"You said you were going to turn these fragments into a necklace and give it to Pepper, didn't you? And express your feelings, letting her know she's the most important woman to you. Why is it still here, and why hasn't it become a necklace?"
Mark picked up the small bottle from the table and placed it in front of Tony, asking.
"Uh... well, I..."
Seeing Tony's hesitant and evasive behavior, Mark became frustrated. He knew his suspicions were correct.
"Have you been holed up in the lab researching the new suit since the fragments were removed? Haven't you gone out at all?"
Faced with Mark's question, Tony nodded guiltily.
"Have you gone all this time without actively caring about whether Pepper is tired from work or even taking the initiative to call and maintain a relationship?"
Then, Tony guiltily nodded again, avoiding eye contact with Mark.
Mark slapped his forehead with his right hand. He felt like he had been deceived by the wrong person. He had worked so hard to help Tony pursue true love and bring him and Pepper together.
But now, it seemed that there was no sign of them becoming a couple. They hadn't met in over half a year, there had been no communication or concern. Even the duck that Mark had helped cook was about to fly away.
"Never mind, don't bother about why I came to find you. You better take care of your own matters. Pepper is such a wonderful person, she has strong feelings for you. After a major battle, you had a perfect opportunity to strengthen your relationship, and yet you didn't seize it at all. It really frustrates me."
"Now, immediately, right away, drop all your research projects and call Pepper. Arrange a candlelight dinner with her, and quickly mend your relationship. Do you understand!?"
Seeing Mark's stern tone, Tony could only bury his head in his chest and repeatedly nod in agreement.
If an outsider were to witness this strange scene, they might think Tony was the child and Mark was the father.
However, there was no other way. Mark didn't want this either, but Tony was an inexperienced novice when it came to serious relationships. For the sake of his happiness, Mark had to toughen up and give him a lesson.
"Also, find a designer to quickly design these fragments into a necklace and give it to Pepper. Although your idea is a bit plain, for someone like Pepper who doesn't pursue vanity or fame, it will be the best surprise."
"Furthermore, there have been increased terrorist activities recently. You need to ensure her safety and prevent any accidents. It would be your regret if something happens."
In the end, Mark, worried that Tony and Pepper might be affected by an explosion before he could complete his revenge plan, gave a serious reminder.
"Terrorist activities??" Tony, who hadn't been following the news, naturally looked confused and didn't know the details.
"You'll find out from the news later, or have J.A.R.V.I.S. give you a report. Now, quickly contact Pepper, confirm a date for your meeting, and don't think about anything else. I'll solve my own problems, and the government will handle the terrorist issue. As for your lifelong affair, no one but you can resolve it."
"Alright, that's it. I'm heading back to the company now. You better hurry with your actions!"
Coming in a hurry and leaving in a hurry... Mark initially came to ask for Tony's help, considering he used to be Killian's most admired idol and now his most hated enemy. With Tony's help as bait, Mark didn't believe Killian wouldn't take the bait.
But who knew Tony would live up to his reputation as a straight-laced engineering nerd, completely oblivious to everything.
He didn't know that his best friend, Colonel Rhodes, had become the Iron Patriot due to the Mandarin's influence.
He didn't know how his girlfriend was doing lately, whether she was working hard or under a lot of pressure.
Mark truly doubted that even if he were wearing a cuckold's hat, Tony would probably still be clueless, tinkering with his Iron Man suit in the lab. He truly embodied the term "straight-laced engineering nerd."
But when it came to Pepper, Mark was certain that she wouldn't do such things. "Sigh, this old man really gives me a headache."
Letting out a sigh, Mark shook his head helplessly, commanding the Hover-cannon to accelerate and swiftly leave the Stark Mansion. At this moment, he remembered the possibility of the group of journalists still lingering near his company's entrance, causing him to sigh again, "Ah..."
The plan to ask Tony for help hadn't even started yet and was already scrapped, but it didn't greatly affect Mark's revenge plan. There were many ways to succeed in revenge, not limited to one or two specific plans. It was just that the plan had changed, and Mark had to rethink the entire strategy.
Since the bait he originally intended to use wasn't available, if he wanted to continue with this strategy, he needed a new bait.
"We both have the Stark surname, and I am the son of his archenemy. I'll personally act as bait. The effect should be quite good..."
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