As the system breach succeeded, the computer began running automatically, copying all the hidden files inside. Clearly, that flash drive carried a fragment of JARVIS's subprogram.
One by one, secret documents appeared on screen — even schematics of Tony's missiles.
Then came the Mark I schematics, labeled "Zone 16."
Seeing this unfamiliar "Zone 16," Pepper muttered in shock:
"What are you doing, Obadiah?"
Then a video played.
A group of armed men stood with a hooded hostage and recited:
"Obadiah Stane, this is Gulmira. You didn't say the target was Tony Stark."
The hood was removed — revealing Tony himself. Pepper quickly turned on live translation.
Reading the subtitles, she whispered in horror:
"Oh… Obadiah Stane… God!"
She immediately copied all the files.
"This… this is…"
Suddenly, a loud voice boomed from outside the office — Obadiah himself.
Pepper jerked upright just as the door opened.
Seeing her there, Obadiah was visibly surprised, but smoothly switched tone:
"So… how should I handle this matter?"
He walked over to the liquor cabinet and uncorked a fine whiskey.
"You know how I feel, Pepper Potts."
He sniffed the bottle and added:
"Tony always did have good taste."
Trying to stay calm, Pepper forced a smile and subtly covered the flash drive with a newspaper.
Obadiah sat next to her, glass in hand, eyeing the blank-screened computer without suspicion.
"When he first came back, I was so happy — it was like a light in the darkness."
"But now I see — Tony never really came back. Half of him stayed in that cave."
"He broke my heart."
Hearing his bitter words, Pepper kept up her act.
"Yes… he's… complicated. He's been through a lot. He'll get better."
Obadiah drank and stared at her.
"You're one of the good ones, Pepper. Tony doesn't know how lucky he is."
Terrified inside but calm on the surface, she smiled faintly.
"Thank you, sir."
Then she stood.
"I should get going."
She picked up the newspaper, using it to conceal the flash drive as she removed it from the USB port.
As she moved toward the door, Obadiah suddenly spoke again:
"Smith Doyle. The man who rescued Tony. I see the company's been helping him acquire restricted materials — tens of millions' worth."
He added, almost accusingly:
"I know we're grateful, but didn't we already pay him a hundred million and a shipment of equipment? How long does this go on?"
Pepper stopped and turned back, explaining:
"That was part of the rescue contract. The agreement included naming him as a distributor of our small arms."
"But after Tony halted international weapons sales, that clause was revised to let him buy certain equipment through us."
Obadiah frowned.
"And you know that board resolution never passed, right?"
Pepper nodded.
"Yes, but the amended clause was arranged between Tony and him personally after Tony came back."
Obadiah sighed, then noticed the paper in her hand.
"Is that today's paper?"
Pepper froze.
"Yes," she replied with a smile.
Obadiah held out his hand.
"Let me see it."
She handed it over.
"I just wanted to try the crossword."
"Me too," she answered, forcing a grin.
As soon as his attention was on the newspaper, she strode quickly to the elevator.
"Be careful," he called after her.
She turned at the door, gave him a strained smile, and hurried down.
Watching her go, Obadiah's brow furrowed. Something felt… off.
Then he glanced at Tony's computer and tapped a key.
The screen lit up, showing: Download complete.
"Damn it!" he cursed, slamming a hand to his head before bolting after her.
Downstairs, Agent Coulson was waiting patiently on a lobby sofa.
"Miss Potts. Right on time," he said cheerfully.
"Yes. Come with me," Pepper said quickly, her pace urgent.
Coulson fell in step beside her.
"Of course. What's this about?"
"You'll see," she muttered, her voice low and tense. "You won't believe it."
Above them, Obadiah reached the railing just in time to see her disappearing through the front doors — and meeting Coulson's calm gaze as she went.
She didn't stop.
Obadiah's jaw tightened as she vanished into the night.
…
(End of Chapter)
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