Struggles of Stark Industries

Tony Stark was deep in his dimensional energy research, balancing equations and tinkering with new theories, when a call came through on a private line. The name flashing on the screen pulled him out of his focused trance—Pepper Potts.

He hadn't heard from her in some time, having passed over Stark Industries' entire management to her. But from the tone in her voice, Tony could tell something was wrong.

"Tony, we need you back at Stark Industries," Pepper said, trying to keep calm. "Things have… gotten complicated."

Tony could practically feel the weight of her words. Since he'd declared Stark Industries would no longer manufacture weapons, the company had been in turmoil. Stocks had plummeted, a good number of investors had pulled out, and people were demanding the life-improving technologies he had promised but hadn't yet delivered. Stark Industries was in rough shape, and even with Pepper's skills, keeping it afloat had been a constant uphill battle.

"Alright, Pepper. I'll be there soon," Tony replied, knowing that he couldn't leave her to face this alone.

Hanging up, he glanced at Wanda, who was absorbed in her training. He approached her and gave a nod. "Wanda, I have to head back to the States, to Stark Industries. Some business issues need sorting out."

She looked up, concern evident in her eyes. "Is everything alright?"

"Just some… overdue responsibilities. I'll be back soon," he assured her with a half-smile. Wanda nodded, sensing he was stepping back into the life he had momentarily left behind.

Tony gathered his things, feeling the pull of his two worlds more than ever.

---

After a brief flight, Tony arrived back in New York, stepping out onto the familiar pavement outside his home. His driver, Happy Hogan, was waiting for him.

"Good to see you, Boss," Happy said, a grin on his face as he opened the door.

Tony gave him a nod, sliding into the car. As they pulled away, Happy shot him a look through the rearview mirror.

"So, how's… whatever it is you're doing out there?" Happy asked, curious but not prying too much.

"Nothing you'd believe even if I told you," Tony replied with a smirk. "But it's important."

"Yeah, well, while you've been off doing… whatever, the world's been going crazy here. Stocks are dropping, people are panicking, and Pepper… she's been worried, boss."

Tony took in Happy's words, feeling the weight of his decisions pressing on him. Soon enough, they pulled up outside the familiar Stark Industries building, where Pepper was already waiting.

She looked over as Tony stepped out of the car, a mix of relief and frustration in her expression. Her calm exterior masked her worry, but Tony could see through it.

"Tony, it's good to see you," Pepper greeted him. He could tell there was more she wanted to say, but she kept it professional, for now.

They walked through the building to her office, where she laid out the situation. The first major issue? A series of attacks on their warehouses. She pulled up footage on her computer, showing security camera clips of a figure attacking Stark Industries' facilities.

"What's worse, he's using technology eerily similar to the arc reactor," Pepper said. "The police haven't been able to track him, and our own systems haven't turned up much. But he's causing significant damage—and people are noticing."

Tony watched the footage closely, instantly recognizing the unique energy signature in the attacks. This was no coincidence. Someone was out there, adapting his technology for their own use, attacking his company. His mind raced, and then the name hit him—Whiplash.

"It's him," Tony said quietly, almost to himself. "I'll handle it, Pepper. I'll send a message to Iron Man to track him down."

She blinked, slightly confused. "You're… sending Iron Man?"

Tony gave her a reassuring look. The AI he had created, housed within the original Iron Man suit, had taken over some of his duties, protecting civilians and dealing with threats while Tony focused on his other responsibilities.

Pepper knew of it but she doesn't know of Tony's other adventures of recent.

"Yes. Iron Man will take care of Whiplash," he confirmed.

As she registered this, Pepper moved on to the next issue. "There's also our stock. It's been a rough road since the weapons manufacturing shutdown, Tony. And people are waiting for the life-changing technology you promised. They're losing faith in Stark Industries."

Tony leaned back, considering the challenge. "Give me until tomorrow. I'll have something ready—new tech, and we'll release it in bulk."

Pepper stared at him, incredulous. "Tomorrow? Tony, I know you're a genius, but even you can't just pull world-changing tech out of thin air in a day."

He smiled, a touch of his old confidence shining through. "Trust me, Pep. I've been working on something. Just… be ready."

They paused, a silence settling between them. After a moment, Pepper gave him a small smile, a hint of the feelings she'd kept under wraps. "You know, you never tell me anything these days. I don't know what's going on in your life."

Tony hesitated, then softened. "One day you will. But until then, try not to worry. I've got this."

She nodded, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. They both knew there was more between them than business, but neither of them said anything.

After a moment, Tony turned to leave, giving her one last look. He made his way out of the office, back to his base, and entered the Infinity Chamber.