The Blair Stark Series | Tony Starks Daughter

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑 - 𝘛𝘩e 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥

"Tony Stark. Visionary. Genius. American patriot.

From an early age, the son of legendary weapons developer Howard Stark quickly made his mark with a mind unlike any other. At the age of four, he built his first circuit board. By six, his first engine. At seventeen, he graduated summa cum laude from MIT. Then, with the passing of a titan, Howard Stark's longtime friend, Obadiah Stane, stepped in to help steer the ship of Stark Industries until the prodigal son returned. At 21, Tony Stark became the new CEO, ushering in a new era for his father's legacy. With the keys to the kingdom, he revolutionized the industry, creating smarter weapons, advanced robotics, and satellite targeting systems. Today, Tony Stark continues to change the face of the global defense industry, ensuring freedom and protecting America's interests worldwide."

But while Tony Stark's professional life was a string of successes, his personal life was a bit more complicated. His daughter, Blair, adored him— and the feeling was mutual— but Tony often found himself caught between work, fame, and his role as a father.

Tonight was no different.

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Tony stood at the craps table in a bustling Las Vegas casino, a crowd cheering him on as he grinned and held two dice in his hands. Happy stood beside him, loyal as ever, while Tony's laughter echoed through the room, mingling with the casino's noise. His charm was magnetic, especially with the two women flanking him, both mesmerized by his presence.

"Work it! Come on!" Tony shouted, rolling the dice with enthusiasm. The dice tumbled across the table, and Tony's head dropped onto Happy's shoulder as the crowd cheered his latest win. He smirked, turning to one of the women, whispering flirtatiously, "We should just stay till morning."

But just as he was making his next move, Rhodey stormed into the casino, his face stern, holding Tony's Apogee Award in one hand and Blair in the other arm. The eight year old clung to Rhodey's shoulder, looking small and out of place in the flashy casino, her oversized eyes scanning the room as if hoping this would all end soon.

"You are unbelievable," Rhodey said, stepping between Tony and the women. "Casinos and ladies when you're supposed to be at an award ceremony? Your own award, Tony!"

Tony blinked and then caught sight of Blair. His entire demeanor softened instantly. "Oh no, did they rope you into this, baby girl?" He stepped toward them, smiling at his daughter. "Hi, sweetheart. Where've you been hiding?"

Blair pouted, her small arms crossed. "Sitting alone, like usual." She glanced at Rhodey, who gently set her down beside Tony.

Rhodey, visibly annoyed, snapped back, "Tony, nobody 'roped' her into this. Don't use Blair as an escape route." He looked down at Blair, who now had her hands on Tony's award.

Tony chuckled as Blair handed him the trophy. "There it is. Easy."

Rhodey, unimpressed, glared at Tony. "You were supposed to be there. People were waiting to see you."

Tony shrugged. "I'm right where I need to be, don't you think?" He bent down, kissing Blair's cheek. "Besides, I've got my girl with me now."

As they continued to bicker, one of the women nearby lifted Blair onto the edge of the craps table and handed her the dice. Blair rolled them between her fingers for a moment, but before she could throw them, Rhodey flicked them out of her hand.

"There it is! Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes rolls!" Rhodey declared. The dice rolled to a halt, showing two craps. "And... two craps. Line away."

Tony stood there with a blank stare as the odds fell against him. "That's what happens. Worse things have happened. I think we're gonna be fine," he muttered, snapping his fingers toward the dealer. "Color me up, William. We're done here."

Blair hopped off the table and started walking toward the exit, her tiny legs determined to get out of the chaotic casino on her own, even though she longed to be carried. Tony, Happy, and a small group of guards followed her.

As they made their way toward the door, Rhodey patted Blair on the back. "You'll see me soon, kiddo," he said with a hug.

Tony paused and shook Rhodey's hand. "This is where I exit."

Rhodey gave him a stern look. "All right, tomorrow. Don't be late."

Tony waved dismissively. "Yeah, yeah. You can count on it."

"I'm serious, Tony!" Rhodey shouted after him.

Tony barely glanced back. "I know, I know." As he walked away, he approached one of the casino dealers, handing him the Apogee Award. "Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's. There you go."

Tony quickly caught up to Blair, who was still trudging toward the exit. He knelt down to her level, gently turning her around to face him. "B, why are you mad at me? Is it 'cause I wasn't with you tonight?"

Blair frowned, her tiny brow furrowed in frustration. "Duh, Dad. I'm tired of being by myself. At home, it's fine, but out here? I don't know anyone. It'd be nice if I could stay with someone I know..."

Just as she was about to continue, a voice called out. "Mr. Stark! Excuse me, Mr. Stark!"

Blair rolled her eyes, recognizing the tone of yet another woman vying for her father's attention.

A blonde woman hurried up to them. "Christine Everhart, Vanity Fair magazine. Can I ask you a few questions?"

Tony glanced at Happy with a smirk. "She's cute."

Happy shrugged. "She's all right."

"Hi," Christine said, now standing in front of them.

"Hi," Tony responded, giving her a charming smile. "Sure, go ahead."

Christine's smile widened as she got her notepad ready. "Mr. Stark, what has been your greatest accomplishment so far in life?"

Tony turned and pointed toward the car where Blair was already climbing inside. "You see that little girl? That's my greatest accomplishment. My pride and joy. I can't live without her. She's everything to me."

Blair, sitting in the front seat of the car, couldn't help but smile. At least she knew, no matter how chaotic her father's life got, she was still the center of his world.