A Seven-Million-Dollar Insurance Policy

The fusion drug used to enhance the effects of the Extremis Virus had successfully integrated William Baker's sand powers with his body. It was clear this was a promising research direction. Meanwhile, Penny Baker's condition had also stabilized thanks to the Goblin Formula. Whether it would lead to a full recovery was yet to be determined, but at least she was no longer in immediate danger.

"Thank you so much for helping my family. I really... don't know how to repay you…"

Upon hearing Miss Stark's explanation, William Baker became extremely emotional. He was deeply grateful for Miss Stark's timely and effective help, especially when he and his daughter were in danger. With her aid, the weight that had been pressing on William's heart finally lifted, filling him with immense gratitude.

"Just focus on getting better, William—after this, you might be working for me for the rest of your life."

Miss Stark smiled slightly. She didn't mention S.H.I.E.L.D. to William. What he and his daughter needed right now was rest. Rather than burden him with unnecessary worries, it was better to let him gradually come to terms with the situation and make his own choice in time.

Miss Stark had already prepared a job offer for William Baker, presenting generous terms. Additionally, there was the goodwill she had earned by saving his daughter's life. Even if S.H.I.E.L.D. offered to pay off his debts to win him over, she believed William would seriously consider her offer.

While Miss Stark had high hopes for the future of the Disaster Control Company—especially after hiring someone with William Baker's sand abilities—her thoughts were interrupted by the sudden ringing of her phone, pulling her back to reality.

"Really? Business already? Handle it yourselves—what? The offer is that high? How high? Four million?!"

Despite handling assets worth millions before, she was still a bit surprised by the figure of four million. After all, it wasn't her own four million dollars; it was a rare, significant insurance policy for the Disaster Control Company. The last time they had such a large policy was when Hammer Industries insured their weapons research division.

"Tell them I'll be there soon. Have them wait in the conference room—my helicopter's already on its way."

After hanging up, Miss Stark returned to the helipad on the roof of New York State University Medical Center, where her helicopter had been waiting. Both the pilot and the helicopter had stayed with her all night while she waited in the ICU for news on William and his daughter. Thanks to the Extremis Virus, she didn't need rest, so she immediately boarded her private aircraft and flew back to the Disaster Control Company's headquarters.

In less than half an hour, when Miss Stark arrived at the headquarters, it was already 8:30 AM. New York City was bathed in sunlight, and many people had already started their day. Miss Stark, however, was just stepping into the conference room prepared for her clients.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting. I had a personal matter to attend to that just finished."

Upon entering the conference room, she was greeted by a tall woman in a gray suit.

The woman had a typical Russian appearance: lightly made-up with a sharp, high-bridged nose, thin lips, and long, golden hair cascading like a waterfall. She was unmistakably Russian.

"You must be Miss Sablinova from Silver Sable International. I've reviewed your insurance application, and it's a pleasure to meet you."

On her way back to Disaster Control, Miss Stark had asked Jarvis to look into her client's background. The company was Silver Sable International, and Jarvis' report indicated that it was a large, multinational private military contractor, similar to America's Blackwater Security. They provided military and security services to private clients.

The owner of this military contracting company was none other than the Russian woman standing before her, Silvija Sablinova.

"You can call me Silver, Miss Stark. In fact, our company received an order to protect Mayor Norman Osborn."

When Silver spoke, her voice didn't carry the thick Russian accent that Miss Stark had expected. Instead, it sounded more American, with only a slight rolling of the "r" on certain words. It was clear and fluent English, not enough to hinder their conversation.

However, Silver wasted no time getting to the point, displaying the straightforwardness typical of Russians. This caught Miss Stark off guard, as she had expected a more drawn-out negotiation before getting down to business.

"But the contract Osborn signed with us involves using mercenaries to help resolve the chaos in New York City. He recommended that I come here to sign an insurance policy, but... it's really just a precaution. Honestly, I don't think we'll need it."

"Of course, we welcome all clients—"

Hearing Silver's statement, Miss Stark quickly grasped the underlying situation. It was clear that Norman Osborn wasn't planning to use city funds to maintain infrastructure. Instead, he was framing this as business for Disaster Control, likely as part of some scheme to commit insurance fraud. But Miss Stark had long prepared for this kind of underhanded tactic.

"Silver Sable International is staffed with well-trained, well-equipped mercenaries. Based on our company's risk assessment of your organization, you're eligible for coverage. However, there's an additional premium required—on top of your four-million-dollar policy, we'll need an additional three-million-dollar deposit. I'm sure you understand."

At Miss Stark's words, the Russian woman's expression changed briefly, but after thinking it over, she bit her lip and nodded. Although the three-million-dollar deposit was unexpected, she realized it wasn't exorbitant given the potential risks her troops could face and the damage they might cause to the city.

The main reason for securing the insurance was to ensure that her mercenaries could operate freely, focusing entirely on protecting their target and eliminating gang forces. Especially since—at the time—the National Guard had yet to be mobilized, and Mayor Osborn had promised the city government would handle all the cleanup efforts afterward.

Miss Stark had all the necessary documents prepared, and her assistant quickly printed the finalized contract. Faced with the black-and-white terms, even the straightforward Russian woman had no choice but to sign the seven-million-dollar insurance policy. Fortunately, Silver Sable International was wealthy enough not to quibble over the cost of the policy.

Now that the contract was signed, Silver Sable International's armored vehicles and mercenaries would soon enter New York City, ready to launch a full-scale assault on the gang members disrupting the city—assuming no unexpected developments occurred.

Meanwhile, Miss Stark, having just signed a massive insurance policy for Disaster Control, was in an excellent mood. The Russian woman in front of her was also a striking figure, so Miss Stark generously offered her a small gift—something Silver might find useful.

It was one of Miss Stark's latest gadgets: a miniature capture device that could release a high-voltage current to immobilize its target. Upon activation, the device would shoot out six electrified cables that would wrap around the target, shocking them with non-lethal but incapacitating voltage. If Silver liked it, she could place further orders from Miss Stark, and as for the price—well, you know how it goes.

Just as Silver was about to leave, her phone suddenly rang. Miss Stark was about to give her some privacy, but Silver casually answered the call in front of her. As she listened, her expression grew slightly strange.

"I'm not one for gossip, but I am very interested in people like you. Did something happen in the city?"

Miss Stark, looking at the woman in the suit before her, couldn't hide her curiosity, practically wearing "I'm intrigued" on her face.

"Nothing major, just some kid barging into a place we've been monitoring—the Inner Demons."

Silver shook her head slightly, not hiding the details of the call as she briefly explained the situation.

"The Inner Demons? What's that?"

"They're a Chinese gang operating in New York—large, well-funded, and recently very active. You live in New York, Miss Stark. Haven't you heard of them?"

"A Chinese gang—I honestly haven't. Would you be willing to take me along for a closer look, Miss Silver?"

Silver shot Miss Stark a sideways glance without saying anything. Seven minutes later, a helicopter bearing the Silver Sable International logo lifted off from the rooftop helipad of Disaster Control's headquarters, heading toward the heart of New York City.