Chapter: 37

The scene that made Tony stumble in his words was none other than Nini, who came to assist in the battle under Pepper's command.

Nini wasn't crushed by Iron Monger as Tony had imagined, nor did she rely on agile movements to restrain Iron Monger's attacks.

After descending from the sky, Nini shot out two plasma lightsabers with her arms. Before Iron Monger could react, she skillfully dismembered it.

Looking at the lifeless Obadiah, Tony felt a chill running up his spine, making his whole body shudder. "This kid Mark, why does it feel like the things he invents are becoming more and more dangerous? I really don't dare to provoke him in the future..."

The great battle came to an abrupt end. Even the villain boss, Obadiah, couldn't even set his own death flag. He met his end under Nini's swift and decisive attacks.

"I should have had Mark make me a personal assistant like this. JARVIS, contact Rhodey for me."

"Tony, how's it going over there?" As soon as the call connected, Rhodey quickly inquired about the situation on Tony's end.

"There's a mess here that needs your help."

"I knew it wouldn't be anything good when you called me. I'll clean up the mess for you. How about lending me your armor for a day?"

"Sorry, they're custom-made. Give me some time, and I'll modify Mark II for you."

"Deal!"

...

In the familiar setting of a press conference, Colonel Rhodes, dressed in military uniform, was speaking on the podium.

"We have all received the official statement regarding the Stark Industries incident last night. Uncertain reports suggest that a prototype robot malfunctioned, causing severe damage to the buildings and roads surrounding Stark Industries."

"Fortunately, one of Tony Stark's private security personnel..."

Behind the scenes of the press conference, Pepper was applying makeup to Tony, concealing the scars left on his face from last night.

While listening to Rhodey's live speech on TV, Tony absentmindedly looked at the newspaper. "This name is pretty memorable and cool. Technically, it's not accurate, though, because my armor is made of titanium-gold alloy and is coated with a graphene film. But anyway, this name is quite attractive."

Hearing Tony's words, Mark rolled his eyes disdainfully. "If I hadn't activated Nini's combat modules to save you, you would have blown up the Arc Reactor prototype that Grandpa left behind. And yet, you have the nerve to feel proud because of some newspaper headlines!"

Tony became irritated at Mark's exposure. "I haven't even criticized you, you little punk. Lately, it's either some combat module or dominator. Why don't you ever discuss it with me?"

"Hmph, why would I need to discuss anything with you, an ignorant novice who doesn't even understand graphene?" Mark began to use his advantage as a time traveler to retort at Tony.

"You little punk! It's thanks to me that your robot can use the miniaturized Arc Reactor!"

"That was also invented by Grandpa, and you just lucked out!"

"Both of you, please stop!" Agent Coulson, who had just entered the room, intervened as it seemed like these two gentlemen were ready to fight to the death. He quickly halted their argument. "Mr. Stark, this is your alibi."

Coulson handed a piece of paper to Tony. "You were on the yacht at the time. We have prepared customs documents. You were on Avalon Island all night, and there are testimonies from fifty guests."

"I thought it was just Pepper and me together, alone on that island."

Pepper, who was focused on touching up Tony's makeup, pulled off the bandage on his face and gave him a warning with a touch of coquetry.

"What about me? I should also be on the island!" Mark interjected, joining in for fun.

"Don't make trouble. What business does a child have at an adults' gathering? By the way, it doesn't mention Obadiah here—"

Coulson calmly responded, "We have prepared the relevant documents. He was on vacation at the time, but unfortunately, the small plane he was on had an accident on the way. You know, those small planes are particularly prone to accidents."

"All you need to do is speak according to the official statement, Mr. Stark. That way, you'll be fine soon. You have 90 seconds to prepare." After finishing his words, Coulson turned and walked away.

"Wait, Agent Coulson!" Pepper hurriedly called him from behind Coulson. "I want to thank you for your help."

"This is our job. We will be in touch with you." Coulson responded with a smile.

"From the National Strategic..."

"Just call us S.H.I.E.L.D. Our director has accepted the proposal from Mark Stark, the young man."

"Hey, don't call me a young man! I'm already fourteen!" Mark shouted in protest.

"Alright, Mark, go sit in the seats outside. We're about to go on stage." Tony patted Mark's buttocks, urging him to leave.

Mark instantly understood and realized that Tony was creating a space for alone time with Pepper. He obediently left the room after Coulson, not wanting to be a third wheel.

"If I were Iron Man, my girlfriend would know my true identity. That would be tough for her. She would worry about me dying all the time but also feel proud of me. She would be in a constant dilemma, but it would make her even more fascinated by me. So... Pepper, do you ever think back to that night?"

"Which night?"

"You know."

"Are you referring to the night we danced, then went upstairs, and you went downstairs to get me a drink, but you left me alone there with Mark and left directly? Is that the night you're talking about?"

Tony intended to test the progress of his relationship with Pepper but ended up creating an extremely awkward atmosphere. He could only force an awkward smile and remain silent.

"I knew it. Is there anything else, Mr. Stark?"

"No, nothing. It's fine, Miss Potts. Let's go out. I think I heard Rhodey calling my name." With a stiff smile, Tony quickly escaped from this awkward place, leaving Pepper looking at him fleeing and finally unable to pretend to be angry any longer, revealing a charming smile.