On the road, Tony said as he drove,
"I mentioned last time that I'd have you come see my private jet, but I've been so busy with the Mark II I didn't have the time."
"A few days ago, I ordered one custom-built at Boeing. Once it's finished and delivered, it'll be sent straight to you."
"The style is pretty similar to mine. I figured our tastes are aligned."
Hearing that Tony actually remembered and even had one commissioned, Smith could only smile and say thanks.
"What's similar? The cover girls?"
Tony laughed at the jab.
"Ha! Jealous, are you?"
As they bantered, the car quickly arrived at the Disney Concert Hall where the gala was being held. Tony parked and got out, with Smith stepping out on the other side to walk alongside him.
The valet attendant immediately greeted them.
"Good evening, Mr. Stark. Welcome, sir. And welcome to you as well."
Smith wasn't a household name, so the attendant didn't recognize him.
Tony put his arm around Smith's shoulder and said:
"Smith Dole. My brother."
Then he tossed the keys to the valet and led the way inside.
The moment Tony Stark entered, a wave of gasps rippled through the crowd.
"Oh my god, Tony Stark!"
"So handsome!"
"Oh my god, who's that gorgeous guy with Tony? He looks so cool!"
"Is he some heir to a big fortune? He looks so young… anyone know him?"
Meanwhile, Obadiah Stane, who was being interviewed nearby, heard the commotion and turned to see Tony and Smith arriving.
Tony and Smith made their way through the crowd and over to Obadiah.
"What kind of party is this, inviting everyone but the host?" Tony quipped.
Obadiah sized up Tony and then glanced at Smith. He didn't understand why Tony, who'd been busy with his research, showed up here tonight — much less why he brought Smith.
Obadiah actually knew about Smith thanks to Pepper's accounting records and her movements. But he didn't dislike Smith, since he'd brought back Tony, his golden goose.
With a big smile, Obadiah extended his hand toward Smith.
"Mr. Smith, thank you so much for bringing Tony back. Stark Industries can't afford to lose him — just like the West can't afford to lose Jerusalem!"
Hearing Obadiah's flattering words, no one would suspect this was the man behind the earlier attack.
Smith shook his hand with a faint smile.
"Tony's got his own good luck. Even without me, he'd have made it back safely."
Tony glanced around at the snapping cameras and said:
"Obadiah, I'll wait for you inside."
Then, without waiting for a reply, he started walking away.
Obadiah, worried Tony might announce his research tonight — which would send Stark stock skyrocketing before he could buy in at rock bottom — quickly grabbed Tony's arm.
"Hey, listen, don't rush, okay? I think I've already convinced the board."
Tony replied calmly:
"Okay, I know. I acted rashly. Smith and I will leave soon."
Seeing that Tony was appeased, Obadiah relaxed a little — but he was still curious about Smith.
Even if Smith had saved Tony, it wasn't like Tony to become close friends so quickly. Was there something here he didn't know about?
Tony and Smith walked into the ballroom unimpeded.
Not a single staff member or usher dared stop them to ask for Smith's invitation — everyone knew this gala was hosted in Tony's name, and if he wanted to bring a hundred guests, nobody could say a thing.
Tony led Smith to the food and drinks area, where various snacks and desserts were laid out, and chefs prepared seafood and steak fresh to order.
Tony said:
"The food here is decent. Not as good as my private chef's, but good enough to fill your stomach."
"Waiter, a drink."
At that moment, across the room, Phil Coulson, who'd been looking for a chance to chat with Pepper, heard a familiar voice. He turned and was surprised.
Not surprised to see Tony — he was the target, after all — but surprised to see Smith with him.
According to SHIELD intel, the two hadn't even spoken since the rescue a month ago. They'd assumed it was just a one-time collaboration, not an ongoing friendship — especially considering Tony's prickly personality.
And Smith was one of their highest-priority surveillance targets, even above Tony at this point. Especially after Natasha's undercover report, Smith's importance had been elevated even further.
Coulson quickly composed himself. If anything, he was pleased — this might be a chance to get some info out of Smith, like whether Tony's chest device had any hidden significance.
"Mr. Stark. Mr. Smith."
Hearing someone call their names, Tony turned curiously. To his knowledge, nobody here should know Smith.
"Oh? You know Smith?"
Smith was too busy stuffing his face with food to answer, and Coulson took note of that detail too.
"I'm Agent Coulson."
Tony, holding a drink, thought for a moment before remembering.
"Oh, right, right — the what's-it-called guy?"
Coulson added helpfully:
"Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division."
(End of Chapter)
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