I, a ship girl, am the savior of civilization.

Even if Belfast were to gain full control of the shares, it's unlikely that S.H.I.E.L.D. would allow a conglomerate the size of Stark Industries to fall into Aerriel's hands.

After regaining her composure, Laura shook her head, a lingering smile still playing on her lips: "However, it's definitely worth a try."

Laura didn't care whether she could control Stark Industries; what she wanted more was to see Tony's embarrassed expression on his face, as filming it would be a memorable experience.

Moreover, what if S.H.I.E.L.D. really doesn't care?

Belfast nodded in agreement and took out her phone. Obadiah had already discussed Stark's disappearance with Belfast, but some things were better discussed in detail.

"Obadiah, you should already know about Stark, right?"

“Miss Belfast, how could you not know about something this important?”

Obadiah's voice betrayed a hint of anxiety and bitterness, sounding like an uncle who had just lost his nephew: "You're probably still traveling, right? If you can, come back as soon as possible. Stark Industries needs us."

Laura, sitting to the side, raised an eyebrow. "Wow, Obadiah's acting is impressive. I won't watch the next Oscars without you as a nominee."

Even over the phone, Laura could feel Obadiah's urgency and could even picture a bald man pacing back and forth.

"Okay, I'll be there in thirty minutes."

After hanging up the phone, Belfast couldn't help but admire Obadiah's caution. Even now, Obadiah hadn't left any evidence against him.

However, Obadiah probably doesn't even realize that our ship girl has something called nanounits.

Thanks to the pre-installed nanounits, Obadiah's excited expression upon learning of Tony's disappearance is still stored inside the Dawn.

The way he was jumping and hopping around made it seem like Obadiah was going crazy from some kind of shamanistic ritual.

"Shall we set off now?"

Belfast cast a probing glance my way, and Laura immediately understood, expressing her desire to go with Belfast.

Since there's nothing fun to do at home anyway, why not go to Stark Tower for a stroll?

Thirty minutes later, at Stark Tower...

"Tony's disappearance is a loss for Stark Industries and indeed for all of humanity. We will search with all our might until his death is confirmed. As long as there is even a glimmer of hope, we will not give up."

At the press conference that just concluded, Obadiah was giving a passionate speech on stage:

"This is not only my duty as Vice President of Stark Industries, but also for the friendship I've built with Tony over the past two decades..."

After his official remarks, Obadiah went backstage and returned to the meeting room where the shareholders' meeting was being held. Three people were already waiting for him in the room.

Besides Belfast and Laura, the other person was a contact sent by the military, who was also Tony's close friend, Marine Corps Colonel Rhodes.

"You did a good job."

Belfast saw Obadiah enter the meeting room and raised her glass of red wine in appreciation. Similarly, Laura, sitting beside Belfast, raised her glass of juice.

With Stark Industries' biggest stepping stone gone, Obadiah, now the largest shareholder, is quite pleased with himself.

When Belfast offered him a toast, Obadiah wanted to return the toast with a smile, but with Rhodes still standing there, he had no choice but to put on a sad face.

“Belfast, I know you and Tony have a conflict, but this is a critical moment for Stark Industries, so let’s leave the jokes at that.”

With a long sigh, Obadiah plopped down in the nearest soft chair, his brow furrowed with an indescribable sense of dejection: "Now that things have come to this, we must find a way to stabilize Stark Industries."

Turning his head to Rhodes, Obadiah forced a smile: "You must be Rhodes. I know you. Tony is lucky to have a friend like you."

"Mr. Obadiah, you flatter me."

Rod, unaware of Obadiah's acting, quickly said, "I am here on behalf of the military to offer my condolences and to handle related search and rescue matters."

With Tony missing, the search for him is naturally the top priority. Since Tony was attacked and disappeared while under US military protection, the blame ultimately falls on the military. Rhodes's visit may well have been aimed at making his stance clear.

If the military doesn't make any statement regarding the disappearance of the legal representative of its largest military partner, it will surely discourage other partners.

If they remain indifferent, will the pharmaceutical partner Osborne Group and the conventional weapons supplier Hammer Group still cooperate wholeheartedly?

Wait, Hammer Corporation started by copying others and is just a bootlicker supported by the military? Never mind then.

It didn't take long for Rod to finalize the details, and he then got up and left the meeting room. Suddenly, only Belfast and Obadiah remained in the room.

Yeah, and there's also Laura watching the show.

With a sigh of relief, Obadiah prepared to have an open and honest conversation with Belfast, but before that, Obadiah looked at Laura with a kind expression.

At least, that's what Obadiah himself thinks.

"Little friend, what would you like to eat? The reception room next door has everything!"

39. It really has nothing to do with Laura.

Clearly, even now, Laura is still a child who doesn't know the truth in Obadiah's eyes.

So what Belfast was going to talk about next was obviously not something Laura, who was considered an outsider, should know.

Besides, such dark things are not suitable for children's physical and mental development.

For a moment, Obadiah felt like he was a really good person.

However, when facing Obadiah, Laura simply pressed down the straw in the glass with great interest, then watched the straw float up naturally, repeating the cycle over and over again.

"There's no need for that. Laura will be hosting this time. Belfast is just accompanying Laura. Uncle Obadiah, don't worry, Laura knows everything."

