77

Chapter 77: New Year's Eve Party

"This guy Stark is really something. He didn't even invite me to this New Year's Eve party!"

Thor grumbled while enjoying a massage from Pepper Potts in his seat on the plane.

Pepper Potts rolled her eyes. "You know how it is. That playboy is always trying to avoid you, so why would he invite you?"

Tony Stark's opinion of Thor is well-known in their circles. With Stark's arrogant personality, it's understandable that he'd be irritated by someone who appears younger, handsomer, and is from an older generation.

Moreover, when Howard Stark died, he had mentioned—whether seriously or not—that if Tony ever became reckless, Stark Industries would be handed over to Thor. Of course, this was likely just talk, not to be taken seriously, but it still irked Tony.

Thor enjoyed teasing Tony, especially considering how Tony was now avoiding him by flying to Switzerland for New Year's Eve...

…

"Hello, beauties! Miss me?"

At the New Year's Eve party, Stark was reveling in the company of models, pondering where to spend the night.

Pepper Potts, who had just entered the hall with Thor, frowned and tugged on Thor's sleeve. "Boss, don't you want to find someone to unwind with?"

Thor shook his head firmly. "Nonsense. I'm not like Stark, indulging in everything. I have standards!"

"For instance... an elite agent? A botanist? Or a warrior from childhood?" Pepper suggested with a hint of sarcasm.

Thor requested a glass of wine and narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "Actually, some well-placed professional beauties aren't so bad."

Pepper Potts shook her head in disbelief. "Sorry, I don't play by those rules, even if you are my boss!"

Thor chuckled, amused by her reaction, and looked at her teasingly.

Pepper Potts' expression grew slightly uncomfortable. "At least not while you're working!"

…

Meanwhile, Tony Stark had already surrounded himself with two models, boasting about his achievements while they showed a mixture of admiration and skepticism.

Even though Stark was still a playboy, his wealth and looks were enough to charm those around him.

His current companion was certainly not Maya Hansen, who was busy with her experiments in the manor's laboratory...

Thor wasn't interested in their revelry. Pepper Potts, noticing Thor's lack of enthusiasm, asked, "Aren't you going to say hello? Are you really just here for the party?"

After years of working together, Pepper understood Thor's disinterest in such social events. He had little patience for the socialites who seemed only interested in marrying into wealth.

Thor was much more discerning than the ever-present Stark.

"I just wanted to see if there was something interesting among all this."

"???"

Pepper was accustomed to Thor's cryptic comments.

"Hello, Mr. Thor! I'm a big fan and I have an exciting research project I'd like to collaborate on!"

A scruffy man on crutches approached Thor, extending a business card with enthusiasm.

"It's a privately funded organization called the Advanced Idea Mechanics ..."

…