.
A limited-edition Rolls-Royce was parked nearby. In front of the vehicle stood a woman in a stylish dress — Pepper Potts — waiting eagerly for the arrival of her boss, Tony Stark, whom she had been worrying about for half a month.
As soon as Allen got off the plane, he saw the sexy and beautiful Pepper Potts. He had to admit, Tony Stark's taste in women was impeccable — Pepper was even more stunning than any magazine cover girl.
"Welcome back, boss."
Pepper opened her arms and gave Allen a warm hug. Playing the part of Tony Stark, Allen hugged her back and gave her a quick kiss.
"Hey, Potts, the only person I've missed over the past half month... is you," Allen said affectionately, gazing into her eyes before stealing another kiss.
"BOSS—well, Tony," Pepper corrected herself quickly, smiling. "I'm so glad you're back. I was worried I might have to find a new job."
Just then, Rhodey approached and interrupted the two, grinning as he teased them. "Alright, lovebirds. Save it for later. Stark, you've barely landed."
"Rhodey, don't be jealous," Allen replied, smirking. "Handsome Tony Stark always gets the girl."
With his trademark confidence, Allen patted Rhodey on the shoulder and walked toward the Rolls-Royce, a faint, unreadable smile curling on his lips.
"Potts, I'm going to hold a press conference. Go make the arrangements. Oh, and Happy — grab me a hamburger, I'm starving."
After opening the car door, Allen turned and gave Pepper a firm look, his tone serious yet casual — perfectly mimicking Tony Stark.
"Okay, boss," Happy said immediately. As Tony Stark's loyal driver and bodyguard, he never questioned orders.
But Pepper followed Allen into the car, concern clear in her voice. "Tony, why hold a press conference right now? You need rest. You've just come back from hell."
She assumed Stark was doing it because the company's stock price had been plummeting. But only Allen knew the truth — he was doing it to provoke Obadiah Stane.
"Rest?" Allen smirked faintly. "I've been resting for half a month. What I need now… is to speak my mind."
Seeing the determination in his eyes, Pepper sighed softly. She couldn't argue with that look. Resigned, she picked up her phone and started contacting reporters.
By the time Allen and the others reached the Stark Building, news had already spread like wildfire:
Tony Stark, the missing CEO of Stark Industries, had returned and was about to hold a press conference.
Reporters from every major outlet swarmed to the building. Within minutes, the entire first-floor lobby was packed with journalists, cameras, and shareholders.
Even Obadiah Stane, the company's second-largest shareholder, arrived early that morning, eager to greet Stark and see what he would say.
The crowd stirred as the Rolls-Royce stopped in front of the entrance. Allen stepped out, a hamburger in his right hand, looking relaxed as ever.
"Hey, Tony, I'm so glad you made it back in one piece," Obadiah greeted warmly, his face full of relief.
"No, no, Stane," Allen said with a small smile, "you're not happy to see me."
His words made Obadiah's smile falter instantly. A flicker of panic flashed in the older man's eyes.
Damn it… does he know I was the one who leaked his location?
Allen brushed past him without another glance and entered the press hall.
Once inside, surrounded by flashing cameras and murmuring reporters, Allen sat casually at the center of the stage, still munching on his hamburger.
"Alright, everyone, please sit down. Yes, sit — I want to see all your lovely faces."
The familiar arrogance and charm filled the room. It was unmistakably Tony Stark's style — confident, irreverent, and captivating.
"For half a month, I was locked in a dark cave," Allen began, his tone suddenly serious. "I escaped by my own hands. During that time, I kept thinking — what's the meaning of my existence? Am I just a playboy? A billionaire?"
He paused, looking around the silent hall. "No… my existence means much more than that."
He took a breath and leaned forward. "In the past half month, I've been reborn. I understand my purpose now. And I've realized… this world doesn't need more wars. It doesn't need more weapons."
The crowd stirred as Allen continued.
"So today, I'm announcing — effective immediately, Stark Industries will shut down its weapons manufacturing division."
The entire hall erupted in chaos. Reporters scrambled to record, their eyes gleaming with excitement — this was massive news.
Tony Stark, the genius arms manufacturer, was ending Stark Industries' weapons production.
Even though the company had many shareholders, everyone knew it was still under Stark's absolute control. One decision from him could change everything.
"Tony, are you insane?" Obadiah barked, his face darkening. Ignoring the cameras, he marched to the front. "Weapons are our biggest source of profit! If you shut down now, the company will face enormous losses! What about our military contracts?"
Allen looked at him with a calm smile. "Obadiah, you must be curious how I escaped. If you want answers, go to Afghanistan — you'll find everything you're looking for there."
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. "And maybe when you come back… you'll finally understand what it means to truly run Stark Industries."
A faint sneer crossed his lips. The meaning behind his words made Obadiah's expression twist in shock.
Afghanistan… what's there?
Obadiah's eyes turned cold and venomous, glaring at Allen like a snake ready to strike.
Allen only smiled faintly. "You'll find the answers you need soon enough."
Though confused by the words, Obadiah had already made up his mind — he would go to Afghanistan himself and uncover the truth.
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