"Oh, boss, I have to say, you're really like a prince tonight!"
There was a special gleam in Alice's eyes as she stretched out her hand. She was Kyle's companion for the evening.
Originally, this job was supposed to go to Gasco, but unfortunately, Alice had taken it from him.
"You too. Though, I really didn't expect you to wear this kind of outfit, given your usual style."
Kyle waved to Gasco, who was behind him. The latter had already handed over the car to the valet and was following him inside.
The party hall was located on the first floor. Most of the reporters were still outside, though a few had entered.
As Kyle stepped onto the red carpet and into the venue, many entrepreneurs were already mingling and chatting.
However, as soon as Kyle entered, the attention of most people shifted toward him. This was a crowd of middle-aged professionals, and it was hard not to notice a child who hadn't even reached adulthood walking in.
"My dear nephew! Long time no see!"
A middle-aged man in a blue suit, who appeared to be in his 40s but already had a touch of gray in his hair, approached.
Seeing Kyle, his face lit up with genuine care, and he gave him a warm, familial hug.
"Uncle Milton, long time no see."
Kyle was happy to see the man, and he returned the hug with equal enthusiasm.
If Kyle had to pick the person who had helped him the most, Gasco would definitely take the top spot. But if there was a close second, it would undoubtedly be the man in front of him—Milton Williams.
When Kyle first took over the company and found himself in financial trouble, it was Milton who had lent him 100 million dollars without hesitation, enabling him to create the first No. 7 crystal.
Milton and Kyle's father were close friends, and the bond between them went even further in New York's business circles.
"Looks like you've been doing well recently, the company's looking good."
Milton cast a glance at Alice standing next to Kyle, a knowing smile on his face. It was clear he was impressed by how much his nephew had grown up.
Kyle didn't quite catch the meaning behind the smile and simply responded with, "It's not bad."
After a brief chat, Milton left. He had come as an investor, looking for companies with potential.
"Why do I feel like I shouldn't be with you?"
Kyle muttered as he felt the eyes of many around him. It was mostly because of Alice's presence.
He picked up a glass and poured Coca-Cola into it from a waiter's tray, drinking it casually.
"Really? But I think, boss, you attract more attention," Alice said, clinking her red wine glass with his before downing it in one gulp.
In a high-class party like this, drinking Coca-Cola instead of wine was a bit unusual. However, given the color similarity between Coca-Cola and red wine, it was hardly noticeable.
Kyle felt a little embarrassed, but being underage, he wasn't quite ready to drink yet.
---
Elsewhere at the Party:
"Mr. Obadiah, long time no see."
As he was preparing for the arrival of Tony Stark, Obadiah Stane was distracted by a familiar voice.
Turning around, he spotted a face he vaguely remembered, though it took a few moments for him to place it.
"It's you—Butler Gasco."
The last time this young man had approached him was to buy personal arms. Gasco had been there, but Obadiah hadn't paid him much attention at the time.
The real surprise had come from Kyle, who had placed a massive order worth 50 million dollars, although it hadn't included any large weapons.
Obadiah made a note to keep an eye on Kyle, given the high quality of his orders.
"That's right. My young master is very pleased with the products he ordered from you last time, and he's looking forward to our next cooperation," Gasco said, extending his hand.
Obadiah, always keeping his distance, shook Gasco's hand, unaware of the covert maneuver happening at that moment.
Gasco had surreptitiously attached an eavesdropping device hidden in his fingers to the sleeve of Obadiah's suit.
Obadiah didn't notice a thing and thought little of it.
"Of course. Stark Industries' products never disappoint. I'm looking forward to our next transaction," Obadiah replied, pleased with the idea of securing another deal.
After the brief exchange, Gasco excused himself.
"Well then, I'll leave you to it. I hope you enjoy the rest of the party," he said with a polite nod.
Obadiah, focused on preparing for Tony Stark's arrival, gave Gasco little thought. His attention was fixed on securing his place at the top.
---
A Few Minutes Later:
The door to the party hall was closed, and the lights dimmed.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming the important guest of tonight's party: Mr. Tony Stark!"
Two spotlights flashed onto a man in a gray suit. In each of his hands, he held the arm of a beautiful woman.
The sudden spotlight seemed to catch him off guard for a moment, but he quickly recovered, stepping confidently onto the platform.
"The star has arrived."
Gasco, now reunited with Kyle, stood off to the side with Alice, watching the spectacle.
Gasco observed Tony's gait and posture, quietly muttering under his breath, "His footsteps are unsteady, his face pale, and his back slightly hunched. Clearly, the signs of a man whose health is deteriorating. Master, you cannot afford to follow this path."
He turned to Kyle, warning him, "This is what happens when you don't take care of yourself. You should consider special training to improve your physical condition."
Kyle, about to respond, was suddenly cut off by a deafening explosion.
BOOM!
A huge hole was blasted through the ceiling, and debris and smoke flooded the party hall. The force of the blast sent several people flying, and rocks rained down from above.
"Sheet! No matter how you attend a party, accidents happen. Gasco, if you don't have to, don't get involved."