Chapter 14: Chapter 14: Jason Fox's Judgment
"Mr. Worthington, now you can tell us everything you know."
Jonathan had a friendly attitude and even handed Warren a cup of coffee.
Indeed, he had met many people and criminals, some of them trying to maintain composure, but none quite like Warren Worthington.
Because as soon as he arrived, he comfortably leaned back on the sofa and even picked up a newspaper to read.
"Don't rush, I intend to handle certain matters regarding this case thoroughly, so it may take about 24 hours. Will you be treating me to a meal, right?"
You see, he wasn't just pretending to be calm. Who acts like they're at home as soon as they arrive? Does he think he's stealing a scooter?
"So, it seems you have nothing to say, right?"
"Soon, the person who is betraying you will provide 'more powerful' evidence, as long as you inform others that no valuable information can be extracted from me."
Jonathan sighed and asked, "Do you know who it is?"
"Obadiah Stane, perhaps even Norman Osborn, right?"
"..."
Jonathan almost blurted out, 'You actually know,' but after realizing it, he said, "I haven't told you anything."
"Of course, it's all speculation on my part. You have an obligation to keep it confidential for them."
Warren flipped a page of the newspaper and continued, "This is a business rivalry, in fact, it has little to do with terrorists. That's just an excuse. Tsk tsk, it seems your chances of promotion through this matter are slim."
Seeing Warren not only calm but even making jokes, Jonathan smiled helplessly and said, "Alright, if you're willing to stay here, then stay. But you probably won't last long."
...
Carlos had been waiting in Jonathan's office for a while.
"Buddy, you shouldn't have come to me at this time."
"But I'm here. How's Warren doing?"
Carlos received a significant amount of money, so why wouldn't he be concerned about this new partner?
"It's troublesome. Initially, the evidence in this matter wasn't very substantial. If he hadn't made those statements in front of all the media, he could have gone back by now."
Warren's remark of 'I do know something' was truly fatal. He couldn't let him leave without confessing something.
"Boss, Senator Stern, the Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is here. He wants to see Warren Worthington."
Jonathan felt that this matter was getting more and more complicated. Why are so many big shots involved?
Come on, I just wanted to investigate terrorists. Can't you commercial warfare players leave me, a proactive FBI agent, out of it? Don't I deserve a promotion?
"Excuse me." After saying this to Carlos, he went to see Stern.
Stern had valid reasons to be concerned since Tony Stark was a military weapons supplier. So, it was normal for this member of the Senate Armed Services Committee to inquire.
Jonathan's superiors also agreed to Stern's request, so the Hydra senator met with Warren, accompanied by Jonathan.
Of course, they were accompanied by Jonathan.
"Warren, do you know what your words in front of all the media represent?" Stern found this young man somewhat troublesome.
"They represent someone's imminent downfall, and that person definitely won't be me."
There was a moment of coldness, then Stern took out his phone.
"Do you know this person?"
Warren took a glance. "I don't know him."
"He's your employee at Worthington Industries. The day before the incident with Stark, he was ordered to create a plan targeting Stark's stocks. The evidence is solid."
"So what? I originally intended to enter the arms industry. It's a big piece of cake, who wouldn't want to make money?"
"But you'll be in trouble."
"No, he's just a pawn. Not a problem. As long as my generals don't turn on me."
After finishing his statement, Warren turned around, indicating that he didn't want to say anything else. After all, he had said everything he needed to say. Whether they understood it or not depended on their own understanding.
Stern and Jonathan exchanged a glance and felt something was amiss.
Especially Jonathan. What did you mean by investigating your... generals?
After the visit, Jonathan immediately had his subordinates gather information. He discovered that among the business activities targeting Stark's stocks, a shareholder named Jason Fox, the right-hand man of the late Warren, was involved. This person had been Warren's business partner.
Was this person also connected to this case?
Jonathan had no choice but to seek his assistance in the investigation, even though he felt like he was being led by Warren. He had no other options.
So frustrated!
Facing the FBI's inquiries from a certain Johnathan, Jason naturally denied everything.
I'm not involved, I don't know anything.
Just kidding, although Warren's remark, "What if something happens to Stark?" was quite suggestive, could it be used as evidence?
Of course it could.
But why would he tell an FBI agent about this matter? Moreover, it was clearly instigated by Stark and Osborn, who encroached upon Warren's interests. After all, Jason was a shareholder of Worthington Industries; he wouldn't sell himself out.
So, he merely told Johnathan that, indeed, Warren had ordered them to create a plan targeting Stark. However, it was because the company had plans to enter the arms industry.
Johnathan, with a smiling face but a perplexed mind...
You clearly want your boss to confess, so why are you still insisting?
The circles of influence are truly chaotic.
After Johnathan left, Jason became even more suspicious. The FBI agent seemed quite certain that he could find clues here.
