Chapter 160 : The Star Ring

The bell rang at twelve noon, signaling the start of the wedding. The symphony orchestra played the wedding march as the guests stood up. Pepper Potts, accompanied by her mother and Ivy, walked down the aisle. Tony Stark, standing on the stage, was visibly excited, trembling slightly despite his efforts to remain calm. He had never expected to marry, especially given his playboy reputation, but here he was at thirty, ready to commit.

Pepper's mother placed her daughter's hand in Tony's. "Be nice to Potts, Tony," she said.

"I hope you two can grow old together and live happily ever after," Ivy added, offering her blessings.

Tony, usually so composed, could only manage a goofy smile as he held Pepper's hand. "Don't worry, Potts is the love of my life. I promise I'll never make her sad."

Under the pastor's guidance and in front of hundreds of guests, Tony and Pepper exchanged rings, officially becoming husband and wife. The live music then shifted, kicking off a grand party with guests moving to the dance floor.

Jude sat with Bruce Wayne, leaning in close. "You seem to have a good relationship with Superman," Bruce commented.

"We're just ordinary friends. We fought together once and got drunk another time. That's it," Jude replied.

Bruce, ever the skeptic, asked, "Don't you think you should be cautious around him?"

Jude gulped down half a glass of champagne. "Bruce, Superman has super hearing. If he wanted to, he could hear exactly what we're talking about."

"Bruce," Jude continued, "I told you long ago, don't strain your nerves every day. You'll end up neurotic. Your skepticism needs a check. Superman has been on Earth for years without causing harm. Maintaining his moral compass for 20 to 30 years proves his tenacity. Relax a bit, old bat."

Bruce glared but said nothing. Jude pointed towards Superman and then hesitated before pointing at Lex Luthor. "Superman could uncover your identity at any time with his x-ray vision. You need lead armor to block that. And be cautious of Lex Luthor. He might seem harmless now, but he's slippery."

Bruce was taken aback. "You think Lex Luthor is a threat?"

"Not now, but his worries about superhumans could grow," Jude explained. "When the real threat from the universe arrives, we'll be thankful for Superman and others with superpowers."

Their conversation was interrupted by two elegantly dressed women inviting them to dance. Bruce wanted to continue their discussion but Jude took the woman's hand and headed to the dance floor, leaving Bruce to follow suit reluctantly.

***

At midnight, the grand wedding finally concluded. The guests gradually left, leaving only a few behind. Pepper urged Tony, "Go, Tony. Mr. Herbert wouldn't invite you for nothing. It must be important."

Tony, still slightly tipsy, grumbled, "Jude Herbert, that bastard. He entertained me just to steal the spotlight at my wedding with his antics."

Pepper smiled, "I think it was fun. Even my mother laughed and joined in."

Tony scoffed, "Baby, you should be on my side."

Pepper hugged him. "Tony, you're a genius, already at the top. No need to compare yourself."

Tony sighed, "People used to say 'Tony Stark, super genius.' Now they say 'Jude Herbert, super genius.'"

"So, you are jealous," Pepper teased.

Tony pushed her away gently. "I'm not jealous. I'll attend the meeting, refute his proposal, and laugh in his face."

He stormed into the meeting room, declaring, "What's so important that Tony Stark has to give up his wedding night?"

The room's occupants ignored him, focusing on Jude, who pointed to a holographic projection. "This plan, I named it the Star Ring."

Feeling ignored, Tony stood on the table, realizing the gravity of the situation. "Alright, tell me what this is about, or no one leaves this tower standing!" He demanded.

Jude turned to him calmly. "Tony, we're planning for an impending threat. We need the best minds, and that includes you. The Star Ring is our defense against what's coming."

Tony looked around, seeing the serious faces of his peers. It was time to focus, the stakes higher than ever.

------------------

All advance chapters for just $6

From today all the chapters will be available for just $6

20+ advance chapters

added 10+ chapters today