When he reached the front of the car, Duncan — the middle-aged assistant — personally opened the door for Harry, who slipped in naturally.
"There's a board meeting this afternoon," Duncan reminded him, leaning forward. "You must attend on time. It concerns the transfer of Osborn Group's assets."
"Oh?" Harry's tone was calm as he turned his gaze away. A faint, knowing smile tugged at his lips. Then, looking Duncan straight in the eye, he said coolly, "I don't have time this afternoon. Postpone it to eight o'clock tomorrow morning."
Bang!
Harry slammed the car door shut.
"Drive," he told the chauffeur, ignoring Duncan's darkened expression.
The car sped off, leaving Duncan standing there, stomping furiously.
"Damn brat!" Duncan shouted. "How dare he order me around! He really doesn't know his place!"
Harry didn't hear him — and even if he had, he wouldn't have cared. He was already preparing for the inevitable power struggle to come.
By nightfall, the moon hung high over the city. The sky full of stars didn't resemble his old world at all.
Harry was now at his hotel, alone in his room.
He sat by the window, staring down at the tiny figures moving like ants far below. Lost in thought, he didn't even notice that he had skipped both lunch and dinner.
Clang—
The sudden sound snapped him out of his daze. Looking down, he saw that the small cube Norman had given him had slipped to the floor.
"Ha…" He exhaled, picking it up carefully.
"Alright," he muttered softly. "No more dwelling on the past. Everything begins anew."
He was saying goodbye to the pain, the anger, and the life that no longer belonged to him.
He didn't know how long the night lasted, but he did know that when morning came, he would truly be Harry Osborn.
Early the next morning, Harry arrived at the old Osborn estate, where the company board meeting would be held.
Norman Osborn had spent his entire life trying to extend his existence through science, business, and darker means alike. Yet death still came for him, even though he commanded an empire spanning pharmaceuticals, energy, and biotechnology.
Though it wasn't yet eight o'clock, as the new head of a two-trillion-dollar conglomerate, arriving early was necessary.
Harry sat at the head of the long conference table, resting his head on one hand, eyes fixed on the watch on his wrist—five minutes until eight.
Soon, the rhythmic tapping of leather shoes echoed from the hallway — and the crisp clack of high heels followed close behind.
One by one, the board members filed in and took their seats. All eyes turned toward Harry — except for a young woman standing quietly at the back.
"Harry," Duncan began first, "the Osborn Group has been under fire ever since the incident with Dr. Connors."
"Dr. Connors," Harry mused aloud, smiling faintly. "That mad scientist who tried to turn every New Yorker into a giant lizard." He looked directly at Duncan. This guy's impatient, Harry thought. Can't wait to make his move.
"Yes," Duncan continued, holding Harry's gaze. "So we've shut down all cross-species research tied to Dr. Connors."
"Oh, that's so very Osborn," Harry said dryly. "Eliminate everything that gets in the way."
"Now the public may direct their anger toward you," Duncan said. "We think the best approach is to deflect and avoid responsibility."
It was clear Duncan wanted Harry to look weak — like a figurehead unfit for control. But Harry wasn't going to play along.
"It's fine," Harry said calmly. "I'll handle it."
The skeptical looks around the table made him chuckle. "What's wrong? Do you really think Norman Osborn left a two-trillion-dollar empire to a clueless twenty-year-old?" He leaned forward, his voice growing sharp. "You wonder if he was crazy? Maybe he was. But if you're crazy enough to challenge me, then leave Osborn Enterprises. Just remember — I, Harry Osborn, decide your fate. I am the owner of this company."
His eyes locked on Duncan as he said the last words.
"Harry—" Duncan started with a forced smile.
"Call me Mr. Osborn," Harry cut in coldly.
"We're not friends," he added with a mocking smirk. Duncan's face stiffened as he looked down in silence.
Harry's expression softened slightly as he turned toward the young woman. "Hey," he said casually.
Everyone glanced back at her.
She blinked, startled, then slowly turned to meet his eyes.
"Are you his assistant?" Harry asked.
"Yes," she nodded quickly.
"What's your name?"
"Felicia."
"Felicia," Harry repeated with a faint smile. "Good name."
"From now on, you all answer to her," Harry said to the room. "Because she answers to me."
"Any questions?"
One man raised his pen as if to speak, then thought better of it and lowered it again. No one said a word.
"Good," Harry said with satisfaction. "Then your jobs are safe."
Just then, an attendant entered, leaned down beside Harry, and whispered, "Sir, there's a man named Peter Parker waiting outside. He wishes to see you."
Harry's hand trembled — the pen in his fingers slipped and hit the table with a sharp clack.
"Ahem." He cleared his throat. "Felicia, get me all the reports related to the biological hybrid project — every single one, especially those involving lizards and spiders."
He stood abruptly, preparing to leave, then added, "No matter how old the files are — bring them all."
With that, Harry left the room.
Peter Parker had seen the news of Harry's return and Norman's death on TV. Without hesitation, he'd come to the Osborn estate. It felt a little strange — as kids, friendship had been simple, but now it carried weight.
"Peter Parker," Harry said as he appeared, a double meaning in his tone. "I can't believe it's really you."
"Hey, Harry!" Peter said warmly, relieved by his friend's familiar voice. He stepped forward and hugged him.
Harry was genuinely pleased — but for a very different reason.
The moment he saw Peter, a system screen flashed to life before his eyes:
Name: Peter Parker
Age: 20
Physical Condition: Healthy
Abilities: Spider Sense (50), Wall-Crawling (30), Enhanced Strength (30)
Item: Spider Suit (10)
Then came the line that made Harry's pulse race:
Record the abilities and items of the individual before you?
"Yes," Harry answered instantly in his mind. "Yes!"
Entry complete. Host currently has no points available. Abilities and items may be acquired after earning points.
Ding. The screen vanished.
"Good to see you, Peter," Harry said aloud, embracing his best friend once more.