Chapter 299: Trouble Arrives (Patreon)

Ivan Vanko has been detained by the Moroccan police and thrown into prison, while Charles returns to the hotel with Tsunade to rest.

Tony, who rushed back, didn't immediately go to the prison to find the culprit behind the attack on him. Instead, he knocked on Charles's door.

Hearing the knock, Charles went to the door and opened it.

"Hey, Tony!"

"Hi, buddy!"

Tony walked straight into the room, sat on the sofa, poured himself a glass of whiskey, and downed it in one go.

Seeing that there was no one else behind Tony, Charles closed the door.

After taking a sip of the drink, Tony's face became somewhat solemn. After pondering for a moment, he spoke up, "Buddy, I believe in you."

"I'm not questioning you on this topic."

"It's just about the guy who attacked me earlier. What's the deal? Why did he say he finally did it and shout your name?"

"I'm just a bit confused, buddy. Can you help clear up my confusion?"

Watching Tony, who seemed a bit clumsy in his speech, Charles couldn't help but smile. Tony looked so amusing, like a loyal dog waiting for the judgment of a harsh woman.

Of course, it doesn't mean Tony is really a loyal dog; it's just that Tony truly considers him a good friend.

Sitting on the sofa opposite Tony, Charles poured himself a glass of whiskey and took a sip.

Seeing Charles not saying anything, Tony's complexion darkened.

"Buddy, what's the meaning of this?"

"Haha, Tony, you're so funny."

"I should record this and show it to others later. They'll definitely think you've been dumped."

"Hahaha, it's hilarious."

Tony now realized he was being played and jokingly scolded, "You're really a jerk."

Putting down the glass, Charles leaned back on the sofa and slowly spoke:

"Usually, for questions like yours, I charge an information commission fee. But seeing you in such a pathetic state, I'll tell you for free."

Tony couldn't bear it and pulled out a bank card from his pocket, slapping it on the table.

"How much? Tell me. Am I still short on your little money?"

Seeing Tony's appearance, Charles wanted to burst into laughter, but considering Tony's mood, he held it back.

"Okay, I won't joke with you anymore."

"Do you know who the person who attacked you is?"

"How would I know? How would I know who he is?"

"The person who attacked you is Ivan Vanko, a Russian."

"He has some connection with your family."

"This Ivan Vanko was recommended by my subordinates in Russia, and he also brought over the original blueprints for that thing on your chest."

"Blueprints?"

"Yes, the original blueprints for the Arc Reactor on your chest."

"But at that time, he couldn't miniaturize that thing. And he said he couldn't do it. So, I didn't take him in and had him sent back to Moscow."

"Hold on, where did he get the blueprints? Even if it's the giant Arc Reactor, that's still a Stark Industries secret."

After looking at the confused Tony, Charles smiled and continued, "That guy's father was a colleague of your father."

"The original Arc Reactor was developed by them together. I saw the names of his father, Anton Vanko, and your father, Howard Stark, on his drawings."

"But from the information I've gathered, after they developed this thing, Anton Vanko wanted to make money with it, but your father rejected him. In the end, he was kicked out of the United States."

"After going back, Anton Vanko tried to recreate this thing as a weapon, but it ended in failure.”

“The Soviet government thought he deceived them, and he was sentenced for treason, exiled to Siberia. He only returned to Moscow after the establishment of Russia."

"But he had a tough time and developed a deep hatred for your family."

Hearing Charles's explanation, Tony's mouth twitched. He helplessly said, "It was my father's decision back then, and I don't think there was anything wrong with it."

"This thing was not very useful before it was miniaturized."

Charles nodded in agreement. Before its reduction, even Obadiah saw it as nothing more than a gimmick for attracting investments.

Tony slapped his thigh and then stood up, saying, "Buddy, thanks for telling me this."

"Let's take a plane back together. This vacation is ruined."

"Okay, I also think there's nothing interesting here."

After that, Tony stood up and left.

Watching Tony leave, Charles thought to himself: This guy might be going to check on Ivan Vanko. Knowing Tony's character, he might even arrange a good cell for him.

...

After leaving Charles's room, Tony did not go to see Ivan Vanko, as Charles have thought.

Since he now knew who the enemy was, there was no need to meet unless he didn't get any information.

Tony returned to his room, immediately asked Happy to arrange a private jet for departure, and then opened his tablet to check information about Anton Vanko and Ivan Vanko through J.A.R.V.I.S.

With J.A.R.V.I.S.'s search, Tony quickly obtained the information he wanted, confirming Charles's account.

Indeed, Ivan Vanko's father was a colleague of his father. Ivan Vanko himself was a physicist, but due to his identity, he didn't receive much attention from Russia and lived a relatively impoverished life.

Even the id he had was found to be registered at the Continental Hotel, and he had visited New York before.

"Dad, you've left me quite a trouble."

At this moment, Tony also realized that his trouble had arrived. It wasn't about Ivan Vanko but the miniaturized Arc Reactor that had been replicated.

Although the one Ivan Vanko manufactured was inferior in power and performance even to the one Tony had tinkered within the cave, it still shattered the words Tony said during the hearing.

In five to ten years, words like "cannot be replicated" would become meaningless. At that time, politicians and other capitalists wouldn't let go of such an opportunity.

Just as Tony furrowed his brows, Happy's call came in.

"The plane is ready. We can depart anytime."

"Okay, got it!"

After Tony packed up, he informed Charles, and both groups of people took separate cars to the airport.