Chapter Sixty-One: What Is the True Name of the Stark Corporation?

Stark Industries, inside Pepper’s office. After seeing Jess off, Pepper took a phone from her drawer and walked to the window, dialing Tony, who was busy designing Mark II at the villa.

“I’ve looked into what you asked. Aside from the military’s security personnel, only four people in the company have clearance to view the original process,” Pepper said.

“Besides you, me, and Happy, who’s the fourth?” Tony paused his work to ask, though he already had a name in mind, one he wasn’t quite ready to believe.

“Mr. Stane,” Pepper replied, naming the person everyone expected. “Also, I visited the PR department. The public issue this time is officially because the previous director was hospitalized.”

“The hospital report says it’s a severe allergy. The allergen is new, and there’s no evidence of deliberate consumption of allergic foods. I checked the personnel files—the director was promoted by Mr. Stane. He didn’t sign it directly, but he vetoed the promotions of other candidates…”

“All right, leave this for now. It could be a leak from the military. I’ve got things to do; I’ll call you back later,” Tony interrupted.

After ending the call, Tony’s expression darkened. To his right, a projection displayed a document Jarvis had compiled based on his conversation with Rhodey.

Rhodey was certain he hadn’t leaked any information at any stage, and only he knew the full process among the personnel involved. So if it was a military leak, assuming Rhodey wasn’t lying, the issue could only lie with those generals above him.

But that seemed unlikely. Without protection, if those generals had wanted to act, Tony wouldn’t even have had the chance for Yinsen to help him. Besides, the “peace activists” wanted missile data and manufacturing methods, which were meaningless to the military. If they wanted these missiles, they could simply buy them directly from Stark Industries—there were no restrictions for domestic purchases.

Obadiah Stane… Let’s hope you’re not the one.

Tony slowly stood, leaning both hands on the console. “Jarvis, transfer all data related to reactor miniaturization into my personal server, just like you did with the Mark II blueprints. Delete all related data from the company servers.”

“Yes, sir,” Jarvis replied. Most of Stark Industries’ network access was under Jarvis’ control; transferring or deleting information barely took any time at all.

“Also, Jarvis, compile personnel files for everyone who backed up data. I want an analysis report, immediately.” Tony ordered.

Tony had never checked personnel files before because he believed the company would collapse without him, so no one would harm him. But after meeting Kim Bradley and the others, he realized he might have been too arrogant.

“Please input the relevant analysis models, sir,” Jarvis said after pulling up all the files.

“Open the interface. You may use those useless anthropology and sociology papers.”

As Tony spoke, the projection before him flickered rapidly, streams of data flashing like light. Soon, a pyramid-like model appeared before his eyes.

“Sir, thirteen authoritative analysis models have been applied. According to their rules, you remain the most critical figure at Stark Industries. Without you, the company will experience continuous decline until a replacement or replacements can be found, though the forecast is that Stark Industries will lose its leading edge.”

“Additionally, the models indicate that Mr. Obadiah Stane currently holds the greatest internal power. He controls most personnel and financial decisions, directly or indirectly holds over thirty percent of shares, and his projected voting power could exceed fifty percent.”

“One more thing, sir. According to the records, in half a month there will be a Stark Charity Gala for injured and disabled firefighters. The expected donations and event funds are drawn from your dividend account, but neither Miss Pepper nor yourself have received any information about it.”

Crash!

Tony swept everything off his desk onto the floor. Even the most clueless could see the problem was enormous.

“So, according to these models, I only control the weapons design and manufacturing departments?” Tony demanded, his anger barely contained.

“No, sir. Following your instructions from a few days ago, Stark Industries’ international weapons design and manufacturing departments are being gradually shut down. You now only control the domestic departments. Furthermore, based on projections, Miss Pepper’s likelihood of supporting you exceeds ninety-nine percent, so you retain limited personnel authority—at least you can freely change your secretary.”

Jarvis’ mechanical reply carried no sarcasm, but Tony was already livid.

“Ridiculous! He has people everywhere. Why hasn’t he planted anyone in the weapons department?!” Tony’s breathing grew heavier, his face flushing.

“Sir, over the past ten years, you’ve dismissed one hundred seventy relevant researchers. Fifty were confirmed to be linked to Mr. Stane, another fifty suspected to be associated with him,” Jarvis continued.

Tony was momentarily stunned.

“Additionally, during your absence of nearly three months, Mr. Stane indirectly assigned twelve researchers and managers to the international weapons department—all of whom you have now dismissed.” Jarvis pulled up their profiles.

Tony glanced through them. Good grief, Stane moved fast: the deputy director of design and research was replaced, the head of testing was replaced, the deputy head of project review was replaced—it was practically a complete overhaul.

“Jarvis, contact Pepper. Tell her to prepare for a board meeting—I intend to attend.” Tony spoke after calming himself.

“Sir, I must remind you: without Mr. Stane’s support, your agenda won’t pass the board. Even if you convene a shareholders’ meeting, it is unlikely your proposals will succeed. Your previous statements caused significant losses to your supporters among individual shareholders, and they may no longer back you,” Jarvis warned.

Previously, with Tony’s reputation among individual shareholders, he could have challenged Stane in a meeting, provided the holding institutions remained neutral. But after announcing the closure of the weapons department, that was no longer possible.

“Don’t worry—the agenda will pass,” Tony said quietly.