Gradually Discovering the Truth

In the living room, Tony had Jarvis play the two videos one after the other, watching them again with Nick Fury.

The two remained silent throughout. Even long after the videos ended, neither spoke.

Tony had once again fallen into grief, while Nick Fury was shocked by the gravity of the situation. He smelled a conspiracy—a colossal conspiracy.

"Tony, where did you get those Video Tapes?"

"Call me Mr. Stark. We're not close enough for you to use my first name."

"Tony, we're discussing another Mr. Stark. I don't want you derailing my thoughts with your nonsense, understand?"

"Okay, just this once."

Tony shrugged. "The Video Tapes arrived separately. The death Video Tape came from a mysterious person in Monaco. He said it was a gift fifteen years overdue. The other Video Tape came from Mr. Stark. Yes, you heard me right. He mailed it to me."

Tony did not mention the old man who had delivered the package, and Nick Fury instinctively overlooked him as well. The more the latter heard, the darker his expression became. After pondering for a moment, he continued questioning him.

"Was there anything else besides the Video Tapes?"

Tony answered decisively, "No!"

Nick Fury's eyes widened. "Please answer seriously. This is important."

"Fine, there were some diaries, but don't even think about it. I'm not letting you read them. They contain some... uh..."

Tony agonized over his wording before giving an answer perfectly in line with Howard's character. "The diaries contain Mr. Stark's romantic exploits. It concerns the family's reputation. No matter what excuse you use, I won't show them to you."

Tony was evasive, and Nick Fury realized that what was in those diaries was important!

His expression darkened. Others might not have known about Howard's many identities, but as Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.,