Lovers Reunited, Faces Flushed

Jameson continued asking Howard a few routine questions. Then, keenly noticing that Howard was already looking to wrap up the interview, he abruptly asked, "Mr. Howard, when are you planning to deal with the 'Mandarin'? I mean, when are you going to kill him?"

Because Jameson's question was so blunt, the noisy crowd of reporters instantly fell silent, quietly waiting for Howard's answer.

Howard looked at the microphones and cameras practically being shoved into his face. After a pause, he pointed at the cameras and declared in a slightly cold tone:

"This isn't a good question. As a public figure, answering in front of the entire world whether I'll kill someone is... well, actually."

"It is indeed a pressing problem that needs solving. As for that 'Mandarin,' I don't know whether he's one person or a group pretending to be one. In any case, today is Christmas, and I've long wanted to offer that 'Mandarin,' who has repeatedly 'looked after' my son, a little holiday greeting."

"I just thought of the right words, so—my name is Howard Stark, father of Tony Stark and founder of Stark Industries. I'm not afraid of you. I know you're a coward who only hides behind television screens. So I've decided: you're dead, buddy. Enjoy this last Christmas of yours. I'll personally come collect your body."

"This has nothing to do with politics or justice. It's just old-fashioned, straightforward revenge."

"This has nothing to do with the Pentagon or S.H.I.E.L.D. It's only you and us, the Ten Rings and the Stark family. From this moment on, let's see who wins—whether you slaughter us first, or we drag every last one of you out and kill you."

"If you're still a man, remember our address—10880 Malibu Harbor, ZIP code 90265. Our front door is always open