Chapter 123

Stark Pharmaceuticals was officially launched, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Stark Industries. Once a titan in the weapons industry, Stark Industries had now ventured into pharmaceuticals, catching the attention of many. The press conference held the previous day introduced three revolutionary new drugs, their miraculous effects leaving the audience in awe. When Tony Stark presented the certification documents confirming their efficacy, the excitement grew, and news of the breakthrough spread rapidly.

Overnight, Stark Pharmaceuticals became a household name. However, curiosity sparked around the mysterious drug researcher who owned the largest stake in the company, stirring speculation among the public.

In the early morning, Abel sat in his kitchen watching the news. He turned to his mother, Treya, who was eating breakfast across from him. "Mom, the mysterious drug researcher behind Stark Pharmaceuticals—it's me," Abel said casually.

Treya, pausing mid-bite, blinked at him. "Well... I guess I shouldn't be surprised by anything you do anymore." She smiled slightly. "But if you're the largest shareholder, does that mean I don't need to save for your college tuition?"

Abel chuckled, "It really isn't necessary."

Treya's face brightened with joy, though a touch of disbelief lingered. "Really? You're not just saying that?"

"I mean it," Abel reassured her.

Treya, now fully smiling, replied, "That's great news! I can use the savings for something else, maybe improve our living standards a little."

Abel looked at her fondly. "Mom, I think you might be underestimating my current wealth. It's not just enough for college tuition. We could live in Beverly Hills, and you could buy the restaurant where you work if you wanted."

His mother gave him a knowing look, nodding but remaining serious. "Abel, that's your money, not mine. It's wonderful that you don't need my help with college—that's already a gift to me. But you earned that wealth, and I won't take it from you."

She continued with a loving but firm tone. "As parents, we give to our children out of love, not expecting anything in return. I helped raise you and supported you when you couldn't do it yourself, but that wasn't a transaction. Now, you're grown and can fly on your own. All I want is to see you soar higher, and if you help me when I'm too old to manage, I know it's because you love me, just as I love you."

Abel took a deep breath, smiling gently. "I understand, Mom."

Treya stood up to leave for work. "Well, I'm off to work, but I might come home late today. I suddenly feel like going shopping at Macy's—I haven't had the chance to indulge in a while."

Abel laughed. "If you need help carrying your bags, just call me."

Treya smiled back. "I will, dear. See you tonight."

As she left, Abel sighed. He felt incredibly lucky to have a mother like Treya, in both this life and his previous one.

Suddenly, his phone rang, and Tony Stark's face, a familiar and annoyingly narcissistic selfie, lit up the screen. Abel had tried changing the photo many times, but Tony always found a way to reset it.

Answering the call, Abel said, "I saw the news, Tony."

Tony's voice was energetic as usual. "There's more to it than the news is reporting."

"Like what?" Abel asked.

"For starters, the military has already placed a huge order for all three of our drugs. Apparently, they're extremely useful to them. Funny how after pulling out of weapons, we're still doing business with the military," Tony said with a smirk in his voice.

"Well, you handle the company's business side. I'm just here for research and development," Abel replied. "But I'm guessing that's not why you called?"

"Right, the military reps also asked if we could take a look at the Super Soldier Serum. They're willing to provide classified information to help with the research," Tony explained.

"Super Soldier Serum? Like the ones from Captain America and Dr. Banner's projects?" Abel asked.

"Exactly."

"So, what do you think?"

Tony hesitated for a moment. "Honestly, I think we should pass. The Super Soldier Serum is too close to weapons for my taste. I don't want to get back into bed with the military."

Abel considered this. "Fair enough. But just because we're not working with them doesn't mean we can't do our own research. I've got some materials that could come in handy."

Tony, curious, tried to probe further, but Abel cut the conversation short and hung up. He had a lot on his mind.

Heading to his room, Abel opened his closet and tapped the back wall with his wand. The space began to distort, revealing a hidden entrance leading to an expansive underground laboratory.

Abel had used an Unmarked Extension Charm to create this vast space. It served as his private lab where he could practice spells, conduct experiments, and store valuable magical items without fear of being discovered.

Descending the stairs, he entered a room kept at zero degrees. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with blood bags he had collected over time. It was finally time to put them to use.