Tony gestured for Smith to sit down in a seat beside him. The other shareholders, watching this scene unfold, all smiled in approval.
The board of Stark Industries welcomed the new addition with open arms. Smith's presence not only boosted the company's public image—thanks to the rising popularity of modern superheroes—but also gave a significant bump to Stark Industries' stock value.
With all attendees present, the shareholders' meeting officially began.
Prior to the meeting, Tony had somehow acquired all of Obadiah's shares, giving him a controlling interest in the company. With the support of Smith—the largest individual shareholder—Tony Stark was restored as Chairman of Stark Industries with an overwhelming majority, fully regaining control.
"Stark Industries will pivot to a new direction," Tony announced. "The International Weapons Division is permanently shut down!"
One shareholder then raised a question.
"Tony, we support your return and your freedom to pursue the research you love… but about that power armor we saw in the news—will that become the company's flagship product?"
Tony met the greedy glint in their eyes with steely resolve.
"I am Iron Man. Iron Man is me. That suit is my personal property. It won't be part of this company."
"But I have found a new direction for Stark Industries: large-scale clean energy production."
"I believe that in the energy sector, Stark Industries can become a new giant—bigger than we ever were in weapons."
"After all, not everyone needs weapons. But clean energy—affordable, efficient—everyone, every nation, needs that."
Watching Tony speak confidently on stage, Smith was in full agreement. He knew very well that the profits from the arc reactor technology dwarfed those from the old weapons business.
And with the Mark-series suits as personal protection, Tony was fully capable of defending the value of what he'd created.
As for Smith, he was just riding Tony's coattails for profit—his true focus remained on his own company: Universal Capsule Corp.
Interestingly, Tony didn't share his mini arc reactor tech with the company. Instead, he offered the large-scale arc reactor designs under a licensing model. Stark Industries had to pay extra to manufacture and distribute them for regional power installations.
This move cemented Tony's dominance within Stark Industries. With the company's transformation underway, no one could shake his position again.
Smith couldn't help but admire Tony's evolution. Licensing the tech for one paycheck, then letting the company sell energy for a second payday—it's no wonder the guy later had enough money to build dozens of Mark suits just for the fireworks.
As the meeting wrapped up, eyes naturally turned to Smith Doyle. A shareholder spoke up:
"Mr. Smith, do you have any plans to collaborate with Stark Industries on human potential research—or perhaps even restart the Super Soldier Serum project?"
"You know, the serum was deeply connected with Tony's father back in the day."
Tony didn't speak, but he was curious too. He'd wondered about Smith Doyle's abilities plenty of times. Still, he understood boundaries—some things you can't ask unless the other person brings it up first.
Smith shook his head with a polite smile.
"I joined Stark Industries purely as a business investment."
"I believe strongly in the clean energy direction and have no intention of distracting Tony with side projects."
There was a hint of disappointment in the room.
And frankly, unless Smith had lost his mind, there was no reason to co-develop Super Soldier tech with Stark Industries. If he wanted to explore that field, he had his own Universal Capsule Corp—and Bulma, too.
It wasn't like he lacked money. Or people.
---
Once the shareholders' meeting ended, Smith Doyle didn't immediately leave. He was intercepted by a wave of reporters near the press conference area.
Instead of retreating, Smith walked right into the press room, casually embracing the spotlight.
Inside, the number of reporters was just as overwhelming. His arrival only further amped up the energy in the room. Even Tony wandered over to see what the fuss was about.
After a brief introduction from the host, Smith stepped up to the podium.
A reporter quickly asked the first question:
"Mr. Smith, have you seen the YouTube video making the rounds? It features a young man bragging about receiving compensation from the recent battle—he used it to buy a new car."
"Oh, and he claims to have your leftover popcorn and soda from that day. He's encased them in amber and made a collectible. He's hoping to get your autograph."
Smith chuckled. That young man had been a bystander during the battle against Iron Monger—someone who had ended up with Smith's unfinished popcorn and soda after his car was totaled in the chaos.
"I'd be happy to sign it if I get the chance," Smith replied with a grin. "Honestly, I thought that stuff got tossed in the trash."
The press corps burst into laughter.
Smith continued:
"As for the compensation, we should thank Tony Stark. He covered the costs himself."
"But I'd also like to take this opportunity to announce the establishment of a foundation for post-battle compensation."
"As some of you know, I'm considered by the public to be a superhero—not that I'm particularly interested in playing vigilante or firefighter."
"But bad guys don't exactly ask for permission before they cause chaos."
"And when battles break out, damage and casualties are inevitable."
"Ordinary people already have it tough. I don't want to see a guy's loan-financed car picked up and thrown through his mortgage-financed house—only for no one to be held responsible afterward."
"That's why I set up this foundation: to help those who suffer property losses in conflicts involving me."
"Of course, this is purely humanitarian—it doesn't imply that I'm at fault."
"My assistant, Fox, suggested that I start an insurance company and launch a 'Superhero Property Damage Insurance' plan."
"Unfortunately, I'm not in the insurance business. So I'm calling on established companies to create such a policy."
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