Chapter 25: Chapter 25: Norman Osborn
The moment Ben spotted Norman Osborn, he knew things could get complicated.
This man was dangerous—that much was certain.
Still, Norman's presence wasn't entirely unexpected. Ben needed Harry's cooperation and substantial funding; such a significant venture couldn't be hidden from Norman Osborn indefinitely. Even if the billionaire didn't monitor Harry's every move, he was still the boy's father.
The only encouraging sign was that Ben's spider-sense remained silent. At least he didn't have to worry about Norman suddenly mounting a glider and hurling pumpkin bombs at him.
"Hello, Mr. Osborn," Ben said, ignoring Harry's nervous gestures behind Norman's back.
Whatever happened, he wouldn't abandon his plans just because Norman was here, nor would he allow Oscorp to interfere with his company.
The moment Norman saw Ben, his stern expression softened into a genuine smile—one that surprised Ben with its apparent sincerity.
"Hello, Ben. It's been years since I've seen you. You've grown up considerably." Norman placed an affectionate hand on Ben's shoulder. In that moment, he seemed less like the CEO of Oscorp and more like an ordinary elder taking interest in the younger generation.
"I learned about your company plans from Harry. Don't blame him—I discovered it myself," Norman continued. "You know, I've only met you and Peter a handful of times, but I always knew you both were exceptional."
His voice carried genuine conviction. "I've always believed you would achieve great things."
Norman was speaking the truth. Despite their limited interactions, he'd been struck by Ben's adult-like maturity even as a child. He admired Ben's composure tremendously. In comparison, he often felt Harry remained perpetually childish.
"Harry, I've told you countless times that you should learn from Ben and Peter." While praising the Parker boys, Norman couldn't resist pressuring his own son.
Ben clearly saw the shame and disappointment flash across Harry's face. The young Osborn seemed to shrink into himself, obviously dreading his father's criticism.
"Mr. Osborn, Harry is actually quite capable," Ben interjected diplomatically.
"Please, I'm his father—how could I not know him?" Norman waved dismissively, clearly wanting to change the subject. "I understand you're planning to enter the nanotechnology field? I studied nanotech in my younger days. It's not easy territory."
Norman had indeed made significant contributions to nanotechnology, though like many scientists, he'd eventually moved on to other pursuits. Oscorp's focus had shifted to human enhancement research—partly due to his personal health concerns, and partly because of their military contracts.
The Defense Department had been chasing that super-soldier serum for decades.
"I've read your research," Norman added.
When Ben heard the question, he knew they'd reached the crucial moment. An investment of tens of millions might not devastate Oscorp, but as a businessman, Norman couldn't simply watch it disappear without understanding the potential returns.
For Ben, the real test was convincing Norman that his ideas were viable while preventing Oscorp from taking control of his company.
Ben smiled confidently. "Entering nanotechnology is actually a long-term objective. Beyond the technical challenges, our current funding is nowhere near sufficient for that level of research. I plan to develop other products initially to ensure the company's survival and growth."
Norman nodded, gesturing for Ben to continue.
"In the early stages, Primus Technologies will focus on communications and medical applications..."
Harry watched Ben speak eloquently to his father with undisguised envy. As Norman Osborn's son, he could barely lift his head in his father's presence, yet Ben conversed with complete confidence.
Ben stood straight, without a trace of inferiority or timidity, as if he weren't speaking to the founder of Oscorp, as if he weren't just a working-class kid from Queens.
The conversation between Ben and Norman stretched much longer than the previous discussion with Harry. The more Ben spoke, the more Norman's admiration grew.
Beyond scientific knowledge, Norman recognized Ben's talent for market analysis. Most importantly, he valued Ben's bearing. Many corporate executives couldn't maintain such composure when meeting him.
In Ben, Norman saw echoes of his own younger self—the man who'd built an empire from nothing.
Of course, he also noticed that Ben was deliberately avoiding details about the nanotechnology Norman most wanted to hear about.
He quickly saw through Ben's strategy.
You'd rather not become Oscorp's subsidiary?
Norman considered this but didn't challenge Ben's approach, showing no displeasure in his expression.
In the past, if Ben truly possessed such capabilities, Norman would never have let him slip away. He would have acquired the nanotechnology by any means necessary.
But circumstances were different now. He'd expended enormous effort acquiring technologies before, only to question who would ultimately benefit from them.
Thinking of the vampiric shareholders and board members within his company, Norman sneered internally. Those people circled him like hyenas, waiting for his death so they could devour what remained until not even bones were left.
He knew his time was limited, and if he left Harry alone, saving Oscorp would be impossible.
Now it seemed Ben's Primus Technologies might offer Harry a lifeline.
If Primus developed successfully before Norman's death, this external alliance might help Harry retain control of Oscorp. If Primus hadn't matured by then, at least Harry wouldn't be left with nothing when he inevitably lost the company.
With this realization, Norman understood he not only couldn't interfere with Primus Technologies—he needed to actively support its development.
When Norman refocused on Ben, his gaze held undisguised care and affection. He almost wished Ben were his son.
"You're remarkable, Ben."
"I believe your vision is completely achievable. I feel confident knowing Harry is working with you," he said with finality. "Additionally, I'll make a personal donation to Primus Technologies—not as a businessman, but as a friend who believes in your potential."
Ben found Norman Osborn's attitude puzzling, but soon he understood the underlying reason.
Norman's physical condition.
In many continuities, the Osborn family carried a serious genetic disease. Looking at Norman's current state, he probably knew his time was running short. Under such circumstances, he might have stopped caring about Oscorp's immediate development.
Still, something seemed off.
If Norman Osborn had reached this point, why had he expelled Dr. Connors from the company just as the scientist was completing his regeneration serum?
Besides, the lizard serum had already fallen into Norman's hands. Despite its side effects, what did that matter to a dying man?
Unless... someone was deliberately trying to eliminate him.
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