By the time Tony arrived at the charity fundraising gala, the pre-dinner cocktail reception had already ended, and most of the reporters gathered outside had left. When the flashy, cool Koenigsegg sports car executed a beautiful drifting turn and stopped at the entrance, Stark—usually the center of attention—was, for the first time, not swarmed by paparazzi and entered the venue without incident.
In the spacious hall, the band's lyrical music echoed softly. Tony's gaze passed over the guests chatting and laughing as he searched constantly for a familiar figure. He soon found the person he had been thinking about.
Pepper, normally conservative and dignified, had dressed up for the occasion tonight. She wore a sky-blue backless gown paired with perfectly suited heels, her blonde hair falling over her shoulders. Beneath the brilliant crystal chandelier, her skin looked as white as snow, glowing with a delicate sheen.
Compared to her usual image as a shrewd and capable secretary, Pepper was even more captivating to Tony now. Her gentle, tender, reserved charm deeply attracted this seasoned playboy who had spent years among beautiful women.
Huh? Who was that bastard who looked kind of familiar?!
The melodious music flowed quietly. Pepper, who had always been cold toward men, entered the dance floor at a young man's invitation and swayed with him. Her blue gown fluttered slightly like a blooming blue lotus, beautiful and enchanting.
After thinking for a moment, Tony remembered meeting the man in Las Vegas. He was the newly risen New York genius whom the media often compared to him. That bastard had his hand around Pepper's waist. Based on Tony's extensive experience, the kid was definitely a seasoned womanizer. His physical contact never crossed the line, so it would not disgust his dance partner while still enhancing the ambiguous atmosphere.