Chapter 35: Chapter 35: The Truth Behind the Mask
"Just read the script," Rhodey whispered quietly.
"O-okay," Aetheris nodded.
"In fact, I am Iron Man."
"Wait, are you serious? You're saying you're Iron Man?"
The press conference instantly exploded into chaos. Journalists leapt to their feet.
"Mr. Stark, why are you confirming this again?"
"How did you build that suit of armor?"
"Why did you blow up Oscorp?"
"What were those two monsters you fought that night?"
"Mr. Stark, please answer our questions!"
Aetheris let out a long breath. He had finally said it and it felt amazing.
"Extra, extra! Iron Man is Tony Stark!"
"Breaking news! Tony Stark is Iron Man!"
"What?! Quick, get me a copy of today's paper!"
"Come on, is there any justice left in the world? How does one guy get everything?"
"Rich, talented, ridiculously handsome, and now the insanely powerful Iron Man—how can someone be this perfect?"
"Hmph, that's my husband you're talking about. Stop being jealous already!"
"You skank, what did you just say? He's my husband!"
Two women got into a shouting match in the middle of a busy New York street, drawing a crowd. Onlookers whipped out their phones to film the chaos and upload it to viral video platforms.
Meanwhile, Aetheris was flying down the highway in a sleek black Lamborghini Aventador, heading toward his company with one thing on his mind—vengeance.
He had no intention of letting Victor and Norman Osborn off the hook. They had dared to lay a hand on his woman. He would make them regret ever being born.
Back at his seaside villa, the blonde reporter casually threw a blanket over herself as she got out of bed, strolling around the place like she owned it.
She walked up to an electronic door and tried to open it.
"I'm sorry, you do not have access."
The voice startled her.
"That's JARVIS. He runs the entire house," Pepper said, walking over.
"Here's your outfit—freshly cleaned and pressed." She handed the blonde the clothes. "There's a private car waiting outside. You can leave whenever you're ready."
"You're the famous Pepper Potts, aren't you?" The blonde strutted over like a model on a runway, hips swaying dramatically.
"That's right. I am."
"After all these years and Tony still has you picking up his dry cleaning?" the blonde quipped, her voice thick with sarcasm—sharp enough that someone nearby might've been tempted to slap the smug look off her face.
Pepper tilted her head slightly, dressed immaculately in a tailored business outfit.
"Whatever Mr. Stark asks me to do, I do. That includes, on occasion, taking out the trash. Any other questions?"
"Hmph. Ridiculous," the reporter snapped as she snatched the clothes and stormed off.
Stark Industries Laboratory
"Tony, after working nonstop, I've finally resolved the technical issues with the Mark III Hellfire Armor. It's ready for production. It's just a pity—I still haven't found that new element to replace palladium," Dr. Carter said as he adjusted his glasses.
"You've done great. Don't worry about the new element—I'll handle that." Aetheris dialed his phone. "Happy, did you find that woman from the legal department? Natasha Romanoff?"
"Boss, you're a genius. She just started yesterday!"
"Perfect. Get her to my office immediately!" Aetheris said, visibly excited.
"Ethan, go ahead and start production on the Mark III armor," he added, then bolted out the door.
He couldn't help but feel thrilled—he was about to meet the leading lady of the Avengers.
Back when he first watched Iron Man 2, he had been completely taken by Scarlett Johansson's performance: stunning looks, deadly skills, and that irresistible blend of innocence and seduction.
Now, with Hulk's blood coursing through his veins, he didn't have to envy Bruce Banner's charm anymore. He could melt hearts with a single look, too.
Approaching the office, Aetheris slowed his steps, straightened his tie, and pushed open the door.
The first thing he saw was Natasha's back as she faced the window. Her figure was something out of a dream—like a ripe peach ready to burst at a touch.
She wore a white, semi-transparent knit blouse that clung to her curves, delicate as gossamer.
As the door creaked open, Natasha turned around with quiet grace. Her face was radiant, her eyes deep and alluring, her snow-white skin nearly blinding. For a moment, Aetheris forgot to breathe.
Even more captivating was her flawless, hourglass figure.
Her long legs were sculpted to perfection—any longer would have been too much, any shorter wouldn't have done her justice.
"Hello, Mr. Stark. I'm Natasha from Legal. What can I help you with?" she said, her rosy lips parting slightly. They were less than a meter apart, and her perfume hit him immediately.
He recognized the scent—Yves Saint Laurent's signature rose fragrance.
"No wonder you're called the most beautiful woman in the Marvel Universe," Aetheris thought to himself.
He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Should I call you Natasha, or Agent Black Widow of S.H.I.E.L.D.?"
For a split second, Natasha's confident expression faltered. Her pupils widened slightly.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Seeing her act coy, Aetheris chuckled. The awe he'd felt earlier melted away.
"Enough pretending. Call Cyclops Fury—I need to talk to him."
"How do you know I'm with S.H.I.E.L.D.? Your intel network can't be that powerful. I only started here yesterday—you shouldn't know anything about me." Rather than panicking, Natasha seemed amused. She casually walked over and sat down in Aetheris's executive chair.
"Hey, that's my seat," Aetheris said with a smirk.
"Well, would you prefer to sit on my lap? Or should I move over and sit on yours?" Natasha's playful little tongue flicked out like a teasing, dangerous Medusa.
"I don't think that'll be necessary."
(End of Chapter)
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