Suddenly, as if recalling something, Tony quickly moved over to a tall black cabinet in the lab, sat on top of it, and looked down at the blue holographic projections below. He said to J.A.R.V.I.S.,
"JARVIS, pull up the thermal signatures again—including anything up to 3,000 degrees Celsius."
Upon receiving the command, JARVIS began processing. One after another, projected thermal data charts and red three-dimensional bar graphs appeared neatly arranged before Tony.
"Cloud analysis complete. Connecting to satellite mapping—retrieving thermal data from the past twelve months."
The amount of data displayed was overwhelming and not easy to review.
"Also, filter out all locations already attacked by the Mandarin," Tony added.
This significantly reduced the data.
Tony's expression grew serious. Beneath his slightly thick brows, his eyes gleamed with focus as he carefully analyzed the information.
"San Rafael, California—1,310°C. Not it."
"Springfield, Missouri—870°C. Not it."
"Rose Hill, Tennessee—3,000°C?"
Seeing the unusually high temperature reading in Tennessee, Tony pointed at it. The system immediately expanded the related information on the projection panel—news reports, video footage, and other data appeared one by one.
JARVIS explained,
"Sir, this incident occurred before the Mandarin began his attacks. At the time, it was classified as a suicide bombing."
Tony stared intently at the panel, completely absorbed.
"Zoom in, JARVIS."
The more he examined it, the more convinced he became that this incident was closely connected to the Mandarin's explosions—perhaps even key to uncovering how the attacks were carried out without explosives or detectable heat sources.
"The thermal signatures are nearly identical—both reaching 3,000 degrees. And both individuals involved were military personnel."
"JARVIS, have you ever been to Tennessee? It's time to arrange a trip."
"Understood, sir. What about Mr. Chen Chen?" JARVIS asked.
"We'll arrange for him too."
Still sitting atop the cabinet, Tony lazily yawned.
"He's investigating this case with me anyway. It'll be convenient to go together. Besides, with him around, my safety won't be an issue."
With a forward motion of both hands, all the blue projections vanished.
Tony jumped down from the cabinet and strode forward, intending to check on Chen Chen in the combat training room.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
Ding-dong—ding-dong—
Tony immediately pulled up the surveillance feed. A black car was parked outside his mansion.
"Tch… Why is someone ringing the doorbell? Isn't this place under security lockdown?"
Frowning, Tony tapped the cabinet irritably. He assumed it was either reporters or overly enthusiastic fans—either way, unwelcome.
"Seriously, I just threatened a terrorist, and now someone shows up at my door? JARVIS, identify them."
Shaking his head helplessly, Tony spoke.
"I'm afraid I cannot provide that information, sir. You were the one who publicly revealed your address."
A woman wearing a dark brown outfit and carrying a shoulder bag slowly walked in.
She had long, wavy brown hair. While not strikingly beautiful, her large dark eyes carried an air of intelligence—it was clear she was well-educated.
"Stay right there."
Tony, already suited up in the Mark 43 armor, pointed a finger at her.
After observing her for a moment, he retracted his helmet.
"You're not the Mandarin, are you? Terrorist?"
Seeing him scrutinize her—and hearing the tone suggesting he had forgotten her—the woman gave a helpless smile, almost self-mocking.
"As expected… you don't remember me. Though I did anticipate that."
"Don't take it personally. I can't even remember what I had for breakfast. Lately, I've only been focused on tinkering with armor."
Tony waved his hand, then grinned.
"Just kidding. How could I forget you? Long time no see… Maya."
Maya Hansen.
If Chen Chen were here, he would know her well.
She had been one of Tony's lovers over twenty years ago—a brilliant scientist and botanist, the developer of the Extremis virus, and a valuable asset to Killian and his A.I.M. organization.
Hearing Tony, Maya rolled her eyes.
"You're still the same—always playing dumb, always so frivolous. But I'm not here to reminisce. I have something important to tell you, and this isn't the place."
"Well… a few years ago, I wouldn't have refused a private invitation from a lady," Tony teased with his usual shameless tone.
"But now, I'm a man with a serious girlfriend."
At that moment, a series of thuds sounded from upstairs as several suitcases were thrown down.
Pepper's voice followed:
"Tony, do we have guests?"
She quickly came downstairs.
"Tony, you know staying here is dangerous—why are you entertaining visitors?"
Pepper walked over to Maya Hansen.
"Sorry—Happy's in the hospital, so I wasn't expecting guests."
Then she turned to Tony.
"We're leaving for the city. It's too dangerous here."
"Didn't we already agree? We're not going."
Tony shook his head in refusal.
All his suits were here—this was his base. Leaving meant abandoning his greatest advantage in protecting Pepper.
"No, I'm not leaving."
He took a breath, then softened his tone.
"Pepper, don't worry. I'm Iron Man. Today, I'm going to kick the Mandarin's ass."
But after so many years together, Pepper was one of the few people who could truly control Tony.
Her answer was immediate.
"No. No discussion. We're leaving—now."
"Can't you trust me?"
"Stop being so stubborn. You're not a child anymore."
-----------------------
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