Chapter Seventeen: The Evening Gathering

Arthur sat on a recliner, holding a newspaper in his hand, his eyes vacant as he gazed at the setting sun. “Ah, being a bodyguard is so boring! If I’d known, I would have turned down this job. Isn’t drinking with three lovely ladies much more appealing?”

“Come on, accompany me out for a bit.” Arthur turned his head to see Tony beckoning to him.

“Where to?” Arthur asked listlessly.

“To attend a high-society gathering.”

“What are we waiting for, let’s go!” Arthur was instantly revived.

Tony drove, bringing Arthur to the Disney Music Hall. Why was Tony driving? Because Arthur simply couldn’t.

Tony glanced at Arthur and said, “You’re not a very professional bodyguard, can’t even drive. How did I ever hire you?”

Arthur gave an awkward smile. What could he do? He was just pushed into this job; he was struggling too.

“We’re here, get out.” Arthur and Tony stepped out and walked toward the hall entrance.

At the entrance, a crowd of elegantly dressed socialites had already gathered, along with a host of celebrities, politicians, and journalists.

Tony’s arrival triggered a chorus of shrieks from the female celebrities. The beautiful starlets eagerly approached Tony, seeking a chance to chat, but Tony ignored them and strode forward.

Arthur followed behind, casting a jealous glance at Tony and sighing, “Money really is awesome!” Someday, I’ll be just like Tony—showing off in front of everyone, surrounded by screaming beauties, Arthur vowed silently.

Tony spotted Obadiah Stane in the crowd, went up to greet him, and then led Arthur to the bar in the main hall.

“Two Scotch whiskies,” Tony ordered the bartender. At that moment, someone nearby turned to Tony and said, “We meet again, Mr. Stark.”

“And you are?” Tony glanced at him.

“I’m Agent Phil Coulson,” Coulson replied, looking at Arthur, then addressing Tony.

“Oh, right, I know you. You’re from—”

“The Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement, and Logistics Division. Now we’re called S.H.I.E.L.D.,” Coulson said.

“S.H.I.E.L.D.? You should have changed the name ages ago,” Tony remarked.

“We need to talk to you, discuss some recent events. How about meeting at Stark Tower on the 24th at 7 o’clock?” Coulson asked.

Tony didn’t really catch what he said; his gaze wandered to Pepper in the crowd, and he replied perfunctorily, “Fine, it’s settled. Sorry, excuse me.” Tony moved toward Pepper.

“I bet he didn’t hear a word you said,” Arthur said to Coulson.

“I think so too. Have you made any progress lately? Any issues with the Stark Company executives?” Coulson inquired.

“Tony’s relationship with the company leadership is tense, but right now, Obadiah Stane controls everything. He’s a big problem,” Arthur replied.

“Thank you, your investigation is very helpful to us! Please ensure Tony Stark’s safety, and contact me anytime if needed,” Coulson said.

“Alright. By the way, when will the person taking over my job arrive?” Arthur asked.

“She’s finished her own assignment and is already on her way back. You should meet her soon,” Coulson replied.

“That’s wonderful, I can hardly wait,” Arthur said excitedly.

Coulson gave Arthur a curious look—did he know who he was talking about?

“Well, I’ll leave Tony in your hands. I have other matters to attend to.” Coulson departed.

Arthur walked over to Tony and Pepper, who were conversing in the corridor. He saw Tony reach out and hug Pepper, tentatively leaning in for a kiss. Pepper, clearly unprepared, pushed Tony away.

An awkward tension immediately hung between them.

“Sorry, I didn’t see anything. Please, carry on,” Arthur tactfully stepped forward to break the awkwardness.

“We were just talking, you misunderstood,” Pepper said, her face flushed.

“Yes, just talking,” Tony winked at Arthur.

“This is a gift Tony prepared for you,” Arthur handed Pepper a gift box.

Pepper received it in surprise and asked Tony delightedly, “When did you prepare this?”

“You gave me your heart last time, so this is my return gift,” Tony, ever the smooth talker, responded instantly.

Pepper opened the box to find a necklace with an exquisite blue gemstone pendant. “It’s beautiful! Thank you, Tony!” Pepper was genuinely delighted.

“As long as you like it. Let me help you put it on.” Tony took the necklace and fastened it around Pepper’s neck from behind.

“You look stunning!” Tony gazed at Pepper with deep affection. Dressed in a blue gown, the necklace suited her perfectly.

“Thank you... I’d like something to drink,” Pepper said, feeling a bit embarrassed under Tony’s gaze.

Arthur immediately offered, “I’ll get it for you. What would you like?”

“I’ll come with you,” Tony said.

“Vodka martini, not sweet, with olives,” Pepper requested.

“Alright.” Tony draped his arm around Arthur’s shoulders and headed to the bar.

“I owe you one,” Tony said to Arthur.

“No big deal, just a little gift I prepared in advance. Don’t mention it,” Arthur waved it off.

Tony, of course, understood the value of that “little gift.” Such a large sapphire must be worth a fortune. The fact that Arthur could give such a gift meant he wasn’t short on cash. Clearly, Tony didn’t know his bodyguard well enough.

Although Arthur had plenty of such “little gifts,” few were suitable for giving to ladies. This time, gifting Pepper had won Tony’s favor—a worthwhile move.

Tony ordered Pepper’s drink from the bartender, when a blonde beauty walked over to greet him.

It was Christine, who had spent a night with Tony. She handed him several photos—images of an armed group occupying Gulmira, the hometown of Tony’s savior, Yinsen. The weapons in the pictures bore Stark Industries’ logo.

Tony’s expression darkened. “When were these taken?”

“Yesterday!” Christine answered.

“I never authorized this!”

“Your company did.”

“My company doesn’t represent me!” Tony retorted, his face grim, and strode toward the hall entrance.

“What happened?” Pepper came over to ask.

“Nothing,” Arthur reassured her, handing her the drink.

Tony found Obadiah and confronted him with the photos, demanding an explanation. Obadiah replied, “I’m protecting you!”

...

On the way back, Tony’s face was grave and silent, the atmosphere so oppressive that Arthur felt it too.

“What happened, Tony?” Arthur asked.

Tony glanced at him. “The company is still selling weapons to armed militants!” he said, teeth clenched.

“It’s Obadiah, isn’t it?”

Tony nodded.

“Obadiah is a problem. He’s definitely connected with those militants. I suspect he was involved in your kidnapping as well,” Arthur said.

Tony’s expression grew even darker.

“What will you do? Need any help?” Arthur asked.

“No need. I have my own plan!” Tony’s eyes grew ever more resolute.

...