Walking into Stark Industries was like stepping into another world.
The entrance alone was dominated by a colossal arc reactor, its humming glow radiating both power and prestige. That single invention was the true foundation of Stark Industries' unshakable dominance. No matter how many groundbreaking gadgets Tony Stark had unveiled, it was the reactor that kept the company at the top of the global energy game.
Since becoming Iron Man, Tony had poured much of his energy into being a superhero a venture that was more about saving lives than making profits. Yet money was never something he lacked. That fact alone stirred a hint of envy in Nolan.
He had considered, more than once, whether he should sink resources into developing a cutting-edge energy system of his own. But the moment he laid eyes on the reactor again, he knew it wasn't the smartest way to make money. Competing against a man who had already leapt centuries ahead of the world in energy technology wasn't ambition it was stupidity. And Nolan was not stupid. A businessman had no business being stubborn just for pride's sake.
Beside him, Sharon Carter's face betrayed open awe. Compared to Stark Industries, Locke Technologies must have seemed like little more than a scrapyard to her.
Her reaction was far too obvious.
Nolan caught it instantly, his lips twitching in faint irritation. Rookie agent. Couldn't even mask her thoughts properly.
"If you're that impressed with this place," he said dryly, "you're welcome to stay here and work instead."
Startled, Sharon quickly forced a polite smile. "Not at all. I like Locke Technologies very much."
The words rang hollow, but her expression had already smoothed over. She wasn't a complete amateur at least she still remembered how to keep up appearances.
"Let's hope so," Nolan muttered.
He took a few steps forward, then stopped and glanced back. His voice dropped slightly, his words carrying a weight Sharon wasn't expecting.
"Locke Technologies was built on a concept: the Hive. What you've seen so far is just the tip of it. You haven't glimpsed the true Hive yet. When the time is right, I'll take you below."
Curiosity flickered across her features. Nolan, however, offered no further explanation. In truth, the Hive's underground levels looked even more like a ruin at the moment. Bringing it to full functionality would take months of work and billions more in investment.
But that was fine. Slowly, carefully it would all come together. After all, no piece of conventional construction could ever compare to the treasures his system technology could provide.
Tony Stark had already been informed of Nolan's visit. At that moment, he was busy charming his newest secretary.
The name she had given was Natasha Romanoff.
Tony couldn't deny he was impressed. Her figure was flawless long legs, a perfectly balanced waistline, curves that drew the eye without shame. Even a man like him, who had seen more than his share of beautiful women, had to admit she stood out.
"Natasha, be a dear and get me a cup of fresh-ground coffee. Oh, and bring a cup of instant as well," he said casually.
Natasha nodded, heels clicking lightly as she left the room.
Moments later, Nolan entered with Sharon in tow.
"Yo, Tony. Long time no see," Nolan greeted with a grin.
Tony's lips curved in a smile that was all edges and no warmth. "Really? Longer wouldn't have been a problem either."
His eyes flicked toward Sharon, studying her. Youth, beauty, and poise she had no trouble holding her own beside Natasha. If anything, her fresh charm only made her more noticeable.
There was, however, one problem.
"Nolan, your secretary's outfit is… a little bold, don't you think?"
Nolan's expression hardened, his tone suddenly sharp with mock seriousness.
"This is our company's professional attire. I'd appreciate it if you didn't insult it."
The look on Tony's face was priceless. Sharon, on the other hand, kept her outward composure, but inside she was silently cursing Nolan six ways to Sunday.
Natasha returned then, balancing two cups of coffee. The instant she caught sight of Sharon, her step faltered just slightly.
Recognition flashed between the two women.
Sharon Carter might have been younger, but she was already proving herself as one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s most capable new agents. Natasha, the veteran, read the truth in a heartbeat.
Their silent exchange said everything.
What's going on here? Natasha's eyes asked.
Sharon's look answered with resigned frustration.
Natasha's lips twitched despite herself. She suddenly felt a pang of sympathy. Nolan was even less predictable than Tony Stark and far more shameless.
Nolan, meanwhile, chatted easily with Tony while keeping both women firmly in the corner of his vision. Watching two undercover agents forced to act as secretaries in the same room was… entertaining. He sipped his coffee, then wrinkled his nose.
"Instant coffee? Seriously, Tony? What are you, a child?"
The jab landed hard. No one liked being called childish least of all Tony Stark.
He leaned back with a smirk, retorting, "Not a child. I just think it suits your status here. After all, you're nothing more than a minor shareholder in Stark Industries."
Nolan didn't even flinch. He took another sip, then set the cup down deliberately.
"A shareholder? My mistake, I forgot to mention. Before coming here, I sold my shares. Honestly, Stark Industries isn't worth much to me anymore. Keeping money tied up here? There's no real profit in that."
Tony's brows furrowed, his eyes locking with Nolan's. For a moment, the tension between them was tangible. Then, slowly, Tony looked away. That round was Nolan's victory.
Nolan leaned forward slightly. "By the way… you're not looking well, Tony."
Tony froze. The mask slipped, and for a fraction of a second, his shoulders sagged.
"You saw through me, huh? You're right. The arc reactor in my chest keeps me alive, but the palladium inside it it's poisoning me. Every day, it pushes me closer to the grave. At this rate, I don't have much time left."
For once, Nolan didn't gloat. He only shook his head. "Then why not remove it? Surgery could take the shrapnel out. I know a man Dr. Stephen Strange. He's one of the most gifted surgeons in the world. If anyone can help, it's him."
Tony gave a short, bitter laugh. "I've checked. The odds of surviving an operation like that? Barely thirty percent. I'd rather die standing on my feet than on an operating table."
"You're scared," Nolan said bluntly.
"No, I'm not."
"Coward."
"F*** off!"
Tony's temper flared, his voice echoing in the office. He stood, then immediately sat again, slamming a hand against the desk. His voice cracked slightly when he admitted, "Fine. You're right. I am scared."
Nolan didn't press further. That was enough. This was the real reason he had come.
In the original timeline, Nick Fury had used Tony's condition as leverage to pull him into S.H.I.E.L.D.'s plans. But with Nolan here, things would not unfold the same way.
Tony might be arrogant, might be difficult, but he was also a hero. And heroes deserved freedom, not manipulation.
"My father once told me something," Nolan began slowly, his gaze flicking briefly toward the two women in the room.
"Howard Stark was a man of immense vision. His son… well, let's just say his son hasn't quite lived up to that yet."
Tony's glare sharpened, but Nolan pressed on, his voice calm and deliberate.
"Back in his day, Howard designed countless concepts, things far ahead of their time. They couldn't be realized then, so he locked them away in a place no one could reach. He called it the Future City Project. And Tony… I believe what he left there may hold the answers you need. That place is closer than you think. In fact, you already know where it is."
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