Tony was different from the rest. What he saw wasn't glory or victory, but a future where every Avenger lay dead, leaving him as the lone survivor staring into the void of the unknown. That kind of burden changed a person. Beneath his sharp tongue and abrasive attitude, he was the one who cared the most, even if he never showed it properly. Someone like that was worth standing beside.
"A banquet invited by Tony Stark?" Polaris looked at Liam in surprise, clearly not expecting that kind of invitation.
"That's right," Liam replied with a nod, completely at ease as if it were nothing unusual.
"That playboy's parties don't invite serious people," Shadowcat added with a dismissive wave of her hand. She paused briefly before awkwardly correcting herself. "I mean—not you. I just meant… you're not actually going, right?"
"I already said yes." Liam shrugged casually, his tone firm and without hesitation. Unlike the others, he understood Tony far better than they did.
"I think you're probably missing a dance partner," Shadowcat continued, giving up on persuading him. Instead, she stepped forward with a small smile, clearly volunteering herself.
Polaris and Rogue froze for a second before reacting, both staring at her as if she had just crossed a line.
"I think that means I can be a dance partner too," Polaris said coolly, crossing her arms. She lifted her chin slightly, exuding a commanding presence as if she expected the others to back down without a fight.
No one was convinced.
"Lorna, you're the least qualified to say that," Rogue shot back immediately, her gaze sharp as she clearly referenced the last time Polaris had gone out alone with Liam.
Watching the situation spiral into a full argument, Liam could only sigh inwardly. The entire thing was unnecessary, especially since Tony had already made his intentions clear in private—bringing a partner wasn't exactly encouraged. Still, the three of them showed no signs of stopping.
Rather than getting dragged deeper into the chaos, Liam made his decision. His figure blurred for an instant, and he disappeared from the room without a sound.
"Hey, stop arguing. He's gone." Clarice, who had remained silent the entire time, finally spoke up. She hadn't joined the quarrel, mostly because she wasn't the type to compete like that, but her attention had never left Liam.
The others froze and turned at once, only to find empty space where he had been.
The next evening arrived quickly. Liam prepared to attend Tony's party, but the issue of a partner still lingered in his mind. After spending the entire day deliberately avoiding Polaris and Rogue, he realized something simple—going alone would be even more troublesome.
Most of the women at Tony's events had complicated connections, and he had no interest in dealing with that. Bringing someone he trusted would make things easier, and far less awkward.
The real question was who.
Without wasting time, Liam activated his ability and appeared instantly inside the girls' dormitory. He had only intended to check who was around, but what he found caught him off guard.
Clarice stood alone in the room, holding a red evening dress up in front of herself, studying her reflection with quiet focus.
"I think you'd look great in that one," Liam said casually from behind her.
The sudden voice startled her, and she spun around quickly. When she saw him in the mirror, surprise replaced the initial shock.
"Why are you here, Liam?"
"Well…" He rubbed his chin with a faint smile. "I happen to be short a dance partner."
Clarice's eyes widened, clearly not expecting that answer.
"What about your dress?" Liam asked, glancing at the gown in her hands.
"Oh, this?" She lifted it slightly, a bit shy. "Lorna and the others dragged me out earlier. They said there might be a dance, so we picked something up just in case."
"Perfect. Go change and let me see."
"That… here?" Clarice hesitated, her face flushing slightly.
Liam looked around the room, only then realizing there wasn't anywhere else for her to go. He coughed lightly and stepped back.
"I'll wait outside."
Before she could respond, he disappeared again, reappearing in the hallway.
Left alone, Clarice let out a small laugh, her nervousness easing. She looked down at the red dress in her hands, her smile growing brighter as she finally made up her mind.
A short while later, the door opened.
When Liam looked up, his eyes lit up instantly. Clarice stepped out in the red evening gown, and for a moment, everything else faded into the background. Her long purple hair had been styled elegantly, framing her face and drawing attention to her pale green eyes. The dress fit her perfectly, enhancing her natural beauty without being overly extravagant.
Still, something felt incomplete.
"How is it?" Clarice asked, a bit uneasy under his gaze.
"It's beautiful," Liam said honestly, nodding as he studied her. Then he tilted his head slightly. "But something's missing."
"Missing?"
"Don't move."
He stepped closer, placing his hands lightly on her shoulders to keep her still. Clarice obeyed without question, her heart beating just a little faster.
Liam raised his hand and tapped gently above her head. In the next instant, a delicate golden tiara appeared, set with flawless diamonds that caught the light with every movement.
He nodded in satisfaction.
With his understanding of design and his ability to manipulate matter at the molecular level, the piece was flawless—far beyond anything a normal jeweler could create. It wasn't just jewelry; it was art in its purest form.
And he wasn't done.
His hand moved again, touching lightly at her ears, her neck, and her hand. Earrings formed seamlessly, followed by an exquisite necklace and a ring that settled perfectly on her finger.
With those final touches, her presence transformed completely. She didn't just look beautiful anymore—she looked breathtaking.
"Oh my God…" Clarice whispered, stunned as she looked at the necklace and ring. She had never seen anything so perfect, so impossibly refined.
Her gaze lingered on the ring on her right hand, her thoughts racing. A ring… did that mean…?
She covered her mouth slightly, staring at Liam in disbelief.
Liam, completely unaware of her thoughts, simply smiled. To him, the ring was practical—it signaled to others that she wasn't to be bothered. That was all.
"Come on," he said, extending his hand with a gentlemanly smile. "You're going to be the most dazzling woman there tonight."
Clarice placed her hand in his, her smile soft and genuine.
"Let's go."
In the next instant, they vanished.
"Damn it, we're too late!" Polaris and Rogue arrived just moments later, stopping short when they saw the empty room. They had rushed over after hearing Liam had been here, but they had missed him by seconds.
Elsewhere, Liam and Clarice appeared outside the grand banquet hall.
The moment they stepped into view, the surrounding crowd erupted into murmurs.
"Who are they?"
"That guy is insanely handsome…"
"And her—she's stunning. She's definitely the most eye-catching woman here tonight."
"Does anyone know them? I've never seen them before."
Every eye turned toward them, admiration and curiosity filling the air.
Liam glanced down at Clarice with a small smile. "Told you. You're the most beautiful one here."
Clarice held his arm, her expression calm but clearly pleased.
"Let's go inside."
They stepped into the hall together.
"Well, well—look who it is!" Tony's voice rang out as he approached with open arms.
Liam sighed but returned the hug.
"Everyone, let me introduce you," Tony said loudly, draping an arm over Liam's shoulder. "This is Liam Hayes—the largest shareholder of Stark Industries."
The room fell into brief silence before a wave of surprise spread across the gathered elites.
They had been guessing his identity moments ago, but none of them expected this.
After all, Stark Industries had not declined after leaving the weapons business. Under Tony's leadership, it had grown stronger than ever.
....
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