Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“I think we should try and start up our own Biotech company.”</span> you suggested. <span class="mu-r">“If Gloria’s willing to give us what we need, then we’d be in much better shape than if we tried to do it on our own.”</span>
Joe raised an eyebrow at that.
<span class="mu-b">“Are you serious? That sounds like a major investment.”</span>
You nodded.
<span class="mu-r">“Sure, it’ll take a while to grow to the size of Fisk and Stark’s companies, but I think, with a little hard work, and a lot of leverage from our contacts, we can make it a successful business.”</span>
Silvermane hummed thoughtfully and folded his arms over his chest.
<span class="mu-s">“It’s not a bad idea. If we’re aiming to end up on top after this is all over, then it’d help to have a foundation set up where we can build upwards after taking out the competition. If Fisk has a tower, then why shouldn’t we have one too?”</span>
Joe gave his father the vaguely skeptical look of someone who liked what was being proposed, but couldn’t wrap his head around how it could be feasibly accomplished.
<span class="mu-b">“If that’s what you want to do, then I hope Ms. Munoz can fork over the cash to get this little startup off the ground.”</span> Joe said, running a hand through his dark, gelled hair. <span class="mu-b">“Do we even have a name for this company?”</span>
You raised your hands in surrender.
<span class="mu-r">“Hey, I can’t be the only one coming up with good ideas around here. Besides, this should be a decision that we all can agree on. Let’s put our brains together and collaborate.”</span>
Silvermane held a hand up to stop you and Joe before you could go any further.
<span class="mu-s">“Hold it. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. I still need to run this by our new partner to see how she feels about it.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“Sounds reasonable.”</span> you said, nodding to both Manfredi’s while slowly backing away towards the door. <span class="mu-r">“Be sure to let me know how that goes.”</span>
<span class="mu-b">“You’re leaving?”</span> Joe asked.
<span class="mu-r">“I’ve got a thing to take care of.”</span>
Silvermane turned his frowning silver mask in your direction, but you were quick to reassure him before he could ask the question that was undoubtedly lingering on the tip of his tongue.
<span class="mu-r">“Don’t worry. I’m not leaving the city this time. We’re in this together, Silvio. Like it or not, you guys are stuck with me.”</span>
That earned you a chuckle from both men.
<span class="mu-s">“Keep your phone nearby, Huntsman. We’re gonna have a lot to talk about, soon.”</span> Silvermane demanded.
<span class="mu-r">“You got it, boss.”</span>
And with that, you gave them a quick salute and turned around to head out in the hall.
—----------
Some time later, you found a nice quiet corner to deploy your portal projector. With a simple press of a button, it created a rippling rift of swirling, crimson energy. This not being your first time, you stepped through it with the casual ease of someone pushing past a curtain of plastic beads.
(Cont.)