Alex found himself seated at a grand dining table that seemed to stretch endlessly in both directions. The dining hall was a masterpiece of architectural opulence. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high vaulted ceiling, casting a warm golden glow on the polished marble floor. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries and gold-framed portraits of the Stark family's ancestors. A long table, made of dark mahogany and polished to perfection, was set with fine china, gleaming silverware, and crystal glasses. The air carried the faint scent of fresh flowers, arranged meticulously in the centerpieces scattered across the table.
The room buzzed with quiet activity as maids moved gracefully around, refilling glasses and serving dishes. Their uniforms were crisp and elegant, with not a wrinkle out of place. Despite their silent efficiency, Alex could feel their curious glances darting his way—no doubt surprised by his presence after weeks of absence due to his illness.
As he glanced around the table, Alex took in the members of his family, each lost in their own thoughts as they ate in near silence.
At the head of the table sat his father, Richard Stark, a man of 54 years whose sharp features and cold eyes betrayed his reputation as a strict and calculating businessman. His salt-and-pepper hair was neatly combed back, and he carried himself with an air of authority that commanded respect. Richard's movements were deliberate and precise, even as he cut into his steak.
Beside him sat Alex's stepmother, Marianne Stark, a woman of 47 who still radiated the beauty of her modeling days. Her blonde hair framed a face that seemed frozen in time, her skin flawless and her posture effortlessly elegant. Despite her outward grace, Alex could sense her self-centered nature. She barely acknowledged him, her cool indifference stemming from the fact that he was the product of her husband's affair—a constant reminder of Richard's infidelity.
To Richard's right sat Henry Stark, Alex's eldest brother and the designated heir to the Stark empire. At 26, Henry exuded a quiet confidence, his tailored suit a reflection of his desire to embody the perfect successor. His demeanor during the meal was reserved, his focus seemingly on the food, but Alex noticed how his sharp eyes occasionally flicked toward their father, gauging his reactions.
Across from Henry was Sera Stark, Alex's 23-year-old elder sister. She was stunning, her blonde hair styled immaculately, her makeup flawless, and her outfit a testament to her position in the fashion business. Sera had an air of ambition about her, her calculative nature evident in the way she observed everyone at the table while leisurely enjoying her meal.
Absent from the dinner was Leon Stark, the second brother, who was away at college. At 21, Leon was known for his hedonistic lifestyle, a stark contrast to the rest of the family.
Alex felt acutely out of place among his family. He was the only one with jet-black hair, a stark contrast to the golden locks of the others. His mother was a mystery, her identity shrouded in secrecy, leaving Alex as a constant outlier in the Stark family.
In his previous life, Alex—then Sven—would have sympathized with the old Alex. The boy had grown up isolated, with minimal contact with his family beyond formal occasions like this one. Treated with respect but lacking affection, the old Alex had developed an introverted personality, struggling to make friends or find his place in the world.
But the new Alex had no intention of staying in the shadows. This was a new life, a second chance, and he would ensure that the world knew his name.
The quiet hum of the maids' movements filled the silence until Richard finally broke it.
"Alex," his father said, his voice commanding and sharp, "how are you feeling? I understand you've been bedridden for two weeks. Dengue isn't something to take lightly."
Alex set down his fork and met his father's gaze. "I'm feeling much better now, Father," he said, his tone refined and confident. "The doctor said I've made a full recovery, and I'll be returning to school tomorrow."
Richard raised an eyebrow, perhaps surprised by the maturity in Alex's response. Before he could reply, Henry spoke up.
"Father, about the new machine learning startup," Henry began, his tone measured. "I've been analyzing their potential. They have an interesting product, but AI is still a niche field. I'm considering acquiring them to position us ahead of the curve."
Richard leaned back in his chair, his expression skeptical. "Artificial intelligence is an unproven concept, Henry. Most people don't even understand what it is. Investing in something so speculative could be a waste of resources."
Alex's ears perked up. He couldn't resist the opportunity to contribute.
"Actually," Alex interjected, his voice calm but assertive, "machine learning has immense potential, particularly in fields like fintech. Algorithms can analyze market trends, detect fraudulent transactions, and optimize financial portfolios far better than any human could. It's not just speculation—it's the future."
All eyes turned to Alex. Richard's expression shifted to one of surprise, while Henry looked intrigued. Even Sera paused mid-bite, her interest piqued.
"And you know this... how?" Richard asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
Alex smiled faintly. "I've been reading up on it. It's a fascinating field with applications that go far beyond finance. Healthcare, logistics, even entertainment—it has the potential to revolutionize every industry."
Richard studied Alex carefully, his sharp mind no doubt reevaluating the son he had largely overlooked.
Henry leaned forward, his curiosity evident. "What do you think about the startup, Alex? Should we acquire them?"
Alex hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "If their technology is sound, yes. But the key is nurturing it. AI is still in its infancy, and it needs proper guidance to reach its full potential. If we can position ourselves as leaders in this field now, the returns will be exponential in the future."
Richard stroked his chin thoughtfully, his mind clearly racing with possibilities. Sera, meanwhile, seemed to be looking at Alex in a new light, her calculative eyes now filled with curiosity.
The dinner continued in relative silence, but the atmosphere had shifted. Richard was deep in thought, Henry seemed impressed, and Sera kept sneaking glances at Alex, as though reassessing her younger brother.
By the time the meal ended, Alex had successfully planted a seed in the minds of his family. They were beginning to see him not as the quiet, introverted boy they had always known, but as someone with potential—a force to be reckoned with.
As the maids cleared the table and the family dispersed, Alex remained seated for a moment, a faint smile on his lips.
"Interesting" he muses. "things are really interesting."