Chapter 10: The Charity Gala
After returning home, Leo took out Stark's detection instrument and started scanning his entire house.
After some time, it was confirmed that there were no cameras or hidden devices inside his home.
However, Leo spotted someone spying on him from outside.
"This should be someone from S.H.I.E.L.D. I told them not to leave any cameras or secret devices, so they sent someone to watch over me nearby instead," Leo muttered.
"Damn, Black boiled egg—your conscience is greatly broken," Leo said.
"Should I contact Pepper to ask for Phil Coulson's contact information?"
"Forget it. I'll wait a little longer. After a while, the surveillance people should be removed."
Leo came to the refrigerator and took out a bottle of water.
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At that moment, Natasha Romanoff was back at S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters for a solo report to Nick Fury.
Nick Fury listened to the recording of her conversation with Leo, then fell into deep thought.
"When S.H.I.E.L.D. was established, we did indeed absorb many HYDRA scientists through Operation Paperclip. It is entirely possible that we were infiltrated by HYDRA from the beginning," Fury admitted quietly.
"There is also the matter of aliens, which must refer to the Carol Danvers incident."
"But magicians and gods existing in this world? I don't even know about those."
"And there's the Avengers Initiative—how did he even know about that classified plan?"
Nick Fury couldn't believe it. Leo knew far too much.
"Now it seems that most of what he said is likely true," Fury concluded.
"The Avengers Initiative must begin immediately."
"Natasha Romanoff, go and approach him. Find a way to recruit him into the Avengers. While doing so, obtain more information and see if you can find other powerful people to join as well."
Natasha Romanoff immediately agreed. "Yes, sir."
"However, S.H.I.E.L.D. must help me investigate the current location of the Red Room," she added firmly.
---
On the night of the charity gala, Leo wore a newly bought expensive suit and drove to pick up Pepper.
Pepper was wearing an elegant long dress, waiting for Leo at the side of the road. She looked absolutely beautiful.
Leo stopped by the side of the road and leaned over with a charming smile.
"Hey, beautiful lady, do you need a ride?" he called out playfully.
When Pepper saw Leo, she smiled warmly. "I think I do. Can you take me to the hotel?"
"Definitely. Please get in the car," Leo said, opening the door for her.
Pepper sat in the first seat.
"Pepper, I can't believe it. Usually you wear formal work clothes, and you already look very beautiful. But unexpectedly, you are even more stunning now in a formal dress," Leo said sincerely.
Pepper was praised by Leo, and she felt a little shy. "Really? I've never worn such a dress before. I was actually worried that the back was open too much."
"I think it's absolutely beautiful. You're going to attract everyone's attention tonight. If you were my girlfriend, I would definitely try to prevent others from staring at you too much," Leo said with a protective tone.
Pepper had gradually been falling for Leo's charm. She didn't know how to deal with his direct approach, so she changed the subject.
"Leo, I think we should go now," Pepper suggested.
"Okay," Leo agreed with a smile.
Leo drove off with Pepper, all the way to the outside of the hotel.
This place had been completely booked, and many wealthy and influential people had been invited.
The charity gala was supposedly for charity, but in reality, these rich people were mainly here to discuss business deals.
Leo and Pepper got out of the car. Pepper took Leo's arm, and they entered the hotel together.
At that moment, the charity gala was quite lively. Here, Leo also spotted Obadiah Stane.
Obadiah looked no different from how he appeared in the movies—very scheming, with calculating eyes.
Obadiah was talking to some business associates but suddenly noticed Leo and Pepper entering together.
Pepper was Tony's assistant, but Leo was someone he had never seen before.
Leo ordered two glasses of wine from the bar when Obadiah appeared beside them.
"Pepper," Obadiah greeted.
"Sir, what's the matter?" Pepper replied professionally.
"Is Tony coming tonight?" Obadiah asked.
"I'm not sure. When I left, he was still busy in the underground studio and asked me not to disturb him. According to normal circumstances, he probably won't appear tonight," Pepper explained.
"Okay then. But who is this gentleman with you?" Obadiah asked, turning his attention to Leo.
Pepper immediately introduced them. "This is Leo Azmith, Mr. Leo."
"Mr. Leo bought a significant amount of shares when the company stock plummeted, and now he owns 10% of Stark Industries shares."
