By the time Tony arrived at the charity gala, the pre-dinner cocktail reception had already ended, and most of the reporters outside had dispersed...
When the sleek Koenigsegg screeched to a stylish halt at the entrance, the usually spotlight-hogging Stark surprisingly avoided the paparazzi's usual frenzy and walked into the venue unbothered.
The spacious hall was filled with the soothing melodies of a live band. Tony's gaze swept through the mingling crowd of guests until he spotted the familiar figure he was looking for.
Pepper, usually conservative and composed, was dressed to the nines tonight...
A sky-blue backless gown hugged her figure, paired with just-the-right-height heels. Her golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and under the dazzling glow of the crystal chandeliers, her skin looked as smooth and radiant as snow.
Compared to her usual efficient, no-nonsense secretary persona, tonight's Pepper captivated Tony in a way he hadn't expected. Her gentle yet alluring elegance was a magnetic pull for the seasoned playboy.
'Wait, who the hell is that guy she's with?!'
Amid the flowing music, Pepper, who rarely indulged in dances with men, was swaying gracefully in the arms of a young man. Her blue gown fluttered like a blooming lotus, stunningly beautiful.
It took Tony a moment to place the guy...
He'd seen him before in Las Vegas. The newly risen 'genius of New York' who was often compared to him in the media.
The bastard's hand rested lightly on Pepper's waist, and Tony, with his extensive experience, could tell at a glance this guy was a player...
The way he maintained just the right distance... close enough to create intimacy, but not enough to make his partner uncomfortable... It was a trick Tony himself had used countless times!
A surge of irritation rose in Stark's chest, like a child watching his favorite toy being snatched away. After Obadiah's betrayal, Pepper was one of the few people he still trusted. She had always been by his side, handling all his messes.
Without her, Tony Stark would be a dysfunctional mess. He would be a man who couldn't even remember his own social security number. Pepper was his caretaker, his anchor, and maybe even more vital than JARVIS.
"Excuse me, I'd like to borrow my secretary for a moment. I hope you don't mind." Tony strode over, cutting in smoothly as the music softened.
He tilted his chin up at the young man with the annoyingly pleasant smile... 'Heʼs a little younger than me. Pepper wouldn't go for a smooth-talking pretty boy. Someone mature and reliable like me is more her type...' Tony mused.
"Sean Cyphers. I know you. You took quite a bit of my money in Vegas." Tony gave him a sidelong glance, his tone dripping with his usual arrogance, "The papers love comparing you to me. I wonder if the so-called 'Genius of New York' is half as smart as he is lucky at cards."
Sean released his hold on Pepper's waist. He had originally come to gauge Iron Man's current condition but had instead run into Tony's personal secretary. The poised woman had been sitting alone at the bar in an elegant blue backless dress, nursing a drink.
A casual conversation later, Pepper (upon learning Sean's identity) instinctively shifted into professional mode...
They discussed the future of new energy technologies. Umbrella had previously expressed interest in the energy market, and Dr. Otto Octavius, a renowned nuclear physicist, was leading a project on artificial sun technology.
None of this was classified. Pepper kept tabs on the energy sector, so she was well aware.
Sean's easygoing charm and sharp wit had left a good impression... though whether that was purely professional or partly personal was unclear.
Right now, Stark Industries desperately needed a reliable ally. The rising Umbrella Corporation was a solid candidate. At the very least, headlines about 'Two Geniuses Joining Forces' would grab New York's attention.
Seeing Tony's obvious misunderstanding, Sean smiled faintly, "I've also wondered whether the rumors are true, that Mr. Stark's intelligence is directly proportional to his insufferable personality."
"Genius is like virtue, knowledge like wealth. Unfortunately for you, I happen to possess both." Tony stroked his goatee, never one to shy away from self-praise.
"I understand the mindset of young people like you, thinking you can change the world. But in reality, your abilities fall far short of your delusions. True geniuses never need to show off. They're like candles in the dark, they naturally draw eyes." Tony spoke with condescension.
Though he lacked the height advantage, his status and achievements dwarfed Sean's. Compared to Tony's glittering résumé... arms dealer, head of Stark Industries, scientific prodigy... Sean was still a nobody. After all, real genius had to stand the test of time.
"Right. Mr. Stark's humility is truly one-of-a-kind. I'm sure the entire country knows about how you built a circuit board at four, engineered a motor at six, and graduated from MIT with honors at seventeen." Sean's smile didn't waver, but his tone carried a hint of mockery.
He had no intention of indulging the arrogant Iron Man.
"Ahem..."
Tony coughed awkwardly...
Those childhood "genius" tales had been part of Obadiah's PR campaign...
The truth was, his reputation wasn't built on intellect alone, marketing had played a role. No one cared about an unknown prodigy. Stark was undeniably brilliant, but even the greatest scientists needed applause.
"Alright Tony, I thought you weren't attending?" Pepper smoothly redirected the conversation before things escalated.
If this kept up, any potential collaboration between Stark Industries and Umbrella would be doomed.
"I got tired of being cooped up and felt like taking a drive." The tsundere billionaire would never admit he'd come because he missed his secretary.
He shot Sean another glance, and puffed up like a preening peacock, simultaneously showing off while warding off the perceived rival, "Sorry, but Pepper and I have some private matters to discuss."
Sean shrugged, unbothered. He plucked a champagne flute from a passing waiter's tray and raised it toward Tony, "To your health."
Tony's expression darkened briefly before he masked it. Grabbing Pepper's hand, he led her toward the balcony. The usually carefree playboy was, for once, feeling the sting of competition.
Watching the pair disappear into the night, Sean chuckled... 'It seems the timeline hasn't shifted much...'
Iron Man was still plagued by palladium poisoning, and soon, he would face even bigger headaches... Like, say, a congressional hearing on his armor...