Chapter 73: The Wait

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"If you confirm everything, I can start by treating your son. But for now, I need a genetic sample," Link said, taking out a syringe and a metallic envelope, placing them on the desk.

"What is this cooperation about, exactly?" Norman Osborn asked.

"It's about Oscorp. Richard Parker's escape and subsequent death led to the loss of critical research results," Link explained. "Oscorp's current situation is bad, and I need it to get worse."

"I want to short-sell Oscorp's stock and then buy it back at the bottom to take control of the company."

"Of course, you will remain as CEO. I'll continue to provide Oscorp with new technologies to help grow the company."

"I need Oscorp to reach the level of Stark Industries."

Norman frowned, deep in thought, then said, "I can pay for the treatment, but Oscorp isn't mine alone."

"That's fine!" Link chuckled. "From what I understand, the military will soon cut ties with Oscorp, and I suspect you'll be removed from the board of directors."

"When that happens, we'll talk again. For now, just give me the genetic sample. The treatment is developed based on that."

"Once you're sure it works, I'll treat your son first, and we can wait and see."

Norman Osborn nodded and proceeded to draw his blood, sealing it in the provided envelope. Being familiar with lab work, this task was simple for him.

After sealing the sample, he handed it to Link. Link, standing by the door with Frank, suddenly turned around and said, "Wait ten minutes before you leave. Don't make any noise."

With that, Link left, Frank following closely behind. They exited Oscorp Manor as silently as they had entered.

Back in their car, they watched the mansion for a while. Once they were certain Norman hadn't made any sudden moves, they finally drove away.

Link hadn't needed to bring Frank along, but he did so intentionally. Link's name was well-known in the underworld, but he usually worked alone. By bringing Frank, Link ensured Norman knew he wasn't isolated, that he had connections.

If Norman did some digging, he would easily uncover Frank's military background and his history in New York. It wasn't difficult information to find.

This move was strategic—Link was subtly signaling that he wasn't someone to cross lightly. Between his reputation and fighting skills, Norman Osborn would have to think twice before trying anything foolish.

Link didn't want a confrontation. He still needed Norman to run Oscorp once he gained control. His goal was to own a majority share, ensuring he could remove Norman as CEO if necessary.

His plan to take over Oscorp wasn't just about power; it was about securing enough influence and status in society. He had no intention of giving up that control.

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Norman Osborn sat in his study, staring at the list of names Link had left behind. His heart raced with anticipation. Could he finally rid himself of this genetic curse?

But the thought of handing over his company troubled him deeply. Was his life worth it, though?

Oscorp was currently researching super-soldier serum and cross-species genetic therapy. His thoughts once again turned bitter toward Richard Parker.

Still, Norman didn't blame Peter Parker. In fact, he admired the boy.

Super-soldier serum was not difficult to replicate. The real challenge was finding another Steve Rogers. Howard Stark had managed to recreate the serum. Besides Dr. Abraham Erskine, Stark was perhaps the person who knew the serum best.

The serum Red Skull used was created by Dr. Erskine himself, yet it had failed. Why? Because the serum's success depended more on the subject's character than the formula itself.

Even if Dr. Erskine had lived, it's unlikely he could have created another Captain America. Steve Rogers had been chosen for his good heart and inner strength, qualities far more important than physical attributes.

Norman Osborn didn't understand all of this. He was still considering Oscorp's super-soldier serum and whether it was ready for human trials. If the serum succeeded, he wouldn't need to be blackmailed. If it failed, at least his son wouldn't have to wait for death.

His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he stared at the list, eagerly awaiting confirmation that the cure was real. He barely slept that night.

The next morning, he made an effort to have breakfast with his son and personally drove him to school. At his son's request, the Rolls-Royce stopped a block away from the school.

As soon as Norman arrived at Oscorp, he made several calls to have the people on Link's list investigated.

The information wasn't hard to find. Within hours, he received confirmation: all the individuals had suffered from genetic diseases. They had been approached by someone offering free treatment, not from a hospital or pharmaceutical company, but from an individual.

With no other options and astronomical medical costs, they agreed to the treatment. The results? Full recovery. Their doctors were baffled.

Satisfied but still cautious, Norman ordered his team to continue monitoring these people to ensure they remained healthy.

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Link wasn't in a rush. He spent time in his lab, analyzing the Osborn family's genetic makeup and crafting the treatment, which was based on specific gene sequences.

Each family's genetic disorder required its own formula, but Link had already perfected a universal framework. He could now treat various genetic diseases.

This would be part of Oscorp's future strength. He hadn't yet given up his lab lease and planned to continue his research there. The gene therapy was based on Richard Parker's research, but now Link was adding his own innovations.

Oscorp's primary focus was pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, with its military division centered on super-soldier serum and personal combat gear.

However, their results had been lackluster. Link estimated that Oscorp would soon face significant setbacks. While the exact timeline was unclear, Peter Parker was still just starting high school.

Based on current events, Link predicted that Oscorp's troubles would come to a head before the Chitauri invasion.

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