Stark family meeting

Note: In this universe, Tony Stark’s parents are still alive.

Howard Stark drained the glass of scotch and set down his glass on the coffee table. “I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re finally taking off that tin-can suit for good and finally focusing on the company for once,” Howard said to his son, Tony, who was seated across the coffee table from him. “But I never dreamed you’d ask us to come out of retirement!”

“Not you, dad,” Tony replied as he sipped on his own glass of scotch. “I need mom to come in as acting CEO because I’ll be taking up the chief engineering role.”

“Ouch. That’s one way to tell your old man he’s not needed anymore.”

“Do you want to come back to work, dad?” Tony asked.

“Hell, no,” Howard replied with a smirk. “I can’t keep up with young tech these days, what with your tiktoks and juiceros. Besides, I’m done making weapons.”

Tony nodded. “How are you finding retirement?”

“Boring!” The elder Stark replied, “But it’s peaceful. And I’d take that trade all day, any day.”

Tony chuckled. “I hear ya…”

“But I don’t understand,” Howard said, “I thought Virginia’s doing great as CEO. What gives?”

“Well, she’d like to take a step back for a bit,” Tony replied, “To pursue… an alternative lifestyle.”

“Lifestyle?” Howard asked. “What? Like yoga?”

“Not exactly,” Tony replied with a chuckle.

Howard shook his head and smiled. “Truth be told, I think your mother’s likes the idea of making a comeback. That woman has always fit in better in corporate suit and a boardroom than a pair of overalls and a garden. I think retirement is driving her up a wall faster than I ever did.”

Tony nodded. “Mom’s run this company for decades while you, like me, prefers to be coop up in a lab. Her experience will be invaluable. I think this will be good for both her and Stark Industries.”

Howard turned to glance at the pair of closed doors leading to the inner office suite. “Jesus, what’s taking them so long to sign some damn papers?” He asked.

“You know how it is with legal stuff,” Tony replied.

“And who’s that black kid that has been following Virginia around all day? He was even at the restaurant during our private lunch get-together. What is he? Her PA?”

Tony reached for the scotch bottle and started to refill his glass. “That’s right dad…” he said, “That’s Demarcus Johnson. Pepper brought him on as an assistant months ago. He’s been a HUGE help…”

Tony stood up from the sofa, swirling the glass of scotch in his right hand. “Come on, dad, let’s leave the business stuff to the ladies and head down to the labs. I’ll show you what I’ve been working on.”

Howard chuckled and got up after Tony who proceeded to lead his father into the elevators. Minutes later, they departed the floor for a lower level..

Meanwhile, behind closed doors, Maria Stark was standing on shaky legs. While being embraced and kissed by the young black PA.