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Chapter 118: 2008, The Beginning
🕑 Added 2025-10-11 10:49:38 +0000 UTCIn 2008, the entire United States was captivated by one piece of news:
the former playboy, world-famous billionaire, and chairman of Stark IndustriesâTony Starkâwould be traveling to a U.S. military base in Afghanistan to test his companyâs latest invention, the Jericho Missile.
Because of this project, Stark Industries once again received an olive branch from the military. But Tony Stark, ever the rebellious genius, brushed it off with arrogance. Not only did he reject the offer, but he even mocked the military in public.
In the heart of New York, at the top floor of Stark Tower, Tony Stark was enjoying the company of a beautiful model. His personal secretary and assistant, Pepper Potts, walked briskly into the office, dressed sharply in a one-piece suit.
âSir, no offense,â Pepper said, holding a folder in her hands, âbut youâre flying to Afghanistan tomorrow. I think you should start preparing. Hereâs a security document that requires your signature.â
Pepper glanced at the woman lounging in Tonyâs arms, her expression subtly tightening with distaste.
âHey, Pepper,â Tony replied lazily, âwho am I? Iâm the genius Tony Stark. Itâs just a quick tripânothing to worry about. Get some champagne ready instead.â
He gently pushed the model aside, straightened his shirt, and gave his trademark smug grin.
âMr. Stark, please take this seriously,â Pepper said, her brow furrowing. She knew her bossâs temperament too well. With a small sigh, she added in a firm tone, âThis isnât negotiable.â
âAlright, alright, Little Pepper. You win.â
Tony raised his hands in mock surrender, took the folder from her, and signed without even glancing at the contents.
âBy the way, Pepper,â he added, âhow about joining me for dinner tonight?â
Her answer came with a polite but professional smile. âBoss, if you really want to make me happy, just give me a bonus.â
Tony looked helpless as Pepper turned and walked out. Since his invitation failed, he decided to throw a grand party that evening insteadâto celebrate his upcoming âvictory tourâ to Afghanistan.
The Stark Tower ballroom came alive that night. Music, laughter, and flashing lights filled the air. Tony Stark was surrounded by celebrities, politicians, and every kind of beauty imaginable. Most of New Yorkâs elite were in attendance.
Among them sat Wilson Fisk, known in the underworld as Kingpin, who had received an invitation under the guise of a philanthropist. Relaxing on a leather sofa, he swirled a glass of red wine, watching Tony dance with amusement.
If Allens wanted to, he could have easily killed Tony Stark then and there. But he didnât. This trip to Afghanistan, he knew, would change Tony foreverâand he was content to let fate play its part.
âMr. Fisk, long time no see.â
The voice came from behind. Turning slightly, Kingpin saw Obadiah Stane, CEO of Stark Industries, approach with a glass of wine and a courteous smile.
âMr. Stane,â Kingpin replied calmly, âFisk Industries doesnât often cross paths with Stark Industries. What brings you here tonight?â
Kingpinâs tone was polite, but his eyes were cold and calculating. The weight in his voice made Obadiah hesitate, forcing him to adjust his approach.
âYou sly old fox,â Obadiah cursed silently to himself while keeping a smile on his face. His gaze shifted, landing on a young man sitting beside KingpinâAllens.
âMr. Fisk,â Obadiah said with feigned curiosity, âI didnât know you had such⌠distinguished company.â
âItâs better if you donât ask, Mr. Stane,â Kingpin said coldly, his towering frame looming over the older man. The chill in his tone made Obadiahâs heart skip a beat.
For a moment, he felt genuine fear. Kingpin was the undisputed ruler of New Yorkâs underworld. For him to show deference to another manâwhat kind of monster was this Allens?
Suppressing his unease, Obadiah forced a laugh and politely excused himself, making his way toward Tony Stark on the dance floor.
âBoss,â Kingpin said quietly, eyes glinting with menace, âthat Obadiah guy looks like heâs planning something. Should I kill him?â
âItâs fine,â Allens replied, setting his glass down. âHeâll be the key piece in our little show.â
His eyes flickered with cold amusement as he watched Tony Stark from across the roomâlike a serpent waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
âCome on,â Allens said finally. âLetâs go meet the famous playboy himself.â
The thud of Kingpinâs heavy footsteps made the stage tremble. Tony paused mid-dance, glancing up in surprise.
âHey, big guy,â Tony called out, âdid I invite you?â
His voice dripped with sarcasm and arrogance. This was Tony Stark before the cave, before the armorâbefore humility.
âMr. Stark,â Allens said, stepping forward with a faint smile, âwe meet again.â
Tony blinked, confused. âHave we? Sorry, genius brain here. Donât really remember your⌠Asian face.â
He patted Allensâs shoulder, smirking.
âYour arrogance will get you killed one day,â Allens replied calmly, his gaze briefly shifting toward Obadiah before turning away.
Without another word, he left the party.
âWhat a f***ing weirdo,â Tony muttered before returning to the crowd, completely unaware that his world was about to change forever.
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