A classic Bugatti Type 57SC sat parked in front of the Cross Technologies building, its retro-elegant design drawing appreciative glances from passersby. Behind the wheel was an elderly man with white hair and sunglasses.
As one of the world's most beautiful automobiles, this antique Bugatti had recently achieved legendary status, selling for a staggering $30 million at a California auction last May, making it the highest-priced car ever sold at auction, breaking the record previously held by a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testarossa sold publicly in Italy.
From its inception to today, only a mere four units were ever produced globally, with just two or three still in existence... making it the truly perfect treasure coveted by antique car collectors.
The mysterious collector who acquired it for $30 million was none other than this elderly gentleman who must have been quite handsome in his youth.
"Dr. Pym?" The security guard in the gatehouse asked in surprise.
Before this company was renamed, it had been called Pym Industries. And the old man before him was its original founder, period.
"That's right. I'm still alive." Hank Pym said humorously.
Since being ousted from the board by his most trusted protégé, he rarely returned to this vast empire he had built from scratch. Especially after it was renamed Cross Technologies, making him even more reluctant to set foot inside.
Sometimes, reflecting on the past, this extraordinary old man would chuckle self-deprecatingly, feeling his life was pieced together from a series of unfortunate betrayals.
Hank Pym was once a founding figure of S.H.I.E.L.D., back when it was called the 'Strategic Hazard Intervention Espionage Logistics Directorate', an intelligence agency led by Howard Stark and Peggy Carter.
He was a genius of the last century, every bit as prominent as Howard Stark, who built a military-industrial empire. In his youth, Hank discovered a type of subatomic particle that could alter the distance between atoms. Simply put, it could shrink objects' size.
After mastering this cutting-edge technology dubbed 'Pym Particles', Hank began researching methods to control ants, creating a special suit for himself and becoming S.H.I.E.L.D.'s mysterious agent: Ant-Man...
Later, after the sacrifice of his beloved Janet (his partner, the Wasp), coupled with S.H.I.E.L.D.'s attempted betrayal in replicating Pym Particles, Hank fell out with Howard Stark and founded Pym Industries on his own.
He had thought this would be a fresh start in life, but things didn't go as planned. He was betrayed yet again... this time by his most trusted student, Darren Cross, who was utterly obsessed with Pym Particles. But Hank refused to disclose the technology, instead keeping it under wraps.
Ultimately, the teacher and student parted ways due to ideological differences. Darren stabbed Hank in the back, secretly acquiring shares of Pym Industries and rallying other board members to oust his mentor.
Once again, Hank was left isolated and alone, with nothing to show for it except annual dividends from Pym Industries.
"Credentials." The security guard said, stopping Hank as he strode in.
The old man, whose presence still commanded respect, lifted his chin, gesturing for the guard to turn and look at the portrait hanging on the wall at a portrait of his younger self.
Stepping back into the vast empire he had painstakingly built, this once-mighty enterprise that rivaled Stark Industries, Hank felt a complex mix of emotions.
He spotted his prized student, Darren Cross, mingling with guests. Darren approached enthusiastically, greeting him with respectful deference, nothing like the vile schemer who had stolen his teacher's company.
"I'm surprised to receive your invitation, Darren." Hank said, his tone was cool and detached.
The tall, bald man smiled, replying, "I wanted to give you a pleasant surprise, to show you that Pym Industries didn't flourish under your leadership, but after rebranding as Cross Technologies under my guidance, it has achieved far greater development."
Though he and his teacher had parted ways, deep down, he always wanted to prove that his ideas were right.
If only Hank had shared the cutting-edge Pym Particle technology with him unreservedly, things wouldn't have come to this. Pym Industries could have leveraged this world-changing technology to join the ranks of the global elite.
"You mean trailing behind S.H.I.E.L.D., scavenging for scraps, and then feeling so smug about it that you can't wait to flaunt it in my face?" Hank's voice dripped with disdain.
The two things he hated most in life were S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Stark family.
Darren was single-mindedly focused on monetizing Pym Particles into tangible profits, completely oblivious to the dangers that could arise if this advanced technology were leaked.
For the remainder of the event, Hank watched coldly as his student, desperate to prove his superiority, showcased various flashy but impractical gadgets like a performer on stage.
"Since I began managing the company for Dr. Pym, I have dedicated myself to developing a particle that alters the distance between atoms by increasing its density and strength," Darren declared confidently from the stage, occasionally taking jabs at his stubborn teacher, "Why this revolutionary idea was buried in Hank's dusty, cobweb-covered research papers, I may never know. But imagine: a soldier, shrunk to the size of an insect. The ultimate secret weapon, an Ant-Man."
Darren affectionately slung an arm around his teacher's shoulder and asked with a smile, "Hank, please tell our guests how you always answered this question of mine. Is there really an Ant-Man?"
"Just a myth." Hank played along with the performance.
He knew Darren intended to humiliate him. This once-trusted student now harbored nothing but resentment.
Today's invitation wasn't about reconciling their fractured relationship, it was driven by a pathetic need to show off.
The audience included representatives from Stark Industries, Umbrella Corporation, and the Department of Defense; all individuals controlling vast resources and funds, ready to shower Darren with lucrative contracts at a moment's notice.
"You're actually collaborating with Stark?" Hank lowered his voice, a note of anger seeping through.
Those close to him knew Dr. Pym and the Stark family were natural adversaries, even though he had once worked alongside Howard Stark.
"Umbrella is the partner I truly want to secure, but Mr. Stark has offered to provide Cross Technologies with the Ultron program installation free of charge," Darren patted his teacher's shoulder triumphantly, whispering, "It's a genius invention. Since its launch, it's been adopted globally. An old fossil like you could never appreciate such a masterpiece."
The Ultron program, which was heavily promoted by Stark Industries, had gone live at breakneck speed. Hailed by nations worldwide as the 'Second World', especially after gaining approval from the World Security Council, it developed rapidly.
Even major corporations like Cross Technologies had begun officially adopting it.
After all, Stark Industries had signed strict agreements, with core data handed over to the Department of Defense for management. So there no need to worry about information leaks or data outflow.
"Ultron." Hank muttered the word under his breath.
Watching Darren swagger away, he fell deep into thought...