Chapter 12: Collaboration

"Sorry, I had to visit the veterans' hospital, so I'm a bit late." 

After leaving Frank, Peter hurried back to Manhattan. It was already twelve-thirty in the afternoon, and he seemed to have lost quite a bit of time. Stepping into the restaurant, he pushed open the door to the private room and saw Edward sitting at the table with a stranger who had a prosthetic arm. The man appeared to be in his forties, wearing glasses, with a weathered face. Upon seeing Peter, he forced a smile.

"Galter?!"

After apologizing, Peter sat down and poured himself a glass of red wine, continuing to explain, "I was checking on the health of a veteran related to my business."

"No problem; we just arrived ourselves," Edward reassured him with a smile. Among familiar friends, being late isn't a big deal, especially for someone like Peter, who was always hustling to make a living.

"Peter, this is the biology professor I told you about. He's an authority on genetics and participated in the Vietnam War as one of the most renowned military doctors—Kurt Connors." 

Edward pointed to the man beside him as he introduced him, speaking with a mixture of respect and teasing. Connors shook his head, a wry smile crossing his face. "Edward, please don't flatter me. We both know I didn't participate in the war; I arrived after it was over."

Connors glanced down at his prosthetic arm, clearly self-conscious about his disability. Peter chose not to delve into that topic; he could ask Edward privately later. Moments later, the waiter brought out exquisite dishes, and as they ate, Peter inquired, "How is Ed doing now?"

Upon hearing the question, Edward set down his fork and nodded towards Connors, indicating that today's discussion would center around him. "The reason I called you today is that Connors has a potential treatment plan for Ed. However, this plan can't be implemented immediately; it needs time to be perfected. I've already discussed it with our dean, and we're hiring Connors for public research at our hospital, providing him with funding while sharing the patent."

"Congenital heart disease isn't a hopeless condition. Through years of biological research, I've discovered that certain genes found in lizards and other animals have rapid regeneration capabilities. If we can slightly modify this substance and convert it into beneficial stem cells for humans, we could do more than just save one child." 

As Connors spoke, his previously quiet demeanor transformed into one of confidence, a common trait among scientists. Immersed in their research, they often drifted away from worldly matters, leading to difficulties in communicating with ordinary people. Yet, once the conversation shifted to their expertise, they became entirely different individuals.

Listening to Connors, Peter nodded. Edward clearly held Connors in high regard, and he wouldn't be praised if he lacked true skill. After all, Edward was a professor at Columbia University's medical school and even served as a guest lecturer once a week. Such a prominent figure wouldn't misjudge someone.

"Unfortunately, our hospital was recently acquired, and many staff members are on edge. The dean can't make any definitive decisions right now." 

Edward's tone carried a hint of regret. Due to the hospital's situation, many plans couldn't be finalized. Once ownership changed, the saying "a new ruler brings new subjects" rang true in America as well. Peter smiled and patted Edward on the shoulder, saying, "That's not a problem. A partner of mine has acquired your hospital and renamed it Sanctum. From now on, you'll have full authority to manage it!"

"Are you serious?! What kind of business are you in that's making so much money?" 

Edward looked at Peter in astonishment, his curiosity piqued for the first time regarding Peter's work. His private hospital was no small establishment; acquiring it would require at least ten million dollars, and that was just the minimum share.

Peter replied, "I promise that within a year, I will create a drug that can treat congenital heart disease. Not only that, but I will work diligently to solve all heart-related issues, providing you with a satisfactory answer. I will ensure that child named Ed and all the patients in the world have a hopeful future!"

With Connors' reassurance, Peter nodded, feeling a sense of confidence. As long as the tasks at hand didn't pose significant harm, they were within acceptable limits. He had already done everything he could for Ed. If Ed ended up becoming a lizard due to Connors' experiments, or if Connors himself turned into that lizard monster, it wouldn't be impossible for Peter to eliminate him if he ever felt the need. After all, what's to stop him from turning Connors into dust if he ever became a threat?

"If that's the case, I also promise you, Mr. Connors, that I will seek out investments to ensure your research achieves its goals!" 

---

**Transition to Stark Industries**

"**We can't trace the identity of the perpetrators. The money has been taken, and the guards have all been killed.**" 

In the vice president's office at Stark Industries, Obadiah Stane closed his eyes, facing the breathtaking view from the fifty-story building before he slowly turned around and approached his desk, putting on a headset.

"Why are you still alive?!"

The question, posed with a hint of frustration, was met with a nervous silence from the man, who clenched his fists instinctively, unable to speak due to fear. His gaze was fixed on Obadiah's hand, where a control device lay. With a press of the red button, the man's veins bulged, and his skin began to turn purple.

"That's how you eliminate the witnesses!" 

Placing the device back on the desk, Obadiah adjusted his attire and wore a courteous smile, speaking without even glancing at the man who was now bleeding from every orifice as he exited the office. Another subordinate approached him at the door, and Obadiah patted the shoulder of the man, whispering in his ear, "If I don't recover that five million, you all will pay for this. Now, dispose of the body inside; he should've been dead long ago, and you'll take his place!"