Stark Tower. Red Carpet.
"Mr. Hall, do you plan to join the board of Stark Industries?" a reporter shouted.
Vincent Hall stopped, facing the cameras.
"I only hold 1% of the shares," Vincent said calmly. "This is a value investment. I plan to hold long-term because Stark Industries is destined to be a trillion-dollar company."
The crowd gasped.
"Trillion dollars?"
"Did he just say trillion?"
In 2012, a trillion-dollar valuation was unheard of. It sounded like madness.
Vincent smiled and walked away from the stunned reporters, straight to Tony Stark.
"Mr. Hall! Welcome!" Tony beamed, extending his hand.
Vincent shook it, feeling a genuine thrill. This was Tony Stark. The Godfather of the MCU. The man who started it all.
"Please, call me Vincent. You're an inspiration to every man alive," Vincent said earnestly. "Women and mechas—the two greatest dreams of mankind. And you have both."
Tony laughed loudly. "Haha! I like you, kid! Seriously, you have the same swagger I did at your age."
"I invested because of you, Tony. You're my God of Wealth," Vincent admitted.
"Your eyes are sharp, Vincent," Tony winked. "And yes, a trillion dollars sounds about right. Maybe you should buy more shares."
They chatted like old friends. Vincent used his future knowledge to discuss clean energy and tech trends, leaving Tony genuinely impressed.
"Vincent, we should be alumni," Tony said, patting his chest. "If you need a recommendation letter for MIT, I'll write it myself."
"Thanks, Tony. I might take you up on that," Vincent nodded.
He probably wouldn't go to college, but a letter from Tony Stark was a golden ticket in itself.
Vincent spotted Pepper Potts busy managing guests. He grabbed a glass of champagne (which he wouldn't drink) and walked over.
"Miss Potts," Vincent greeted her, kissing her hand. "I've heard so much about you. If I didn't already have a girlfriend, I'd chase you myself."
Pepper laughed, charmed. "You're very flattering, Mr. Hall. But I don't think I'm Tony's type."
"Tony's type is changing," Vincent said, glancing at the billionaire. "He's been through hell. He's growing up. And honestly? You two have a 'husband and wife' destiny written all over you."
Pepper blushed, looking away.
Vincent leaned in, whispering, "I can tell fortunes, you know. You two will have a beautiful daughter one day. But shh, don't tell anyone."
Pepper rolled her eyes playfully. "You're a tease, Vincent."
"Just telling the truth," Vincent grinned. "Anyway, I have to go. Can't drink yet—only 18, remember? Enjoy the party."
"Already leaving?"
"Yeah. Ask Happy to drive me home. My luggage is still in his car."
"Of course. Take care, Vincent. Or should I call you... Ice?"
"Ice?" Vincent raised an eyebrow.
"You told me that was your new nickname."
"Ah, right. Ice. Call me whatever you like."
Vincent waved and left.
Outside.
Happy drove Vincent to his apartment in Queens.
"Mr. Hall," Happy asked tentatively. "Do you really think Stark Industries will hit a trillion?"
"Don't tell Tony, his ego is big enough already," Vincent joked. "But yes. Tony is a genius who creates the future. Betting on him is the safest bet in the world."
Happy grinned. "I put my entire pension into Stark stock when he shut down weapons manufacturing."
"Smart man, Happy," Vincent gave a thumbs up. "You're going to be very rich."
They arrived at the apartment building.
"Thanks, Happy," Vincent got out.
He paused, then tapped on the window.
"Happy, if Tony ever gets into real trouble... call me."
Vincent concentrated. Frost gathered in his hand, condensing into a thin, rectangular card made of solid ice.
He handed the Ice Card to Happy.
"He's my God of Wealth. I can't let him die."
Happy stared at the freezing card, eyes wide. "What the..."
"Tell him it's from Ice."
Vincent walked into the building.
Happy juggled the cold card, his fingers numb. "Holy shit. The kid's a super."
Vincent's Apartment.
Ding-Dong.
Vincent barely opened the door when a figure tackled him.
It was Gwen.
She was wearing her Ghost Spider suit (minus the mask).
"My mom is out, brothers are at school," Gwen said breathlessly, kissing him. "I have one hour."
"One hour is enough," Vincent smirked.
He ripped the suit.
"Hey! That's expensive spandex!" Gwen protested.
"I'll buy you a new one."
Stark Tower.
Happy was still holding the Ice Card. It wasn't melting. Or at least, very slowly.
Natasha Romanoff (the real one) approached him. She was back from "vacation."
"Hey, Happy," she smiled.
"Natasha! Long time no see," Happy tried to hide the card.
Natasha's eyes were sharp. She saw the mist rising from his pocket.
"Is your pocket smoking?"
Happy sighed and pulled out the Ice Card.
Natasha's expression changed instantly. She recognized the aura.
"Where did you get that?"
"The kid... Vincent Hall. He gave it to me for Tony."
Natasha took the card. It was cold enough to burn skin, but she held it firmly.
Vincent Hall gave this to Happy? Why?
She knew Vincent was the Ice Demon. But Tony didn't. This was a direct link between the Avengers' heavy hitters.
"I need to talk to Tony," Natasha said seriously.
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