Chapter 5: CH 5
Boom!
On the streets of downtown New York, a Lamborghini Veneno sped past like a hurricane, its sleek frame cutting through traffic with effortless precision.
The engine's roar was enough to ignite any car enthusiast's adrenaline, while its stunning design could make anyone's heart race.
Just like its name—Veneno, meaning poison—this car was dangerously captivating.
In the driver's seat sat Ethan, casually gripping the steering wheel with his left hand while resting his right arm outside the window. (After all, in the United States, the driver's seat is on the left side.)
Despite the car's breakneck speed, Ethan looked as relaxed as if he were taking a leisurely drive through an empty street.
Dressed in a tailored black suit that perfectly accentuated his muscular frame, Ethan exuded both elegance and raw power.
Soon, the Lamborghini glided to a halt outside his destination. Glancing at the watch on his wrist, Ethan smirked.
"Exactly seven o'clock."
Stepping out of the car, Ethan adjusted his cufflinks before making his way into the venue.
The grand ballroom was already buzzing with laughter and conversation.
With a glass of wine in hand, Ethan barely had time to take in his surroundings before a group of women approached him, their eyes alight with curiosity and interest.
As one of the most successful novelists in the world—and the largest shareholder of Stark Industries—it wasn't surprising that he attracted attention.
Ethan wasn't one to shy away from socializing, especially when surrounded by beautiful women. Soon, a small circle of admirers had gathered around him, their laughter and playful chatter turning him into the center of attention.
At Tony Stark's parties, the guest list was always filled with the crème de la crème of society—at least when it came to men.
As for women, Tony's standards were simple:
1. Young.
2. Gorgeous.
That was it.
Even the waitstaff, dressed in their sleek uniforms, could easily pass for models.
Still, none of the women surrounding Ethan were quite his type. After all, with his current physique—enhanced by the Silver Superman Template—he doubted any of them could keep up with him.
Across the room, Tony Stark watched the scene with a smirk.
"Hey, Happy," Tony said, nudging his bodyguard. "Look at that guy—reminds me of myself back in the day."
"Wanna bet on which one he's taking home tonight? The C-cup brunette on the right or the long-legged blonde on the left?"
Tony studied the two women with a mischievous gleam in his eyes.
"Gotta say, both of them look kinda familiar…"
"Happy?"
When Tony glanced to his side, he realized his bodyguard had vanished.
In his place stood Pepper Potts, wearing an elegant blue evening gown that accentuated her graceful figure.
"Wow, Pepper. You look incredible tonight," Tony said, pushing his sunglasses up onto his head.
"Really? I thought I didn't measure up to your C-cup brunette or the long-legged blonde," Pepper replied, her tone sweet but her eyes sharp.
Tony raised his hands in mock surrender.
"No, no—none of them hold a candle to you. I mean it, Pepper."
"Right. Except those women over there have all 'gotten to know' you pretty well, haven't they?"
"Hey, my memory's a little fuzzy. Can't recall every name," Tony replied with a cheeky grin.
Before Pepper could respond, Tony quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway, who's that guy over there stealing my spotlight?"
"His name's Ethan," Pepper replied. "He's the author of Terminator—the book you couldn't put down last month. Also, Stark Industries' largest shareholder at the moment."
"With the way our stock's rising, I wouldn't be surprised if he becomes the second-richest man in the world soon."
Tony raised an eyebrow.
"And who's number one?"
"You," Pepper replied, indulging Tony's ego.
"Thought so."
Tony took another sip of his drink, eyeing Ethan with renewed interest.
"Maybe I should go say hello."
Pepper blinked in surprise.
Tony Stark willingly approaching someone?
This was a rare sight indeed.
"Really?"
"Yeah. Let's go."
Grabbing two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter, Tony started toward Ethan, with Pepper following closely behind.
Meanwhile, Happy Hogan had already made his way to Ethan's side, watching with a mix of envy and admiration as the novelist casually chatted with the women surrounding him.
Man… I wish I had that kind of charm…
"Uh… hey, Mr. Ethan?" Happy called hesitantly.
Despite the noise of the party, Ethan heard him and turned with a friendly smile.
"Happy Hogan, right? Tony Stark's bodyguard and driver."
"Y-Yeah! I'm also a huge fan of your books."
Ethan chuckled and gestured toward the women around him.
"These ladies are fans too, though I think their interest lies beyond literature."
"Guilty as charged!" laughed the brunette that Tony had labeled "C+." She clung to Ethan's arm, pressing herself a little too close.
"Care to join our little book club, sir?" she added with a teasing smile.
Happy's face turned red as he scrambled to pull something from his coat.
"I—I brought this with me. Could you sign it, Mr. Ethan?"
He held out a copy of The Lord of the Rings.
Ethan's smile widened. Unlike the women around him, Happy seemed to be a genuine fan.
Taking a pen from the inner pocket of his suit, Ethan signed his name with a flourish before handing the book back.
"Here you go."
"Thank you so much!" Happy beamed, holding the signed book like a precious treasure.
Raising his glass, Ethan clinked it against Happy's in a quick toast.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I hope I'm not interrupting."
Tony's voice cut through the air like a knife. The women immediately stepped aside, recognizing the host of the party.
"Sorry, girls. I'm a fan of great writers too," Tony said with a smirk.
Understanding the unspoken cue, the women exchanged glances and reluctantly walked away, leaving Ethan alone with Tony, Pepper, and Happy.
Ethan raised an eyebrow at Tony.
Did this guy really just chase off my fan club?
"Hello, Mr. Ethan. I'm Pepper Potts—we spoke on the phone earlier."
"And this is my boss, Tony Stark."
"And I'm Happy Hogan!" Happy added eagerly, still clutching his signed book.
Ethan chuckled.
"Pleasure to meet you, Iron Man."
Raising his glass, Ethan clinked it against Tony's in a gesture of respect.
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