"I feel like I've seen him somewhere before..." Tony frowned as he watched the young man's retreating figure (the same one who had made him lose all night) with a strange sense of familiarity.
"Sean Cyphers," Happy whispered from behind, "The young man the newspapers call 'the second Tony Stark'. They say he's also a genius scientist. His latest genetic drug invention is worth billions and he's partnered with Oscorp. His name's been all over the papers recently."
Tony casually picked up a glass of champagne from the table and snorted disdainfully, "The second Tony Stark? There's only one me in this world. Unique is the word!"
The billionaire casually placed a few more bets before seemingly losing interest in continuing the game...
Surrounded by his friend Rhodes and a group of bodyguards, he swaggered out of the hotel. These were Tony's most triumphant days. Ever since his prodigal return at age 21 when he took over as CEO of Stark Industries, he had been the media's darling.
Whether it was how many hot models he'd slept with or what new weapons he'd invented, reporters always swarmed like sharks smelling blood.
At this time, Tony Stark was immersed in a life of debauchery, basking in the glory of universal admiration. Beyond his inventions, nothing attracted his attention more than beautiful women.
"There are many young geniuses, but there's only one Tony Stark," the mustachioed man praised himself without reservation.
Colonel Rhodes had long grown accustomed to his friend's narcissism... After all, he wasn't wrong. Despite Tony's many flaws that frequently gave military brass headaches, his genius was undeniable.
"Don't underestimate that young man," Rhodes added, "A twenty-year-old genius scientist who invented a billion-dollar genetic drug, the top student at SUNY. Some say he and Dr. Connors have pioneered a new era in American biopharmaceuticals... They are strong contenders for the next Nobel Prize!"
At his age, Sean's achievements truly made him an outstanding young talent with boundless prospects...
Surrounded by his entourage, Tony smirked contemptuously. At the peak of his life, he wasn't about to heed his friend's advice...
"If his brains were half as good as his gambling skills, then I might reluctantly admit he's somewhat talented," he laughed.
"A twenty-year-old genius scientist? Invented a billion-dollar genetic drug?" Tony slung an arm around Rhodes' shoulders, his alcohol-flushed face showing excitement, "At twenty-one, I took over Stark Industries and made it the nation's most powerful arms giant while managing tens of billions in assets. All his accomplishments pale before mine... Stark men have always been the best."
Rhodes shook his head helplessly and turned to Happy, "Take good care of him. Don't let him be late tomorrow."
In this world, there were generally only two types of people who could communicate normally with Tony: either fellow genius scientists or stunning beauties that stirred irresistible impulses.
As someone belonging to neither category, Colonel Rhodes could only silently pray this trip to the Afghan frontlines would go smoothly... He hoped Tony wouldn't cause any trouble.
.....
Connors walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the mustachioed man flirting with a beautiful reporter below, "So that's Tony Stark?"
This young billionaire who had inherited Stark Industries was not only a regular feature in tabloid gossip, but also renowned in academic circles, especially as an authority in weapons development with remarkable achievements.
"Yes, an interesting fellow living in his own mental world," Sean remarked with a smile, "Speaking of which, I won quite a bit from Mr. Stark tonight. His generous donations made it possible for me to afford the hotel's presidential suite."
Connors smiled faintly at that... In his eyes, this young man beside him was a genius on par with Tony Stark. The decay rate algorithm that had stumped him for years had been effortlessly solved by Sean, and ALZ-112 which brought him fame and fortune was primarily Sean's masterpiece, his own contributions being only minor improvements...
As for the media dubbing Sean "Stark the Second", Connors actually disagreed. He believed Sean would eventually become a figure standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Tony Stark.
Shaking off these thoughts, Dr. Connors asked quietly, "Where did you and Harry go? Dealing with all those socialites and tycoons alone at the banquet was more painful than being forced to perform on stage."
"Harry was feeling down because ALZ-112 hasn't hit the market yet. I let him set aside his worries in Las Vegas to relieve some pressure." Sean replied with a peculiar smile.
Right now, in the adjacent luxury suite, Harry was single-handedly "battling" several passionate, alluring women. Hopefully he'd still be able to get up tomorrow morning.
The lifelong bachelor Connors could only mutter: "Youth these days have such stamina."
Fortunately, the hotel's soundproofing was excellent, sparing Sean from a night of auditory torture.
After chatting briefly with Dr. Connors, the middle-aged scientist returned to his room, leaving Sean gazing at the brightly lit city in the night through the window.
He hadn't expected this trip to Las Vegas would bring him face-to-face with the future Iron Man. Judging from the timeline, Tony Stark should be heading to the Afghan frontlines to promote his company's new weapons, where he'd be kidnapped by terrorists... And if the course of fate hadn't been altered by the butterfly effect, Iron Man would soon be born!
Wouldn't it be more interesting if Tony Stark died in the attack without ever becoming Iron Man due to Sean's arrival in this world causing butterfly effects?
Sean mused maliciously... As for deliberately reaching out to Tony Stark or getting involved in the plot to rescue the billionaire and gain his favor as a stepping stone... such thoughts never crossed his mind.
His aspiration was to carve out a path uniquely his own... not relying on any superheroes nor answering to SHIELD. Perhaps they would all become his enemies one day. To break free from constraints required not just personal power, but sufficient influence and wealth... the foundational pillars of status in human society.
Besides, this arrogant playboy wasn't ideal partnership material. Tony was neither as easily manageable as Dr. Connors nor as easily influenced as Harry.
Sean's strong personality clashing with Stark's arrogance would only spark unnecessary conflicts.
Rather than collaborating with the future Iron Man, Sean preferred to control everything himself. He looked forward to Umbrella taking root and flourishing in this world.
Watching coldly as Tony got into the car with the beautiful reporter, Sean's lips curled into a cold smile...
This was the beginning of all timelines where superheroes would assemble, where clues about the six Infinity Stones would emerge.
"Pleasant journey, Tony," he silently wished in his heart...