Do Your Best

"The Snowman is watching over Norman Osborn at his manor. It's legitimate," Mercury reported.

"However," she continued, "he didn't plan to call his son back. He only wrote a letter to explain some things. We checked it carefully—there's nothing suspicious."

"He must be worried we'll go after Harry," Maverick said with a cold snort. "Norman isn't someone who gives up easily. Keep an eye on everyone he contacts. By the way, have you found that Indian scientist named Nels?"

In this world, Harry Osborn has been studying abroad, similar to his portrayal in "The Amazing Spider-Man."

Mercury replied, "We went to the location Norman gave us, but Nels had already left. Norman might be up to something in secret."

"Find him," Maverick ordered. "Also, tomorrow I'll officially sign the contract with Norman and take over his shares of Oscorp."

Mercury nodded excitedly. "Yes, Blood God."

Witnessed by lawyers, Maverick and Norman Osborn signed the share transfer agreement.

"Mr. Cassain, Mr. Osborn, I'll handle the rest of the formalities," the lawyer said, taking the contract, shaking hands with both men, and departing.

Lying in his bedroom, Norman glared at Maverick with hatred. "Maverick Cassain, you better keep your end of the bargain, or I won't let you off."

"Don't worry, I always keep my promises," Maverick replied calmly. "Mr. Osborn, tomorrow is an auspicious day. Rest in peace."

Norman gritted his teeth. "I'll die of illness tomorrow."

"I'll arrange a funeral for you," Maverick said with a smile as he left. In anger, Norman smashed his bedside table with a punch. The Snowman watched indifferently, doing nothing, just quietly observing.

The next day, Norman "died of illness." Looking at his body, Maverick said, "Everyone else, leave. Mercury, Snowman, and Natalie, stay."

The others exited as instructed. Once the door closed, Maverick said, "Snowman, I'm a bit disappointed. Norman pulled tricks right under your nose, and you didn't notice."

"Blood God, isn't Norman already..." Snowman was stunned. He was about to defend himself, but seeing Mercury's stern gaze, he quickly lowered his head. "Blood God, I was negligent."

"At least you admit it," Maverick said. "I can't blame you entirely; Norman is cunning. He prepared various means in his bedroom, like feigning death. That's why he insisted on lying down there."

"Fake death pills?" Everyone was surprised. Snowman couldn't help but ask, "Blood God, do you mean Norman isn't dead? His heart stopped beating."

Maverick smiled. "He's dead, but it wasn't suicide. He was killed by Natalie."

"What?" Everyone was shocked. How did this involve Natasha? Natasha feigned innocence. "Blood God, what are you talking about?"

"Mercury, take off the ring on her left hand," Maverick instructed.

Mercury, who had long been displeased with Natasha, immediately walked over, grabbed her left hand, and removed the gemstone ring from her middle finger. Natasha didn't resist; she knew it was useless.

Examining the ring, Mercury said, "Blood God, there's a tiny needle hidden in this ring."

"Natalie used this needle to secretly prick Norman's arm earlier," Maverick explained slowly. "I don't know what toxin is on it, but it can slow a person's heartbeat, making it appear they're in suspended animation."

Snowman's eyes filled with murderous intent. "Is she a traitor?"

Natasha asked, "Blood God, how did you find out? And what do you mean I killed Norman?"

"Norman's own fake death drug also slowed his heart rate," Maverick sneered. "He's enhanced, so both you and he increased the toxin dosage. The fake death drug became a real death drug; his heart really stopped. So, you killed Norman Osborn."

Everyone was stunned. So that's how it was. Norman Osborn was truly unlucky. But even without this, he would have died anyway, because Maverick had anticipated everything.

"This won't be easy to explain to the Director," Natasha sighed. She asked Maverick, "Blood God, you knew all along that I was sent by S.H.I.E.L.D., didn't you?"

Maverick asked, "What makes you think that?"

