"Roxon was founded around 1932 and is an oil-based company. Its early head was Hugh Jones, a friend of my father's, or perhaps just a friend for a while. That's how it is in the business world: a friend today might be a rival tomorrow. But due to an accident, Hugh Jones has been missing for some time.
The current leader of Roxxon is a man named Dario Agger, the one who sent us the invitation. I haven't found out much about him; he's a bit of a mystery. But I do have a fair bit of hearsay. It's said his rise to power was less than glamorous, but that's not surprising. Roxxon itself had many unspeakable mishaps in its early days.
Tony Stark and Luke Field were sitting in a business car on their way to a cocktail party at Roxxon. Tony Stark was sharing with Luke the information he had about Roxxon and its current manager, Dario Agger.
"Really? So you've got security?" Luke smiled and glanced at the front seat of the seven-seater commercial vehicle. Tony's bodyguard, Happy Hogan, was clutching a snakeskin-sized metal briefcase, his expression serious. As if this would make him, like Snooker in the driver's seat, appear more professional. Noticing Luke's scrutiny in the rearview mirror, Happy Hogan gave Luke a serious smile.
"No, I'm just used to carrying my suit." Tony Stark followed Luke's gaze as he glanced at his suitcase, then said proudly, "The Mark V isn't particularly impressive. It's made of foldable material, so its defense isn't high. It has no external energy source or weapons, so its lethality isn't high either. Its only advantage is portability. If something goes wrong, it only takes ten to eighteen seconds for me to put it on. I can knock down the enemy, escape danger, or delay until reinforcements arrive. I strongly suggest you try this too. I don't want to hear you've been kidnapped one day. Oh, I misremembered, you've been kidnapped before."
"Attempted!" Luke denied it!
Although both of them encountered such bad things just after selling weapons and receiving a large order, Tony Stark almost lost his life. He was captured and forced to make his own Jericho missile for the other party. Although Luke had a similar scenario, he was much more vigilant than Tony. Even if Wallace was not wearing the equipment he made at the time, Luke had other ways to deal with it and ensure the safety of himself and Ina.
"We're here. Do what you should do when you get there. If you trust me, I can help you deal with that Dario Agger." Tony Stark's words made Pepper Potts in the back seat look at her in surprise. She had followed Stark for so long, but this was the first time that Stark attended a cocktail party and took the initiative to take charge of her.
At previous cocktail parties, Tony Stark would at most show up, or even not show up at all. He would go out and hang out with the pretty girls at the party, socialize, and make speeches. Obadiah would do all the work, or she and James Rhodes would do it. If she hadn't been so familiar with the man who spoke earlier, she would have thought Tony had been replaced.
Although Tony's tone wasn't gentle, and even had that characteristically sharp edge, Luke could still discern the good intentions in his words. He nodded. He was eager for someone to shoulder all the burdens for him. Wasn't the reason Energy had partnered with Stark to reduce trouble and provide a strong partner when trouble arose? After all, his Hebern was only a company established a little over six years ago.
While Tony Stark's trustworthiness remains to be seen, he's done a pretty good job so far in the partnership. The two companies have come this far, and both sides have invested a great deal of effort and connections, but he hasn't shouldered any of the blame or pressure along the way.
Of course, he did not lose the limelight that he deserved.
The other party is like a fighter at the last moment of his life, extremely responsible and brave!
…
Dario Agger was a tall man with a friendly smile on his face. He took off his sunglasses and warmly greeted Tony, Luke and the others. He enthusiastically led them around the party and introduced them to the so-called elites and important figures at the party. When he went on stage to give a speech.
Tony Stark leaned close to Luke's ear and looked around the reception area. "Did you see? This is a demonstration! All the people being introduced are bigwigs in the energy industry, from government-run companies."
"I thought you didn't understand this?"
Luke glanced at him in surprise. This look made Tony feel insulted. His voice rose slightly. "Kid, just because I don't care about this kind of thing doesn't mean I don't understand it! Just like I never manage a company, but if I had to manage it, I could get started quickly. But I don't think my intelligence and time should be wasted on these things, you know?"
"So you choose to waste your energy and time on one woman after another?"
Luke's words made Tony shut up. He saw his little pepper approaching him.
Dario Ager's speech was eloquent and enthusiastic, imbued with the warmth of a host. His passionate speech resonated as if he had already reached a partnership agreement with Stark and Hybrid, ushering in a new chapter in the energy revolution. The elite and prominent figures in the audience cheered and applauded, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
In this high-spirited environment, the expressionless Luke and his companions seemed like forgotten aliens, even though, strictly speaking, they were the core figures of this cocktail party.
"Let's work together. Believe me, as long as my Roxon joins us, all the obstacles you've encountered will vanish. All subsequent troubles, both those that have occurred and those yet to come, can be handled by Roxon. We are adept at using flexible and adaptable methods to resolve all kinds of problems, whether they arise from the private sector, the government, or businesses."
Roxxon can offer vast sums of money, all his connections, and selfless assistance. What do you think? You have the technology, I have the connections and financial resources. If we work together, the energy of the entire planetary system will be ours. Then, perhaps we can bring all the ice from Jupiter's moons to this planet and auction it off. We'll both make untold fortunes and wield even greater power."
Dario Agger, still feeling the afterglow of his speech, returned to Luke and Tony and invited them to collaborate.
Luke and Tony looked at each other, and then Tony received Luke's "you're on it" look. He curled his lips, feeling that he was becoming more and more of Luke's tool. "How much share do you want?"