"You can understand?" Atreus almost blurted out.
"Of course! My dad, Howard, was the same. Outsiders might see him as a great man, someone with achievements that amaze the world, who built a vast business empire. But he was the worst father. I barely saw him growing up. As a kid, I even thought at one point that the butler and head maid were my parents."
Atreus : "..."
To the outside world, Tony was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, destined to live a life of unimaginable wealth and happiness.
In reality, despite having endless money, Tony severely lacked parental love. This made him insecure and uninterested in marriage or family, which is why he was a notorious playboy for years, never settling down with any one woman.
Tony rambled on for a few minutes. Normally, he wouldn't open up like this.
But Tony felt a deep connection with Atreus , as if their backgrounds were almost identical.
A father who was the head of a powerful conglomerate, endless wealth, a deceased mother, and no one to care for them.
This was something Tony deeply empathized with.
Especially when Atreus added, "I'm certain that even if I died, my father wouldn't spend a second at my grave. He might just let out an 'Oh' when he hears the news from the butler, acknowledging that he knows. He always thinks he has more important things to do."
These words hit Tony right in the feels.
The former playboy, who had gone through life-and-death experiences and was evolving into a true hero, had his eyes redden on the spot.
Tony casually pulled out a bottle of top-notch brandy from the lounge and personally poured a glass for Atreus .
"To our bastard fathers."
"Cheers—"
They downed their drinks in one go, locking eyes, suddenly feeling a strange sense of closeness.
After finishing one drink, Tony immediately poured another, "This one is to officially thank you for saving my life."
"I didn't," Atreus smiled.
"No! If you hadn't bought me time, I would've been done for."
Atreus said nothing and finished the drink.
"This one is for reminding me about Stane. Without you, Stark Industries would be finished."
Atreus silently drank the third glass.
"And this last one is for Ethan, to thank you on his behalf."
Atreus was embarrassed but refused, "No need. Since everything's out in the open now, next time I see Ethan, he can thank me himself."
"Alright!" Tony didn't hesitate and drank it himself.
A few drinks in, Tony and Atreus became close, even throwing their arms around each other's shoulders.
"Atreus, I don't know if you're helping me to prove yourself or for some other reason. But either way, I, Tony, owe you two lives: one human life, one business life. As long as you don't hurt me or my woman, or mess with my company, I'm your best buddy in this world. No matter what, I'll have your back."
Tony was truly someone worth befriending.
Despite his many flaws, he was a great friend.
And in this life, Atreus was not only his friend but also his and Ethan's savior. Tony was genuinely grateful to Atreus.
After downing another half bottle of liquor, the two guys were practically inseparable.
Atreus lamented, "There's no conspiracy! I'm just a bastard. If Bruce ever gets the crazy idea to marry and have a kid, I'm screwed, sent off with a bit of money."
Tony, his speech a bit slurred, asked, "Is that why you secretly train hard, took out the Black Mask, and took his money?"
"Bullshit! I trained because I didn't trust my family's bodyguards."
"Bodyguards shouldn't be a problem. Old European aristocrats used to have their own people watching over bastards. Old families love that kind of thing," Tony said, taking another drink. "By the way, I saw the video of the Golden Gate Bridge. The way you took down that lizard maniac was really cool."
"Come on, that day in New York, you had it covered."
This wasn't just flattery.
Iron Man, with his ability to fly, heavy firepower, and laser cutting systems, was the perfect counter to Dr. Lizard.
"Now that you've got money, how about I help you take over Wayne Enterprises?"
"Great idea."
Tony, a bit bleary-eyed, opened his portable computer and glanced at Wayne Enterprises' stock price. "Damn, Wayne Enterprises' stock is too stable, and the market cap is huge. Bro, to help you out, I'd have to sell off half of Stark Industries just to shake Bruce's shares."
"Forget it. Things are good as they are."
"Alright, but if you ever need it, just call me. Since you're in New York, I'll continue to clean up the Ten Rings in the Middle East."
"Uh, wait, before you go, make me an insulated rubber suit."
"What specs?"
"The highest possible, something that can withstand tens of thousands of volts, no need to worry about size."
"Deal."
...
Outside, the Toomes residence was definitely a top-tier mansion.
The 200-square-meter hall was decorated in modern art style, with abstract chandeliers hanging everywhere, each piece of furniture looking like a work of art, leaving guests in awe.
In the adjacent 100-square-meter side hall, wild electronic music played. On any other day, the students would have been dancing madly inside.
But today, all the attention was stolen by the red and gold metal figure.
Iron Man—the true top star in America today, the number one idol in every teenager's heart.
Compared to the superhuman Superman, the public felt a natural connection to Tony Stark, an ordinary human who used high-tech armor, giving people the illusion that "I could do that too."
Young people surrounded Iron Man, constantly taking pictures and screaming. Meanwhile, a group of beauties chatted absentmindedly, casting glances towards the lounge where Tony and Atreus had just entered.
After all, any woman who slept with the "national husband" Tony Stark would see her social status skyrocket, even if she couldn't marry into the Stark family. For example, Christine, a reporter who became famous after sleeping with Tony, now hosts her own solo show.
Moreover, whoever succeeds now wouldn't just be sleeping with any rich heir, but with *Iron Man* himself!
The girls' excited screams clearly affected Toomes and his daughter.
Normally, such upstaging behavior would anger the host.
But, as the saying goes—if your background is big enough, you're a guest that others would normally beg to invite.
Liz noticed that the boy she liked seemed to have an unusual admiration for Iron Man.
Actually, all the boys here felt the same.
Ten minutes later, the lounge door opened.
Two figures with their arms around each other became the center of attention.
The average person might not have noticed, but Adrian Toomes' eyes narrowed sharply. He clearly remembered that when Tony first arrived, he wasn't familiar with the young man named Atreus, yet now they looked like long-lost brothers. What had they talked about in there?
Adrian, or rather, the yet-to-be-revealed Vulture of New York, was curious. Unfortunately, when he checked the surveillance, all the electronic devices inside had been jammed.
That was Iron Man's electronic tech for you.
At that moment, Tony, who had become the star of the party, came out, and Adrian naturally approached him.
"Sorry it took me so long to greet you. I'm the host here, Adrian Toomes. Mr. Stark, your presence is an honor."
Tony politely shook Adrian's hand, "I should be the one apologizing. I came uninvited."
"No, no, no! Your face is a universal invitation," Adrian replied, not just out of politeness, but as a fact.
Across America, there really weren't many people who didn't respect Tony.
Tony glanced around and gave a courteous compliment, "Great party."
"This is my daughter, Liz…"
Adrian hadn't finished introducing his daughter when Tony noticed the crowd of pretty girls inching closer, eager to introduce themselves. Tony frowned, "I'd love to enjoy the party, but unfortunately, I have urgent business."
Those words made Harry Osborn, who considered himself noble, freeze instantly. He had already positioned himself beside Toomes, planning to introduce himself right after the host.
In fact, Harry had even extended his hand, ready to shake hands.
But Tony completely ignored him.
Atreus had a feeling that if a gust of wind blew by, Harry, already petrified, would shatter into pieces and scatter away...
(End of Chapter)