Chapter 85: The Terrorist Clark

"Are you suspecting Clark?"

Tony nodded slightly, his eyes sharpening as if possessed by Sherlock Holmes, pointing to Clark's portrait in the newspaper, "Although he's not part of Stark Industries, his manipulation of the stock market shows he understands Stark Industries even better than I do!"

Pepper, puzzled by this, said, "Didn't he disappear for several years?"

"Did he really disappear?"

Tony, while pulling up relevant information on his computer, scoffed, "His Phoenix Films has produced 12 animated movies in these nine years, claiming each script was left by Clark nine years ago."

"The fact that materials left nine years ago could keep up with the times and always be the best in the industry shows Clark really had foresight!"

"And in the first year Clark 'disappeared,' his novel 'Battle Through the Heavens' didn't miss a single update!"

"Do you believe Hank Pym's claim that it was all stockpiled work from nine years ago?"

Once you're convinced of a conclusion, looking back for evidence always turns up something that makes the situation seem darker.

Clark's case is just such a situation.

His stock market moves, seemingly predicting the future, were too shocking. Without an explanation, pondering over other clues naturally led to more doubts.

Even after hearing Tony's speculation, Pepper also felt that Clark indeed had many suspicious aspects.

But to say Clark was the mastermind behind Tony's kidnapping was a bit far-fetched. Pepper pondered for a moment, then raised her doubts, "What you've said only suggests that Clark might have been hiding behind the scenes for these nine years, not that he's directly involved in your kidnapping."

Tony sneered, "He's hiding for a reason. With his capability to turn situations to his advantage, pulling strings from behind the scenes at Stark Industries wouldn't be hard for him."

He paused, then added, "For example, he could support puppets or even change his appearance through some means to infiltrate Stark Industries' management."

"Anyway," Tony's gaze became sharper, "although we can't confirm he's the mastermind hiding behind everything, among all the suspects, he's undoubtedly the most suspicious."

But were Clark's suspicions really that significant? Indeed, they were!

However, a rational analysis would never place him above the real mastermind, Obadiah Stane, because the same actions would be far more convenient for the bald old man to execute.

Yet, Tony and even Pepper subconsciously overlooked this option, a clear impact of subjective bias.

To Tony, Obadiah has always been a kind elder, his uncle. Both Tony and Pepper were reluctant to believe he could be the villain.

In the original story, suspicion fell on him due to a lack of other suspects.

Now, with Clark entering the scene, an innocent yet convenient scapegoat was found. (:з)∠)

Taking a deep breath, Tony felt his mind clear.

"I'll send him an invite to tomorrow's third annual firefighters' family fundraiser that I'm organizing. I'll take the opportunity to probe this suspicious fellow."

——————

Tony Stark's third annual firefighters' family fundraiser? What a mess!

Upon receiving Tony's invitation, Clark's first reaction was to decline this nonsensical gathering. However, he quickly thought of a possibility and decided to check it out in person.

No sooner had he stepped out of Phoenix Films' headquarters than he was surrounded by a horde of reporters.

"Mr. Lee, as the sole beneficiary of the Stark Industries stock debacle, how did you seize this business opportunity?" A fast-legged, even faster-mouthed reporter was the first to reach Clark and asked with a microphone.

Clark boldly answered the reporter's question, "By relying on my sharp business instincts."

Other reporters quickly surrounded them, with one seizing the opportunity to ask, "Mr. Lee, after shorting Stark Industries' stocks and then investing all the money back into Stark Industries, does this mean you're optimistic about Stark Industries' future?"

Clark smiled lightly, "Of course, Tony Stark is a genius. I don't mind letting him make my money multiply."

The Western reporters didn't catch the "make my money multiply" reference, but they understood the gist of Clark's statement.

Another followed up on the topic, "However, as I understand it, Tony Stark has been ousted from the company's management for shutting down the weapons manufacturing. As Stark Industries' second-largest shareholder, do you intend to fight for control of Stark Industries?"

"I'm not interested," Clark answered decisively. "I prefer to let Stark's people figure it out themselves. I'm just here to collect money."

Finally, the first reporter found another opportunity to ask, "Regarding Mr. Lee's mentioned business instincts, I still find it incredible."

"Whether it was Tony Stark's kidnapping or the subsequent shutdown of Stark Industries' weapons manufacturing, both were unexpected events. Yet, you were able to make corresponding predictions in advance, which doesn't seem explainable by business instincts alone."

The reporter clearly wasn't satisfied with Clark's previous answer.

But did Clark really need to convince him?

Faced with someone looking for trouble, Clark reverted to confrontation mode, responding with, "That's because your business instincts aren't sharp enough, or perhaps you don't have any at all."

Receiving responses from...

After Clark's unapologetic reply, the scene momentarily fell silent.

Seizing the opportunity, Clark spoke up again, "Speaking of business instincts, it reminds me of my Phoenix Films. And speaking of Phoenix Films, I must mention our next project..."

Everyone was caught off guard by the change in topic.

Unperturbed, Clark continued, "This year, our new movie 'Frozen' will meet with the audience, adapted from Hans Christian Andersen's 'The Snow Queen,' with the script personally penned by me. I will strive to portray the Snow Queen as a positive figure, blending literary and artistic elements to promote children's culture. I hope everyone pays close attention."

With that, Clark left in his car, escorted by security, pushing through the crowd.