Val tore off a few grapes from the bunch and ate them slowly as he thought, 'My plan of controlling the world without being noticed has begun.

There are so many different ways to make money. I don't want to be dependent on Peggy.

I plan to create an organization that would control behind the scenes and this organization would be called...Haller Corporation.

When Lawrence Industries would be established, Haller Corporation would be it's parent company.

Haller Corporation would be mine alone.

The shares of Lawrence Industries would be split evenly between me and Mystique.

In the future, any friend of mine who establishes a company, it would be bought by Haller Corporation.

Then, little by little, Haller Corporation would have hundreds of companies under it, thus, controlling the economy.

I want to make Haller Corporation - the BlackRock of this world.

Similar to BlackRock back on Earth, Haller Corporation would have shares in every company in every country but... these shares wouldn't be just 5% or 10%...these shares would always be 100%.

And, I would make sure that Haller Corporation stays as a ghost...a shadowy organization.

I would make sure that nobody would find any evidence of all the companies being linked to Haller Corporation, not even the government itself.

I had this plan from the beginning.

Plus, I wouldn't need to 'earn' money anymore.

Oh! I also have another plan. This plan is to buy the oil barrels in 1980s when America invades Iraq. I would easily make billions of dollars since only I know what's going to happen in the future.

Oh! I also would very much buy Stark's company.'

His eyes darted to the clock hanging on the wall and he thought, 'Ah! It's time!'

Rising from the cozy embrace of the couch, he reached for the NYPD badge resting on the table in front of him.

Adjusting the uniform he had been wearing, he cast a final glance around before walking toward the room and he murmured, "Let's get to work!!"

On 31st December, 1963,

In Flushing Meadows, New York City,

The crowd had gathered, their eyes fixed on the illuminated countdown timer. The moment was near, the anticipation reaching its peak.

"10!"...

"9!"...

"8!"...

The voices chimed, growing louder and more enthusiastic with each passing number.

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"7!"...

"6!"...

The countdown continued, drawing everyone closer to the climax of the year.

"5!"...

"4!"...

"3!"...

"2!"...

"1!"...

The countdown culminated, the world holding its breath.

And then, with a resounding cheer,

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

* BOOM *

* BOOM *

* BOOM *

The night sky became a canvas painted with vibrant hues.

The quiet stillness was shattered by the explosive bursts of fireworks that lit up the darkness.

Each explosion released a cascade of colors, dancing and twirling in the air, captivating the eyes of all who saw them.

Among the crowd that had gathered, there were people of all ages.

Some stood in awe, their faces reflecting the wonderment that filled their hearts.

Others stood side by side with their loved ones, sharing in the joy of the moment.

Families huddled close, creating a shield against the chilly night air, as they watched the breathtaking display overhead.

Laughter and cheers mingled with the crackling sounds of fireworks.

Strangers exchanged warm greetings, embracing the spirit of unity and celebration that filled the air.

* TING *

* TING *

All eyes turned towards the figure standing tall on the stage, commanding the attention of the gathered crowd.

It was none other than Howard Stark dressed in a dapper suit.

Stark raised his hands and addressed the crowd, his voice projecting with infectious enthusiasm, "Happy New Year, Everybody!"

In response, a wave of exuberance rippled through the crowd.

Cheers erupted, filling the night with a chorus of jubilant voices.

The atmosphere was electrified, as if every soul present had been ignited with the spirit of celebration.

"Yayy!" and "Woohoo!" echoed through the air, voices blending into a symphony of happiness.

Stark gazed upon the crowd, their applause and cheers filling his ears like music.

A wide grin spread across his face as he raised his hands.

"Oh! Thank you! Thank you!", he exclaimed, his voice brimming with joy, "I feel so happy to see you all excited to see me. And you know what? I'm excited to see me too!"

His words were met with a mix of laughter and bemusement from the crowd.

Unfazed by the varying reactions, Stark's smirk grew wider.

He couldn't resist injecting a touch of his signature showmanship into the moment. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he boomed, "Welcome to the Stark Expo!"

The crowd erupted in elation, their cheers and applause ringing out like a symphony of excitement.

"Yayy!" and "Woohoo!" filled the air, expressing the shared enthusiasm for the event unfolding before them.

At a distance, Val leaned against the NYPD car, taking a moment to relax and enjoy his sandwich.

He observed the bustling scene before him, a sea of excited faces that filled the streets.

Some were immersed in the New Year's Eve festivities, reveling in the joy and anticipation of the coming year.

Others were drawn to the Stark Expo, eager to witness the marvels of futuristic technology.

While waiting, he was interrupted by a familiar voice.

A male police officer walked up to him and called out, "Hey!"

Val turned his head and immediately recognized the officer as Brad, an old acquaintance.

A smile spread across Val's face as he extended his hand and greeted him warmly, "Brad! It's great to see you again!"

Brad returned the gesture, firmly shaking Val's hand. He replied with genuine enthusiasm, "Likewise, Val! It's been too long. How have you been?"

Val chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "Oh, you know, the usual chaos of the city. But hey, we're here tonight, enjoying the festivities. That's what matters."

He looked at the 'scars' on Val's face and his grey hairs and said, "It's been years, Val. The last time we saw each other was the day you left the police force to join the army. So, how was it?"

Val let out a weary sigh, his gaze momentarily drifting away. "It was just like any other experience," he replied, his tone carrying a tinge of resignation.

Val glanced at the people around him and thought, 'It's quite easy to forge documents to make it look like I was going to the army when, in fact, I was going to get Chi and the Obelisk so many years ago.'

Brad's eyes landed on the sandwich in Val's hands and asked, "Where did you get that? It looks delicious!"

Val's gaze shifted to the sandwich, and a grin formed on his face, "Oh, this?"

Turning his attention to a nearby vendor, Val pointed in the vendor's direction and replied, "I got it from him. You better hurry before the crowd swarms him."

Brad replied, "On it!" and hurriedly walked to the vender.

Val savored each bite of his sandwich, observing the joyous commotion of the crowd.

Lost in his own thoughts, he suddenly felt a gentle pull on his knee, interrupting his moment of solitude.

As he glanced down, his eyes met with a tearful gaze of a young girl, adorned in her finest attire and clutching a tiny teddy bear.

With a quivering voice, she uttered, "I-I can't find my Mommy!"