"Felicia." Harry lowered his head slightly, his cheek brushing against her hair.
Felicia froze, waiting anxiously for his next words.
"I said it already." Harry sighed softly and held the woman in his arms—a woman who appeared so capable to the world, yet was fragile within.
"You are my woman," Harry said calmly, his expression serious. "And you always will be."
His steady tone brought visible relief to the trembling Felicia.
"Then I'll always be Harry's woman." Tears welled in her eyes as she spoke. Harry chuckled softly at her tear-streaked smile—like pear blossoms in the rain.
"Alright, wipe those tears." Harry took her gently by the arms, pulling her slightly away before brushing the moisture from the corners of her eyes.
"Mm." Felicia wiped her tears and smiled faintly.
"I'm sorry, Harry. It's because of me that Invisible Woman left," she said quietly, lowering her gaze. To her, Harry was someone untouchable—someone she shouldn't reach for, but couldn't help wanting to keep close.
"It's fine. I'll take care of it," Harry said with a sigh of relief. Though he didn't quite understand what Felicia was thinking, the incident had eased something heavy in his heart. As for Invisible Woman, that connection between them would be simple enough to settle later.
"What are you working on?" Harry asked, glancing at the stack of papers on the desk.
"See for yourself." Felicia's expression turned slightly helpless. She stepped away, picked up the documents, and handed them to him.
Harry took them, and Felicia placed a folded newspaper on top.
"'Ambiguous Between Superheroes'—ahem!" Harry coughed twice when he saw the Daily Bugle's headline photo: the image of him flying through the sky with a distraught Invisible Woman from last night. Embarrassed, he quietly looked toward Felicia. Seeing no expression on her face, he slipped the paper beneath the documents and began to read. He didn't notice the faint smile tugging at the corner of Felicia's lips.
"The Mutant Registration Act is about to be enacted." Harry's expression grew serious as he read the next headline.
When he saw Jean Grey—one of the most famous mutants—featured prominently, he already understood what was coming. He hadn't expected it so soon.
Still, this was no threat to Harry. On the contrary, it could be a benefit. There were many mutants whose powers were formidable—resources, in a sense, waiting to be tapped.
Thinking this, Harry smiled faintly and turned to the next document.
"What's this?" His eyes narrowed as he scanned the page, then he looked up at Felicia in surprise.
"That's the one," Felicia said, shrugging helplessly and nodding toward the paper in his hand.
It was a brief report—nothing unusual in appearance—but the title caught his eye immediately.
"Osborn Industries' Private Arms Transaction Report—Hammer Industries," it read, with Hammer's logo clearly stamped below.
"So, the deal with S.H.I.E.L.D. over the hoverboard has leaked." Harry leaned back, relaxing slightly. "Looks like Nick Fury's suspicions might finally be confirmed."
From what Harry knew of S.H.I.E.L.D., such classified information couldn't possibly leak from the outside. Which meant it had to be internal—Hydra, embedded within. Nick Fury was going to have a busy week.
"Where'd this come from? I don't recall Osborn Industries running spies in other companies," Harry asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course not," Felicia replied smoothly, now back to her usual composed demeanor. "It was faxed to us by Tony Stark's butler."
"Jarvis? That makes sense." Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Smart man… or smart system."
"And Tony Stark seems to be coming to New York soon," Felicia added. "He asked me to let you know."
"If he's coming, he must have something in mind," Harry mused, already anticipating what kind of chaos Tony's visit would bring.
Just then, the office phone rang.
Norman Osborn had made many enemies in his life, so the design of this office was… particular.
There was only one way in—Harry's private elevator—and after Norman's death, only Harry could authorize its use.
Anyone else had to call.
"What is it?" Harry asked coolly, picking up the receiver.
"Sir, this is Mr. Tony Stark from Stark Industries. He wishes to see you. Should I let him up?" came the voice on the other end.
"Alright," Harry said, then hung up. He pulled a key from his drawer, opened a small control panel on his desk, and granted access to the elevator.
"Who is it?" Felicia asked, curious. Except for Reed Richards' visit, Harry's office had never permitted entry to anyone—at least, not willingly. (General Ross's forced entry didn't count.)
"Tony Stark," Harry said.
And right then, the man himself appeared.
"Hey, Harry! Long time no see." A laid-back voice came from the doorway. Sunglasses and a sharp suit did nothing to hide Tony Stark's casual arrogance.
"Hey there, gorgeous." Tony's eyes flicked toward Felicia, standing elegantly by the sofa. His smile widened, his outstretched hand meant for Harry suddenly veering in her direction.
Harry immediately vaulted from behind his desk, stepped in front of Felicia, and planted his palm against Tony's chest, pushing him firmly back. He knew exactly what Tony was like. If Felicia didn't react, Tony would absolutely try to hug her—and regret it immediately afterward. Felicia was no ordinary woman.
Felicia smiled faintly at Harry's quick intervention.
"Heh." Tony rubbed his nose awkwardly and smiled.
"Don't be embarrassed," Harry chuckled. "If you'd actually hugged her, you probably wouldn't be standing right now."
"Come on, no way," Tony laughed—until he caught Felicia's eyes. Her cold, sharp gaze didn't match the faint smile on her lips at all. A chill ran down his spine, and he quickly looked away.
"Alright." Harry patted Tony's shoulder and sank onto the sofa. "So—what brings you here?"
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