Chapter 18: Tony's Tactics

On his way back, Tony Stark found himself intercepted by two fighter jets. After some evasive maneuvers, he managed to return to Stark Manor in New York.

As soon as he arrived home, Tony instructed JARVIS to gather all the evidence of Obadiah Stane's crimes. He planned to present it at a board meeting scheduled for later that evening. Tony also requested that Colonel Rhodes stand by, ready to act when called.

Though Tony had built the Iron Man suit, he wasn't ready to reveal it to the world. He wanted to make amends for his past without resorting to using the suit for personal gain. Without his armor, Tony was just an ordinary man, and he feared that Obadiah might resort to desperate measures and attack him.

Despite being removed from the board by Obadiah, Tony's influence still carried weight. The message about the emergency board meeting reached all of Stark Industries' board members, especially since they were already on edge after the attack on the company earlier that day.

Obadiah received the news of the meeting with a chill of apprehension but chose to attend nonetheless.

By 5 p.m., Stark Tower was heavily guarded, with security patrolling the perimeter. Inside the boardroom, Tony observed the members gathered around the table—mostly men in their fifties or older, bloated with power and influence. One notable absence: Harvey Amberlock.

Tony had expected him. Harvey's absence made it clear he was already aware of Tony's plans and had deliberately stayed away. Given the gravity of the situation, one would have thought Harvey would want to attend if only to help calm the board.

Obadiah had effectively bought out most of the board members, securing half of the seats for his supporters. This gave him the confidence to face Tony today. Although tensions were high, they hadn't reached the point of open conflict—yet.

"Tony, what's this all about?" Obadiah asked with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Before we begin, I'd like you all to watch something," Tony said coolly, ignoring Obadiah's fake pleasantries. "JARVIS, play the footage."

At Tony's command, JARVIS displayed incriminating videos—evidence of Obadiah's involvement with the Ten Rings, the terrorist group that had tried to kill Tony. The videos clearly showed that Obadiah had betrayed Tony long before his trip to Afghanistan, conspiring to have him killed to take control of Stark Industries.

The footage also included a recorded conversation where Obadiah told the terrorists to kill Tony once they had extracted everything they could from him.

The room fell into an uncomfortable silence. Even the board members who had sided with Obadiah felt a chill. They had allied with him because Tony's decision to shut down weapons manufacturing had threatened their wealth and power. But they had no idea Tony had been the target of an assassination.

Obadiah had made it look like Tony had simply taken a two-month vacation in Afghanistan. Now, watching the evidence unfold, the reality hit hard.

If Obadiah could quietly arrange Tony's death, what was to stop him from doing the same to any of them? Today it was Tony; tomorrow, it could be anyone.

Tony's voice broke the silence. "Obadiah, you've been like an uncle to me. I respected you, trusted you. We may not have always seen eye to eye, but I thought we were working together for the betterment of Stark Industries. I never imagined you'd betray me like this."

Obadiah's expression darkened as the weight of his exposed betrayal settled in. Tony continued, pressing a button on the table.

The boardroom door burst open. Colonel Rhodes entered, leading a team of FBI agents. The sound of their synchronized footsteps filled the room as they pointed their guns at Obadiah.

"Obadiah Stane, you're under arrest for treason, conspiracy with terrorist organizations, and the attempted murder of Tony Stark," Rhodes announced coldly.

Obadiah stood, trying to remain composed. "Let me make a call. There's more to this than—"

Before he could finish, Rhodes fired a single shot, killing him on the spot.

Obadiah had cost Rhodes the lives of several comrades, not to mention the professional fallout from the incident. There would be no chance for Obadiah to explain or wriggle out of it.

"Take him away," Rhodes commanded. Two soldiers quickly lifted Obadiah's lifeless body and carried it from the room.

Tony didn't flinch. He had survived the brutality of Afghanistan—this was nothing. "Now, let's get back to business," he said, turning back to the stunned board members. "We need to discuss the future of Stark Industries."

The remaining board members, visibly shaken and fully aware of Tony's close ties to the military, sat in silence. Not a single one dared oppose him.