When Tony spoke, he opened his phone and played the video immediately.
He knew that Tony Stark was already aware of everything he had done.
Obadiah's eyes sharpened instantly, no longer holding the warm look of appreciation and indulgence he usually reserved for the younger generation.
"Now that you know everything, what do you intend to do here? Humiliate me, take everything I have, or have me arrested?"
"Address me properly!"
Tony stared unblinkingly into Obadiah's unfamiliar, icy eyes.
He exhaled heavily.
"The whole world calls me a genius, but it took me decades to truly see you. Why have you worn that mask of affection toward me all these years?"
"This is what I deserve, Tony Stark. I built this company into one of the largest in the world. Day after day, I managed it while you hid in your ridiculous lab, making a handful of missiles!"
"Most absurdly, you—a weapons manufacturer—announced you would no longer produce arms. I've had enough of your whims and nonsense. You're as naive as a child in a tower of ivory. That's not how the real world works. No, Tony, this company should be under my control!"
Obadiah slammed the table, roaring as he spoke, all the while subtly slipping his hand into his pocket.
Inside that pocket was a small ultrasonic emitter—capable of instantly paralyzing a person. And correspondingly, there was a pair of headphones inside, designed to resist the ultrasonic waves.
"Enough, Obadiah. Hand over your position on the board and the management of the company. I'll buy your shares at 50% above market value."
"Obadiah, find a place to enjoy the rest of your life. Otherwise, next time that person comes for you, they'll come with a gun and handcuffs!"
"You have five days. That's my final courtesy to you, Uncle Obadiah."
Facing an agitated Obadiah, Tony said no more. He delivered his words coldly and turned to leave.
Yet Tony's statement caused Obadiah to slowly release his hand from the pocket.
Five days was enough to build a suit of armor. And for energy—didn't Tony Stark already have one in his chest?
…
Obadiah seemed to age ten years overnight.
Yet those sent by Tony were extremely cooperative. Every department in the company meticulously compiled vast amounts of information and files.
They explained every detail thoroughly, carefully.
It felt as if Obadiah were entrusting a child he had raised to someone else—explaining every prohibition, preference, and nuance.
For Obadiah, who had worked at this company for half his life, it was a normal expression of emotion.
Even Tony Stark was somewhat disarmed by the performance.
Faced with feedback from his own team, Tony calmly said:
"It's up to him. Take it slow, and make sure he signs all the documents within five days."
Thus, every day Obadiah pretended to cooperate with the handover of company management, discussing the company's history, the purpose of each project, and so on.
Tony's team kept tight control of the documents in the office. Privately, control over factories and laboratories was never relaxed.
In the area designated as Section 16, a massive steel beast was gradually taking shape.
At his Malibu mansion, Tony sat on the sofa and called Pepper.
"All the documents are ready. Once Obadiah formally resigns at tomorrow's board meeting and signs over the shares, everything will be settled."
"Good. I'll help you attend the board meeting tomorrow. I'll have Happy pick you up in the morning!"
Tony didn't want to face Obadiah's departure in person.
"Fine! But you don't need to come pick me up. I'm staying at the office today. You have no idea how busy I've been—even sleep has been scarce. Boss, it's time for a raise!"
Pepper knew Tony well, agreed to his request, and even joked with him.
After hanging up, Tony looked slightly disappointed.
"Sir, Obadiah Stane is at the door. He wants to see you."
Influenced by Qin Xiao's insistence and the images of the Middle East massacre, Tony refused Obadiah's request to enter.
So, Obadiah—who had always had direct access to Tony's mansion—stood at the door, trying to communicate with J.A.R.V.I.S.
Tony picked up a remote on the table and pressed a button.
Obadiah's image appeared on the screen.
"Tony! Open the door. I'm leaving tomorrow. I bought an island in the Indian Ocean. You won't even give me a chance to say goodbye?"
Obadiah no longer looked vigorous; his once imposing frame now appeared somewhat haggard. His eyes were sincere as he spoke.
"Address me properly!"
Tony hesitated, rubbing his face.
"J.A.R.V.I.S., let him in!"
Finally, Tony couldn't bring himself to refuse Obadiah standing at the door.
"Tony! I'm sorry. These past days, I've seriously thought this through. I'm here to apologize and say goodbye!"
Obadiah slowly entered the house.
"How's the scenery on that island?"
Tony remained seated on the sofa, speaking slowly.
"It's paradise. Honestly, I should have done this long ago. Some things, only when you let go can you truly relax, and understand what you need most in life."
"Sunshine, good wine, cigars, fishing, and of course, the girls, right?"
Obadiah seemed to understand everything at last and finally let go.
"Congratulations, Obadiah!"
Tony sincerely felt happy for him.
But when he looked up, he noticed something was wrong.
Earbuds were inserted in both of Obadiah's ears.
Uh-oh…
The thought hit Tony instantly.
A shrill, piercing sound came from Obadiah's side. Almost instantly, Tony's veins bulged, and his entire body went numb.
He couldn't move.
The ultrasonic emitter capable of instant paralysis—something he had invented himself—was in use. The project had later been terminated by the government.
Unexpectedly, Obadiah really had one.
"You should congratulate me—I'm about to become one of the most powerful people in the world."
Obadiah abandoned his former decadent demeanor and now showed a vicious expression.
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