Chapter: 21

Zee——

With a sudden brake, a magnificent Audi supercar stopped at the entrance of the Disney Concert Hall.

As Tony and Mark got out of the car, the crowd immediately stirred.

"Weapons manufacturing is just a small part of Stark Industries' empire. Our relationship with the Firefighter and Rescue Team..." Obadiah, who was being interviewed by reporters, suddenly felt the unusual commotion and turned his head to look outside.

"If the host of the party doesn't come, what's the point of everyone else coming?" Tony approached Obadiah and sought an explanation.

"Hey, look at that, it's really surprising!" Obadiah looked embarrassed and glanced around.

Tony noticed the presence of reporters beside him and saved his face by not pressing further. "Let's go inside and talk."

After saying that, he pulled Mark into the concert hall.

"That bearded bald guy's expression just now was hilarious. It was like a chauffeur showing off the owner's car and coincidentally running into the owner. Hahaha." Mark couldn't help but burst into laughter after entering the concert hall.

"Haha, to be honest, I also found it quite amusing!" Tony's mood improved somewhat after hearing Mark's joke and laughed along with him.

The two of them went to the beverage counter. Tony ordered a glass of Scotch whiskey for himself and a glass of milk with calcium for Mark.

At this moment, a man in a black suit next to them took the initiative to engage in conversation. "Mr. Stark, I'm Agent Coulson."

"Oh, right, that... organization," Tony hesitated, unable to recall the name.

"The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division," Mark reminded him.

"Yes, that's right. Thank you, young man," Coulson responded.

"Wow, you guys should come up with a new name for your department." Tony joked.

"Indeed, I often hear people say that," Coulson replied with a smile that was neither awkward nor polite.

But then Mark excitedly made a suggestion, "How about calling it S.H.I.E.L.D.? You can propose it to your superiors."

"That's a good name, simple and direct, with profound meaning. I will suggest it to my superiors. Thank you again."

"I think it's great too. What does S.H.I.E.L.D. want from me?" Tony took a sip of his drink and asked Coulson.

"Well, it's like this. I know these past few days have been tough for you, but I still need to ask you some questions. There are still many unresolved matters, and time is also an issue. Shall we meet at Stark Industries on the 24th at 7 p.m.?" Coulson explained.

Tony extended his right hand and shook hands with Coulson. "You know what? I think you're right, and I agree. Now I need to go to my secretary and finalize things."

After saying that, Tony walked towards Pepper, who was wearing a blue silk backless evening gown, leaving Mark behind in the same spot.

"I bet he'll completely forget about this matter when the time comes," Mark said to Coulson, patting his arm and striking up a conversation.

"Why?" Coulson was puzzled.

"Didn't you see the vague look in his eyes when he was listening to you? He was already captivated by Pepper's figure. With your insight, you could have been a negotiator. You have a special aura that makes people easily drawn to you."

"Thank you for your reminder, but I will still be there on time. And don't be fooled by my appearance, I'm also an experienced veteran agent. Being a negotiator is no problem for me. But why are you out with Mr. Stark so late? Won't you be tired for class tomorrow?"

"Ah, you see, as a spy, you should be asking my old man for the answers you need. Yet you don't even know if his illegitimate child is attending school. And you claim to be an experienced old agent? Your pre-investigation work is too perfunctory." Mark shook his head, pretending to be disappointed. He was just feeling a bit bored and wanted to pass the time with Coulson.

"I only wanted to ask Mr. Stark about the specific details of his escape from the terrorists, not investigate his personal affairs. Generally, our special division still respects the protection of citizens' privacy rights under the law.

"But seeing that you're not even attending school despite being underage, did you graduate early like Mr. Stark?"

"No, I never went to school. I've been homeschooled since I was young. I already knew everything they taught in school. Why would I waste my time going to school?" Mark's sudden show-off attitude left Coulson speechless. This time, he couldn't help but feel genuinely embarrassed, not just offering a polite smile.

...

On the other side, Tony approached the goddess as he locked eyes with Pepper through his gaze-guided navigation. "Hey, you look stunning tonight, and I don't see anyone else here."

"How did you end up here?" Pepper was surprised to see Tony at the party, considering that Tony's schedule was usually managed by her.

Tony: "I'm avoiding a government agent."

"Did you come alone?"

Tony: "No—I came with Mark. Where did you get this dress?"

Pepper suddenly looked a bit embarrassed. "It was my birthday gift, but in reality, you asked me to buy it on your behalf."

At that time, Tony was busy with his own advanced technology and heard that it was Pepper's birthday, so he asked her to take care of it. And Pepper, being a competent secretary, actually took care of even such matters for Tony.

"It seems like my taste is pretty good. Do you want to dance?" Tony, however, felt no embarrassment at all. He was already accustomed to Pepper handling everything for him, even if it made something that should have been romantic quite dull.

"Oh, no." Pepper immediately declined.

"Come on." Tony took the initiative to hold her hand and led her towards the dance floor.

"Thank you, Mr. Stark. But really, it's not necessary."

However, it was evident that Tony, who had entered his domineering CEO mode, would not listen to the other's refusal. Tony wrapped his arm around Pepper's waist, and the two swayed on the dance floor.

"You seem uncomfortable." Sensing Pepper's stiff body and unnatural expression, Tony asked.

"Not at all... I just keep forgetting to wear perfume, and now I'm dancing with my boss..." Pepper explained hesitantly, without revealing the true reason.

In fact, dancing with Tony in an open-back evening gown posed a serious problem. For Pepper, who had always been dedicated and professional as a secretary, this would invite gossip and criticism.

"You look beautiful and smell nice. But I can fire you if that makes you feel better." Tony's words indicated that he understood the underlying meaning behind Pepper's previous statement. However, he didn't stop dancing with her; he didn't care about what others would gossip about because in his eyes, only Pepper mattered now.

Feeling the affection in Tony's gaze, Pepper relaxed and joked, "Actually, I think without me, you wouldn't even be able to tie your shoelaces."

"I can survive for about a week."

"Really? I don't believe you." Pepper asked, "Do you know your social security number?"

"... Want to go out for some fresh air?" Failing to come up with an answer, Tony once again resorted to changing the subject.

"Okay, I'd also like some fresh air."

On the terrace, in a secluded corner with only the two of them, Pepper spoke words she couldn't say in front of others, "I feel weird. It's like everyone I work with is watching us."

"Why? We're just dancing, right?"

"No, it's not just dancing. It's because you're you, and everyone knows what kind of person you are and how you treat girls.

And that's not the only thing. You know, for me, you're my boss, and yet here I am dancing with you..."

"I don't think they'll misinterpret it."

"But it makes me look like someone who wants... you know, to date a millionaire. And I'm even wearing this ridiculous dress..." As she spoke, looking at Tony's focused gaze, reflecting only her own figure in his eyes, Pepper involuntarily closed her eyes and slowly leaned closer to Tony.

However, at that moment, Tony became nervous. His body stiffened like a recently awakened zombie, and he didn't respond to Pepper's initiative at all.

Finally, Pepper stopped. She was disappointed with Tony's reaction. She even briefly believed that Tony might have developed some different feelings for her. But now she couldn't be sure what Tony was really up to. Could this man, who could sleep with magazine cover models all year round, truly have genuine feelings for her?