Melting Pot Concept in Marvel

"Major conflict erupts within Oscorp! Board members unite to oust the new Chairman, Aaron!"

> "According to a certain Oscorp board member who wishes to remain anonymous, an intense clash broke out during an internal meeting…"

"Breaking News! A board member left the meeting in anger, was admitted to the hospital on the spot, and died later that night…"

> "Scandal in the Upper Echelons: A certain hospital's head doctor claims this board member was afflicted with the same hereditary disease as Norman Osborn's family—could he have been Norman's long-lost brother?"

"A statement from Killian, CEO of Pioneer Tech: Aaron may be a mutant! He appears to possess some terrifying special powers, forcing other board members to sign an unfair contract…"

"A public relations manager from Horizon Air denounces: The company in question has essentially become the private property of an outsider. His brutal dictatorship will drive this once-great conglomerate into an endless abyss! The U.S. government should intervene to prevent American assets from leaking away!"

"The NYPD Commissioner responds to the press: They will strengthen supervision of Oscorp to prevent any illegal or criminal acts!"

"Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters issues a statement: Aaron is not a mutant! Please stop looking at mutants with prejudice—they deserve human rights protection!"

"Oscorp's stock price has plunged to less than one-fifth of its peak value. Is this biomed giant facing its final twilight? We'll see!"

> "One reporter claims Norman Osborn had a private meeting with multiple wealthy investors yesterday afternoon; both sides appear to have reached some undisclosed agreement…"

…

Early in the morning, headlines about Oscorp flooded every major news outlet.

Even Aaron, who hardly knew anyone in this world, got bombarded with messages. Some were from Eleanor or Norman; most were from Kate. Eleanor and Kate both voiced concern, asking if he needed financial assistance. Norman, on the other hand, reported that everything was okay.

Aaron glanced at the crucial messages, then deleted them all.

Right now, Oscorp itself did not have enough funds on hand to buy out the controlling stake previously held by the board. Even at today's battered stock price, neither Aaron nor Norman could afford it if push came to shove. Even if they roped in Eleanor's Bishop Security, it wouldn't be more than a drop in the bucket.

He skimmed the front-page articles from different outlets, feeling nothing. Everyone was predicting a grim future for Oscorp, painting Aaron as some ignorant demon who bewitches others—coming to New York, taking advantage of gullible Norman, and robbing the city of one of its finest jewels. Luckily, those "all-seeing board members" and the "unbiased media" could see through his charade and would soon drive him back to hell, or so they claimed.

Quite the over-the-top story, lacking all logic, more like cheap tabloid gossip. Only a fool would believe it. Yet as Aaron scrolled through comment sections and upvotes, he was astonished.

"Wow, there are so many dimwits here. Terrifying!"

Shaking his head, he patted the blankets, signaling Felicia to hurry up. She was in the middle of eating a hot dog and nodded with an "mmhm," speeding up before grabbing a carton of milk from the fridge and downing it in one gulp. After washing up, she got ready to head out.

The doorbell had yet to ring, but Aaron gave her a heads-up:

"Someone's here; open the door."

"Huh? Oh!"

Felicia didn't move from where she was. She just flicked her wrist and shot out some webbing, accurately hitting the door handle, and pulled it open. Aaron shot her a disapproving look, and Felicia gave him a sheepish grin.

Her unusually flexible tongue slipped out briefly, "Boss, come punish me, won't you?"

"You'd better not beg me to stop tonight!"

Aaron glared at her. Outside, Kate's familiar voice echoed:

"Hellooo? Anyone in here? Hey, the door's open!"

"Kate, doesn't your school have classes bright and early?"

As he walked past Felicia, he gave her a little pat before stepping to the entryway.

Kate held her chin high. "Oh, that's easy! As long as you donate enough money to the school, they can be very accommodating."

"No homework?"

"Er, someone helps me with it…"

Kate accidentally let the truth slip, then quickly backpedaled: "I mean, I always finish my homework on time; it's super easy!"

Aaron smirked knowingly. "Maybe I should have a chat with Eleanor about your future?"

"Ah—no, no! I came specifically to see you. You can't betray me like that."

Kate looked flustered, obviously not meaning to let the cat out of the bag. It was just that the new teacher at her school was so easygoing, basically a saint of U.S. education, unbelievably cooperative. A top-tier tool, free to use at will!

"And I sorta learned this from you!"

Kate muttered, pouting. Aaron pulled Norman, Felicia…didn't they all seem to do everything for him?

Aaron burst out laughing, ruffling her hair. "Relax. I won't snitch on you. Keep practicing your combat skills, and maybe… one day you'll get superpowers, too?"

Kate shook her head emphatically. "No way—I don't wanna mutate into something weird."

Felicia, standing behind, gave a sly smile. So I'm the lucky first who got Boss's 'blessing'? Score!

"Anyway," Kate continued, "I'm glad you're alright. A super-capable guy like you wouldn't be affected by those jerks. When I grow up, I'm gonna hunt them down and punch them a hundred times each!" She raised her little fists, wanting to settle his score.

After all, what demon rescues a girl and teaches her so much, encouraging her to chase her dreams, and even takes her flying around NYC like a free bird?

"Oh, right. There's another reason I came today."

Kate furtively glanced around, gesturing Aaron to lean down so she could whisper:

"I suspect…my teacher Adeline is up to something with you!"

"Huh?!"

That perceptive, are we? Aaron was surprised.

Kate put her hands on her hips. "She keeps trying to pump me for info on you and keeps dropping hints about 'future babies,' 'milk money,' 'the next life,' 'tough times for a woman searching for a strong partner'—stuff like that. I'm sure she wants to get close to you and marry into riches!"

"Hmph, I noticed something was off, so I punished her by making her do my homework!"

Kate gave him a cocky grin, obviously expecting some praise.

Aaron sighed, silently wondering What am I even expecting here?

~~~

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