Aron continued glancing repeatedly into his rearview mirror as he drove, still unable to fully believe how drastically a simple haircut could change soone's appearance. Max's hair was now neatly styled, significantly shorter on the sides and layered stylishly on top, giving him a refined and sophisticated look. A few carefully applied products ensured it wasn't as straight and dull as before.
It was similar to his previous look but was more vibrant as his hair wasn't thinning nor was it greying like before. He was starting to see a lot more upsides to this body then downsides.
"Have you finished reviewing all the docunts I gave you?" Aron asked, breaking the silence.
"Yes… I think so," Max replied, eyeing the thick stack of papers resting in his lap. The sheer volu of information was overwhelming. He wondered when Aron had found the ti to compile such detailed profiles. Or like with everything else was it just sothing he carried around him everywhere he went.
He started to wonder what else he might be able to ask for and if Aron could produce it on the spot.
"Alright," Aron began calmly, "we have so ti before arriving, so let's review. First, your two uncles."
Max flipped through the docunts, refreshing his mory. Aron had given him extensive profiles of all the key family mbers he needed to watch carefully.
"Dave Stern," Max began, "the second eldest. He primarily manages a chain of all-you-can-eat buffets. Judging by his profile photo, he's definitely enjoying his own product too much." Max smirked briefly. "He also invests heavily in restaurant businesses. His wife is mostly behind the scenes, apparently quiet and reserved. It seems she's good at managing things quietly without attracting much attention."
Max continued with confidence. "Then there's Randy Stern. He handles multiple financial institutions, mostly providing capital for real estate developnts. He has one son, another heir." Max paused, recognizing the na from his previous life, recalling past indirect encounters within the underground business world. Randy Stern was far from innocent—his hands were clearly dirty, deeply entangled in shady deals and questionable transactions that few knew about.
"His son, Donto, attends university and is the captain of the soccer team. Athletic, charismatic, and popular," Max summarized smoothly. "He appears like the kind of guy who effortlessly attracts attention and respect, possibly making him a significant figure among his peers."
Aron listened intently, visibly impressed by Max's quick absorption of the information. "Alright, continue with the rest."
"One of my aunts, Masha Stern," Max explained thoughtfully, "is quiet and reserved, wears glasses, has long hair, and heads the HR departnt at Stern headquarters. Clearly, she holds considerable trust and influence within the family." He glanced up at Aron, adding mischievously, "But her judgnt in partners is questionable—she's been divorced three tis. That might indicate so personal instability or poor judgnt in relationships."
Aron sighed in mild exasperation. "Important details, please. No need for unnecessary comntary."
"You don't think soone being divorced three tis is significant? I pity the woman you end up with," Max retorted playfully.
Aron rolled his eyes, sighing again. "Sotis I worry the hospital discharged you prematurely."
Max scowled at Aron's sharp retort, realizing Aron's sarcastic remarks sohow managed to sting more deeply than insults he'd faced from his forr gang mbers. He quickly regained his composure, unwilling to let Aron's words get under his skin.
"Next is Aunt Karen Stern," Max said, refocusing. "Clearly a fan of costic enhancents—especially lip fillers. Honestly, what's wrong with people's taste nowadays? She's obviously soone concerned heavily with appearances and status symbols."
Aron cleared his throat pointedly, guiding Max back to the subject.
"Right, Karen Stern—the oldest heir," Max continued seriously, noting Aron's annotations. "She operates a major departnt store in the city center. You've placed a star next to her na."
"Care to guess why?" Aron prompted.
"As the oldest heir, she holds substantial influence," Max answered confidently. "She's probably the frontrunner for succession, making her particularly dangerous. Her position and influence are strong, and she likely has allies who support her ambitions."
Aron was impressed by Max's astute observations, though he kept his thoughts hidden, rely nodding subtly in approval.
"Then the younger generation," Max went on. "Karen's son, Chad Stern. Currently listed as an entrepreneur, though suspiciously lacking specifics—likely unemployed. Minor acting gigs are noted, undoubtedly leveraging his family na. Blond hair, sunglasses indoors—he fits every cliché perfectly. He seems like the type who relies heavily on family influence rather than genuine skill or effort."
Aron remained silent, indirectly confirming Max's assumptions.
"Then there's Karen's daughter, Bobo Stern. Highly intelligent, studied at prestigious universities, and currently excelling in biotech research. At least one of them has real talent," Max noted approvingly, recognizing her potential.
"Lastly, we have Cici Stern," Max continued thoughtfully. "Nothing remarkable—she holds a marketing job at a company not affiliated with the Sterns. As the second youngest, she doesn't seem threatening compared to the others. Probably soone who prefers living outside the family shadow, choosing independence over influence."
After reviewing all eight family mbers, Max decisively closed the hefty packet of papers, placing it firmly on his lap.
"There you go," Max declared confidently. "All reviewed and morized. This family is certainly filled with interesting characters, each with their strengths, weaknesses, and ambitions."
"Need I remind you?" Aron asked seriously, steering the car carefully.
Ahead, an imposing six-ter-high gate lood, marking the entrance to their destination. Beyond, Max saw expansive, immaculately landscaped gardens—ticulously trimd hedges, vibrant flower beds, and a majestic water feature gracefully spanning the front grounds. Every elent scread wealth and ticulous attention to detail.
Then ca the main residence, a sprawling mansion straight from a fairytale. Its grandeur suggested it could comfortably host tens of thousands of guests—a residence fit for royalty. This breathtaking estate belonged to the Stern family, a tangible symbol of their extraordinary power and influence.
"Need I remind you," Aron repeated firmly as they approached the mansion, "you are also a Stern."
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