Alvin's technical question made the top scientists pause.
Stark frowned at Alvin and said, "That T'Challa is about to sell out his country. I could take a share of the Vibranium."
Alvin spread his hands, trying to steer the conversation back on track, when Alita came over with a Black girl who had long legs, long arms, and a long neck.
The girl looked grim as she bowed respectfully to Alvin. Before he could offer a polite greeting, she bared her white teeth at Stark and said, "T'Challa would never betray his country.
"You may be the richest man in the world, but that's only on a personal level..."
Stark was taken aback by the girl's sudden attack. He glanced at Alita, who looked a little apologetic, then shrugged like a jerk and said, "Sorry the title of 'world's richest man' hurt your feelings.
"I'm not interested in Wakanda, but if you're willing to trade Vibranium for a little cash, I'd make a decent trading partner.
"After all, you could use some proper clothes and food..."
Alvin looked at the girl, whose face was turning purple, and smiled helplessly. He tugged Stark back a step and said, "Come on, she's just a kid..."
Stark shrugged, unbothered. "So what? Everything I said was true.
"Do I have to apologize to everyone whose self-esteem is hurt by my status as the richest man?"
As he spoke, Stark glanced at Ivan, who remained expressionless, and gave a derisive snort. "Plenty of people can't stand me. Most of them are pathetic losers who overestimate themselves..."
Alvin waved a hand wearily and said to the Black girl, who was trembling with anger, "You must be T'Challa's sister, Shuri. Don't take it personally. This guy has a severe case of premarital anxiety.
"Since you're here, listen