As Dave, Trish, and Diana stepped out into the spotlight, the cameras instantly snapped toward them. The attention was undeniable, especially on Trish and Diana, whose stunning beauty captivated everyone in sight. Their elegant presence, combined with their confident poise, made them the center of attention. But soon, eyes began shifting to the man leading them—Dave.
The crowd, filled with influential figures and high society elites, watched him with curiosity. Whispers floated through the room as people tried to identify him. Some initially labeled him a playboy, based solely on his company. But when his last name, Garcia, was quietly shared among the guests, attitudes quickly changed.
"Garcia? Seems like he's inherited his father's excellence," many quietly remarked, their opinions shifting from dismissive to respectful. It was clear that Dave was someone worth paying attention to, and more importantly, someone not to be underestimated.
Meanwhile, Obadiah Stane stood at a distance, watching the trio with a calculating gaze. He smirked to himself as he observed the growing interest in Dave. 'This is going to be easier than I thought,' he mused. Stane had already orchestrated a plan to manipulate Dave—his eyes narrowing as he signaled to several women in the room. These women were carefully selected for one purpose: to seduce Dave and, in doing so, steer him into giving up his valuable Stark shares.
The night, in his eyes, would be a turning point.
Obadiah Stane adjusted his suit as he confidently walked toward Dave , extending his hand with a smile. "Mr. Garcia, thank you for gracing us with your presence tonight," Stane said with a laugh as they shook hands.
"Haha, it's my pleasure, Mr. Stane," Dave responded, matching his energy with a polite laugh. They stood together for a moment, posing for the cameras, their interaction drawing even more attention from the crowd.
"I'll be heading inside, Mr. Stane. I believe you're busy tonight with your guests," Dave said, nodding slightly as he began to move toward the grand room.
"Of course, of course! Lots of guests to welcome," Obadiah chuckled, nodding in agreement. He watched Dave walk away and then discreetly signaled to a group of women standing nearby. These women, prepped and ready, nodded back in acknowledgment. Their mission was clear—they were tasked with approaching Dave, each one strategically planning how to lure him in.
"He's exactly as you described—confident, and someone who thinks he owns the world," Trish remarked, her eyes narrowing as she observed Obadiah's subtle gestures from across the room.
Dave, catching her comment, smirked. "It's always the ones with the loudest ego who make the quietest moves," he replied casually, glancing toward Stane, who was now deep in conversation with a few influential guests.
Trish's gaze sharpened. "He's planning something, isn't he?"
"Oh, definitely," Dave said, still focused on his surroundings. "But let him play his game. He doesn't know who he's really up against."
"These people... they think they're great just because they sometimes achieve their ambitions," Dave muttered as he casually walked deeper into the event, mingling with influential figures. "But in the end, they know they're nothing but a burden on this earth."
He brushed off their hollow pleasantries, all while keeping his composure. 'Well, it seems I'll have to play nice, at least until Stark shows up,' he mused, scanning the room.
As his gaze swept across the sea of guests, his eyes landed on a striking woman seated calmly in the corner, her backless dress exposing smooth skin, radiating elegance and mystery.
'Or... maybe I could have a beauty accompany me,' Dave thought with a smirk as he began to move toward her, his focus now locked on this beautiful encounter.
"What a crime," Dave said as he sat down next to Virginia "Pepper" Potts, ordering two drinks.
Pepper glanced at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Dave smiled, handing her a drink. "I meant it's a crime to have a lovely woman sitting alone in such a grand party."
Pepper chuckled, accepting the drink while glancing at Trish and Diana, who were mingling with business associates. "I don't think you need any company, Mr. Garcia," she said, amusement lacing her tone.
"Well, I don't particularly enjoy these types of events—talking to people for hours about their shallow interests and deals," Dave sighed as he leaned back, clearly disinterested.
"That's why you have your poor secretaries to handle that for you?" Pepper teased with a laugh.
"Maybe," Dave shrugged, eyeing her with a subtle grin.
"So, where's Tony?" Dave asked, changing the topic, his gaze steady on her.
"He won't be coming tonight," Pepper replied smoothly.
"Hm, isn't this a Stark party? The owner not showing up—that sounds suspicious," Dave remarked, his grin deepening, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Pepper's expression remained neutral, though her posture shifted slightly. "There's nothing suspicious about it. Mr. Stark is just resting after his recent... incident."
"Kidnapping?" Dave asked knowingly, as he sipped his drink. "Well, I have faith in that man. I'm pretty sure he'll bounce back stronger than ever."
Pepper watched him carefully. "Is that why you bought up a lot of shares when Stark Industries was at its lowest?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Dave smirked, nodding confidently. "Yes, it was a good deal. Almost felt like stealing, if I'm being honest."
"And I assure you, this investment of yours will be the best you've ever made in your life," Pepper said confidently as she nodded.
"I'll take you up on that," Dave smiled, nodding in agreement.
As they conversed, a familiar voice interrupted, "I hope you're not trying to poach my secretary, Mr. Garcia?"
Dave turned and chuckled. "Of course not. I already have my hands full with two of them. I don't think I can afford another for the time being," he said as he shook hands with none other than Tony Stark.
Tony smiled, his usual charm on full display. "Good to hear, Dave. But don't get too comfortable—Pepper's a tough one to replace."
Dave smirked. "I'm sure she is. How are you, Mr. Stark?"
"Better than ever," Tony replied smoothly, though there was a hint of something deeper in his eyes. "But enough about me. Tell me, what's a guy like you really up to these days?"
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