"Because you never touched me and deliberately messed with me. It's not normal. Any man who sees me would want to have me as soon as possible. After all, I'm so attractive," Natasha said. "I always wondered why you didn't make a move, but now I know. You didn't touch me, not because I'm not appealing, but because you knew I was a spy."

Maverick and the others were speechless. Though her conclusion was correct, her reasoning was bizarre.

"Natasha, could you be more narcissistic?" Maverick complained. Mercury deliberately stepped away from Natasha to avoid being infected by her ego.

Natasha snorted. "I'm not narcissistic; I'm just stating facts. For example, you're a scumbag."

Maverick retorted, "How am I a scumbag? I've never laid a hand on you."

Natasha confidently replied, "That's the worst part. You don't touch a beautiful woman like me right in front of you. How dare you say you're not a scumbag?"

"What kind of twisted logic is that?" Mercury and Snowman were speechless. This woman was something else.

Maverick looked at Natasha with a hint of pity. "Some people are both insecure and arrogant, but you're both."

"Insecure? Me?" Natasha laughed disdainfully, placing her hands on her hips. "If I'm insecure, other women might as well jump into the sea."

Mercury glanced at Natasha's figure, then at her own. Unconsciously, she placed her hand on the hilt of her sword. 'So what if you're in good shape? Want me to cut you down to size?'

Maverick shook his head. "Enough of this. Call Nick Fury and ask him to exchange a vial of Captain America's blood for you."

"What do you want the Captain's blood for?" Natasha asked, surprised.

"I have my reasons," Maverick said. "Snowman, take her away. Let her make calls, but don't let her escape. She's a top agent."

"I won't let her get away," Snowman promised solemnly. He'd already made two mistakes; if anything else happened, he'd be too ashamed to face the Blood God.

"Scumbag. Let me officially inform you: you've lost your only chance to have this beauty," Natasha huffed at Maverick as she left the room with her head held high, like she'd won some victory.

"I'm not interested in short legs," Maverick said casually.

Natasha froze, turning to glare at him. Did he realize what he'd just said? That was unforgivable.

"Move it." Snowman shoved Natasha forward impatiently. After they left, Mercury asked, "Blood God, since Natasha killed Norman, can we use this against S.H.I.E.L.D.? She was sent by Nick Fury."

"No need for that now. We'll keep it for later. This kind of leverage doesn't expire," Maverick smiled. "I've already had a forensic report done, detailing the cause of Norman's death. Natasha doesn't know I've installed 18 high-definition cameras in that room."

Mercury understood and nodded. "Understood, Blood God."

The day after Norman Osborn's death, Max Dillon, now known as Electro, appeared on TV. With Trish's introduction, the audience learned who he was and how he became Electro. They sympathized with him, and some even hugged him on air, which moved Max deeply.

Max sighed, saying he didn't know what to do next. Trish suggested with a smile that he become a superhero, even encouraging him to demonstrate his electrical abilities on the spot, which amazed the audience.

Max was excited but worried that people wouldn't accept him. Trish seized the moment to conduct a live poll. The result showed that 90% of viewers supported Max becoming a superhero.

As a result, Max decided to sign with the newly established superhero agency under the Council of Blood, the Watchmen Company, and debut as a superhero.

On the same day, NYPD Chief George Stacy announced that the Green Goblin had been dealt with, displaying the Goblin's helmet. The police also rescued eight homeless people who had been subjected to illegal experiments by the Goblin. These eight individuals had all been enhanced and decided to join the police to help maintain order in New York.

The news caused a sensation throughout the city. Reporters swarmed the police station. Public support for the police finally began to recover, and even Oscorp's stock price stabilized.

Also on this day, Nick Fury sent someone to exchange Captain America's blood for Natasha—S.H.I.E.L.D. had plenty of it, as they had drawn blood from the Captain many times back in the day.

Nick Fury also sent Coulson to recruit Max, hoping he'd join S.H.I.E.L.D., but Max firmly refused.

