Though Tony Stark was tempted to snap back after being humiliated, he ultimately sighed and nodded to Happy. "Tell security to let them through."
Then he spoke into the phone, "Alright, Ross, I've given the order to stand down. But just so you know—you can kiss Stark Industries' 10% government discount goodbye. Bye-bye."
Happy and the surrounding bodyguards all breathed a sigh of relief. Bruce Banner, meanwhile, offered a bitter smile. Still, he couldn't blame Stark—he'd literally crash-landed into the man's tower. Not being asked to pay damages was already a blessing.
"It's alright, Stark. Thanks for the clothes."
"Hold on." Seeing Banner getting ready to follow Happy out, Stark grinned. "Buddy, Ross asked me to let his men through. He didn't say a word about handing you over, did he?"
Wait—what?
Banner froze for a moment. Come to think of it, Ross really hadn't said that explicitly.
"Are... are you not afraid this'll cause trouble for you?"
"Trouble?" Stark glanced around at the bodyguards. "Sure, you crashed into my tower, but if I, the owner, don't care—who's gonna do anything? By the time Ross files a complaint, we'll probably be long gone.
Besides, unless there's an active warrant out for you—which, as far as I know, no one here has seen—I'm not obligated to turn you in."
"Heh, that's right," Happy added. "If there's any problem, it's not ours. All we know is that Dr. Banner is a scientist, and Mr. Stark wants to talk to him. That's well within his rights."
Tony flashed Happy an approving grin, then patted Banner on the arm. "Come on, buddy. Let's grab a drink and have a chat. We can deal with the rest later."
Downstairs, Ross's men were already on the way up. If Banner didn't leave with Stark, his only other option was to go Hulk-mode again and force his way out.
So, by the time Blonsky and his troops arrived on the 28th floor, a helicopter was already lifting off from Stark Tower's roof.
"Goddammit." Blonsky called Ross instantly, then turned and rushed back down, leading his men in pursuit of the chopper.
But barely a minute into the chase, Blonsky's eyes widened. "Turn around! Turn around! It's a trap!"
The driver didn't hesitate—squealing tires signaled a sharp U-turn as they raced back to the tower.
Sure enough, as they returned, they saw a convoy of black SUVs escorting a long Cadillac limousine exiting the garage.
"Stop! STOP!" Blonsky leapt out before the car even stopped, gun drawn as he yelled at the lead vehicle, "Pull over now, or I'll open fire!"
But after checking each vehicle one by one, they found nothing—just drivers, no passengers.
"F***!"
Furious, Blonsky punched the Cadillac's hood with a loud BANG.
To the shock of everyone around him, his fist left a deep dent in the two-centimeter-thick steel panel—this wasn't your average car.
Most people couldn't even dent a hood like that with a sledgehammer, and yet Blonsky's bare fist had crushed it like paper.
Unfazed, Blonsky grabbed his radio. "Intercept that chopper. Scramble now."
Moments later, his team confirmed the pursuit was already in progress, and he jumped into the car to join the chase.
Back on the rooftop, whiskey glass in hand, Stark stood watching the chaos unfold below.
Laughing as Blonsky fumed and stormed off, he turned to Banner and said, "This is Chivas Regal, thirty-year reserve. You really sure you don't want a taste?"
"I'll pass," Banner replied, lifting his glass of water. "If I get drunk, I might tear down this whole tower. Better not tempt fate."
"One guy tear down an entire building?" Stark choked on his drink, coughing hard. "You're kidding, right?"
"Why would I lie?" Banner gave a helpless shrug. "The thing inside me is a lunatic in a constant state of rage. Once I transform, even my own will and thoughts get completely overridden. It becomes its own person."
He sighed. "Honestly, Tony, biological enhancement is too unpredictable. You're better off following William Devonshire's path—focus on hardware."
"Hmph." Hearing that name, Stark's smile vanished instantly.
A few years ago, William had been just a flashy upstart in Stark's eyes. Now, six or seven years later, he was like Stark 2.0 with cheat codes—richer, more influential, and more respected.
Sure, Stark had the titles—genius, billionaire, playboy, arms dealer. But William? William had Mars. The Mars Conqueror. One title that outshone them all.
What burned even more was the fact that Stark Industries had nearly tripled in value—largely thanks to William's early investment. That stake had earned William nearly $1.5 billion.
And what had William said in return?
Nothing. Not even a "thanks."
He showed up once after buying in—then never came to another board or shareholder meeting.
Which would've been fine, except that his 7% voting rights still carried weight, and William's success made shareholders constantly ask why Stark didn't invite him to meetings.
It was obvious what they wanted—an intro to the elusive and influential English lord.
Even if they didn't get a deal, the mere association could bump up their stock price.
All of this made Tony feel like he was the employee, and William was the actual boss behind the curtain.
As Banner finished speaking, he looked up to see Stark's face frozen in a grim scowl.
Uh-oh… maybe their relationship's not so good?
And thinking about their accolades, Banner had to admit—aside from formal education, Stark really did seem outmatched.
"Tony, you okay?" Banner asked.
"I'm fine." Stark waved him off. "Even though I hate to admit it, that sneaky English brat who once screwed me over... yeah, I guess he's done alright for himself these past few years."
Wait—William screwed over Tony?
That got Banner curious, but one look at Stark's sour expression told him not to ask.
Instead, he said consolingly, "I've heard he doesn't even manage his own companies or family affairs. His mother handles the football clubs, racetracks, and family trusts. The company itself is run by his women. He just focuses on research.
Maybe... that's why he's surpassed all of us."
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