Tony Stark's words prompted a reaction from Coulson, who also turned his attention to Harvey Amberlock. It was Harvey's sharp, almost prophetic insight that had attracted the attention of the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division.
If Harvey had ever made a mistake, they might have doubted him, but he had never missed.
Tony Stark's sudden announcement of halting weapon production was a major and unexpected drop.
"Why should I feel any pain?"
"I sold all my shares more than two months ago."
"The bad news you announced today, which will cause Stark Industries' stock to plummet, only proves that my actions were wise."
Harvey maintained his smile as he responded to Tony Stark's probing.
"You sold them already?"
Tony Stark, upon hearing this, looked incredulous.
Coulson immediately took out a tablet and checked the details.
He found that Harvey Amberlock had sold his shares, worth about $1.13 billion, at nearly the highest price within a month before Tony Stark went missing.
Before today's announcement about stopping arms production, Stark Industries' stock had been steadily rising.
Anyone holding Stark Industries stock would have seen their wealth grow simply by holding on.
Yet Harvey chose to exit, making a profit of at least $300 million in the process.
Coulson looked at Harvey Amberlock with a mix of disbelief and admiration.
What kind of person was he? Was it superpowers or an extraordinary knack for foresight?
However, considering Coulson's purpose in intercepting Harvey, he came to terms with it.
"In the past year or so, with the significant rise and dividends, I think I've made enough and decided to sell."
Harvey shrugged and smiled at Tony Stark's incredulous look.
Tony Stark noticed the person who had come along with them, checking the data earlier. Seeing Harvey's relaxed demeanor and the fact that if Tony hadn't made today's announcement, Stark Industries' stock would still be on the rise, Tony was baffled.
"Now I understand why everyone else is so agitated while you seem unfazed, even pleased."
"But how long will your luck last?"
Tony Stark still had a hint of skepticism.
Indeed, to Tony Stark, Harvey's rapid rise was purely due to luck.
"Haha, Tony Stark, you really are quite blunt."
"In terms of wealth, I still can't compare to you."
"In terms of intelligence, I can't match your genius mind either."
"Whether you view my actions as luck or something else, it doesn't change the fact that I'm making money, does it?"
Harvey wasn't offended but responded with a smile.
"So, what brought you to my press conference today?"
"To flaunt your foresight?"
Tony Stark asked, feeling oddly irked by Harvey's bright smile.
Coulson, too, wondered why Harvey, who usually avoided public events, had come to Tony Stark's press conference today.
"Flaunting my foresight was never my intention."
"I just wanted to check on you since you mysteriously disappeared for months."
"Can you tell me where you've been?"
"So I can avoid that place in the future when I travel."
Harvey shook his head and smiled casually.
"Afghanistan."
Tony Stark, hearing that Harvey wasn't here to gloat, relaxed his tone and revealed a name.
"Afghanistan, a place full of terrorists. You really went to quite a place."
Harvey showed some surprise.
"Yes, but even if I didn't say it, you wouldn't go to such a place."
"After all, your business scope is limited to mundane real estate and stock markets, without creating anything uniquely yours to enhance your wealth."
Harvey's surprised expression seemed to please Tony Stark. Though the words were still sharp, they highlighted Harvey's limited methods of making money.
"Real estate and the stock market now, but that might change in the future."
"Perhaps in the future, you might need my help."
Harvey, unbothered by Tony Stark's slight mockery, responded with a smile.
"Need your help?"
"Impossible, absolutely impossible."
Tony Stark first looked at Harvey with doubt, then laughed and spoke decisively.
"Don't be too certain. After all, geniuses like you can create revolutionary technologies."
"That implies that anything is possible, doesn't it?"
Seeing Tony Stark's arrogant demeanor, Harvey lightly tapped his chest and responded.
Coulson wasn't surprised by the mention of advanced technology, given Tony Stark's world-renowned intellect.
However, when Tony Stark saw Harvey's gesture and heard his words, his eyes narrowed.
The fact that Tony had a reactor in his chest was known only to the deceased Ethan and Colonel Rhodes. Tony was sure Rhodes hadn't interacted with Harvey Amberlock, so how did Harvey know?
"Who exactly are you?"
Tony Stark's expression changed, and he looked at Harvey with a serious demeanor.
"Harvey Amberlock, the so-called lucky guy."
Harvey did not answer the question directly but responded to Tony Stark's impression of him.
"I think we will have more interactions in the future, so let's leave it at this for now."
With that, Harvey stood up and walked towards the exit.
Coulson was puzzled by the sudden change in Tony Stark's attitude but was determined not to let Harvey Amberlock slip away. He wanted a detailed conversation with him.
"Mr. Tony Stark, I'm Coulson, an agent from the Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division."
"I'd like to consult you about your successful escape from Afghanistan."
"But you seem busy now, so I'll visit again another time."
Coulson politely introduced himself and left his business card on the table for Tony Stark to remember him.
Then, Coulson promptly followed Harvey out.
Tony Stark watched Harvey Amberlock leave, his gaze flickering.
He couldn't quite figure out Harvey Amberlock but knew that Obadiah Stane was definitely looking for him.
Tony wanted to discuss his current thoughts with Obadiah Stane.