Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

"Merry Christmas."

"Dear, let's hurry home."

"Alright, I'll bring the car around."

Ivan watched the happy couple laughing not far away. His previously light mood suddenly darkened.

It was all because of the Stark family. If it weren't for them, he too could enjoy such simple happiness.

After a while, he returned home.

It was Christmas, so naturally, he had the day off. Even if he didn't, no one would care whether he showed up at the company or not. After all, with the Arc Reactor technology, no one could challenge his position.

Just as he was about to head to the basement to continue his work on the armor, the doorbell rang.

"Ding-dong…"

When he opened the door, he saw Ophelia standing outside. He immediately tried to close it, but it was too late.

Ophelia pressed her hand against the door and forced her way in.

"Mr. Ivan, this time, we're offering you a deal you won't want to refuse. Please hear us out."

Seeing her persistence, Ivan gave up on driving her out. Instead, he walked over to the fridge, grabbed a can of beer, and opened it.

"You've been here over ten times in the past few months. What is it this time?"

Ophelia smiled slightly, watching the man drinking beer in the cold weather.

"I can help you destroy Stark Industries or let you personally take revenge."

Ivan's hand paused mid-drink.

"What's the plan?"

If Ivan had one dream in life, it was to clear his father's name and get revenge.

He had even tried to assassinate Tony Stark himself, only to fail and get captured. That failure forced him to seek refuge with Hammer Industries for freedom.

"I have records of Howard Stark's conspiracy against your father. If released, it would deal a significant blow to Stark Industries.

"Additionally, I have part of Umbrella Industries' Sentinel Robot data. If you can decode it, you could build an even more powerful suit of armor."

Hearing her offer, Ivan's eyes lit up.

Selling the Arc Reactor wasn't out of the question. After all, he had sold it once during a previous collaboration with Umbrella.

The reason he hadn't agreed to Ophelia's offers earlier was simply that he was waiting for a better deal.

"I want to see the records and data first."

Ophelia nodded promptly.

"Of course, but only the first half."

"Deal."

......

Meanwhile, at Umbrella Tower~

A press conference was underway.

Luna, dressed in an elegant black evening gown, walked gracefully onto the stage under the spotlight and gazes of countless reporters.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. Today's press conference is to announce the establishment of a new subsidiary of Umbrella Group: Umbrella Skynet Corporation.

"This company will lease 100 satellites currently in space under Umbrella Group. Its primary services will include satellite communication, navigation, imaging, GPS, and emergency rescue."

After her introduction, it was time for questions from the reporters.

"Ms. Luna, rumors online claim your satellites have offensive capabilities. Is that true?"

Luna was well-prepared for such questions.

"Yes, but these capabilities are exclusively available to the military. They will not be offered to private enterprises."

"Ms. Luna, what if these capabilities are used to harm others?"

"Our satellites were launched with the U.S. government's approval. Such scenarios won't happen."

"Ms. Luna, what if hackers breach your satellites and misuse them?"

"Rest assured, there's no technology in the world capable of hacking our satellites."

The reporters' questions focused heavily on the potential weaponization of the satellites. Luna's responses satisfied their curiosity. After all, space-based weaponry was an unprecedented development globally.

......

On the Top Floor of Umbrella Tower~

Adam met with Senator Robert.

"Your press conference is putting a lot of pressure on our State Department," Robert said.

"Don't worry. Our space-based weapons won't be used without authorization," Adam replied.

"That's not the issue. We signed treaties prohibiting the deployment of offensive weapons in space."

"These aren't offensive—they're defensive."

"It's the same thing."

After chatting for a while, Adam suddenly brought up fishing, which Robert gladly accepted.

"Don't worry. Your satellites are just glass panes. I'll take care of it."

Ten minutes later, Robert left, satisfied.

Watching him leave, Adam began contemplating establishing bases abroad.

The demands of the U.S. government were growing increasingly insatiable. Soon, he feared he wouldn't be able to meet them.

"Red Queen, scan the oceans for uninhabited islands. The bigger, the better."

"Yes, Master."

It was time to plan an escape route.

While foreign bases were useful, they were still located on someone else's territory. The United States was still the world's leading power, and moving to another country wouldn't eliminate threats—it might even lead to being dismantled.

The only solution was to find a place untouched by others.

This was also why Adam was eager to advance cloning technology—to replace ordinary workers with clones.

As he pondered, time slipped by.

Outside the window, the city grew brighter with holiday lights, though the streets became quieter as people returned home to celebrate Christmas.

*Boom… Boom…*

Fireworks lit up the night sky, one after another, until the entire city was immersed in festive joy.

This scene reminded Adam of when he first arrived in the Marvel world.

Back then, he was an orphan, wandering the streets of New York. The streets were similarly lit with brilliant fireworks, and most people were enjoying the warmth of family.

But Adam, his soul still adjusting to his new body, was powerless. Starving, he rummaged through trash for food, only to be chased by stray dogs and nearly killed.

It wasn't until a kind stranger appeared, saving him and giving him food, that he survived those dark times.

"Knock, knock…"

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in," Adam said.

Luna entered, her red high heels clicking against the floor.

"Boss, the press conference is over," she said, walking briskly.

Adam turned his chair to face her, taking in the sight of the confident yet alluring woman.

"You've worked hard. Take tomorrow off."

Luna walked up to him and, without hesitation, sat on his lap.

"Sure, but since most places are closed for the holiday, how about we visit the park?"

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