Chapter Fourteen: A Reminder

Tony Stark soon arrived at the venue where Stark Industries was holding its charity ball. This was a gathering for the upper echelons of society, filled with dashing men and important figures dressed in expensive attire, as well as many youthful and stunningly beautiful women, both elegant and alluring.

The moment Tony Stark appeared, he instantly became the focus of countless eyes. After handing his car keys to the valet, he swept his gaze around the scene, responding offhandedly to those who greeted him, all the while searching for any sign of Harvey Ambelaca. He wanted to speak with Harvey again, hoping to discern just how much the man really knew about him.

Unfortunately, Tony did not spot Harvey among the guests. Thus, he decided to find Obadiah first, intending to ask why he hadn’t known about the charity ball beforehand.

He exchanged a few words with Obadiah, and just as he was about to press further, the roar of an engine drew everyone’s attention. An Audi R8, sleek and silver, drifted to a stylish stop at the curb.

In New York’s elite circles, the vehicles of the powerful were well recognized. The arrival of this silver Audi R8 made it clear to most present who its owner was. Tony, having investigated him before, was well aware of the man behind the wheel.

Soon, the car door opened, and a tall, handsome man with dark hair and eyes stepped out.

“Diverted three and a half billion dollars in liquid assets and became a shareholder in Stark Industries overnight.”

“There’s a new name to add to the ranks of the elite.”

Those privy to inside information murmured among themselves as the man approached.

“He actually decided to attend a ball?”

“He didn’t bring a date this time, did he?”

Several young and beautiful women, seeing Harvey Ambelaca make his entrance, were both incredulous and eager. Although Harvey had appeared at Tony Stark’s press conference, this was undoubtedly his first time attending a social event like this.

At such charity balls, it was customary to bring a companion; with luck, the evening could turn into a night to remember.

Standing on the steps, Tony Stark met Harvey Ambelaca’s gaze. Without preamble, Tony walked straight to him.

“Rumor has it you never attend these kinds of events. We sent you an invitation, sure, but what brings you here tonight?”

Tony stopped in front of Harvey and asked.

“The food here is said to be excellent. Since I received an invitation and had nothing pressing to do, I thought I’d come and see for myself. Besides, I had a feeling you’d want to talk, so here I am.”

A faint smile crossed Harvey’s face as he spoke.

“So, do you have time to chat with me?” Tony asked, detecting a hint of certainty in Harvey’s tone but not denying it.

“That depends on what you want to discuss,” Harvey replied, giving nothing away.

“Let’s talk inside,” Tony said, glancing around subtly.

Harvey nodded, and together they entered the hall. Their easy conversation suggested a familiarity that did not go unnoticed by the onlookers, many of whom grew curious and gossipy.

Coulson, observing Harvey’s unexpected appearance and his conversation with Stark, decided he would have to find an opportunity to speak with Tony himself.

“Why did you suddenly buy shares in Stark Industries?” Tony asked as they stepped onto a deserted balcony outside the ballroom.

“The reason, naturally, is that I want to make more money,” Harvey replied quietly, gazing out over the night.

“So that’s what I’m asking—why have you suddenly taken an interest in Stark Industries?” Tony’s tone was almost accusing, unsatisfied with the evasive answer. It was a question that had been troubling him, and only Harvey could provide clarity.

“With your intellect, it shouldn’t be too hard to figure out my reasons,” Harvey said, glancing meaningfully at Tony’s chest.

“Who told you? Obadiah?”

Even that single glance made Tony feel as though he’d been completely seen through. His eyes narrowed, and he tentatively named the most likely suspect.

“Someone so insignificant and disposable that I’d never bother associating with him,” Harvey replied calmly.

Tony detected a distinct note of contempt in Harvey’s voice—not feigned, but genuine. In Harvey Ambelaca’s eyes, Obadiah Stane was nothing more than an inconsequential figure.

Yet, regardless of his opinion, Obadiah Stane was still a man with longstanding ties to the military, a prominent figure in America. What gave Harvey Ambelaca such confidence to speak so dismissively of him?

“I’ve no quarrel with you, so I’ll just pretend I never heard any of that,” Tony said to himself. He had never held Obadiah Stane in particularly high regard, but the man had been his father’s peer and was a founding member of Stark Industries. While Tony might not respect him, he didn’t consider him a fool; there was still some measure of sentiment between them.

Given what Tony had uncovered about Harvey Ambelaca’s background, if Obadiah ever learned how little regard Harvey had for him, the consequences for Harvey could be devastating.

Despite his annoyance with Harvey, Tony had to admit there was no real enmity between them.

“You’re trying to cover for me? Well, thank you for that. As a token of appreciation, Tony Stark, I can offer you a piece of advice, if you want it.”

Harvey’s previously indifferent expression softened into a faint smile.

“You’re the one who wants to speak, not me, just to be clear,” Tony replied, ever cautious, making sure the lines weren’t blurred—he wasn’t asking for favors.

“Of course, this is merely a gesture of thanks. You’re investigating who orchestrated your kidnapping, aren’t you? Trust your instincts, and be wary of your adversary. Even garbage can cause trouble sometimes.”

Harvey watched Tony’s efforts to draw a clear boundary, as if afraid to be seen as seeking his help, and spoke.

“How do you know about my kidnapping?” Tony’s mind flashed to a certain name at the mention of trusting his instincts, but he quickly caught himself, lowering his voice as he asked.

“I’m a bit hungry; I think I’ll go get something to eat,” Harvey said, glancing at Tony without answering, instead patting his stomach and making his way toward the ballroom.

Tony watched as Harvey Ambelaca crossed the dance floor directly to the tables laden with food. He had countless questions but realized that this was not the place for further conversation.

Reluctantly, he suppressed his curiosity and stepped into the crowded ballroom himself.