Leo stretched out his hand, neither humble nor arrogant. "Hi, Mr. Obadiah. Nice to meet you. I was always looking for an opportunity to invest in Stark Industries, but the stock price was too high before."
"This time I seized the opportunity. I believe Stark Industries will rise again," Leo said confidently.
Obadiah was extremely confident on the surface. "Definitely. If you believe in Stark Industries, we will work hard to reward that faith. It's just that Tony's decision to close the weapons department means it will take some time to rise again."
"I know. Tony is really a genius. He will surely figure out a way out of this trouble," Leo said supportively.
Obadiah was upset internally, but he maintained his composure. Leo's presence complicated things.
Leo now held 10% of the shares and was no longer a minority shareholder.
Obadiah looked at the close relationship between Leo and Pepper and even suspected that Leo was being supported by Tony himself.
Originally, Obadiah could still influence the board of directors and remove Tony as CEO at the right moment.
But now, Leo's unexpected appearance made his plans much more uncertain.
If Leo planned to support Tony, his schemes might be very difficult to realize.
"Yes, we will take care of the trouble," Obadiah said with a forced smile.
After a brief chat, Obadiah turned and left with an ugly expression on his face.
"Normal business means can no longer solve the problem. I'll have to use some unconventional methods," Obadiah thought darkly.
"Tony, I'll let you die by your own design."
"This company has my heart and soul poured into it. It is MY company, not yours anymore."
After seeing off Obadiah, Leo also took a brief break, then turned to Pepper. "Pepper, let's go to the dance floor."
Pepper hesitated a bit, then agreed. "Okay."
The two came to the center of the dance floor and became dance partners naturally, moving slowly together while chatting.
"Pepper, are you Tony's woman?" Leo asked directly.
Pepper was shocked and immediately denied it. "No! I'm just his assistant."
"Tony is a famous playboy. How could he possibly miss you, such a beauty?" Leo pressed gently.
"I don't know. The beauties around him are obviously prettier than me. Maybe I'm just not his type, and honestly, he's not my type either," Pepper explained.
"Not your type?" Leo asked with interest.
"Yeah. He's my boss. I don't want to be thought of as someone who got to the top by shady means," Pepper said honestly.
"And in my opinion, Tony is totally immature. He is a genius, yes, but also someone with a tragic past."
"In these years, I've taken care of him like a younger brother. Or rather, I'm just his very well-paid nanny," Pepper admitted.
Leo gently defended Tony. "Maybe he's beginning to change himself now. He might become more mature and start to take care of his responsibilities properly."
"Perhaps," Pepper said thoughtfully.
Leo decided to strike while the iron was hot and continue to draw the relationship between them closer.
"And me? Am I your type?" Leo asked smoothly.
Pepper was flustered for a moment, and her dance step deviated, accidentally stepping on Leo's foot.
Pepper immediately realized the problem and stopped dancing. "I'm sorry! I... I need to calm down. I'm going to the balcony to get some fresh air."
"It's okay," Leo said understandingly.
Pepper and Leo came to the balcony. It was a little difficult for Pepper to face Leo at this moment.
Leo decided not to continue pressing. "Do you want a drink? I'll get it for you."
"Château Margaux, please. No water," Pepper requested.
"Hold on. I'll be right back," Leo said.
Leo left, and Pepper couldn't help but think about Leo's face and his question.
"Oh, this is so embarrassing. He's several years younger than me," Pepper whispered to herself.
"Pepper, why are you blushing? Are you really moved by him?"
"However, Leo is handsome, mature, and stable—completely different from Tony."
Pepper let the cool evening wind blow across her face, and she finally calmed down a bit.
Leo came back with two glasses of fine wine.
"Pepper, the wine you wanted," Leo said, handing her the glass.
"Thanks," Pepper said.
Pepper drank it down in one gulp, relieved her breath, and mustered up her courage. "Leo, I have something to tell you."
"Just say it. I'd love to listen," Leo encouraged.
"Leo, you are so excellent and very attractive to me. However, you're younger than me, and I find it's hard for me to accept that age difference," Pepper confessed.
Leo took the initiative and gently pulled her closer. The two became very close.
"That's not a problem. I like you," Leo said simply and directly.
Pepper froze, staring into Leo's eyes.
The two looked at each other. The atmosphere gradually heated up, and a different kind of affection emerged between them.
Leo lowered his head slowly.
Pepper didn't pull away.
Their lips met in a gentle, meaningful kiss beneath the starlit sky.
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