After sending JARVIS back to the lab, Tony made his way directly to the mountaintop villa.
"Back already? How was your month of relaxation at the Elite Hotel?" Harvey greeted him, not immediately mentioning the woman Tony brought back, but smiling as he inquired.
"The experience was enjoyable, but if I keep indulging, I'm afraid I'll be ruined," Tony replied. "So, I'm back to adjust my mindset and get back to work. Next time, I want to bring Banner and Steve to experience some exotic pleasures."
Tony didn't find it surprising that Harvey knew about his time at the Elite Hotel. He smiled, knowing that having company to share those experiences with made it all the more satisfying.
"You've got the right idea; Banner will appreciate that. It's been a while since he's had a proper release," Harvey laughed, acknowledging Tony's sentiment.
"I just know he hasn't had a real outlet in years," Tony said, nodding. "Once he learns to control Hulk perfectly, I'll take him on that trip."
"By the way, where's Sonia?" Tony asked, glancing around.
"She stepped out for a bit," Harvey replied, sensing that Tony had something specific to discuss. He chose not to call him out on it.
"Oh… Sonia's as busy as ever, huh?" Tony remarked, almost casually, before shifting his tone and lowering his voice. "But good timing; I wanted to discuss something with you."
"Go ahead," Harvey said, noting Tony's demeanor, realizing he was indeed up to something.
"I paid for a year at the Elite Hotel," Tony began. "After enjoying a month there, I think it's about time to take a break and not go back for a while. The remaining eleven months? Just consider it a vacation for that woman."
"But she insists I could get a refund, as long as she doesn't take a holiday since that would be a disservice to her," Tony continued, frustration creeping into his voice. "That ticked me off—do you think I'm concerned about that kind of money? I'm Tony Stark! It's not like I'm lacking in funds!"
"Given that the service was satisfactory, you have no reason to ask for a refund," Harvey replied, unable to contain a smile at Tony's passionate defense of his decision.
"However, she did mention another option: if I take her with me, she could work for me for the remaining eleven months until the hotel bill runs out. The last secretary you helped me find did her job, but her looks were just okay."
"Now that I'm back, I need a secretary. Her appearance and work ethic are both impressive, so I'd like to bring her to the Void Island for a while. What do you think?"
"Is that the reason you brought her back?" Harvey asked, intrigued. "But since you've already brought her here, am I supposed to kick her out?"
Seeing Tony so intent on convincing him made Harvey chuckle. "I won't send her away now that you've taken her in. She might as well stay."
"Good to hear," Tony sighed in relief. "Wait a minute, you already knew she was here, didn't you? And you had no intention of kicking her out either?"
"Of course not. The island isn't just for members of the Void Church," Harvey replied with a casual shrug. "She's just an ordinary person; no need to worry about any major disruptions. Besides, since Sonia is out, she's likely there to check on her."
Harvey nodded as he spoke, smiling at the thought of the encounter.
"Why didn't you say anything earlier?" Tony retorted, a hint of frustration in his voice. "I was racking my brain thinking about how to convince you!"
"You dropped that hint without a moment's pause. Shouldn't I at least hear you out?" Harvey shrugged innocently.
"Fine, as long as I know you won't push her out, I'm good," Tony replied, somewhat amused but relieved.
"Just be careful of Pepper finding out," Harvey added, grinning.
"Why would I worry? I haven't even had a one-night stand with her! What could she possibly say?" Tony boasted confidently, though he fully intended to keep his time at the Elite Hotel a secret from Pepper. As long as she remained unaware, everything would be fine.
"You know what's best for you," Harvey chuckled, returning the conversation to more serious matters. "Now, get to work."
"Sure," Tony nodded, satisfied with Harvey's approval. With the conversation settled, he prepared to leave.
At that very moment, Sonia arrived at the Record Hall.
As she stepped inside, she immediately spotted a familiar figure with long brown hair and an elegant silhouette.
"Lalatina?" Sonia called out, uncertain but hopeful.
"Senior Sonia!" Lalatina responded, turning around to face the voice, her face lighting up with a smile.
"What did you agree to with Mr. Stark?" Sonia inquired, moving closer to Lalatina.
Honestly, she hadn't expected that the beautiful woman Tony brought back would be Lalatina.