The helicopter landed at the airport, and Pepper received a message from Rhodey.
Tony had been found!
She hurriedly got a car ready and took Krillin with her to the airport.
One reason Pepper had remained unharmed all this time was Krillin's protection.
After all, Pepper had Krillin guarding her at all times, while Obadiah did not have Tien Shinhan constantly protecting him.
The moment they met,
Pepper threw her arms around Tony Stark, tears streaming down her face.
"I'm sorry, I..." Tony had barely begun his apology.
Pepper pulled out of his embrace, a look of surprise on her face.
"All right. It's enough that you made it back alive." Pepper took Tony's arm and led him back to the car, eager to get him home.
Tony wasn't used to going to hospitals for treatment.
Pepper took Tony back to a villa.
Krillin tactfully waited in a room by the entrance.
The first thing Tony did after entering the room
was call for JARVIS. "JARVIS, revoke every permission granted to Obadiah Stane that you're able to revoke."
"Yes, sir. Welcome home, sir." JARVIS's mechanical voice rang out.
"What?" Pepper looked at Tony in disbelief. "It really was Mr. Obadiah..."
Tony sighed without saying a word.
Pepper understood how he felt and remained silent as well.
A moment later,
Tony spoke first. "Pepper, the news of my rescue has gotten out, hasn't it?"
"Of course." Pepper nodded.
"Arrange a press conference for me." Tony changed into fresh clothes.
"A press conference? I thought you didn't want to take part in those things." Seeing Tony alive had clearly lifted Pepper's spirits, too.
"To be honest, I don't want to hold one, but I think I need to," Tony explained.
Pepper was an excellent event organizer.
In just over an hour,