Chapter 61: The Birth of the Green Goblin
"First of all, I want to thank you for your support at today's board meeting. Perhaps you don't know me very well yet. I was once a scientist who led the Oscorp Group through countless obstacles, but now, I'm getting older and less capable."
Norman began by expressing his gratitude toward Uchiha Akira. There was no doubt that Billy Osborn's scheme had failed today, and Uchiha Akira had played a crucial role in that outcome.
"This is my son, Harry Osborn. He's still very young... Oh, forgive me, I forgot you're also quite young. Perhaps the two of you will have the chance to work together at Oscorp in the future."
After speaking, Norman subtly gave Harry a look, hinting for him not to just sit there.
"It's alright, Mr. Norman. In fact, Harry and I are about the same age. Young people usually aren't fond of such serious occasions—there's no need to pressure him."
"I believe that with Harry's potential, he'll be able to handle this kind of environment comfortably in another two years," Akira added, stepping in to ease the tension, which earned Harry's appreciation.
"Still, I'm very grateful for your support today, Mr. Uchiha. Let me be blunt. I hope that after my son Harry inherits my wealth, he can maintain a close alliance with you—one that stands firm through thick and thin. Would you be open to that idea?"
In truth, although Norman's words were sincere, he didn't actually hold Uchiha Akira in very high regard. From Norman's perspective, Akira did indeed have enough money to invest in Oscorp, but he lacked real depth.
A rich man without heritage is just a nouveau riche. A rich man with heritage is a true capitalist.
Undoubtedly, Norman had had Akira investigated, and the background report was far too simple and shallow for someone of true substance.
However, Norman was well aware that his hereditary disease was like a ticking time bomb—it could take him at any moment. If he died, the board would quickly strip Harry of power, and the remaining shareholders would slowly devour Harry's shares.
They might even try to harm him physically. That was something Norman could never accept.
"Mr. Norman, I actually have high hopes for Harry, and I would be open to forming a strategic alliance with him. But I'll be honest—I'm also very interested in Oscorp itself. If given the opportunity, I would definitely try to acquire more shares."
"You're eyeing Oscorp too?" Harry's sense of camaraderie vanished instantly.
"A soldier who doesn't want to become a general is not a good soldier. I imagine that when Mr. Norman first founded Oscorp, he must've had the same mindset I do now."
Akira was completely unfazed by Harry's accusation. In his heart, he had already decided: Oscorp would eventually be his.
"This is my contact information. Whether it's you, Mr. Norman, or Harry, feel free to reach out if you ever need help. Thank you both for your hospitality today."
Throughout the meeting, neither Chin nor Uchiha Izumi had paid attention to anything—they were clearly just there to accompany Akira.
Watching the three of them leave, Harry felt conflicted. The very person who had just supported his father at the board meeting had made no effort to hide his ambition for Oscorp.
"Harry, what are you thinking? Isn't this completely normal? That kid just doesn't know how to keep his thoughts to himself. And coincidentally, I like people like that. They're either extremely confident or completely lacking in scheming."
"It's obvious this new shareholder is no ordinary man," Norman said, handing Akira's business card to his son. "Keep it. You might need it someday."
Norman smiled as he adjusted Harry's tie. Today had been Harry's first time experiencing Oscorp's business world with his father, and overall, he had done a decent job.
After returning home, their long day finally came to an end.
In the dead of night, Norman—who had appeared to be asleep—suddenly opened his eyes in the darkness. He had been tossing and turning, unable to rest.
He opened the hidden door behind his full-length mirror, revealing his private lab.
In truth, Norman was far less calm than he appeared. Billy Osborn's attempt to seize control had nearly driven him insane.
Looking at the temperature-controlled storage unit—untouched for years—Norman finally couldn't resist and flipped the switch.
The quiet creak of the opening chamber echoed through the silent night. He picked up a vial of glowing green serum, his hand trembling as he positioned the needle over his vein.
"Harry, I'm sorry. Your father has no choice but to take this risk. Watch over me, Harry."
As the entire vial of serum entered his bloodstream, Norman's body temperature began to rise rapidly. With a clang, the syringe fell to the floor. The pain became unbearable, and Norman let out a low growl.
"No... I won't be defeated this easily... I will never... never..."
As Norman collapsed, his eyes glowed green, his expression twisted.
The next morning, Norman Osborn woke up and looked at himself in the mirror. His complexion was glowing, and his muscles were slightly more defined. A smile crept across his lips.
"I did it. I won the gamble!"
Invigorated, Norman didn't notice his unnaturally wide grin or the eerie green gleam in his eyes.
If Uchiha Akira had seen him, he might've blurted out: "Evil power is supreme!"
"Harry, go to the company on your own today. Find my secretary, Katherine—she'll teach you how to handle the daily operations. Good luck, Harry. I'm proud of you!"
Norman pulled Harry into a firm hug—so firm that Harry found it hard to breathe.
"Dad, you seem much more energetic today!"
Harry just assumed his father had gotten a good night's sleep and recovered well.
"I'm feeling great today. Go on now—don't be late. Tell me tonight what you learned. You're the heir to Oscorp!"
Once Harry got into the car, Norman Osborn hurried back to his lab.
He could feel the power surging within him—an evil fire building up, craving release.
"Jocelyn, it's me. Norman."
"What can I do for you, sir?"
"Come to my house. You've got 30 minutes."
Then he hung up.
Jocelyn was Norman's second secretary. Unlike Katherine, who was a real assistant, Jocelyn was just a pretty face.
She didn't hesitate—immediately grabbing her makeup kit to touch up her face. Then she slipped into seductive lingerie and black stockings in her office.
"Has the old man finally come around?" Jocelyn was giddy as she checked her makeup and outfit again and again. Norman's suppressed desire had practically radiated through the phone.
"As long as I serve him well, I'll never have to worry about the rest of my life!" Jocelyn had never given up on seducing Norman since the day she became his secretary.
Norman, of course, wasn't as sought-after as Tony Stark, but he was still a top-tier bachelor. Every time Jocelyn flirted, Norman only gave in when he absolutely couldn't resist.
This was the first time he had invited her over himself...