Melting Pot Concept in Marvel

"I object!"

As soon as Aaron finished speaking, a chubby man in gold-rimmed glasses stood up.

"Your position as chairman was never officially recognized by the board. It was just some private arrangement between you and Norman Osborn.

"Besides, the shares we hold collectively are enough to vote you out. Starting now, you're no longer the president of Oscorp!"

He hadn't even finished talking when Aaron glanced at him with a cool, indifferent look.

Immediately, this so-called "social elite" felt a chill all over, his entire body trembling uncontrollably. Before long, his arms and legs seemed to lock up, his blood felt like it had stopped circulating, and even his thoughts seemed to freeze.

From the corner of his eye, he looked out the window at the sun shining high in the sky—how could it be so cold?

Witnessing his miserable state, the man who was told to "scram" earlier felt some sympathy but kept a straight face, secretly gloating: If everyone's embarrassed, at least I'm not alone.

Meanwhile, the others all exchanged looks, eyeing Aaron in apprehension. One of them hesitated, then stood up. "Mr. Aaron, you can certainly buy our shares, but at least your offer should exceed what Horizon Air is bidding—"

Another person quickly added, "Yes, at least higher than Pioneer Tech or Hammer Tech…"

"You all still don't get the situation."

Aaron sank back into his seat, drumming his fingers lightly on the table's edge, a faint smile on his face. "I wasn't negotiating—I was informing you. You have no choice."

His eyes swept over the two who'd spoken on behalf of the others. One immediately felt like he'd been dropped into an ice cellar, while the other was as if he were being roasted in a blazing furnace.

In a matter of seconds, one was shivering violently from cold, the other tugging at his collar, drenched in sweat.

Everyone else looked pale, with some feeling nauseous or dizzy. It was as if Aaron exuded some overwhelming aura, making each of them experience a different kind of oppressive force.

Damn it! Where did this guy come from? How can a single stare practically choke the life out of us?!

The man who had been told to scram earlier couldn't endure the pressure anymore; he even felt the urge to pee. I can't hold it!

"M-Mr. Aaron! Actually, your proposal is quite fair! Considering Oscorp's stock has been in free fall, your willingness to buy us out now is already very generous. I don't care what the others say—I'm willing to sign right now!"

Aaron nodded in satisfaction, giving Felicia—who was still stunned—a quick look.

Norman reacted first, hurriedly ordering the staff to print out the contracts. He himself remained baffled. What on earth's happening with these people? Is Aaron's gaze really that intimidating? He'd never heard of board members so easily conceding after just one look.

The first man who yielded suddenly felt the pressure vanish. I'm alive… alive!

He wiped the sweat from his brow, only to find his suit completely soaked, like he'd climbed out of a swimming pool. This is insane!

Without regard for appearances, he gulped down the water on the table, as Norman's people thoughtfully refilled his glass. He drained them one after another until he finally felt some relief.

"Er… I also agree with your proposal! I'm willing to sell all my shares!"

"Me too!"

"I—I'm in as well!"

Seeing this, Aaron waited a moment, then spoke again: "Good. Those of you who've agreed will finalize the deal as I mentioned. As for the rest of you…"

"Sorry, but I'll still be buying out your shares—priced based on the real-time market index. I assume…none of you would object to that?"

His ostensibly "consultative" manner made the remaining holdouts shudder. He's a monster! An absolute monster!

"O-of course!" What else could they do but agree, swallowing their tears? They were pampered elites—not used to abrupt shifts between freezing and roasting, plus ultrasonic-level assault.

"Very good! Looks like we're all in happy agreement—I'm pleased!" Aaron said lightly. "Norman, have you noted everything down? The board unanimously passes my resolution, we sign the contracts as instructed. Got it?"

With the matter settled, Aaron didn't bother lingering. He left the remaining details for Norman to handle. Norman was filled with even more respect: after all, he'd argued all morning with these same people, his mouth going dry, to no effect. Meanwhile, Aaron had come in, and in a few moves, it was all handled!

Certainly, the board members weren't "easy to persuade," so the credit belonged wholly to Aaron's mysterious, awe-inspiring methods.

Right before leaving, Aaron patted the shoulder of the man who had insulted him the moment he entered—someone who had used racist slurs. Aaron couldn't remember everyone's names, but that guy stood out for his personal attacks.

Aaron wasn't the vengeful type. Really—why hold grudges? After all, his enemies usually wouldn't survive to the next day anyway.

That man, whose face was now the palest of them all, had withstood the brunt of Aaron's "attention." Hunching over reflexively at Aaron's touch, he stammered, "S-sir? Is there anything you need?"

"Oh, nothing special," Aaron said, his tone sincere. "I just noticed your brow is dark. That's a real ominous sign. I suggest you see a doctor. I have some medical knowledge, and your condition is very serious."

"Ah?! I'll go right away!"

He hastily signed the contract and fled as if running from the plague. He didn't put much stock in Aaron's warning, but something about Aaron's pointed gaze left him deeply unsettled, as though calamity were looming over his head.

"Damn it, I almost forgot—I haven't done my private health check this month. Yes, I'll go for a routine exam…"

Halfway there, he suddenly collapsed unconscious.

"Doctor! Someone get a doctor!!"

…

On the way out, Aaron turned to Norman. "Norman, remember how your family's genetic disease, when it flares up, can kill in a single day?"

Norman suddenly recalled something. "Yes, Boss. If someone's body already has hidden problems, once that disease flares, they might not even last a day!"

"Good, that sets my mind at ease," Aaron said with a cryptic smile.

In truth, he had extracted Norman's hereditary disease earlier, enhanced its properties a few times, and quietly passed it to the man who'd insulted him. Coupled with the earlier blast of ultrasound and the extremes of heat and cold, it was likely there'd be no need for further "follow-up."

Norman, not grasping the deeper meaning, figured maybe Aaron was reminding him that his son Harry's issue wasn't solved yet, and that he should work harder. Realizing that, Norman immediately cleared the few breaks left in his schedule and told his secretary, "For the next month, you handle Harry's daily transportation. If he complains, tell him it's all for his own good!"

"Yes, sir!"

For Harry's sake, he'd give it his all!

~~~

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