Norman Osborn finally revealed the truth about the Osborn family's genetic disorder to his son, Harry. The disease, which had plagued their lineage for generations, meant that members of the Osborn family rarely lived long lives. Norman had built Osborn Corporation, focusing on biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, all with the hope of finding a cure for their family's illness. Today, he finally had a solution.
"I've taken care of everything. You'll have a low-grade fever for the next 24 hours after taking the injection, but that's just your genes being repaired. There's nothing to worry about," Norman assured, gently patting Harry on the head. "Soon, no Osborn will have to die because of this disease."
Harry was stunned. "Dad, have you already taken it?"
"Yes, son, I have," Norman replied, withholding the uncertainties that still lingered in his mind. "Now, go to bed. Everything will be fine. If you feel uncomfortable, just call the butler for a cold compress. No need for medication."
"I understand, Dad," Harry said before returning to his room, still processing the shocking news. Soon, exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted off to sleep, his body slightly feverish.
Norman, on the other hand, had already done extensive research. Everyone who had used the injection experienced the same mild fever, and to this point, there had been no complications. He even paid hospitals to invite patients back for follow-up exams, thoroughly analyzing their physical and genetic conditions before using the treatment on his son.
Though Norman had the option to inject himself, he refrained. He couldn't afford any risks right now, especially with the company's future hanging in the balance.
Norman had spent the day discussing plans with Link. Technically, their strategy was illegal, falling under insider trading. However, since Norman was sacrificing his own interests for Link's benefit, he didn't view it as unethical.
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Back at their home, Jessica and Link were winding down after the day's events. Macall and Frank had already left. As they climbed the stairs, Jessica asked, "Will Osborn cooperate with you?"
"Of course. While he'll suffer some losses now, the stock will bounce back, and he'll make even more later on," Link explained. "You know I've been studying recently. I even rented a lab at the university. I've been developing several effective drugs that will sell like crazy. You know how expensive healthcare is here."
"My drugs are the best on the market. Sure, some doctors won't like it because it cuts into their profits, but it doesn't matter. I can still sell internationally, and patients will benefit."
Link had no intention of fixing the healthcare system but knew he could work around it. "I'll keep this under wraps for now. I only need the social status that comes with these breakthroughs. When the time is right, I'll let Norman Osborn reveal it."
Jessica, still unfamiliar with these deeper issues, asked, "Is the healthcare system really that bad?"
Link rolled his eyes. "It's a mess. Insurance companies dictate treatment plans, and doctors prescribe based on pharmaceutical reps' incentives rather than patients' needs. There's a lot we don't see."
Jessica, who had lived a relatively ordinary life before gaining her superhuman strength, was taken aback by the complexity of it all.
---
Norman Osborn soon put his plan into action. Rumors had already begun circulating within the board, but he paid them no mind. Instead of trying to rally support, he discreetly handed sensitive company information to Frank, who was now the intermediary between him and Link.
The data was leaked to the media, and soon, negative reports about Osborn Corporation started flooding the news. First, they exposed the story of Richard Parker, a former lead scientist who had fled with critical research just as the company was on the verge of a breakthrough. Tragically, Parker had died in a plane crash, making it impossible to recover the stolen data, and Osborn Corporation's massive investment had been lost.
Next came news of the military pulling its funding, leaving Osborn Corporation without crucial research grants. Lastly, it was revealed that Norman himself was suffering from a genetic illness that ran in the Osborn family.
These revelations caused Osborn Corporation's stock to plummet. The media added fuel to the fire by speculating that the company's energy division, which had invested heavily in bioelectric eel technology, would be unable to compete with Stark Industries' more advanced arc reactor technology. Rumors of scandalous affairs among the board members only further tarnished the company's reputation.
As stock prices tanked, the board of directors convened an emergency meeting. Norman Osborn feigned outrage, blaming internal leaks for the collapse in stock value. His furious outburst sowed distrust among the board members, causing factions to form as they turned on each other.
Meanwhile, Link had already leveraged his capital, short-selling Osborn Corporation stocks and profiting massively from the drop. He had used similar tactics to short Hammer Industries and had made billions. Now, with even more resources at his disposal, he repeated the process, securing even larger profits.
Banks and financial institutions that had invested in Osborn Corporation were left holding worthless shares, while Link emerged victorious. As the company's stock price plummeted to a mere three dollars per share, Link and Norman watched silently, waiting for the right moment.
Once the stock hit rock bottom, Link closed out his short positions, pocketing immense profits, and returned the borrowed shares with interest. Only then did his team move in for the acquisition.
Matthew Murdock oversaw the legal aspects of the transactions, while representatives from Jessica's charity foundation handled the actual purchases.
A month later, just when everyone thought Osborn Corporation was on the verge of bankruptcy, Jessica's charity foundation announced that it had successfully acquired a controlling 67% stake in the company.
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