466

[Shares of Stark Industries]

Anton Vanko pressed for an answer, "Mr. Stark, if I sell this to you, what price are you offering?"

Howard Stark considered briefly before tentatively proposing, "30 million dollars. What do you think?"

Dufran, though uncertain of the energy stone's exact value, knew the offer was too low. He shook his head without speaking.

"Fifty million dollars," Stark countered quickly. "Enough to rank you among the top five hundred richest people in the world."

Dufran smiled knowingly, "How do you know I'm not already in that list?"

Stark was momentarily at a loss for words. After a pause, he ventured, "So, what figure would you consider appropriate?"

"One hundred million dollars in cash," Dufran stated flatly, almost prompting Stark's agreement. But his next words dashed that hope, "Plus a twenty percent stake in Stark Industries Group."

"Twenty percent?" Anton Vanko's eyes widened. "Do you understand what a twenty percent share in Stark Industries means?"

Dufran nodded knowingly, "It represents a market value exceeding one billion dollars, equivalent to two-thousandths of the United States' annual GDP. But I must ask, do you understand the significance of this energy stone?"

Stark and Vanko exchanged a glance, momentarily silent.

"This stone, once its technology is mastered by Stark Industries, will propel it to the forefront globally," Dufran continued. "Companies like AT&T, General Electric, and IBM will pale in comparison."

"You make a compelling argument. If you provide complete technical schematics, Stark Industries could consider up to ninety-nine percent of the stock," Stark proposed.

He amended, "But this isn't just about technology; it's a product. Reverse engineering it will demand substantial investment and may not guarantee success."

"Even if successful, we'd only gain partial technology, with uncertain profitability. Investing twenty percent of shares and a hundred million dollars in cash is too risky," Stark concluded.

"The board of directors won't agree to this," Anton Vanko affirmed. "Moreover, we cannot verify the stone's origin or confirm it's the only one of its kind."

Dufran regarded them steadily, "I chose Stark Industries not solely for the highest bid. You're not just the wealthiest or most powerful; you're forward-thinking. Your tech expos illustrate how you reshape the world."

"Thank you," Stark replied courteously.

Dufran paused, "If not for this, I could have sold it to a stronger bidder for the same price. This is your chance."

Stark deliberated for a long moment before shaking his head, "The price is too high. While I, as an engineer, might take such risks, our shareholders prioritize profit."

"If five percent and fifty million dollars suit you, perhaps we can reach an agreement," Stark suggested.

Dufran remained resolute, "Twenty percent of shares and one hundred million dollars in cash. This is my final offer."

Stark sighed in resignation. "Dr. Dufran, if you insist on this price, then I'm afraid I must decline."

Dufran nodded without speaking, returned the energy stone to his briefcase, and stood to leave, his partner trailing behind.

Only Anton Vanko and Stark remained in the room.

"Stark, where do you think he obtained that device?" Anton Vanko inquired.

Stark pondered, "As you mentioned, it likely originated from beyond Earth. Could it be remnants of a crashed alien spacecraft?"

Anton Vanko nodded, "That seems the most plausible explanation. Dufran may simply be lucky, finding an alien device and attempting to extort us with it."

Stark sighed, hands on the table, "Perhaps we should reconsider his offer."

"Are you serious, Stark?" Anton Vanko's eyes widened. "Twenty percent of Stark Industries and one hundred million dollars in cash is exorbitant."

"We have the Arc Reactor program," Stark reasoned, "It could advance our technology significantly."

"But at what cost?" Anton Vanko hesitated. "We have other options; we could obtain the device without paying a cent."

Stark hesitated briefly, then shook his head, "No, that's too risky. If exposed, Stark Industries would face immense scrutiny for dealing with extortionists."

Anton Vanko argued, "They are essentially nobodies. No one would support them. Do you want Stark Industries extorted out of billions by these petty criminals?"

Stark remained firm, "I'd rather consult with the board first."

With that, he exited the room, leaving Anton Vanko deep in thought, his fists clenched in determination.

"Dufran, why did you turn down the offer? Stark agreed to five percent shares and fifty million in cash," Hinchrub asked as they walked through the bustling streets.

Dufran, briefcase in hand, walked ahead, "The Lord instructed me to use the Eye of Reckoning wisely."

"What?" Hinchrub was puzzled.

"When I looked at the Russian upstairs, I saw him through the Eye of Reckoning. His aura was tinged with red," Dufran explained. "Many of those who proclaim to be Russians in America are defectors from the Soviet Union. Dishonorable opportunists."

"And?" Xinqilubu was still confused.

"Soon, we might have an opportunity to eliminate some hooligans, gangsters, or assassins," Dufran grinned. "Before long, Stark Industries will confirm us as insignificant, nameless riffraff."

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