What was even stranger was that as soon as Johnathan left, he received an invitation.
...
"I didn't expect you to be in such good spirits." As soon as they met, Jason taunted Obadiah Stane.
After Tony Stark's disappearance, the Stark Group, led by Obadiah, suffered a significant loss in the stock market, with a 27% decline, half of which was thanks to Jason.
"Of course, I even feel like having a drink. Care to join me?" Obadiah raised a bottle of wine.
"No thanks, let's stick to business."
Obadiah took a sip of the fine wine, and a friendly smile, quite rare for a man with a bald head, appeared on his face. "There's nothing we can't discuss. I need more concrete evidence, and you have it. So, name your price."
Jason looked disdainfully at Obadiah. They were on equal footing in terms of status, but Jason was currently in a stronger position, while Obadiah was in a weaker one. What kind of price could he offer?
"Just you?"
"What about me then?" Another shaky figure emerged from the shadows.
Jason narrowed his eyes. "Norman Osborn?"
Norman Osborn looked pale, even though it wasn't particularly cold outside, he was covered from head to toe, with only his head exposed, and he even wore gloves indoors.
"I admire young people's vitality, but I don't find turning into a sardine in a fish tank enjoyable. Perhaps we need some balance."
Jason fell silent because he knew that with their assistance, he could control the entire Worthington empire and sideline the young newcomer, Warren.
He didn't refuse or accept but instead said, "You both know too little. He's not as simple as he appears."
Obadiah and Norman understood that there was potential for collaboration in Jason's words. However, he wasn't sure if they were reliable partners.
Wait, they're definitely not reliable partners, but he didn't really believe that conventional methods could bring down Warren.
That boy was unpredictable. Based on his recent reflections, Jason came to one conclusion: mutant.
Mutants possessed all sorts of extraordinary abilities, far more dangerous than professional assassins. How else could Warren obtain information in advance? How else could he possess such technological prowess?
Jason's feelings were complicated. He wasn't sure how to handle the situation. Even if they managed to bring down Warren, could they withstand his retaliation?
The notorious reputation of Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants hadn't faded away so quickly. Who knew which organization Warren had joined? Based on the current situation, it didn't seem like a peaceful organization.
"You don't know, so there's nothing to discuss about this matter."
The abilities of those mutants were diverse and unpredictable. Jason didn't want to invite trouble. Wealth was meant to be enjoyed with one's life intact.
He didn't give Obadiah and Norman a chance to persuade him. He simply left.
...
"I didn't expect you to look so well." Immediately upon meeting, Jason mocked Obadiah Stane.
After Tony Stark's disappearance, the Stark Group, led by Obadiah, suffered a significant loss in the stock market, with a 27% decline, half of which was thanks to Jason.
"Indeed, I even feel like having a drink. Would you like some?" Obadiah raised a bottle of wine.
"No need, let's stick to business."
Obadiah took a sip of the exquisite wine, and a friendly smile—quite rare for a bald man—appeared on his face. "Nothing is off-limits for discussion. I need more solid evidence, and you have it. So, name your price."
Jason glanced at Obadiah with disdain. They held similar positions, but Jason was currently in a position of strength. What kind of price could Obadiah offer?
"Just you?"
"What about me?" Another figure emerged from the shadows, trembling and unsteady.
Jason squinted. "Norman Osborn?"
Norman Osborn looked pale, bundled up despite the weather not being cold. Only his head peeked out, and he wore gloves even indoors.
"I admire the energy of young people, but turning into a sardine in a fish tank is not a pleasant experience. Perhaps we need to strike a balance."
Jason fell silent, knowing that with their help, he could gain control over the entire Worthington empire and remove the young interloper, Warren.
He didn't reject their offer nor did he accept it. Instead, he said, "You both lack knowledge. He is far from being as straightforward as you think."
Obadiah and Norman realized that there was room for collaboration in Jason's words. However, he wasn't entirely convinced that conventional methods would be enough to bring down Warren.
That young man was wild. After careful consideration, Jason reached a single conclusion: mutant.
Mutants possessed a wide array of abilities, each more extraordinary and dangerous than the last. How else could Warren have obtained such advanced intelligence? How else could he possess such technological expertise?
Jason's emotions grew complicated. He wasn't sure how to handle the situation. Even if they managed to take down Warren, could they bear the brunt of his retaliation?
The fearsome reputation of Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants hadn't dissipated so easily. Who knew which organization Warren had joined? Based on the current circumstances, it seemed unlikely to be a peaceful one.
"You don't know, which means there is nothing more to discuss."
The powers of mutants were as diverse as they were unpredictable. Jason had no intention of inviting trouble. Wealth was meant to be enjoyed in safety.
Without giving Obadiah and Norman a chance to persuade him further, Jason simply departed.
...
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