"So, that's how it is." Shiller said, "He has transformed his key position at Stark Group into substantial benefits. Now, only he can save Stark Group's stock price and reinvest in the Rebirth Alliance."
"Exactly." Eddie nodded, "And he wants Pepper to submit to him. Although Pepper didn't mention it on the phone, Stark undoubtedly threatened her to divorce."
"This precisely proves that Pepper's choice is correct." Shiller said, "Tony Stark might love her, but the love of a villain doesn't just come with flowers; there are thorns, always dangerous. Unfortunately, Pepper got one thing wrong. When you're targeted by a madman, turning and running isn't necessarily the best choice."
"It seems totally wrong now." Eddie shook his head again, "Honestly, if they had married smoothly back then, I suppose they'd have divorced after the Civil War, but since they never did, now it truly seems like the unattainable is the best."
"Stark may have some obsessive elements, but probably more because he needs Pepper deeply tied to him, which can bring him great benefits. Even if not with him, she shouldn't be with others." Shiller speculated, "Once Pepper marries someone else, Stark Group's interests might flow outward, which is something Stark absolutely doesn't want to see."
"Then can't they just dismiss her?" Eddie couldn't understand, "Not willing to see an ex-girlfriend with her current husband, wouldn't firing be the solution? Why keep pursuing relentlessly?"
"As always, businessmen are profit-oriented. Not to mention Pepper has worked at Stark Group for many years, is familiar with all the business operations, and capable. If she's fired, where to find a replacement? Just Stark's personal need for her is very strong. Not everyone can tolerate Tony Stark, and few people are tolerated by Tony Stark. Over the years, the only one he has maintained a long-term relationship with is Pepper Potts."
"By the looks of it, it really is troublesome." Eddie couldn't help but rub his temple, "By the way, earlier at the Rebirth Alliance Headquarters, the director mentioned Batman and Joker. He said after merging with Gotham, there's been an increase in Batmans and Jokers."
"That's an interesting take." Shiller chuckled, "The merger of two universes might indeed cause some similar effects, but I'd rather believe this is the pain of integration. Though it might hurt for a while, it won't develop into a city full of Batmans and Jokers."
"In your opinion, how should this situation be resolved?" Eddie clearly still had some journalist habits, loving to ask for others' opinions.
"Nick Fury isn't one to be trifled with." Shiller said, "It's not hard for him to solve this, but very likely it will bring new dangers."
"Nick... Nick!" Captain America walked quickly towards Nick Fury, blocking his path while retreating and following him, saying, "Accepting investment from the Luther Group is too dangerous. Alexander Luther isn't a walk in the park; he might be more dangerous than Tony Stark!"
"Do we have other options?" Nick looked at Captain America, saying that once they accepted this blackmail, there'd be endless trouble later. The Rebirth Alliance could as well be renamed Stark Alliance.
"I know we must show a strong attitude, but letting the Luther Group invest is completely inviting a wolf into the house!"
"We need another wolf now." Nick brushed off Captain America's arm, saying, "Besides, Alexander Luther's conditions aren't that harsh."
"Precisely because of this, it shows Luther must have another purpose."
"Then we have to get past this hurdle first." Nick paused, looking into Captain America's eyes, "If we can be free from Stark Group's threats, we must take Tony Stark to court, which could make Ms. Carter feel better."
Captain America stood there, stunned, no longer blocking Nick but standing still, murmuring to himself after a while, "Perhaps she was right; if Tony had been judged back then, maybe now we wouldn't..."
When Nick returned to his office, Batman was already waiting for him there. But obviously, Nick Fury wasn't James Gordon; he was much more assertive than Gordon.
"I know you're here to persuade me." Nick said, "No one knows better than you that Luther has no good intentions. But for the whole Rebirth Alliance, this is the best choice."
"Perhaps I'm not here to blame you." Batman began to speak, "I sincerely apologize that Wayne Enterprises can't offer more support. However, I do have some intelligence I can provide."
Nick crossed his arms and looked at him, Batman said, "Wayne Enterprises' poor performance isn't solely Bruce's fault. Stark Group and Luther Group have some tacit understanding; they teamed up to suppress Wayne Enterprises, leading it to its current predicament."
Nick fell into deep thought, he said, "Do you think this time Luther Group's offer to invest is a trap manufactured by them and Stark Group together?"
"That depends on whether they can produce genuine money." Batman said, "I'm here to remind you, until you see real things, don't give Luther any opportunity; he's always full of tricks."
"Don't worry." Nick said, "However, this time he only asked for the position of the Strategic Security Department Minister, which truly makes one uneasy. He asked for too little; he must have other plans."