Chapter 7: Unexpected Encounters

The invitation to the prestigious gala event had come as a surprise to Ethan and his mother. As they made their way through the grand ballroom, Ethan couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the opulence that surrounded them.

"Can you believe we're actually here?" Ethan whispered to his mother, his eyes wide with wonder.

His mother smiled, her own excitement mirroring his. "It's like something out of a fairy tale, isn't it?"

The room was abuzz with chatter and laughter as guests mingled and exchanged pleasantries. Ethan's mother, ever the social butterfly, greeted familiar faces with a warm smile, her arm linked with Ethan's as they navigated the crowd.

Amidst the sea of elegantly dressed attendees, Ethan's attention was drawn to a familiar figure standing amidst a group of people, his charisma evident even from a distance. It was Tony Stark, the renowned billionaire and philanthropist, engaged in animated conversation with his guests.

"There he is, Mom! Tony Stark!" Ethan exclaimed, barely able to contain his excitement.

His mother followed his gaze and nodded in recognition. "Yes, I see him. Let's go say hello."

As Ethan and his mother approached, Tony's gaze momentarily flickered in their direction, a curious glint in his eye. Sensing an opportunity, Ethan seized the moment and offered his opinion on the topic at hand, drawing Tony's attention with his insight and intellect.

"Hi, Mr. Stark. I'm Ethan Grayson. It's an honor to meet you," Ethan said, extending his hand with a confident smile.

To Ethan's surprise, Tony seemed genuinely impressed by his contribution, his interest piqued by the young man's intellect and enthusiasm.

"You've got a sharp mind, Ethan. I like that," Tony replied, clasping Ethan's hand firmly.

But before Tony could initiate further dialogue, a sudden interruption drew his attention away. Pepper Potts, his ever-efficient assistant, appeared at his side, her expression urgent as she whispered something in his ear.

Apologizing profusely to Ethan, Tony quickly excused himself, promising to continue their conversation at a later time. With a reassuring smile, he handed Ethan a sleek business card bearing his personal number, a gesture of goodwill amidst the chaos of the evening.

As the event continued on around them, Ethan couldn't shake the sense of excitement that coursed through him. Meeting Tony Stark, even briefly, had been an unexpected thrill, and he couldn't wait to see where their conversation might lead in the future.

Back at home, Ethan retreated to his room, the events of the evening still fresh in his mind. Pulling out his phone, he stared at Tony's business card for a moment before tucking it safely away. It was a reminder of the unexpected encounter that had set his life on a new and exciting trajectory.

But amidst the thrill of the evening, practical considerations began to creep into his thoughts. With the decision to attend Midtown High School of Science looming ahead, Ethan realized that he needed to start planning for the transition to a new chapter of his life.

As he settled into his room, Ethan pulled out a notebook and began jotting down ideas for his move to Queens. From finding a suitable place to live to mapping out his commute, Ethan meticulously planned each step, determined to make the transition as smooth as possible.