Pepper chuckled softly. She enjoyed watching Aetheris spout nonsense, because in moments like that Tony Stark dropped all pretense around her. That was the real him.
Two shallow dimples appeared on Pepper's delicate face, making Aetheris unable to resist leaning in and planting a playful kiss on her lips.
Another knock sounded at the door.
"Come in!"
To Aetheris's shock, it was Nova who stepped in. His heart felt like it had just suffered ten thousand critical hits.
Seeing his utterly defeated expression, Pepper had to stifle her laughter, her face flushing red as she nearly burst out giggling.
When Nova noticed Pepper was present too, she looked a little embarrassed."Ah, Sister Pepper, you're here as well. If I'd known, I would've come later."
Pepper quickly regained her composure. The rise and fall of her chest steadied, though the suit she wore, once perfectly pressed, was now slightly wrinkled at the bust.
"Just say what you need to, sister. I only just arrived myself."
Nova nodded and said,"The U.S. Department of Energy somehow got wind of something. They want to discuss a strategic partnership with us."
Aetheris froze. Strategic partnership? The Department of Energy?
What kind of cooperation was this supposed to be? Hadn't all the weapons his company developed already been licensed to the military?Could it be about the controlled nuclear fusion technology Octavius had just completed?Damn it, the press conference hadn't even been held yet, and it felt like the entire world already knew.
Do I not get to keep any secrets anymore?
He cursed inwardly, then asked irritably,"Did they call, or are they sending people over?"
Nova stuck out her little pink tongue."They just called. They're sending people over tomorrow."
"Then let's deal with it tomorrow. I've got other matters to handle. Go on back to your work for now."
Aetheris deliberately put on a sour face, refusing to give Nova a good look. It was intentional since Pepper was here, he couldn't afford to appear overly close to Nova.
Although Nova and Pepper were close friends, Aetheris, who had studied countless historical scandals from his past life, knew one thing well: the so-called "sisterly bond" between women was fragile thinner than paper. On the surface, they might call each other lifelong confidantes, but behind the scenes, they would gossip, scheme, and sabotage one another endlessly.
The root cause could be summed up in a single word: jealousy.
As long as you live better than me, I can't stand it.
They say men's hearts are as broad as the sky and sea, but most women's hearts can be smaller than the tip of a needle.
You can borrow my makeup, even my sanitary pads, but if you try to take my man?
I'll kill you.
Think of it even in ancient times, with emperors who had three palaces, six courts, and seventy-two concubines, how many died every year from endless strife within the harem?
Pepper, displeased, said,"How can you speak to her like that? If it weren't for Nova working herself to the bone for the company these past days, how would you be enjoying such leisure? As her sister, I really can't stand to watch this. Nova, don't leave. Today, I'll stand up for you."
With that, she reached out her delicate hand, pinched Aetheris's ear, and pretended to squeeze hard.
Aetheris had no choice but to act like he was in unbearable pain, crying out,"Mercy, great warrior!"
"What do you mean 'great warrior'? That sounds awful!"
He rolled his eyes dramatically and quickly amended,"Mercy, great heroine!"
Only then did Pepper let go, saying,"That's better."
Nova felt a sting in her heart at the sight, though she forced herself to say,"Sister, you're amazing. I need to learn from you."
Pepper clapped her hands with a smile."Nova, let me tell you, men are cheap. The nicer you treat them, the more they take you for granted. But if you distance yourself, they'll be begging at your feet. That's why, when it comes to men, you must keep your eyes open. Never let their sweet words fool you."
Nova didn't respond, only nodded seriously. She glanced at Aetheris with worry, and he quickly gave her a reassuring look that said, Don't worry, I've got this.
She waved delicately, then turned to Pepper with a gentle smile."Sister, I'll be heading off. A batch of new recruits just joined the company, and I need to train them."
Pepper smiled back and nodded. Only after Nova closed the door did she exhale deeply.
She shot Aetheris a fierce glare."So, what did you call me here for?"
The flirtatious mood had been shattered, and Aetheris couldn't really get handsy anymore. Instead, he tapped his wrist, and the room instantly darkened. A shimmering blue projection appeared before them.
Scenes from World War II flickered across the screen—Captain America, Hydra, Red Skull, Howard Stark…
Then an image appeared of Howard Stark standing before a glowing blue cube the Tesseract.
"This is the Tesseract. That's what we call it. Hydra once unlocked part of its secrets, but with current technology, we still can't harness it. We couldn't even find the key to open it. My hope is that you, in the future, can complete this great mission"
The projection vanished. Aetheris pulled out a silver case, unlocked it with his fingerprint, and revealed the Tesseract itself, glowing brilliantly within.
Spider-Man was stunned. The footage had shown Howard Stark himself explaining it, and even he couldn't solve its mysteries. Yet here it was, sitting before them.
The cube, shining like a radiant sapphire, was captivating especially to the female eye.
Pepper pointed at the Tesseract."Tony, don't tell me this mission of yours has something to do with that?"
Aetheris snapped his fingers."Correct. Your prize is a kiss."
"And what exactly do you expect me to do? I'm no great scientist. Running the company is already a challenge for me. If you think I can go off and get a doctorate in physics or astrophysics, you're out of your mind."
(End of Chapter)
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