On one side, there's a shadowy agency where you might get silenced by your own people; on the other, there's the glamorous life of a superhero adored by millions. The choice was obvious.

Not giving up, Nick Fury tried to poach the enhanced individuals from the police station but was rebuffed by Chief Stacy, who had the city's backing. With the recent chaos in New York, both the police and city officials were under immense pressure.

That same day, the original Picasso owned by Wilson Fisk—the Kingpin of New York's underworld—was stolen. In a rage, Fisk beat several guards to death.

His confidant, Wesley, waited until Fisk calmed down before saying, "According to my investigation, Felicia Hardy stole it."

"The Black Cat?" The imposing Fisk was stunned. "Isn't she one of ours?"

Wesley replied, "She's now working as the secretary for the Blood God."

"So, this is a warning from the Blood God? How overbearing." Fisk understood. He snorted but then sighed. "Wesley, this is the era of enhanced individuals. Without them, we'll be obsolete sooner or later."

Wesley smiled. "Yesterday, a man named Nels contacted me. He claims to have the Green Goblin's technology. If we help him leave North America and escape the vampires' pursuit, he'll give us the tech."

"The Goblin's tech?" Fisk's eyes lit up. "Agree to his terms. If possible, bring him to me alive."

"I understand," Wesley nodded.

Fisk paced back and forth. "Keep this under wraps. Don't let the vampires find out. When Oscorp changes hands, send a bottle of red wine to the Blood God in my name."

"Understood," Wesley nodded.

Time flew by, and July arrived. On this day, Maverick completed all the formalities and officially became the major shareholder and chairman of Oscorp.

In the chairman's office, Maverick proudly said to Ivan Vanko, "Here's the military-industrial company I promised you. Satisfied?"

Ivan took a puff of his cigar. "It's acceptable, as long as I get to build my suit."

"You're really demanding," Maverick chuckled. He handed a contract to Ivan via Mercury. "I'm giving you 1% of the shares and a board seat now. Within five years, I'll give you another 4%."

Frank and James were shocked. Even though Oscorp's stock had plummeted, it still had a market value of around $100 billion. Five percent of that was over $5 billion. Was this guy worth that much?

Even Ivan, always rebellious, was a bit taken aback. He hadn't expected someone to value him so highly.

Without pretending to refuse, Ivan signed his name. "In five years, I'll double Oscorp's market value. If I don't, I won't accept the shares."

"This guy is crazy," everyone thought. The Russian was quite arrogant.

"Not too difficult for you, I hope," Maverick said, motioning for Mercury to archive the contract. He then asked, "Have you completed the miniaturization of the Arc Reactor?"

"It's done, but there's a minor issue. The palladium causes poisoning," Ivan said. "But as long as you're careful, it's not a big problem. After all, you won't be wearing the suit all the time. We're not as unfortunate as Tony Stark."

At the mention of Tony, Ivan grinned maliciously. Maverick smiled and asked, "How long until the suit is finished?"

"A month or two," Ivan replied. "My suit will definitely be better than that pretty boy Tony Stark's."

"You mean the Iron Man suit?" Frank asked in surprise. Could this arrogant Russian really build an Iron Man suit?

"Of course," Ivan said proudly. Why else would he be given so many shares?

Now, Frank and the others understood why Maverick valued Ivan so much.

Maverick said, "Ivan, make a few more suits: one for you, one for Frank, one for Mercury, one for Blade. Oh, and if you have time, make one for me. I don't need weapons—just make it fly and look cool."

"Fly and look cool?" Ivan was speechless. If he weren't his boss, he'd have kicked him. "That's a lot of suits. It'll take time and a lot of money. Each suit costs hundreds of millions."

"Don't worry about money; I have plenty," Maverick smiled. "Focus on making suits for you, Frank, and Mercury first. We might need them soon."

Ivan shrugged. "Alright, but don't blame me if it takes time."

"Just do your best," Maverick said.

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