Veronica Notices
Veronica Stark noticed it.
At first, she told herself she was imagining things.
But she wasn't.
Gwen.
Felicia.
Skye.
Jennifer.
Helen.
They all orbited Alex.
Not obviously.
Not desperately.
But naturally.
They spoke about him casually.
Mentioned his decisions with respect.
Smiled a little too much when his name came up.
Veronica sat at her desk one evening, arms folded, staring at nothing.
"…I'm being ridiculous," she muttered.
She stood.
Then stopped.
No—she wasn't.
She knew exactly what she wanted.
The Request
Veronica walked straight into Tony's office.
Alex was already there, discussing reports.
She didn't hesitate.
"I want to work at Ashborn Group."
Both men looked at her.
"As CEO," she added calmly.
Tony blinked.
Alex frowned slightly. "Veronica—"
"I'm serious," she said. "I can handle it."
Alex glanced at Tony.
That glance said everything.
Help me.
Alex spoke carefully.
"I don't want you under that kind of pressure."
Veronica stepped forward.
"I want to be there. I want to build something with you."
Tony watched quietly.
Then sighed.
"…She's already decided, isn't she?"
Alex didn't answer.
Tony nodded slowly.
"Alright."
Veronica's eyes widened.
"Really?"
Tony smiled. "Yeah. Really."
She hugged him instantly.
"Thank you!"
Then she turned to Alex.
"I'll pack."
And she left—almost skipping.
The door closed.
The Aftermath
Silence.
Alex leaned back slightly.
"…I didn't want her stressed."
Tony looked at him.
"…You know she likes you, right?"
Alex nodded.
"I know."
Tony frowned. "Then why hesitate?"
Alex spoke honestly.
"Because I don't want her overworked. Or pressured. Or sacrificing herself just to be near me."
Tony stared.
Then—
"…Oh."
It hit him.
"You weren't avoiding responsibility," Tony said quietly.
"You were protecting her."
Alex nodded once.
Tony ran a hand through his hair.
"…I might've just thrown her into the fire."
Alex and Tony sighed at the exact same time.
Perfectly in sync.
"Is there any way to stop this?" Tony asked.
Alex shook his head.
"She already chose."
Tony groaned.
"I really need to stop approving things so fast."
Alex allowed a small smile.
"She'll be fine," he said.
"I'll make sure of it."
Tony glanced at him.
"…Of course you will."
Somewhere else—
Veronica was packing.
Smiling.
Blushing.
Completely unaware that two very powerful men were already worried sick about her.