Marvel: Alchemist

Chapter 34: The Power Behind the Curtain

2008 – New York City

The financial world reeled as Tony Stark made his shocking announcement: Stark Industries would no longer manufacture weapons. The declaration sent waves of panic through the market, and the company's stock price plummeted to unprecedented lows. Investors scrambled, major shareholders fumed, and Obadiah Stane moved swiftly to consolidate power, attempting to buy up shares at a discount.

But Edward Lin had been waiting for this moment.

Seated in his private office at Golden Enterprise's headquarters, Edward calmly observed the chaos unfolding on the stock exchange. The financial analysts, the so-called experts, were all shouting about the impending downfall of Stark Industries. But Edward knew better. This was merely a momentary stumble before an inevitable rise.

With a simple gesture, he activated the secure line to his financial division. "Acquire another three percent of Stark Industries," he instructed. "Keep it quiet. Use different channels, shell corporations. I don't want anyone knowing until it's done."

His orders were met with immediate action. Within hours, Golden Enterprise's hidden hand stretched across the stock market, quietly absorbing shares while others dumped them in fear.

By the time the dust settled, Edward had increased his total stake in Stark Industries to 8.7%.

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Obadiah's Frustration

Elsewhere, Obadiah Stane was livid. He had expected to seize control of the company, leveraging the stock collapse to buy up enough shares to cement his influence over Stark Industries. But every time he tried to purchase a sizable amount, he found resistance. An unknown force was countering him at every turn, strategically outmaneuvering him.

His grip on the company was slipping, and he couldn't even see who was pulling the strings against him.

But Edward saw everything.

In his penthouse, Edward smirked as he watched the reports. William Lin, now fully in charge of Golden Aerospace, would need Stark Industries in the future. This wasn't just about making easy money—this was about preparing for the battles to come.

And ensuring that his family held the power necessary to shape the future.

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A Silent Influence

Edward didn't need to sit at the head of the table. He had no interest in running Stark Industries himself. But now, with nearly one-tenth of the company under his control, his voice could not be ignored.

When the time came, when William needed it, Stark Industries would be an invaluable asset. Whether Tony Stark realized it or not, Golden Enterprise had just ensured his survival—and his future.

For now, Edward remained in the shadows, watching as the first pieces of the grand puzzle began to shift into place.

To Be Continued…