It was clear that Hill wasn't telling Aetheris to hold back completely, just not to go overboard. Hill didn't seem to be the softhearted type either.
Aetheris nodded and said,"I'll keep it in check. At most, I'll just give them a lesson they'll never forget."
Hill gave a slight nod and didn't pursue the subject further. As Aetheris drove, he kept glancing at the beautiful woman beside him. With nothing better to say, he asked,"By the way, how's the bald director's aircraft carrier coming along? Is it operational yet?"
"That's classified. I can't tell you."
Hill's tone was laced with caution. After all, secrecy was the most basic requirement for an agent. Even though the so-called Tony Stark already had countless ties to S.H.I.E.L.D., the aircraft carrier remained one of the organization's most closely guarded secrets.
Aetheris sneered and said,"Stingy. The propulsion system for your aircraft carrier was developed by my people. And yet, you don't trust your biggest shareholder?"
Hill considered for a moment before replying,"If you agree to the director's request and officially join S.H.I.E.L.D., these secrets will naturally be open to you. But for now, you're not one of us, so please understand."
Aetheris felt nauseated hearing that. What nonsense. My late father, Howard Stark, was one of the founders of S.H.I.E.L.D. And now, with Hydra having infiltrated your ranks until S.H.I.E.L.D. had essentially become their headquarters, you still keep secrets from me? What a joke.
"Alright, enough about S.H.I.E.L.D. I want to ask you something personal. Do you have a boyfriend?" Aetheris turned to face Hill."That shouldn't violate S.H.I.E.L.D. rules, right?"
Hill hesitated. Maybe it was the alcohol, but her defenses seemed to have weakened. She answered softly,"No."
"Then what's your standard for choosing a boyfriend? You're stunning, with a successful career, how could you not have one?"
"Or is it that you still can't forget someone you once loved?"
Hill's expression darkened, pain briefly flickering across her face. Clearly, Aetheris had touched a forbidden part of her heart.
Yes, she was nearly thirty and still alone. How many times does a woman get to live through thirty?
Many outstanding single men within S.H.I.E.L.D. had pursued her. A beautiful, refined woman like her was rare in any circle. But Hill had never been able to cross that barrier in her heart. She couldn't forget that man.
That handsome, charming man who had once promised to return and marry her. Where had he gone? Was her long, lonely wait really worth it?
Aetheris, a man who had tasted love and seen countless dramas and movies, knew at once from Hill's silence that there was a man in her heart no one else could replace.
But in real life, Hill was nothing more than background scenery. The spotlight was always on the superheroes. How could he possibly know anything about the love life of a woman who barely counted as a supporting role?
The rest of the ride passed in silence. Aetheris dropped Hill off at her workplace. He had no idea where she lived, and judging by her expression, she wouldn't have told him anyway.
And taking her home?What a joke. He already had two women living there.
If he brought her back, it would instantly turn into a three-way battle. And with his scrawny frame, he'd be torn apart by three women in no time.
When he arrived home, the lights in Pepper's room were still on. Since she was busy setting up a secret base in Antarctica, Pepper had been giving it her all.
Aetheris carefully pushed the door open. Pepper was still tapping away at the keyboard, clearly immersed in drafting the project plan.
Building a secret base in such a harsh, barren environment was a massive undertaking. Everything had to start from scratch. Even with Stark Industries' cutting-edge technology, the design, safety, and location all required meticulous calculations.
Most importantly, time was running out. They had only a little over two months.
Pepper was pushing herself for her man's sake, so much so that she didn't even notice when Aetheris entered the room.
Looking at her, Aetheris felt like a bit of a scumbag. Just moments ago, he had been out flirting with another woman, while his true partner was here working tirelessly without complaint.
"What's that smell? Go wash up. It's awful."
She was right. After eating barbecue, Aetheris had taken off his jacket, and now he reeked of grilled meat, beer, and smoke. The stench was like returning home after spending the night in an internet café.
He stepped toward Pepper's room, but she was no longer at her desk. The bathroom door was ajar, and the sound of running water came from inside. Aetheris's heart raced.
An opportunity from heaven. As the saying goes, "A gift unclaimed becomes a regret." He approached the bathroom door and knocked.
Pepper's voice came from within."Tony?"
Aetheris cleared his throat and replied,"Is there anything I can do for you, Miss Potts?"
Pepper was soaking in the bathtub, warm water enveloping her body. She felt so comfortable she didn't want to move at all. Hearing his voice outside, she couldn't help but smile. She knew exactly what Aetheris was thinking, but unlike those other women, she wouldn't let him have it that easily.
(End of Chapter)
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