Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, continued to use his suit to protect people, and his fame had reached new heights.
He reopened the Stark Expo, a dream of his father's, to endorse inventors and inventions that would benefit the world.
As he left the stage, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was wrong.
His blood toxicity was rising, and the veins around his chest were becoming increasingly damaged.
He knew he had to keep this secret from everyone, including Pepper Potts and Happy Hogan.
Just as he was trying to process this information, he received a summons to attend a Senate Armed Forces Committee hearing on the existence and threat of the Iron Man armor.
Senator Stern, a stern-looking man with a scowl on his face, demanded that Tony hand over his armor technology for military application.
"Mr. Stark, we need to discuss the implications of your Iron Man suit," Senator Stern said, his voice firm.
"We believe it's a threat to national security, and we demand that you hand over the technology to us."
Tony shook his head, a confident smile on his face.
"I'm afraid that's not possible, Senator. The Iron Man suit and I are the same concept. To give it over would be to turn over myself."
Senator Stern's face turned red with anger. "You're being obstinate, Mr. Stark. We need this technology to protect our country."
Tony leaned forward, his eyes locked on the senator. "I've seen the attempts by foreign powers to duplicate the Iron Man suit. Let's just say they're not exactly... successful."
He turned to Justin Hammer, a corporate rival who had testified against him. "And as for you, Justin, I see you're still trying to play catch-up. Perhaps you should focus on making a better product instead of trying to steal mine."
Justin Hammer's face turned bright red as Tony revealed his failed attempt at creating a prototype.
The hearing ended with Tony emerging victorious, but he knew he had a more pressing problem on his hands. As he returned home, J.A.R.V.I.S. confirmed that the toxic levels of his blood had risen.
"Sir, the palladium that's powering the Arc Reactor is slowly killing you," J.A.R.V.I.S. said, his voice concerned.
"There are no other suitable replacements."
Tony's face fell as he realized he was running out of time. He made the difficult decision to make Pepper Potts the CEO of Stark Industries and hired Natalie Rushman as his new assistant.
Later, he decided to take a break and attend the Monaco Grand Prix, seeking some enjoyment before he died. He took out the Formula One driver representing Stark Industries and drove it himself, putting himself in immediate danger.
Unbeknownst to Tony,
Vanko, aka Whiplash*
had gained a pass to the Monaco Grand Prix through his associate. Vanko had modified his harness with electric whips, plotting an attack on Tony.
As Tony sped around the track, he felt a rush of adrenaline. But little did he know, his life was about to get a whole lot more complicated.