Harry Osborn returned to the luxurious mansion in Manhattan New York.
Since graduating from high school, he had moved out to live in a university dorm with his best friend Peter.
However, with his strained relationship with his father gradually improving, he found himself coming home more frequently.
Dropping his backpack, Harry walked through the front door.
Ever since his trip to the West Coast, his relationship with his new girlfriend, Mary Jane, had progressed rapidly. The two had fallen head over heels in love, living in sweet bliss every day, much to the chagrin of Peter who had to endure their constant displays of affection.
"You have time to come home today?" Harry's father sat in the living room.
The head of Oscorp Industries was a tall man with sharp hawk-like eyes and an imposing presence that commanded respect.
This was Norman Osborn, a renowned business magnate in New York...
Over a decade ago, he had built Oscorp Industries from the ground up, rising from obscurity to become a figure of immense wealth and status. His story was nothing short of legendary.
"School's on break. I came back to grab some things." Harry replied tersely.
Having been sent to boarding school at a young age, his relationship with his father had always been distant. Heart-to-heart conversations were rare.
"I heard you have a girlfriend now?" Norman leaned back on the sofa, observing his visibly uncomfortable son with disappointment.
He had always hoped to mold Harry into a decisive and capable man who could one day take over Oscorp Industries, the culmination of his life's work, which needed a worthy successor.
But reality had proven disappointing...
Harry, while morally upright, was painfully average in ability, showing no aptitude for business and preferring a life of leisure. Over time, Norman had abandoned the idea of grooming him as a successor.
After all, he still had many years left to steer Oscorp to greater heights, transforming it into a corporate giant like Stark Industries.
"Yeah, I was thinking of bringing her over soon. She's a great girl!" Harry spoke enthusiastically about his girlfriend, clearly smitten.
"I've heard about her. That Mary Jane girl isn't right for you, Harry." Norman cut in bluntly, "She comes from a mediocre background, never attended college, dreams of being a star, and has no understanding of high-society etiquette. How could such a girl ever fit into the Osborn family?"
Ignoring his son's darkening expression, Norman asserted his authority as a father.
The Osborns had worked hard to shed their 'new money' image and climb into New York's elite circles. If Harry married beneath his station, it would only invite ridicule.
"I've seen plenty of gold-diggers like her, Harry. They only care about your name and wealth." Norman spoke earnestly.
When Harry was young, he had poured all his energy into building his empire, which lead to him being often too busy to come home.
Eventually, he had sent Harry to boarding school, widening the rift between them...
Now that Oscorp was stable, Norman tried to mend their relationship, but his corporate no-nonsense approach only exacerbated their conflicts.
"I've got things to do. I won't be staying for dinner." Harry grabbed his backpack, ready to leave.
He didn't want to argue since he'd heard this authoritarian spiel too many times.
"Oh, the carnival is the day after tomorrow. I invited Peter and some friends. I hope you can make it." After a moment's hesitation, Harry extended the invitation before walking out.
The grand mansion fell silent again...
Norman slumped into the sofa, exhaustion and frustration etched on his face.
Harry had mentioned Peter, now that was a fine young man. Compared to his mediocre son, Norman far more admired Harry's best friend, Peter Parker.
The shy boy had an exceptional passion for science and outstanding academic achievements.
Norman had even considered recruiting Peter into Oscorp after graduation, giving Harry a trustworthy ally in the company.
The board of directors was full of wolves, if not for Norman's iron grip, they would have long sold Oscorp to Wall Street's vultures.
Rubbing his throbbing temples, Norman closed his eyes...
Oscorp was on the verge of a major transformation... he planned to break into the military-industrial sector, forging ties with the Department of Defense to elevate the company into a behemoth like Stark Industries, commanding respect and power.
To this end, Norman had invested nearly his entire fortune into the Human Enhancement Project, derived from the Super-Soldier Program that created Captain America during World War II.
The military had developed a serum capable of turning men into superhuman soldiers, but the inventor was assassinated, and the formula lost.
For decades, the military had never abandoned research into super-soldiers. Norman saw immense opportunity here and took over the project.
This would be Oscorp's springboard into becoming a military contractor, propelling the company to unprecedented heights.
Success could even earn him political capital, perhaps even a seat in Congress.
Norman's mind raced with ambition. He couldn't wait to see his vision realized.
During World War II, Howard Stark had leveraged his genius and connections to become a key supplier of military technology, laying the foundation for Stark Industries' dominance.
If Howard Stark could seize destiny, why couldn't he?
Norman was brimming with confidence. Once the serum was perfected, Oscorp would become the Department of Defense's favored partner.
Lucrative contracts and soaring stock prices would usher the Osborn family into a glorious new era!
"Just one more successful demonstration for the military tomorrow, and everything will fall into place..." A triumphant smile spread across Norman's face.
He had waited too long for this moment.
With excitement coursing through him, he closed his eyes and drifted into a blissful sleep...
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Read ahead on my P@treon...
[email protected]/MayaMatengele01