Peter's eyes lit up with sincere excitement. "Osborn Biotech is doing some really cutting-edge stuff in the field of biogenetics. I read your company's latest published paper—it was brilliant! The methodology and structure were both flawless."
Aunt May, standing next to him, smiled proudly and patted Peter's shoulder. "He takes after his father. Very bright. Loves anything to do with science and tech. You should see the amount of reading he does on all these companies."
Nathan nodded with a warm smile. "Curiosity is a precious trait, Peter. The world needs more people willing to ask questions and seek answers."
He looked at the young man carefully.
From the news Nathan had kept tabs on, Peter Parker had not yet become Spider-Man. He was still a brilliant, albeit ordinary, high school student—but his potential was enormous.
Peter studied Nathan's face for a moment, then blinked. "You're so… young."
"I always imagined the CEOs of big companies to be, you know, middle-aged or even older guys. And here you are—like someone out of a fashion magazine."
Nathan chuckled modestly.
Peter went on, "Seriously, you're really handsome. I mean, you've got the face structure of a Hollywood actor!"
Kurt, standing to the side, let out a laugh. "This kid sure knows how to pay a compliment."
Peter waved his hands. "No, really! I mean it. Mr. Nathan, you could totally be in one of those big-budget movies."
Nathan laughed and patted Peter lightly on the shoulder. "You've got good taste, kid. I like you already."
Peter beamed, clearly pleased with himself.
Kurt: ...
He quietly sighed to himself. His boss had no shame in accepting praise. One kid throws the ball, and he swings for the fences.
At that moment, Aunt May turned toward Kurt and introduced him. "This is Dr. Kurt Connors. He used to work with your father and even attended Richard's funeral."
Peter's eyes sparkled. "Dr. Connors? I know you! My dad used to talk about you all the time. He said you were a genius in reptilian gene research."
"I even read your papers! Your breakdowns on primary, secondary, and tertiary genetic structures in reptilian DNA were incredible. So comprehensive and easy to follow."
"You're one of the great minds in genetics today."
Kurt blushed slightly, scratching the back of his neck. "Ah… I wouldn't go that far."
"I just do what I can."
Peter shook his head emphatically. "No way. I've been following the field closely, and you're absolutely at the frontier. Your insights into gene adaptation and limb regeneration theory are years ahead of everyone else."
Kurt chuckled awkwardly and glanced toward Nathan.
"Honestly, I don't deserve that title. If there's a genius in this room, it's not me—it's him."
He gestured at Nathan with a subtle smile. "My boss is the real innovator. He's the one who helped me push past previous limitations in reptilian genetic modeling."
Peter looked stunned. His gaze snapped toward Nathan.
He blinked. "Wait, seriously? You're not just the CEO—you're a scientist too?"
Everyone in the room stared, expressions frozen somewhere between amazement and disbelief.
A wealthy, young CEO was one thing. But a biological prodigy? That was something else entirely.
Aunt May raised an eyebrow, her lips parting slightly. Even Ned, who had been quietly snacking on cookies, leaned forward, intrigued.
They all thought the same thing: He's too young.
Kurt, seeing their disbelief, laughed. "Yeah, I know what you're thinking."
"He doesn't look like someone who'd be leading high-level biological research."
"That's fair," he continued. "Most experts and professors are older—gray-haired, wrinkled, glasses too big for their nose."
"But every once in a while, a true outlier appears. A Tony Stark-level anomaly. Someone who redefines the curve."
"My boss is one of those."
His tone wasn't exaggerated or sycophantic. It was simple, honest, and full of genuine admiration.
Everyone's eyes shifted back to Nathan, their expressions changing from polite curiosity to respect.
Peter stepped forward. "Mr. Nathan, do you mind if I ask you some questions? I've been studying molecular biology on my own and have a few points I've been stuck on…"
Nathan nodded. "Go ahead."
Peter immediately launched into a series of highly technical questions, many of which delved into complex areas of protein coding, retroviral gene splicing, and interspecies compatibility.
Kurt raised his eyebrows as he listened. The kid really had done his homework.
Nathan answered each question with ease, explaining even the most obscure mechanisms in clear, concise terms. His grasp on the subject matter was not only deep—it was intuitive.
As Peter listened, his eyes lit up with wonder.
This wasn't just a businessman.
This was a master.
"Whoa…" Peter whispered. "You explained that like it was nothing. I've been stuck on those concepts for weeks."
He looked at Nathan in awe. "Now I believe it. You really are a genius."
Peter paused, then added, "I read somewhere that Osborn Corporation might be in financial trouble. But after talking to you, I feel like it's about to bounce back stronger than ever."
Kurt laughed. "He's got a sharp eye. Maybe we should leave a spot open in the company's future internship program."
Nathan nodded thoughtfully. "Peter, when you get into university, we'd be glad to have you intern with us. If you're interested in working part-time before that, you're also welcome to visit the company anytime."
Peter's face lit up. "Really? I'd love that!"
Ned finally chimed in, "Hey, our class is scheduled for a field trip to Osborn this Friday evening."
Peter nodded quickly. "Yeah! Our whole science class is coming. I can't wait to see the labs up close."
Nathan's expression froze for a split second.
Friday evening.
That was the exact time when the Hand was scheduled to deliver a certain artifact to the Manhattan docks—an event he had been planning to intercept.
So now… Peter would be at Osborn Corporation at the same time.
Nathan processed the information quickly.
"Two major events—same night."
He didn't show it outwardly, but inside, wheels were turning.
It was all happening faster than he thought.
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