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Another week had passed since the S.H.I.E.L.D. incident.
At this moment, Alex Ray was driving a jeep, speeding toward Stark Manor.
It took Alex nearly three hours to make the trip from Hell's Kitchen.
Stark Manor was located over two hundred miles from New York Cityāa magnificent estate of unparalleled grandeur.
Everything within its hundred-acre radius belonged to the Stark family, one of the most iconic names in global wealth and innovation.
Alex was greeted at the entrance by Harold "Happy" Hogan, Tony Stark's longtime driver and bodyguard.
He drove the jeep into the open-air parking lot, immediately noting the rows of flashy luxury cars parked thereāexactly what one would expect from someone like Tony Stark. Amid the glittering sea of Bentleys, Ferraris, and Lamborghinis, Alex's jeep looked like a husky wandering into a pack of wolves.
Seeing Alex step out, Happy rushed over to shake his hand. "Mr. Ray, long time no see. Welcome to Stark Manor. Mr. Stark is currently in the basement, but I'll take you in."
The estate was peaceful, surrounded by vibrant greenery and full of life.
Stark Manor wasn't just a residence; it was a playground for the ultra-rich. Swimming pools, tennis courts, and high-tech recreational facilities were scattered throughout the grounds, all tailored for the billionaire genius who owned them.
As Alex walked through the property, he couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. Now that he had money, buying a villa like this didn't seem so far-fetched. The thought lingeredāuntil he mentally slapped himself for it.
"Being a landlord isn't good enough, huh?" he muttered to himself. "Want to move out here and pay half your fortune in property taxes every year?"
The dream of a mansion died quickly, but a new one surfacedāhe needed a new car. His current vehicle, inherited from his late father, was older than he was. It was time.
Happy led him up the main path to the villa. Contrary to what he'd said earlier, Stark wasn't buried in his basement workshop. He was standing at the front door, arms wide open.
"Hey!" Tony grinned. "Welcome to my homeāStark Manor."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You sure this is a house? If Happy hadn't met me outside, I would've needed a GPS drone to find the front door. And you live here alone? Don't you ever get bored in a place this big?"
Tony flashed his usual smug grin. "I'm Tony Stark, global icon and billionaire playboy. I've lived in mansions my whole life. This is normal, Ray. Aren't you used to this by now?"
Alex rolled his eyes. "Right. Should've asked for more when you offered that salary."
Still, he didn't back down. "You must get lonely in here. What, you think Pepper's going to move in? If not, I've got extra rooms back in Hell's Kitchen. You can crash there with Yinsen."
That hit a nerve. Stark's face twitched ever so slightly, his smile turning stiff.
Without replying, he turned and walked into the villa. Alex followed casually, not pushing it.
Inside, Stark retrieved a bottle of red wine and poured two glasses, handing one to Alex.
Alex waved him off. "Don't drink and drive. And don't drive after drinking. I'll just take a Coke."
Tony scowled. "Happy! Go buy a hundred boxes of Coke. Let him drink till he drowns in it. And if he doesn't finish them, he can take the rest home. Consider it payment for last time."
Alex smirked. Stark had clearly looked into the tip he'd given him weeks ago. After returning to Stark Industries, Tony had investigated Natasha and unearthed several spies embedded within his company.
"You stingy bastard," Alex said. "I save your life and you pay me in soft drinks? I was planning to bring you a clue today, but maybe I'll just head back."
Tony's smirk dropped. "Wait. You found something? Tell meāwho's trying to kidnap me?"
Alex, however, stayed relaxed. "It's been a month. You really mean to tell me you haven't figured it out? Or maybe you just don't want to."
That silenced Tony.
Because deep down, Alex was right. Stark was no idiot. The list of people who'd benefit most from his death wasn't long. One name sat at the top.
But he didn't want to believe it.
"It's who you're thinking of," Alex said plainly. "Obadiah Stane. Your father's best friend. Your uncle, basically."
He spoke slowly, making sure Stark heard every word.
The color drained from Tony's face. His chest felt like it had been hit by a sledgehammer. He froze, paralyzed, as if the words had sucked the life out of him.
In his mind, memories came flooding backāObadiah, smiling at him as a child, patiently guiding him through the world of business and invention, always seeming kind, trustworthy, even fatherly.
Now that very same man was the one who'd plotted his death.
Tony tried to keep a brave face, but his trembling hands gave him away.
"Youā¦ you have proof?" he asked quietly. "Why would he do this to me?"
Alex exhaled. Stark still didn't want to believe it. Understandable.
"I don't have hard proof yet. But I know where you'll find it," Alex said. "If you don't believe me, go check it out yourself."
Tony nodded, voice shaky. "Thenā¦ I want to hire you. Find the evidence. I'll pay you a million."
Alex tilted his head. "He's your uncle. Your dearest relative. That's gotta be worth more than a million."
But Tony wasn't listening anymore. He was staring blankly at the floor, drowning in the weight of betrayal.
Alex sighed. "Alright, alright. I won't charge you this time."
He leaned forward slightly. "The proof you wantāit's on the computer in Obadiah's office. There's a video of him speaking directly to the Ten Rings leader about your kidnapping."
Tony's eyes flickered.
"The Ten Rings," Alex continued, "is a terrorist organization that's been around for over a century. Their leader goes by the name Mandarin. You're not ready to face themānot yet."
He spoke calmly, factually. "Obadiah's been selling weapons to various militant groups behind your back for years. The Ten Rings is one of his buyers. He's never accepted you as the head of Stark Industries. He wants it all for himself. That's why he tried to eliminate you."
Tony sat in silence.
Alex stepped back. "Be careful. Obadiah won't stop. If you get in trouble, call me. But don't fall apart over this. You're Tony Stark, remember? Billionaire. Genius. Playboy. Philanthropist."
"You still have Happy. Pepper. And me. If things get rough, call me. I'll help. We're friends."
Alex glanced at Stark once more, then turned to leave.
He understood. Stark didn't need comfort right now. Men like them didn't need pity or pep talks. They needed time. Silence. A moment alone to process the wreckage inside.
And so, Alex Ray walked awayāwithout drama, without lingering words.
He knew that the next time they met, Tony Stark would no longer just be a billionaire genius.
He'd be Iron Man.
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š Enjoying the Story? Get Ahead Now!
Can't wait for the next twist or epic moment?
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