Chapter 134: Unfazed

"Should we go and inquire?" Black Widow Natasha asked, looking toward Nick Fury after observing the advanced technology of the spacecraft.

"Let Coulson handle the inquiries."

"I have received word that Harvey Ambelaka also returned this morning."

"It's unclear how long he intends to stay."

"Harvey doesn't particularly care for me or you, but he seems to have a slightly better impression of Coulson."

Nick Fury responded to Natasha's offer.

"If it were up to me, my advice would be to wait until after the New Year."

"Tony Stark has just returned after a year of absence; he surely wants to relax first."

"If we approach him now, I fear we might spoil his mood, and he won't give us a pleasant reception."

Coulson, upon hearing that the task had been assigned to him, offered his perspective.

"You handle these matters as you see fit."

"If Tony Stark is unwilling to disclose certain intelligence, try to use soft tactics first."

"Even if there is no other choice, do not resort to forceful measures."

"Tony Stark is now a member of the Avengers. Even if he is unwilling to fully cooperate with S.H.I.E.L.D. by providing various advanced technologies, as long as our relationship doesn't collapse, he will still contribute."

"Besides, his mentor is that devil, Harvey Ambelaka. We cannot risk provoking him again."

Nick Fury replied.

"Understood."

Coulson nodded in agreement.

And, as Coulson had surmised, Tony only wanted to surprise Pepper and spend some quality time with her. As the spacecraft landed, the hatch opened, and a figure in a gold-and-red iron suit stepped out.

"Tony, didn't you say you would be staying there for a while longer?"

Pepper saw Tony's arrival, her eyes full of joy, though her heart held a trace of confusion.

"I worked tirelessly, day and night, making preparations just to come back and spend Christmas with you."

"Even without my supervision, Miss Sonia is helping expand the industry there, so I returned early."

Tony moved, swept Pepper into his arms, and said with a smile.

"Who is Miss Sonia?"

Pepper had been happy to see Tony return, but upon hearing a woman's name, she immediately asked.

"I wouldn't dare harbor designs on her even if I had the courage of a hundred men."

"Miss Sonia is Harvey's housekeeper."

"This isn't the place to talk; let's go inside."

Seeing Pepper’s jealous expression, Tony carried her into the villa and began to explain.

"Really? Mr. Harvey actually hired a housekeeper?"

"Is she very beautiful?"

Pepper was shocked to hear that Mr. Harvey had actually hired a housekeeper. She often communicated with Tony, but during those calls, Tony was always tinkering with things in the laboratory that she couldn't understand. He hadn't revealed much to her about other cosmic matters.

"Miss Sonia fits at least two of Harvey’s criteria for a partner."

"Beautiful and intelligent. And I can tell that Miss Sonia has feelings for Harvey."

"Harvey must know it himself, but for some reason, he hasn't taken any further steps."

Tony felt a bit strange about it even as he explained.

"Is he shy?" Pepper guessed.

"I'd sooner believe the sky would fall than believe Harvey would be shy."

"Can you imagine someone as powerful as Harvey, with ideals far beyond those of ordinary people, showing a shy side?" Tony replied immediately.

"Then is it like you were before—just not done playing around?" Pepper imagined it for a moment, then shook her head and asked.

"I’ve thought about that, but given Miss Sonia's personality and Harvey's status and abilities, Harvey could take a hundred wives without any issue. His physical constitution could handle it, too."

"By the way, I forgot to tell you—Miss Sonia is also a member of the Void God Sect."

Tony sat on the sofa with Pepper in his arms, the two of them snuggling together as he spoke.

"Then what could be the reason?"

Pepper knew that Mr. Harvey came from the unknown Void, so his views on emotions and values were clearly not bound by the laws and morals of Earth. Therefore, she did not deny that Mr. Harvey had the capability to have a hundred partners.

"Forget it, let's not talk about that for now."

As Tony let Pepper lean against his chest, his hands began to wander restlessly over her elegant figure. Although they had seen each other occasionally via cosmic communicators, they had been separated for nearly a year. Furthermore, Harvey had been watching him over there, keeping him from finding any pretty secretaries.

If not for the fact that there were many things to keep him busy on the island, he would have been consumed by desire long ago. Now that he was back on Earth and with Pepper, how could Tony possibly restrain himself?

"Take off the armor first." Pepper rolled her eyes at Tony, speaking in a tone of mock annoyance.

"Right, I almost forgot."

"Jarvis II, retract the suit."

Having just returned, Tony hadn't had the chance to reinstall Jarvis, so he had to command Jarvis II. As the armor retracted, Tony and Pepper cherished the moment. They stayed awake all night, and after both had found their bliss, Pepper rested her head on Tony’s broad shoulder.

"Tony, how long do you plan to stay on Earth this time?" Pepper asked, looking up slightly at him.

"I originally planned to stay for at least three months to properly keep you company."

"If you don't want me to leave, I can agree to delay it for another six months."

"However, before I came back, Harvey told me that I might not be able to return to the cosmos for a while."

"It implies that something might happen on Earth that will keep me from leaving."

Tony did not hide his original intentions.

"You're going to be in trouble?" Pepper asked, feeling a bit worried rather than angry about Tony’s plan.

"It's just a guess for now; it's not clear. Harvey only occasionally reveals a little bit, never the whole truth."

"So everything will have to wait until things happen before I know for sure."

"But Harvey has also returned to Earth. If any real trouble arises, I’ll just hide at Harvey's place."

"Although Harvey doesn't care much about Earth, if I were in mortal danger and went to hide with him, he would certainly help out. At the very least, my life would be guaranteed."

Tony wasn't overly worried, as his backer was also staying on Earth. As long as he wasn't the one stirring up trouble, and he was in the right, even if the Ancient One came, he wouldn't be afraid.

"Mm, it's a relief knowing Mr. Harvey is also on Earth," Pepper nodded in agreement.