Marvel: Umbrella Corporation

Just as Luna was about to continue savoring her intimate moment with Adam, Red Queen's projection abruptly appeared.

"Master, just an hour ago, that woman named Ophelia met with Ivan again. It seems they've reached some sort of agreement."

Hearing this, Adam paused his movements.

"Have the Epsilon team reinforce security for the upper management. If Tony comes looking for me, prioritize notifying me immediately."

After saying that, Adam's hand found its way to a soft and tender place.

"Yes, Master," Red Queen replied before her projection vanished.

Unable to hold back any longer, Luna whispered, "Boss…"

......

At the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters in New York, Maria sat behind her desk, her expression grim.

"Still no leads at all?" she demanded.

Standing before her were two S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, heads bowed in shame.

"Director, we found nothing," one of them replied. "It really seems like a suicide."

Maria fixed them with a piercing glare.

"You're telling me they were arrested in the morning and committed suicide in the afternoon? Do you think anyone would believe that?"

The truth was obvious: Nick Fury's methods had been effective—one pull of the thread had unraveled everything.

"Guards!" Maria shouted.

Immediately, Logan and Victor entered the office.

Despite the irony, Maria found herself placing trust only in these two rookies who had joined S.H.I.E.L.D. a year ago.

"Arrest these two."

Without hesitation, Logan and Victor moved to restrain the two agents, locking their hands behind their backs.

The agents finally snapped out of their daze.

"Why are you arresting us?"

"Director Maria, there must be some misunderstanding!"

"We really didn't find anything. You can't arrest us just for that!"

Maria stood up, her icy gaze boring into them.

"Don't think I don't know what you did. Last night, you both disappeared for an hour. When you returned, you destroyed all the data we had collected."

At this, cold sweat began to drip down the agents' faces.

"We didn't… We're innocent!"

"It's a mistake!"

Ignoring their protests, Maria turned to Logan and Victor.

"Take them to the cells."

Moments later, the two agents were dragged out, still protesting.

Maria watched them leave, her face dark with anger. They had shown no remorse, which made it clear how deeply hidden their backers were.

Who was behind them? The trail seemed to vanish into the shadows.

This lead was too precious to let go of.

Soon, Natasha and Barton entered the office.

"Maria, there's some unusual activity on Ivan's side. It seems he's planning something against Tony," Natasha reported.

"Don't worry about that for now," Maria said. "We need to focus on our internal issues. Keep a close watch on the two we just arrested. We can't afford any more incidents."

Maria wasn't Nick Fury. She didn't share his personal connections to Tony's family, so she wasn't as invested in Tony's affairs.

Natasha and Barton nodded before leaving.

........

Three days later~

In Ophelia's underground base, a high-level secret meeting of Hydra was held once again.

"The matter with Base Three needs to be resolved," Ophelia stated. Her words immediately drew the attention of everyone present to Dr. Zola.

After all, Base Three had always been under his control. The last time he requested reinforcements, their elite troops were sent, but none returned.

Dr. Zola's mechanical face, embedded in his torso, darkened.

"This is indeed my miscalculation. However, I lost a great number of subordinates, and Base Three is gone."

"Furthermore, international organizations are now investigating us. If anyone here is willing to accept my compensation and stand with me against these investigations, I wouldn't mind."

His words caused the others' expressions to shift slightly. They then turned their gazes toward Ophelia.

"Has Ivan agreed to cooperate?"

"This meeting wasn't called just to discuss Dr. Zola, right?"

"If Ivan is on board, we'll share the costs and risks."

Ophelia nodded calmly. "Ivan has agreed."

"That's excellent."

"The Insight Initiative is nearing completion."

"Now, we just need S.H.I.E.L.D.'s three helicarriers to be completed."

At the mention of S.H.I.E.L.D., the group fell into a momentary silence.

Baron Zemo broke it, his expression grim. "Pierce recently sent word that the new director, Maria, seems to have caught on to us."

Dr. Faust chuckled darkly. "Then Maria should die."

Baron Strucker nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea, but not right now."

Ophelia concurred. "The helicarriers are at a critical stage of construction. We cannot afford any mishaps."

Everyone fell silent again, acknowledging the importance of the project.

"Then let's equip the helicarriers with the Arc Reactor."

"Yes, it's decided."

Soon, the discussion shifted to another rising threat—the Umbrella Corporation.

"Umbrella's satellite network poses a significant risk to the Insight Initiative."

"Who will approach the Umbrella Corporation?"

After some deliberation, the task fell to Baron Zemo. Umbrella Corporation was shrouded in mystery, and there was little information available on its chairman, Adam. No one else wanted to take the risk of engaging with him.

With the meeting adjourned, Ophelia returned to her room.

Moments later, her housekeeper entered.

"Miss Ophelia, Hammer Industries has sent an invitation. Seven days from now, they will hold a press conference to unveil their latest robots."

Ophelia nodded, her thoughts clear. Ivan's plans were finally in motion.

"Prepare for my attendance."

"Yes, ma'am."

......

Seven days later~

In New York, outside Hammer Tower, luxury cars filled the parking lot.

Reporters stationed nearby swarmed each car that arrived, snapping photos and asking questions. Celebrities and singers often paused to accommodate the press, but high-profile business figures ignored them, heading straight into the venue.

When another luxury car pulled up, reporters rushed toward it.

"Mr. Hammer, what's your opinion on tonight's robot launch?"

"Mr. Hammer, rumors say Umbrella Military is developing a new generation of robots. What are your thoughts on this?"

"Mr. Hammer, Stark has called your robots 'junk metal,' claiming they'll never reach his level. How do you respond?"

Initially silent, Justin Hammer's eyes flickered with annoyance at the mention of Stark. However, he quickly masked it with a smile.

"That arrogant Stark will eat his words. Tonight, I will unveil Hammer Industries' robots and prove that we are America's most reliable defense contractor!"

With that, he strode into the venue.

Reporters outside continued their vigil, catching other attendees in the hopes of breaking a story.

Another luxury car soon arrived, and Pepper Potts stepped out in an elegant black evening gown. Reporters surged forward.

"Miss Potts, will Mr. Stark be attending tonight?"

"Miss Potts, what's your opinion on this press conference?"

"Miss Potts, will Stark Industries consider developing and selling iron robots in the future?"

Without pausing, Pepper entered the venue, ignoring the clamoring journalists—a response they had come to expect.

Shortly after, another car arrived. A tall woman in a red evening gown and high heels stepped out—Luna. Her striking figure and natural charisma immediately overshadowed nearby celebrities and singers.

Reporters swarmed her as well, only to be intercepted by bodyguards.

Nearby, several moderately famous stars whispered among themselves, watching Luna walk confidently into the building.

"Who is she? She's stunning and has such presence!"

"You don't know her? She is the secretary to the chairman of Umbrella Corporation and the CEO of several of its subsidiaries, Luna. You'd better remember her name—she's not someone you want to cross."

Hearing this, one of the women nodded nervously.

...........

Half an hour later, the Hammer Industries press conference began.

Justin Hammer, in a sharp black suit, stepped onto the stage.

"Hammer Industries welcomes you all. Tonight, you will witness a historic moment."

As he finished, rows of robots marched onto the stage. This time, with ample preparation, Hammer showcased over 200 units—far surpassing expectations.

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