Having the AI meant that any device connected to the network could no longer spy on him!
Recently, his actions had become somewhat "exposed."
He figured it wouldn't be long before S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra would start noticing him.
After leaving the hospital,
Knock, knock, knock~
As soon as Hode returned to his Cadillac, he heard someone tapping on the car window.
Turning to look, he was surprised to see Tony Stark wearing sunglasses outside.
"Hode, it really is you!"
As the window came down, Tony looked astonished: "You're sick? Why didn't you contact me? I have the top medical team!"
He had noticed the Cadillac; after all, Hode's was the only one in all of New York.
"No, I just came to visit a friend."
Hode shook his head, spreading his hands with a smile: "What's the chairman of Stark Industries doing here?"
He truly hadn't expected Tony to show up at St. John's Hospital.
St. John's was top-notch, but it couldn't compare to Tony's medical team.
Tony sighed as he walked around to the passenger side, opened the door, and sat down.
"I'm here to see the civilians injured in Sokovia..."
He cracked a self-deprecating smile.
"Sorry."
Seeing Tony's bitter expression, Hode understood that he was in a tough place.
He had just not anticipated Tony would come to the hospital personally.
"No need to apologize."
Tony shook his head with a pained smile, saying, "If it weren't for my mistakes, it wouldn't have come to this."
His decisions had harmed too many people, filling him with guilt.
"And..."
Tony paused before continuing, "If it weren't for Wanda, I wouldn't have the face to see those injured."
He knew all too well that any redemption they had was entirely due to Wanda's efforts.
"However, I notice Wanda's approval ratings are skyrocketing; you should be able to escape the storm of public opinion now."
Hode had also paid attention to this; it had to be said that her actions had salvaged their prior image.
Recently, negative news about the Avengers had significantly decreased.
"Yeah."
Tony lowered the passenger seat a bit, sighing with worry: "But this issue seems more complicated than it appears."
"What's up? Is there another problem?"
Hode could tell that worry was etched across Tony's face.
"Wanda is hiding something from us; someone is helping her.
"Of course, I understand this could be good, but she doesn't trust us and hasn't told anyone."
Tony revealed his deepest concerns.
This person who can bring about a change in Wanda is definitely not simple. Moreover, he is more concerned about whether this person has other intentions towards the Avengers.
During this time, he has been trying to investigate the identity of this mysterious figure.
"Master, our scans show that Tony Stark is looking into Wanda's situation, which could potentially involve you!" At that moment, the Red Queen's voice came through the headset.
Investigating?
Hode was taken aback for a moment but quickly understood. Tony had always been a man of action, and he probably started his investigation as soon as he learned of the situation. However, he hadn't expected that Wanda hadn't revealed the nature of their relationship.
Hode turned to look at Tony, who wore a worried expression. He wanted to say something to him, but ultimately decided against it. He needed to respect Wanda's choice; perhaps she felt it wasn't the right time to share yet.
"Don't worry too much, Tony."
Hode patted Tony on the shoulder. "Maybe Wanda is just waiting for the right moment."
"The right moment?"
Tony was momentarily taken aback and then turned to Hode with a look of confusion.
"She trusts you guys, and she might just need time to adjust. Pushing too hard could make the situation worse."
After hearing Hode's explanation, Tony hesitated for a moment before finally nodding slightly. Hode had a point; if he pressured her too much, it might drive Wanda away. After all, this was her privacy to manage.
"Thanks, Hode. I'll treat you to a meal sometime; I've just been too busy lately."
Thanks to Hode's advice, Tony ultimately decided to take his suggestion. He would have Pepper stop the investigation once he got back.
"No problem," Hode replied with a smile.
He didn't expect so many people wanting to treat him to a meal lately.
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