Leo, who had spent the whole night "f*****g Wanda," was still full of energy the next morning. He finally understood why Wanda had been drinking her sorrows away.
Her beauty could topple kingdoms.
Apparently, a vice president from Wanda's company had developed an unhealthy obsession with her — and when his advances failed, he tried using threats.
Leo smirked coldly. "Hammer Industries, huh? What a coincidence. I was just about to use you guys for my next plan — and you're coming right to me."
He couldn't help but laugh. Some things were just fate.
"Wanda, don't bother going back to work," Leo said casually. "In a few days, your man here will open his own company. You can be my secretary."
He leaned closer, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "We'll even have a super beautiful secretary pool. You know, experience that 'corrupt billionaire lifestyle' together, hehe."
Wanda's face darkened instantly.
"Go to hell! You're eating from the bowl while eyeing the pot, you scumbag! I must've been blind to fall for you. Let's break up!"
"Break up? No way!" Leo grabbed her tightly, refusing to let go. "You can't escape my palm, my Cinderella. Have you ever seen the Cinderella of an overbearing CEO get away?"
Wanda struggled, rolling her eyes as Leo shamelessly pulled her close. "Cinderella? Seriously?"
"I was wrong! You're my little princess! Long time no see, Your Highness."
Faced with Wanda's deadly two-finger flick, Leo quickly surrendered. She had him completely under control — quite literally holding the emperor hostage to command the feudal lords.
As they were playfully bickering, Tony Stark's unmistakable voice echoed from the TV.
"Shh! My dear, stop biting me. Something important's on."
Wanda huffed but obeyed, rinsing her mouth before curling up beside him on the couch.
On screen, Tony — suited up and looking serious — sat beside Obadiah Stane, giving an interview.
"It's good to see you."
"You too," Obadiah replied smoothly, not noticing Tony's subtle hesitation.
Tony looked thoughtful. "I didn't get to see my father before he died. I wanted to ask him how he really felt about making weapons. Did he ever doubt himself? Did he ever hesitate? Or was he truly the man of steel the media made him out to be?"
Tony's voice trembled slightly. The pain of his father's death still haunted him.
When Howard was alive, they never understood each other — only endless arguments.
Now, it was too late.
Obadiah patted Tony's shoulder with fake sympathy, masking his annoyance behind a practiced smile.
Tony glanced at him, torn. Maybe Leo had been wrong about this man. Could his father's old friend really betray him?
But this wasn't the time for doubt — dozens of reporters were watching.
Taking a deep breath, Tony faced them all.
"I saw soldiers dying — killed by the very weapons I built to protect them. I realized I was becoming part of this irresponsible world."
Obadiah's face twitched. The reporters leaned forward, wide-eyed.
"Mr. Stark, what are you saying?" someone shouted.
Tony stepped up to the podium, his expression firm and determined.
"I've made a decision."
He paused, letting the silence build.
"Effective immediately… I am shutting down Stark Industries' weapons division."
The crowd exploded.
Pepper, Rhodes, Obadiah — everyone jumped to their feet in shock.
"WHAT?!"
Flashbulbs popped like machine gun fire as reporters screamed questions. The scene devolved into chaos.
Obadiah quickly rushed forward, grabbing Tony by the shoulder.
"I'm sorry, everyone," he said with a forced smile. "Tony just got back from a long trip. Perhaps he's still feeling the effects of last night's party. Please go home. We'll issue a full statement soon."
And just like that, the press conference was cut short.
"Hahaha! Perfect!" Leo cheered, hugging Wanda and planting a kiss on her cheek. "Everything's going exactly as planned!"
Meanwhile, a furious Obadiah Stane stormed into Tony's office.
"Tony! Do you have any idea what your little stunt just did? Stark Industries' stock is going to drop by forty points — maybe more!"
Tony shrugged casually. "Forty points sounds about right."
Obadiah forced a smile, his teeth grinding. "Heh. As expected of a Stark — bold to the point of insanity."
Then he turned and stormed out, seething with rage.
That arrogant brat had to go.
"Hey!" he barked into his phone. "Is that Iron Man armor back yet? Good. I want every inch of it analyzed and improved. That bastard built it in a cave — I expect something even better!"
"Yes, sir! We won't disappoint!"
The terrified subordinate hung up, pale and trembling. It was clear — failure meant death.
Obadiah sat back in his car, staring blankly ahead, deep in thought.
Outside, chaos spread like wildfire.
"F***! Is Tony Stark out of his mind?"
"If Stark Industries stops making weapons, who's going to protect us?"
"Damn him! My stocks!"
"Sell! Sell everything!"
The market plunged. Stark Industries' shares hit their daily lower limit before noon.
The once-mighty empire of steel had begun to crumble.