"Mr. Stark, I'm Phil Coulson, an agent with S.H.I.E.L.D."
Coulson stood before Tony Stark, doing his best to make his tone sound friendly yet formal.
Dealing with this genius inventor and playboy required a certain amount of finesse.
Sincerity showed in Coulson's eyes as he tried to find an opening in Tony's slightly impatient gaze to introduce his subject.
Tony Stark stood in front of his private helicopter, his brows tightly furrowed. He was clearly in no mood for small talk.
He had just escaped from death in a harrowing ordeal and had not even figured out what had happened. More importantly, Pepper Potts had been injured too.
Even so, Tony stopped out of courtesy, though his movements betrayed obvious impatience.
"Now isn't the time for this, Agent Coulson. Another day."
There was a trace of apology in Tony's voice, but urgency outweighed it.
He had to confirm Pepper's condition as soon as possible and deal with his old friend who had betrayed him—Obadiah Stane.
Coulson nodded in understanding.
"Of course, Mr. Stark. I completely understand your situation. Please make sure Miss Potts is taken care of. If you need any help, whether from S.H.I.E.L.D. or from me personally, we're always on standby."
Coulson's words were filled with sincerity. He knew that, at a time like this, giving Tony enough space and support was what mattered most.
Tony gave a slight nod in response, then turned and hurried toward the helicopter.
The helicopter roared into the air and flew toward a private hospital under Stark Industries.
The hospital was hidden in a corner of the bustling city. It was heavily guarded and closed to the public, serving only important figures like Tony and Obadiah. Now, with Obadiah's betrayal, it had practically become Tony's personal domain.
Inside the hospital, modern medical