Chapter 20: Discovery

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"Yes, Stark Industries' stock has been steadily rising. It's a solid investment, at least in the short term," Lanley Osley agreed. "We can handle the paperwork, including the April taxes."

"Also, it would be best if Mr. Lin handed over any significant expense records."

Link nodded. "Of course. My recent expenses have been substantial—almost a million spent on my girlfriend, as well as some personal purchases, including a $30,000 painting."

"And I've been thinking about acquiring more art pieces. I just met an art dealer."

"I'll send you the expense receipts as I make them."

"That sounds like a very good plan, especially with a professional involved," Lanley commented approvingly. He then had the contracts prepared and invited Link to the sofa for a cup of coffee.

Link's lips curled into a small smile, satisfied. In truth, he had already identified the special key he was after. It was hidden under a pile of documents in Lanley's desk drawer, and he had memorized its shape.

After signing the contract and the agreement to manage his taxes, the accounting firm started liaising with the bank to purchase Stark Industries stock. Soon, the proof of ownership for the shares would be in Link's hands, having entrusted the firm with a full $30 million.

The annual management fee was $300,000. Of course, that wasn't the total commission, as further fees would depend on additional transactions Link might request.

Pleased, Link left the accounting firm and immediately returned home to do some research. His search for a similar key quickly yielded results—mostly promotional pages from vault manufacturers. However, figuring out the exact bank proved trickier since the key bore no markings. It was built for privacy.

Link speculated that Lanley's safe deposit box would likely be held in one of New York's major bank headquarters. He could begin his search at the banks near the accounting firm.

This would be a time-consuming process, but Link preferred to work alone. With his secrets, involving S.H.I.E.L.D. would only complicate matters. In the end, he'd simply file a report and be done with it.

Having others assist might require him to explain actions he'd rather keep to himself.

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After her makeup class, Jessica went to the supermarket. She considered the juices in the fridge and decided to pick up milk, bread, jam, and salad dressing—enough to make sandwiches at home.

She hailed a cab with her groceries and returned to the apartment.

As she walked in, she saw Link working on his laptop. "Hey, love, need some help?" she asked, heading toward the kitchen with her bags.

Link immediately got up and followed her, helping to place everything on the island. He opened the bags and checked them out.

"You're really planning on cooking?" Link asked, curious.

"At least we can make sandwiches, right? Or would you rather starve and search for a restaurant every time?" Jessica quipped, rolling her eyes.

"You've got a point!" Link agreed. He wasn't hungry, but Jessica was human after all, and he needed to eat too. While the sun provided him with energy, it didn't provide nourishment.

They stored most of the items in the fridge and left the fresh produce in the sink to wash. "We're missing some appliances. I only have a coffee maker, but there's a built-in oven that came with the place. I haven't used it yet though," Link said, showing her the manual tucked inside.

It was a large oven.

"I'll look into what we need to buy. I'll go change—can you wash the produce?" Jessica asked.

"Juice isn't quite the same as fruit."

Link dutifully turned on the water and started washing everything. His perfect control ensured he didn't crush the fruits in his grip.

Soon after, Jessica returned in more comfortable clothes and asked, "So, where did you go today?"

"I went to the accounting firm. April is tax season, and I needed to sort things out. I decided to buy Stark Industries stock," Link explained with a small grin.

His plan was simple. He'd buy the stock now and wait for Tony Stark to unveil the Jericho missile, causing the stock to soar. Then, he'd sell. Once Tony Stark went through his transformation and shut down the weapons division, sending the stock plummeting, Link would buy it back.

While he didn't have enough funds to join the board, the dividends alone would be worth it.

With S.H.I.E.L.D. set to disband in the future, and Coulson eventually rebuilding it in secret, Link figured by then he'd be a core member of the Avengers. He wouldn't perform worse than Hawkeye or Black Widow, so he wasn't worried about getting kicked out. By then, Stark Industries would ensure his finances were more than stable.

"This is more of a temporary investment. Since I came into a lot of money rather suddenly, I need to be cautious. But Stark Industries stock is stable."

Jessica nodded in agreement. "That's a smart idea."

With the fruit drying, Link grabbed a bottle of bourbon and a cigar. "Fancy a drink?" he asked.

"Sure," Jessica replied.

The two settled onto the couch as Link turned on the TV and poured her a glass. He lit his cigar with a practiced motion.

"Is this really necessary?" Jessica asked, watching him.

"No, but I enjoy the scent of tobacco. It pairs well with this plum-flavored bourbon, which happens to be my favorite," Link explained. "Besides, in most of these poker games, cigars are standard."

"Oh, speaking of which, I've got a game tomorrow night at 8. It'll go no later than midnight."

"Are you taking me with you?" Jessica asked, a little nervous.

"No need. Poker games rarely involve wives or girlfriends unless it's a special occasion. No need to worry," Link said with a reassuring smile. "Tomorrow's game is purely technical."

"It's a million-dollar buy-in. And guess who invited me?"

"Who?" Jessica asked curiously.

"Tony Stark." Link chuckled, still somewhat surprised. He'd gotten a call earlier while researching keys, and it had been none other than Stark himself.

The billionaire's competitive streak was unmistakable. He simply couldn't resist a challenge.

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