Chapter 78: Negotiations

***

A superbrain isn't always a blessing. Once Link's mind starts racing, it's hard to stop. He even starts thinking about how flying might not necessarily require a hoverboard. Maybe Falcon's flight gear would be better?

But probably not—those wings aren't really his style.

"Well, this hoverboard has quite a few flaws. I'll make some improvements, but I'll need a proper workshop," Link said. "I'll have a chat with Stark Industries. Their new building in Hell's Kitchen is coming up fast; buying it shouldn't be an issue."

"Alright, I'll handle the pharmaceutical side," Norman Osborn responded, dividing their tasks.

...

Link contacted Pepper Potts, and they met in New York at the offices of the United Construction Company.

"Pepper, long time no see." After a brief embrace, they parted.

"You've been full of surprises lately, Link. Acquiring Osborn Industries?" Pepper said.

"I have a knack for this. I shorted Hammer Industries before, but they've got military backing and managed to survive. So I had to set my sights elsewhere," Link explained, though this wasn't exactly true. He had no real interest in Hammer Industries, which lacked depth.

If it weren't for their entanglement with the military, the company would've been torn apart long ago. Link's story was just a convenient excuse.

Pepper admired Link's abilities, seeing his potential as beneficial to Tony Stark.

"So, what's the reason for today's meeting?" she asked.

"I want to purchase the Hell's Kitchen building that Stark Industries is developing. I plan to modify its original design," Link explained. "It will serve as the new Osborn Industries headquarters. Once our stock price rises, I also hope to acquire Stark Industries' weapons division."

Pepper didn't immediately respond. She thought about it.

First, the building was no problem. The four towers Stark Industries was constructing were designed to run on renewable energy. Selling one would have the same effect as renting it out, and if Osborn Industries bought one, the value of the remaining towers would likely increase.

As for the weapons division, that was a more complicated issue. Although it had been shut down, it hadn't been completely dealt with yet. Plus, with Stark Industries shifting focus back to New York, the department, and its employees were still a problem she had to solve.

"We can sell you the building," Pepper said with a smile. "But what about the weapons division?"

"My idea is that once our special drug hits the market and the stock price goes up, Stark Industries can take a 15 to 20 percent stake in Osborn Industries in exchange for the weapons division," Link proposed.

Pepper nodded. "That sounds like a good plan, but there's just one issue—Tony's approval."

Link was surprised. "Aren't you the CEO now?"

"Yes, but I respect Tony's opinions. I need to ask him what he thinks, especially since he's the one who shut down the weapons division. Agreeing to such a deal might go against his wishes," Pepper explained.

Link understood her point. She agreed in principle, but Stark's perspective was still important.

"Of course, feel free to ask him," Link said.

"I'll do it now." Pepper pulled out her phone and called Tony Stark.

After a brief silence on the other end of the line, Stark quickly made his decision. He agreed to the deal.

When Pepper hung up, she smiled. "Tony's on board. He trusts that you won't misuse the weapons. After all, someone has to manufacture them."

Link nodded in agreement. "Looks like he's come to terms with it. Weapons have been around since the dawn of humanity—they won't disappear."

"Well then, here's to a successful partnership!"

"Indeed, to our partnership!" Link shook hands with Pepper before they both attended the United Construction Company meeting.

The reason they met there was because Link had organized a meeting with United Construction to discuss taking a stake in the company, using Osborn Industries as the buyer.

Wilson Fisk was pleased. Although Link was a major shareholder in Osborn Industries, the company's stock price was currently low. However, it had a solid history, and with Link now in control, Fisk was confident the company's fortunes would soon turn around.

Others might doubt it, but Fisk believed in Link's ability.

For now, Osborn Industries could only afford to purchase a 5 percent stake in United Construction. When combined with the shares held by Jessica's charity foundation, they controlled a modest 13 percent.

Fisk had no plans to sell any more shares. He intended to wait for the stock price to rise before seeking out new partners.

The current situation was ideal for him—he was making money and gaining powerful allies. The only downside was that he didn't have the funds to invest in other projects just yet.

...

Link then reviewed the blueprints for the Stark building. The design was similar to the Stark Tower, and Link didn't intend to change much. He liked the rooftop and its flying platform.

The "Stark" lettering would be replaced with "Osborn," and the building's design would need some adjustments. Link also planned to install a small automated factory in the middle floors, which he would negotiate directly with Stark.

Additionally, a supercomputer would be housed in the building, located in the underground levels for cooling and security purposes.

Features like holographic projection and intelligent controls would also be installed, with a fully integrated smart security system. But Link wasn't relying solely on this system—he didn't want S.H.I.E.L.D. accessing his building at will.

Since Osborn Industries didn't have the money, Link would personally fund the purchase, with the building serving as the company's headquarters. Osborn Industries would pay rent until their financial situation improved and they could buy the building outright. Otherwise, they would have to raise funds through investors, which would dilute Norman Osborn's shares.

The building would be divided into two sections, with the upper portion dedicated to laboratories and the lower portion to administrative offices.

The security in the laboratories would be significantly enhanced, something Osborn readily agreed to, having suffered previous losses. By placing the labs in the upper levels and bolstering security, they could better manage the research and prevent further incidents.

This arrangement also made it easier for Norman Osborn to manage the company without interference from Link as chairman.

For now, the board of directors consisted only of the two of them, so decisions were quick and easy. But what about when more board members were added?

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(End of Chapter)