Somewhat doubting whether he had misheard, Obadiah looked at Belfast and discovered that Belfast had changed into a maid outfit and was standing behind Laura, making their social status immediately apparent.

“The Second Miss’s will is my will, Obadiah. Please trust in the Second Miss’s wisdom.”

Seemingly to verify Laura's words, Belfast slightly bowed and assured Obadiah.

Although Laura usually seems a bit lazy and spends a lot of time slacking off, Belfast is still just Laura's AI assistant.

When it comes to serious work, Laura won't hold us back!

"Well... okay."

Looking at Laura, who wasn't even as tall as his chest, Obadiah had to accept the fact.

Belfast, who has always stood at the pinnacle of the world's wealth and been regarded as a role model by countless women, was just a maid.

The master she served was none other than Olivega Laura Loresia, who sat in front of her, constantly watching the straw rise and fall, and appeared to be only thirteen years old.

Reluctantly, he activated the electrical signal jamming in the conference room. After ensuring safety, Obadiah tried to ask questions with the same attitude one would use with a colleague.

"So, Miss Laura, what do you think we should talk about?"

Faced with Obadiah's cautious probing, Laura projected an icon in front of Obadiah's eyes, then slowly spoke with a mischievous smile.

"What do you think of the suggestion to rename Stark Tower to Loresia Tower?"

Thirty minutes later...

The idea of ​​renaming Stark Tower was ultimately rejected. According to Obadiah, it was a matter of face for the entire group and could not be changed lightly, otherwise anyone would sense that there was more to the story.

However, on other issues, including how to mitigate the impact of Tony's disappearance and even his reported death, the two reached a high degree of agreement.

Or rather, it was a one-sided crushing defeat.

Laura provided a fairly comprehensive solution, which was a copy of the Pacific Rim operation. After all, Kaiju landings are difficult to prevent, and such preparations are necessary before an effective detection system is established.

These contingency plans are perfectly fine to use on a single company.

As he left, Obadiah had completely lost his initial disdain, his eyes filled with disbelief. It had to be admitted, Laura's behavior was far beyond that of an ordinary child.

Moreover, Obadiah had to admit that Laura's solution was indeed very effective. At least in the short term, it could completely stabilize Stark Industries' problems.

As for when the news of Tony's death actually arrives... by then Belfast and Obadiah will have joined forces, and the entire Stark Industries will be completely under their control, so that loss will be nothing.

Even now, Obadiah still harbors an unrealistic confidence in the terrorists he made a deal with, believing that Tony has long since gone to see his father.

However, in reality, Tony is being forced to build the Jericho missile.

Tony also has nanounits implanted by Laura, and while dealing with matters concerning Stark Industries, Laura also keeps an eye on Tony.

To be honest, Laura really learned what it means to be uneducated when she saw this group of terrorists.

The Jericho missile is a weapon that requires CNC machining and strategic-level processing equipment for its precision. They actually had Tony build it with hammers and nails. I really don't know what they were thinking.

Even more absurdly, Tony built a rudimentary suit of steel armor right under their noses, and they didn't even notice. In terms of plot, this is even more fantastical than the events of 1962.

Obadiah could only find such low-quality people to intercept Tony. In Laura's opinion, even if Stark Industries were handed over to Obadiah, it would probably decline sooner or later.

Just as Laura was lamenting the Stark family's poor choice of friends, the Dawn suddenly received a call from Nick Fury, the director of S.H.I.E.L.D., whom Laura had nicknamed "Blackhearted Egg."

"Why does this braised egg want to see me?"

Muttering to herself, Laura answered the communicator: "This is Oliver, what brings you here, Egg?"

spiced corned egg???

Although he had many complaints about the title, Fury didn't show it. Instead, he asked Laura in a voice devoid of emotion:

“Miss Olivega, I’d like to know if Tony Stark’s disappearance is related to you. This is related to S.H.I.E.L.D.’s attitude toward Aerriel.”

In a report from his agents, Fury noted that Tony had visited Belfast's villa before his disappearance and had dinner with the two men.

The very next day, Tony was attacked on his way back from demonstrating the Jericho missile. Such a coincidence—Laura and Belfast must know something.

No matter how much Laura denied it, Fury had already prepared his rebuttal, determined to pry out some information.

Even if they are completely unrelated, they should at least try to get their hands on Aerriel's technology for free and find Tony Stark.

"Tony's disappearance, it must be related."

Laura thought about it and realized that the initial cause was Belfast's plan to target Tony. Although she later gave up, Obadiah took over the job and completed the operation despite Belfast's inaction.

It seems unlikely that we can completely shirk responsibility.

Sticking out her tongue, Laura said shyly, "If I were to talk about it, it might take a little while..."

"It's okay, I can listen at my own pace. If possible, please keep it brief."

Egg's words thwarted Laura's attempt to get away with it. Looking at Belfast, Laura silently apologized before betraying Belfast and Obadiah without hesitation.

"It was Belfast's idea, Obadiah did the work, Chief Egg, you have to believe Laura, this has nothing to do with Laura."

"No, Belfast is innocent too. Hmm, Obadiah is the mastermind. We didn't do anything."

……

After explaining the whole story in one breath, Laura let out a long sigh and then poured herself another glass of juice.