Melting Pot Concept in Marvel

Knock, knock, knock—

"The door's open. Come in!"

Aaron lounged in a chair worth tens of thousands of dollars. His gaze rested straight ahead.

A woman in a tailored black suit with long black hair, a pair of expressive eyes, and enticing lips approached gracefully. Without saying a word, she first poured Aaron a cup of warm water. (Aaron had specifically asked Norman to arrange this because he couldn't really stomach coffee.) But from the cup's residual marks, Felicia had inferred Aaron's preference on her own.

She also tidied up his desk before seating herself directly in front of him. Sensing his gaze on her, she did not sit up straight like other interviewees. Instead, she crossed her legs, making her black stockings even more eye-catching, all the while wearing a gentle smile.

Though her movements seemed fluid, Aaron could tell from her faint stiffness that she'd only recently undergone emergency training.

Her height was certainly impressive—about 178 cm (5'10"). With heels, she almost matched Aaron. Her figure was just right in all the right places.

Carefully using his heightened perception of pheromones, he gleaned plenty of information. Felicia wasn't wearing heavy makeup, just a very light application—almost like a natural look. If she put in a bit more effort on her appearance, she'd score even higher in attractiveness. Aaron felt confident in his assessment: his eyes were like measuring tapes—one look, one sniff, and he could tell if she was a natural beauty or "face-swapped."

Felicia brazenly let him size her up.

"You've never dated anyone? Why not?"

Rather than talk about work, Aaron cut straight to the chase. They were both adults, so why bother with the usual roundabout questions? If she'd prepared that much, his direct question was fair game.

Felicia looked a little nervous. "I grew up in a strict Christian family; premarital relations aren't allowed. Plus, I have zero interest in those immature boys. I've always focused on my studies, on bettering myself. Ideally, I want someone taller, stronger, and…maybe with the same hair color as mine."

Oh, so she's basically one step away from directly saying that person is me.

Aaron's lips curved into a slight smile. "A Christian family? Do you actually believe?"

"I can choose not to believe." Felicia pursed her lips.

So she doesn't really believe it. She's a bit of a rebellious type but clearly knows her own advantages and goals—a smart woman.

Aaron didn't mind clever women; no matter how smart she was, she couldn't manipulate him. And sometimes, being too clever could backfire.

"You're currently a student at Empire State University? A college girl?"

Shifting gears, he added, "Your schedule might get packed. I have a lot of work to do."

Felicia answered earnestly, "It's not a problem. If I become your secretary at Oscorp, the school will accommodate me with ample internship hours. I just need to go back and finish my exams to graduate. It won't affect my work here at all. In fact, I've already completed most of my credits; I can apply for early graduation any time."

She spoke with such confidence—clearly unbothered by missing classes.

Hearing this, Aaron said nothing further.

"I've read your résumé. You're outstanding—top grades across the board, proactive, and you've participated in numerous activities, including (but not limited to) yoga, dance, music, and flute performance. You've also studied management and finance, so you fit perfectly with our requirements."

He stood up and extended a hand. "I look forward to working with you."

Felicia gasped in delight, covering her mouth for a moment before quickly rising to shake his hand.

"When there's time, I'd like to see you play the flute. I'm somewhat familiar with that instrument too," Aaron added, his tone carrying a hint of deeper meaning.

Felicia nodded emphatically. "Of course, my boss!"

"Should we continue interviewing the remaining candidates now?"

She was quick to step into her role, feeling both nervous and eager, determined to prove her capabilities. After all, she wasn't too confident about getting this chance in the first place. She was only a college student, which seemed like a disadvantage compared to the other applicants. And this was for the sole position as secretary to the Chairman of Oscorp—an opportunity that couldn't be missed. Even now, Felicia wasn't letting her guard down, because among the candidates was another formidable rival—someone every bit as good, maybe better.

Luckily, Felicia had been the first to interview. Otherwise, she wouldn't have much hope of standing out. If that other woman had gone first, perhaps she would be the one chosen to stay beside Aaron now.

"No need. You're enough. Let's go."

Aaron shook his head, not wanting to waste time on the others. They were certainly competent, but not as good as Felicia. The only one who rivaled her was a mole. Given that, he might as well dismiss the rest and find more candidates later if needed.

Felicia nodded, clasping a file to her chest as she hurried after Aaron. They exited the chairman's office and took the elevator down to the floor where the lounge was located. There, a red-haired woman in a revealing black dress approached them. Upon seeing Aaron, she flicked a quick glance at Felicia and then greeted him with exaggerated sweetness:

"Hello, boss, I'm—"

Aaron walked right past her as if she didn't exist. At the same time, he turned to Felicia, who looked somewhat uneasy.

"Remember that woman. She stepped into this building with her left foot first. Fire her immediately."

"Huh?!"

People passing by froze. One even tripped and nearly fell. Farther off, some employees pretending to work all turned to look. As for the redhead, she stood there, mouth agape. Even with her strong mental fortitude, her mind went blank.

Norman Osborn, who'd just arrived after being notified, glanced at Felicia, then at the redhead—Natasha "Natalie" Rushman. He waved dismissively. "Ms. Rushman, you can leave now."

With that, he hurried after Aaron.

Natalie stared after them, feeling everyone's eyes on her. Lowering her gaze, she looked at herself—still looked perfect in the reflection of a nearby glass panel.

"Sir, am I not beaut—?"

"Sorry, I have work to do!"

Before she could finish, another man she tried to stop balked as if she were the plague, quickly withdrawing his gaze and scurrying away. Reaching his office door, he paused midstep, forced himself to step with his right foot first, then looked back toward the boss and sighed in relief.

Natalie tried stopping a third person, who also swerved around her and fled.

She snapped. "What's with you all acting like I have the plague?! I'm not beautiful enough for you?" she raged internally. F**k!

Flipping off the crowd, she tossed her hair and marched out. Approaching the exit, she hesitated:

Which foot did I use just now?

The same thought plagued everyone else. Does Mr. Aaron truly hate her, or did she literally step with her left foot first, sparking his wrath and asserting his authority?

Someone went to the security department to check the tapes. Indeed, footage showed Natalie striding in with her left foot first, brimming with confidence. Everyone was dumbfounded.