Chapter 109: Carter
Brooklyn, New York.
In just one year, a luxury hotel rose from the ground in the heart of Brooklyn.
This hotel had an unusual name—The Continental.
Unlike some traditional hotels that emphasized classic elegance and historic prestige, this hotel was cutting-edge, even incorporating many technologies that hadn't yet been officially released to the market.
The futuristic decor made guests feel as if they'd stepped into tomorrow, and the exceptional service made this hotel the talk of New York's elite.
At this moment, in a sleek banquet hall on the top floor, Stark Industries was hosting a celebration reception.
"Thank you all for coming. Let us raise a glass to the Allied soldiers fighting on the front lines, thanking them for their sacrifice that has brought us peace and... substantial contracts."
Howard, dressed in an impeccably tailored suit, stood on stage, raising his glass slightly. Although his words were somewhat inappropriate, those present were all companies closely associated with Stark Industries, and they exchanged knowing smiles.
Howard downed his drink in one gulp, glanced at a figure sitting in the corner, and nodded slightly.
Orders were flooding in—Stark Industries had officially entered a period of explosive growth.
As soon as Howard stepped off the stage, he was intercepted by a burly young man in a dark suit.
"Howard, on such an important occasion, with our major investor present, why didn't you give her a proper introduction?"
Howard frowned. "Obadiah, that lady doesn't want the spotlight—we have to respect her wishes."
This tall, imposing young man was Obadiah Stane, one of the key executives of Stark Industries. He and Howard worked in tandem, leading Stark Industries to become the world's most profitable weapons development corporation.
His reputation would later become notorious after Howard's death, when he became Tony Stark's mentor and business partner until Tony completely took over the company.
Compared to Howard, Obadiah was a pure businessman, skilled at manipulation and enjoyed using capital to reap massive profits in the financial markets.
He was also more aggressive and ruthless in his methods.
In his youth, Howard was somewhat influenced by him, and it wasn't until later that he gradually tempered his recklessness and devoted more energy to innovation.
Obadiah gave Howard a calculating look. "Tsk tsk, this isn't like you at all. A woman with such beauty, wealth, and influence, and you weren't tempted?"
"Who doesn't know our famous Howard Stark, the most notorious ladies' man in all of New York? Faced with such a prize, you didn't make your move?"
"If you landed her, Howard, you wouldn't have to worry about funding ever again. You could devote yourself entirely to your research." Obadiah continued to needle him.
"Shut up!"
"I hope this is the last time I hear you say something like that. Also, take my advice—don't mess with her!" Howard frowned, unusually sharp.
"Hey, buddy, I was just kidding." Seeing Howard's anger, Obadiah wisely didn't push further, casually discussed the development of new weapons with Howard, then turned and left.
As he turned around, his affable expression immediately darkened.
"What a fool. If you won't make a play, I will!"
"I've already done my homework. This woman has no powerful connections—she only amassed incredible wealth in a short time because of shrewd investments and war profiteering."
"Hmph, once I get this woman under my thumb, I won't have to grovel for scraps ever again!" A ruthless glint flashed in Obadiah's eyes.
"I've dealt with plenty of women like this. They act ice-cold on the surface, but they're burning underneath. Once they see real power and their desires are awakened, won't they fall right in line?"
Obadiah made up his mind and slowly walked toward a corner of the banquet hall.
He straightened his tie, casually grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, and arranged what he considered his most charming smile. Looking at the woman's elegant figure, especially her striking presence,
Obadiah had to admit that even disregarding her fortune, she was undeniably stunning.
"Ms. Carter, I never expected you to grace our party with your presence. I'm Obadiah Stane, executive partner at Stark Industries..."
"Move. You're blocking my view."
Obadiah's words were cut off coldly. His supposedly perfect smile froze, his face cycling from pale to flushed, embarrassed and unable to save face.
However, he'd always been thick-skinned. He calmly took a sip of his champagne, then moved to stand beside Carter, following her gaze and continuing to try ingratiating himself.
"Ms. Carter, what are you looking at?"
Following Carter's gaze, Obadiah only saw a black grand piano positioned to the side of the stage.
At that moment, a tall man sat at the piano, and a haunting melody flowed from his fingertips.
"It's Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Beethoven dedicated it to his first love, Countess Giulietta Guicciardi, whom he hoped to marry."
The Obadiah Stane who would later appear as a bloated antagonist had once been as polished as Howard, frequenting high-society events and possessing exceptional social graces.
Obadiah was more direct—his pursuit of women lacked Howard's playboy charm and was driven by calculation and ego.
He listened to a few bars and frowned.
"Beethoven had already separated from the Countess when he composed this piece, and he was suffering from heartbreak and the devastating onset of deafness. The composition was completed against this backdrop."
Shaking his head, Obadiah continued,
"Ms. Carter, this pianist's technique is quite amateur. There's absolutely no subtle melancholy or anguish—it's purely expressing joy, like a long-awaited reunion. If you'd like, I know a world-class concert pianist."
"I can arrange—"
"Can you get lost?"
Carter suddenly turned her head, her piercing eyes fixed on Obadiah.
Obadiah was completely blindsided, utterly baffled as to how his attempt at cultured flattery had backfired so spectacularly.
His face flushed crimson—he was thoroughly humiliated.
"I honestly don't understand why Howard chose such an incompetent partner. If necessary, I think he should be strongly advised to find better representation!"
Carter's voice was glacial, and her gaze toward Obadiah was filled with pure contempt and disgust.
Obadiah was stunned.
Not long ago, this woman, through strategic capital investment, had successfully secured a major position in Stark Industries. Although the name remained the same, Stark Industries had effectively gained a new power player.
She could easily push him out if she wanted!
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