Chapter 53: You’re Actually Pretty Nice

"Turns out money is what saved me in the end."

Tony let out a self-deprecating laugh.

Of course, in the eyes of others, he was nothing more than a war profiteer manufacturing weapons of destruction. The fact that his weapons had ended up in the hands of these terrorists was undeniable, making this situation a natural consequence.

Aside from those with vested interests, who else would go out of their way to save a weapons dealer?

"Other than your money, it seems there's not much else worth remembering about you. Though I must admit, there are plenty who hate your guts.

When I passed through Sokovia, I met a pair of siblings. All the weapons used in their country's civil war were from Stark Industries. Their parents were killed by one of your missiles. They said they'd never forgive you."

George shook his head as he spoke.

Although this universe's Quicksilver was long gone, and the Scarlet Witch likely didn't exist, George didn't mind using the story to guilt-trip Tony, further solidifying his decision to shut down the weapons division.

"They have every right to hate me. I used to be such an arrogant bastard."

Tony's heart sank as if pierced by a sharp blade. Sensing his despair, Yinsen, sitting in the backseat, comforted him:

"You still have a chance to make amends. Don't give up."

Yinsen's own family had fallen victim to Stark's weapons, but he understood that the fault lay not in the weapons themselves but in the terrorists who wielded them. Through his interactions with Tony, he believed Tony was inherently good but had been blinded to the truth. Now that he was awake to reality, Tony's talent and resources could make a real difference in the world.

"I'm Tony Stark, the world's greatest inventor and entrepreneur. Giving up isn't in my vocabulary."

Hiding his guilt behind a mask of nonchalance, Tony responded with his trademark cocky demeanor. Then he turned to George and said:

"Even though you did it for the money, I still have to thank you for saving us. As a token of gratitude, here's a friendly tip: at 5 PM the day after tomorrow, I'm holding a press conference. You'd better sell all your stocks before then, or you might take a huge loss."

"You're actually pretty nice!"

George raised an eyebrow, surprised. Through his Legilimency and empathy, he already knew Tony planned to shut down Stark Industries' weapons division.

What surprised him was that Tony had openly shared the information, essentially handing George a fortune on a silver platter.

"Because I've decided I don't want to be a jerk anymore."

Tony shrugged.

"In that case, maybe we can be friends someday."

Suddenly, George sensed something. Stopping the Jeep, he stepped out and began to rise into the air.

"The military searching for you is almost here. I'm leaving now. If possible, don't tell anyone about me."

Using his magnetic powers, George had detected a convoy of vehicles and helicopters approaching from a distance—likely Colonel Rhodes, who had picked up the explosion's trail.

"That guy can fly? When I get back, I need to build something that can fly too!"

Watching George ascend and vanish into the horizon, Tony couldn't help but feel envious. He resolved to further refine his original Iron Man suit design, ensuring it included flight capabilities.

Shortly after George's departure, Colonel Rhodes and his troops arrived, finding Tony and Yinsen waiting in the Jeep.

Meanwhile, George had already returned to his X-Jet and contacted Leon through its special communication system.

"You can buy now, but remember to sell everything by 5 PM the day after tomorrow."

"George, are we heading back now?"

Seeing George finish the call, Isa turned the jet and asked.

"Let's go."

George nodded, already formulating his next steps.

Once Tony's return was announced, Stark Industries' stock would inevitably rebound. Selling before the press conference would yield massive profits. After the announcement, when stock prices plummeted due to the weapons division's closure, he could reinvest his earnings.

When Tony eventually revealed himself as Iron Man, the company's stock would soar. George could sell incrementally, ensuring steady profits, as Stark Industries' stock was bound to improve in the long term.

However, there was a variable he needed to manage—Obadiah Stane. With the Ten Rings leader dead and the original Iron Monger designs destroyed, Obadiah wouldn't be able to build the Iron Monger suit. This could prompt him to take drastic actions.

George didn't want to eliminate Obadiah just yet.

For one, Obadiah could stabilize the company's stock after the press conference, giving Tony time to develop the Iron Man suit and bolster public confidence.

For another, George could save Tony from Obadiah's machinations, earning yet another favor.

After all, nothing binds people more than a debt of gratitude—except for those who lack principles.

"I need someone to keep an eye on things. Looks like I'll need to speed up finding that doctor."

George needed to focus on learning and researching magic, leaving him no time to monitor Tony. Wolverine was his best bet for this task, but Wolverine's current state wasn't trustworthy.

He'd need to help Logan detoxify his body and, if possible, alleviate Professor X's seizures, which would also resolve the students' learning issues.

With the Obliviate spell now in his repertoire, George could safely erase any memories that might compromise their secrecy, allowing him to finally seek medical help.

The following day, Tony Stark's return made global headlines, and Stark Industries' stock prices skyrocketed, surpassing even pre-kidnapping levels.

On the third day, Tony returned to New York via military aircraft and announced a 5 PM press conference.

That evening, George met with Leon again on a rooftop.

"Mr. Reaper, here's the cash you requested."

Leon handed George a briefcase full of money.

This time, Leon's gaze toward George was one of reverence, as though looking at a deity.

In just a few days, his assets had multiplied tenfold. The Leon family's wealth now surpassed half of Bronx's thirteen families combined.

"Use most of the idle funds to repurchase Stark stock tomorrow."

George took the briefcase and instructed Leon without explanation. Leon, treating George's words as gospel, didn't ask questions.

"Oh, and find me the best neurologists and neurosurgeons. Bring them here tomorrow night—I'll need their expertise."

Before leaving, George assigned Leon another task.

As a local powerhouse, Leon had the connections to make it happen effortlessly.

"Rest assured, by tomorrow, New York's best doctors will be at your disposal."

Leon pounded his chest in assurance.