Stark strode through the corridors of Stark Industries Tower. When a familiar figure rushed out of an office, Stark did not hesitate for a second before sprinting over and pulling her into his arms.
"Oh, God, oh, God, Tony!" Pepper's voice trembled with tears as she repeatedly stroked the back of Stark's head and neck. Then she cupped his cheeks in both hands, looked into his eyes, and said, "I thought you were dead. I thought you were never coming back!"
Stark held Pepper tightly, resting his head against her neck and shoulder. Pepper felt him trembling all over. She hurriedly forced herself out of his embrace, gently wiped the tears from the corner of her eye with the side of her index finger, and took a deep breath, restoring her usual sharp and capable professional composure.
Pepper waved a hand behind her, and the doctors hurried forward to support Stark. One of Stark's hands remained on Pepper's shoulder as he stared into her eyes and said, "When I wake up, I want you to be the first person I see, Pepper. Please."
Stark collapsed.
Watching Stark being carried onto a stretcher, Pepper clenched her fists tightly. At that moment, another tall, dark figure appeared behind her.
"How is Tony?" Obadiah asked with a trace of urgency.
Only after several seconds did Pepper slowly withdraw her gaze. A complicated expression crossed her face as she stood facing away from Obadiah, but she still tried to compose herself and said, "He's extremely weak. He can barely stand. Mr. Obadiah, I'll have to leave the company to you for now."
After saying that, Pepper strode toward the stairs. Once her back disappeared from sight, Obadiah's expression darkened.
He returned to the office he had just left and glared unpleasantly at the Black