Chapter 16: The Initial Objective

Future Worthington Energy will also be separated, just like the upcoming Worthington Arms Industry.

Warren's domain is in pharmaceuticals, and the Worthington Laboratory is his invaluable asset.

By separating the future Worthington Energy, it would actually grant Jason greater authority. However, Warren needs to fully grasp Worthington first; otherwise, it would be extremely difficult for him to obtain an Epic Card solely based on his own desires.

Because it costs a hundred thousand gold coins, equivalent to ten tons of gold, many regions and countries don't possess reserves at this level, let alone individuals.

If he were to draw an Epic 10-card combo, the world gold price would experience significant fluctuations.

And if he wanted to draw a Legendary Card on Earth, sorry, the consumption of a Legendary Card is ten thousand times that of an Epic Card. It's nearly impossible unless he wants to go to war with the whole world.

Warren doesn't want to cause destruction. Earth is functioning well without provoking him, and with the advantage of the storyline, he knows he still has several years for personal growth, without facing a life-threatening crisis. So why rush?

If worse comes to worst and Purple Yam Essence arrives before he can draw powerful cards, then he can resort to desperate measures at that time.

For now, it would be best to find a way to obtain the Hydra's power or influence. It would make everything easier, especially in terms of card drawing and spending.

"Looking at it from a storyline perspective, perhaps the Hydra isn't as difficult to conquer as imagined, at least for this branch of S.H.I.E.L.D."

Excitement flashed in Warren's eyes, as this was something he had never done before—something a bit crazy.

However, a sense of calm suppressed his excitement, thanks to the White Rare Card ability, "Serenity." His emotional peak couldn't rise too high.

Conquering the Hydra, it was truly a crazy idea.

"But here I am."

His gaze swept across the courtroom, and he could hear the sound of his ambitions taking root.

"After this is over, I should draw a few more cards. It would be best to obtain abilities or equipment related to hypnosis, and then devise corresponding strategies based on the cards drawn."

The Hydra is adept at brainwashing, right? Warren will let the big boss of the World Security Council, Alexander Pierce, taste that same flavor.

Warren has no personal grudge against Alexander Pierce, but he has this idea now.

"Because I am here."

I have come, I have seen, I...

The smile that formed on Warren's lips transformed, from a bright sunrise to a scorching midday sun.

Senator Stern walked by, nodding slightly, and then took his seat.

This trial was being broadcast live, just like the previous hearing.

...

"Mr. Worthington, please explain your previous statement to the media, 'I do indeed know something.'"

Originally lost in thought, pondering strategies related to the Hydra, Warren's attention was drawn back.

"I know something? I know that when our Worthington steps into the arms industry, certain companies should step aside." Without seeing Jason, Warren felt he could continue talking until the other party couldn't bear it any longer.

But in reality, the other party's patience was even worse than he imagined. Obadiah, with a heavily dramatized expression, said indignantly, "Warren Worthington! We have gathered enough evidence to prove that you were prepared in advance for Stark's conspiracy. Tony's kidnapping is not unrelated to you!"

Then he turned to the judge and said, "Your Honor, we have a new witness who can testify that Warren Worthington had premeditated plans against Stark Industries, and it is related to Tony's disappearance."

"Bring the witness to the stand."

The witness arrived, Jason Fox, the executive who resigned from Worthington two days ago.

Obadiah triumphantly approached Warren and said, "Your Honor, before that, I would like to ask Warren Worthington a question."

"If it is relevant to the case, you may proceed."

"Very well, Mr. Warren Worthington, did you hold an internal meeting the day before Tony Stark's disappearance, and was this person present at that meeting?"

Warren casually glanced, "Yes, he was there."

Obadiah ignored Warren's meaningless words and turned to the witness stand, asking, "Jason Fox, during that meeting, did Warren Worthington say anything to you privately?"

Jason, always dressed neatly, especially today, tidied himself up for this performance in order to assist Warren.

"Yes, during that internal meeting, Chairman Warren Worthington of Worthington Group proposed plans to enter the arms industry."

"At that time, did you agree?"

"No, I did not. In fact, no one agreed."

"So why was the plan later approved?"

"Because I changed my mind and agreed."

"So you initially opposed it, and then later agreed?"

"That's correct."

"What happened in between that made you change your mind?" Obadiah became excited; this was crucial.

In fact, Obadiah doubted Jason's sudden resignation from Worthington two days ago and his willingness to become a witness. To prevent any potential conspiracy or betrayal from Jason, he made sure Jason recorded a video as evidence, to avoid any last-minute backstabbing.

Jason shook his head slightly, "Because at that time, I said, 'Unless something happens to Stark,' which implied that we would only enter this field if something happened to Stark. And he said to me, 'What if something happens to Stark?'"

Good!

Obadiah shouted internally.

At this moment, the judge spoke up, "Mr. Fox, please repeat for the record, who said those words to you."

