บท 65: Chapter 065: Who Lost Out?
Hearing Happy's words, Pepper Potts visibly paused, then turned to look at him, incredulously asking, "Happy, are you serious?"
"Is it true that someone can find Tony when even the military can't?"
Happy cleared his throat and spoke solemnly, "You know, I'm Tony's bodyguard, and my line of work exposes me to the underground world's workings."
"The underground world in the USA has a new ruler now, someone who leads a global organization and is currently in charge of the entire USA region."
"Even before becoming the ruler, he had an agency called Charles Agency, where numerous people have placed tasks."
"They've found missing items, people, even pets, no matter where they were taken, even if they were smuggled out of the country, even if they were already dead; they could retrieve them quickly."
"If you're interested in this agency, maybe they can provide answers, but the prices are somewhat high. I can't afford it."
Clearly, Happy's last sentence explained why he hadn't gone to the Charles Agency to place a task and had waited until now.
Hearing Happy's words, Pepper directly addressed the air, "JARVIS, bring up all the information on the Charles Agency."
"Of course, Miss Potts. Please wait a moment."
"The information has been sent to the tablet on the table. You can browse through it."
Pepper Potts walked up to the table, picked up the tablet, and began to examine the information.
The tablet displayed all the information available on the Charles Agency from the internet. She read through it, gaining insight into the agency's activities and reputation.
After reading all the information, Pepper Potts wore a determined expression. While she would typically avoid dealing with underground forces like this, she couldn't ignore the possibility of finding Tony Stark.
She said, "Happy, drive me to the Charles Agency."
…
Entering the Charles Agency's premises, Happy escorted Pepper Potts into the lobby. In the lobby, there was a young man and woman standing.
Happy whispered, "Pepper, the gentleman over there is the owner of this place."
Ginny, upon seeing visitors, left her front desk and approached them, asking, "How may I assist you, ma'am?"
Upon seeing the golden-haired beauty in front of her, Pepper Potts turned her gaze towards Charles inside and said, "I need to place a task, and I'm looking for his help."
Charles had already figured out what this might be about upon seeing them enter, but he hadn't expected them to actually come for his help.
"Ginny, take them to a meeting room and bring me a blank task scroll."
Hearing Charles's instructions, Ginny looked somewhat puzzled as she glanced at the two in front of her. She didn't know what was going on, but her boss wanted a blank task scroll right away.
After entering the meeting room, Pepper Potts said, "Mr. Charles, I have a task to request, and I hope you can take it on."
Charles looked at the weary Pepper and calmly said, "I've seen the news from last week, and I can guess what your task is, but I need you to provide me with the details."
Pepper adjusted her emotions and continued, "Two months ago, Tony Stark traveled to Afghanistan to deliver weapons to the local U.S. military."
"After the transaction was completed, on his way back to the U.S. military base, he was attacked by an unidentified armed force. There was no sign of Tony's body at the scene, and we suspect he was kidnapped. His whereabouts are currently unknown."
"I hope to place a task with you to bring Tony Stark back, even if..."
At this point, Pepper Potts' eyes welled up, and she couldn't continue speaking.
Upon hearing this, Charles knew it was time for him to speak up. Money that fell into his lap was not to be ignored, especially now when he needed funds urgently to pay his taxes.
"Ms. Pepper Potts, I understand your feelings, but I need to make a few things clear. Since Tony Stark was attacked by an unidentified armed force, rescuing him might involve combat, and the price will be quite high."
"Furthermore, if I manage to find Tony Stark and bring him back safely from the clutches of this armed force, what price are you willing to pay?"
Pepper Potts looked at Charles earnestly and said, "If you can find Tony Stark and bring him back alive, money is not an issue. I'll pay whatever it takes."
Charles then extended one finger and said, "This amount."
Pepper Potts, considering the situation and Tony Stark's status, replied, "If you can bring Tony Stark back alive, I'll pay you $100 million. If Tony is no longer alive, but you can recover his remains, I'm willing to offer $10 million."
It was clear that Pepper Potts had made up her mind – she wanted to see Tony alive, but she was prepared to accept any outcome.
Charles, on the other hand, wasn't aware of Pepper Potts' bottom line. He simply wanted to earn his tax money through this task.
However, he realized that he might have undervalued his offer, especially considering he wasn't one to set prices as low as $50,000 like some of his peers.
With a smile, Charles said, "Deal!"
Both parties believed they were getting a good deal, so who was at a loss here?
No one!
Charles then opened a blank task scroll, filled in the task details, including the requirements and price, and placed it in front of Pepper Potts for her confirmation.
Pepper Potts took the task scroll and carefully reviewed it. Throughout this process, Happy, who had only spoken one sentence since entering, remained as silent as an invisible man.
After ensuring the details were correct, Pepper Potts signed her name on the scroll.
Seeing that the contract was signed, Charles spoke, "Since this is a missing person task, it's customary to pay half of the task fee upfront. However, since I can't provide you with confirmation of Tony Stark's status yet, you can start with $5 million."
"In addition, I need you to provide an item that Tony Stark carried with him before, preferably something that hasn't been cleaned, like an item with his scent or even hair. This will help me in the search for Tony Stark."
As for clothing, it had been two months since the incident, and it was likely that Tony's personal effects had been thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. It was doubtful that there would be any trace of scent or hair left.
Upon hearing Charles's requirements, Pepper Potts nodded in agreement. She mentioned that she would pay the money later, and as for Tony's personal item, she would arrange for it to be sent over later as well.
With all the formalities completed, Charles watched as the two individuals left the agency.
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