"It was Warren Worthington III."

"Do you affirm the validity of your testimony and accept responsibility for it?"

"Yes."

After Jason finished, he left the stand.

Obadiah stared at Warren, the mockery in his eyes nearly dripping from his bald head.

He didn't speak because the judge continued the questioning.

"Mr. Worthington, how do you explain Mr. Fox's testimony regarding your previous actions? Do you admit to engaging in unfair competition against Stark Industries prior to Tony Stark's disappearance?"

"If investigating a competitor amounts to unfair competition, then yes."

"What?" Obadiah felt a sudden pang of anxiety.

"Your Honor, before I give a detailed explanation of why I called the meeting the day before Tony Stark's disappearance to develop plans against Stark Industries, I also have witnesses who can provide direct evidence."

"Bring forth the witnesses."

Kristin took the stand, and Obadiah clearly didn't recognize this attractive female journalist.

"Do you want me to introduce her? This lovely lady is named Kristin, a journalist—very, very brave journalist. I believe she is only a step away from a Pulitzer Prize, and these..."

He gestured, and the lawyer, Mr. White, submitted the photos.

"These are the evidence she has been investigating, evidence of a dirty and heinous deal!"

Obadiah's heart thundered, cold sweat running down his forehead.

That journalist... Could it be... she found out about him and...

No, no, no, he was cautious.

Obadiah comforted himself, but it was useless.

Those idiots didn't have his level of insurance awareness. It's possible they leaked the information.

At this moment, Obadiah wished he could dismember those fools.

After reviewing the evidence, the court projected the images.

They were photographs—scenes of terrorists wielding advanced firearms, massacring civilians. Next to them were piles of weapons, rockets, and missiles that seemed more advanced than the firearms themselves.

And what they all had in common was the Stark logo imprinted on them.

These were all Stark weapons.

Obadiah tugged at his tie, his breathing quickened, and his gaze fixated on the projection screen.

Warren smiled faintly, turned around, and faced the numerous cameras.

"In truth, I have been investigating the connection between Stark Industries and terrorists. Why do terrorists have access to Stark's weapons?

When Tony Stark received the Annual Contribution Award, I felt that letting this matter continue was not a good idea. So, I intended to reveal these photos to the public.

If Stark lacks moral responsibility, then it deserves to be expelled! I cannot say for certain that Tony Stark, the playboy narcissist, sold weapons to terrorists, but there is undoubtedly some relationship between them—a hidden relationship!"

Warren paused after delivering a lengthy speech.

"I have said everything I need to say. That's all I know."

As Tony Stark's reputation suffered, Warren couldn't help but laugh in his heart.

But by framing Tony Stark in this way, instead of directly targeting Obadiah Stane, he ensured that any potential chain reaction caused by Obadiah's mishap with the terrorists wouldn't affect Tony Stark's trajectory in the cave, where he was still forging his path.

Warren was simply after making money. If this black wave continued, even if Stark announced the dissolution of the weapons division, Stark's stocks would continue to plummet. A significant portion of the arms market's big pie would become available.

Now that he had a good relationship with Stern and had essentially negotiated with Justin Hammer, he could confidently claim a share of that pie.

However, even so, Obadiah Stane's stake in Stark Industries was something Warren didn't want to let go of. It represented a massive sum of money.

After all, no matter how much Stark's stock depreciated, the emaciated camel is still larger than the horse, not to mention that after the appearance of Iron Man, Stark's stock would rise again.

In other words, to capitalize on the dividends brought about by the "Birth of Iron Man," the minor disruptions caused by Jason's petty actions were not enough. Obadiah Stane's stake was Warren's initial goal. He had placed Jason in that position from the beginning to divert attention.

Seizing Obadiah Stane's shares in Stark Industries and profiting from Tony Stark's future as Iron Man—that was Warren's two-pronged plan from the start.

Mutant formula.

Iron Man dividends.

As for the Web-Shooter, it was an impromptu third goal after drawing the card. The law enforcement equipment market.

...

Obadiah Stane's emotions were like a roller coaster ride.

Initially, he was nearly scared to death, but then he suddenly realized that Warren was tarnishing Tony Stark rather than targeting him.

My goodness, what a thrilling day!

...

The trial yielded no conclusive results, as the evidence was not entirely solid. However, Stark Industries was indeed included in the investigation list.

One can imagine that, under certain journalists' pens, Tony Stark would be portrayed as a heartless businessman for some time.

Obadiah Stane temporarily felt safe. His only task now was to handle the evidence he had saved. He must not let anyone discover that he had been involved in secret dealings with terrorists, hiding it from everyone!

...

In a dark corner.

"Wade, if your friend isn't skilled enough, I'll personally stuff his head into your blabbermouth. That way, we can take care of both idiots at once."

"Don't worry, Mr. Dollar. Rest assured, if Aiden Pierce is involved, he will undoubtedly use his expertise. He won't disappoint you."