Chapter 49: Character Inspection

There was no doubt in Adam Wayne’s mind that Norman Osborn was a shrewd businessman. From the very beginning of their negotiations, Osborn had tried to trade only the Osborn Group’s existing research for Adam’s breakthrough technology.

Fortunately, Adam had anticipated this move and stayed vigilant. Had he let his guard down, he would have been at a serious disadvantage. Most of the Osborn Group’s biotechnology was subpar compared to what Wayne Enterprises had already developed.

The only real achievements of note were the accidental creation of Spider-Man and Dr. Connors’ Lizard Formula. Yet, these weren’t what Adam truly wanted. His real goal lay elsewhere—the Green Goblin Formula.

Unlike most other human enhancement serums in the Marvel Universe, the Green Goblin Formula was unique. It massively boosted physical and mental capabilities, enhancing strength, speed, and intelligence to superhuman levels. However, like many other enhancement serums, it came with a cost: it amplified the user’s negative emotions.

Norman Osborn himself was a testament to this. While the formula cured his genetic disorder and elevated his intellect, it also gave rise to the Green Goblin persona, which eventually consumed his original personality.

For Adam, though, the formula’s drawbacks were irrelevant. He had no intention of using it on himself. His plan was to integrate the formula with Extremis, creating a potent combination that could enhance his biological armor. In this application, the formula’s effects would be ideal—no emotional amplification to worry about.

The mere thought of this innovation brought a satisfied smile to Adam’s face.

“Mr. Wayne, may I ask what’s so amusing?” Norman’s voice was polite, but the restrained irritation was evident.

“Nothing, Mr. Osborn. Just thinking of something humorous,” Adam replied with a disarming grin.

Norman’s scowl deepened. “If we’re finished here, I won’t keep you. And as I mentioned, Dr. Connors’ involvement is entirely up to him.”

Adam chuckled softly. “Understood. A pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Osborn.”

The polite farewell only seemed to worsen Norman’s mood. His expression grew even darker, but he remained silent. Adam didn’t linger. He knew better than to antagonize the man further and left Osborn Tower without another word.

As he stepped into his sleek Rolls-Royce, Adam addressed Skynet.

“Have you contacted Dr. Connors yet? What’s the status?”

“Yes, Master. Dr. Connors has agreed to meet with you at a café on Fifth Avenue,” Skynet replied.

Adam nodded, unsurprised. Connors was an easy target. His obsession with regenerative medicine, driven by his own disability, made him vulnerable. Without the financial support of Osborn Industries, Connors had little choice but to consider Wayne Enterprises.

Within minutes, Adam arrived at the small café. He had rented the entire space to ensure privacy. As he entered, he spotted Dr. Connors sitting alone at a table.

Connors was a man who exuded intellect, with his gold-rimmed glasses and neatly combed hair. Yet, the empty sleeve where his right arm should have been was a stark reminder of his struggles. There was an air of melancholy about him, as though the weight of his failures pressed heavily on his shoulders.

“Dr. Connors,” Adam greeted warmly, extending his hand.

Connors looked up, clearly surprised by Adam’s youthful appearance. “Mr. Wayne? You’re… younger than I expected,” he said hesitantly, shaking Adam’s hand.

Adam smiled, unbothered. “Yes, I get that a lot. But youth doesn’t mean inexperience, Dr. Connors.”

Connors gave a faint smile and gestured for Adam to sit. “Fair enough. Please, have a seat.”

As Adam settled in, he got straight to the point. “Dr. Connors, you’ve seen the offer Wayne Enterprises has made. I’m curious to hear your thoughts.”

Connors sighed, adjusting his glasses. “The offer is more than generous. Access to state-of-the-art facilities, funding for independent research—it’s a dream for any scientist.”

“Then why hesitate?” Adam asked, his tone calm but probing.

Connors hesitated, a flicker of guilt crossing his face. “Mr. Wayne, your offer is tempting, but… I have reservations about leaving Osborn Industries. Despite everything, I owe Norman Osborn a great deal. He believed in my research when no one else would.”

Adam leaned back, studying Connors carefully. The man’s loyalty was admirable, but Adam wasn’t convinced it would hold. He had deliberately withheld critical information about the offer, testing Connors’ integrity.

“Dr. Connors, loyalty is an honorable trait,” Adam began, his tone measured. “But loyalty shouldn’t come at the expense of progress. Your research has the potential to change lives—to help people like yourself. Don’t let outdated obligations hold you back.”

Connors looked conflicted, his good hand clenching into a fist.

Adam leaned forward, his voice softening. “At Wayne Enterprises, you wouldn’t just be a researcher—you’d be a pioneer. Imagine what we could achieve together.”

For a moment, Connors seemed swayed. But then he shook his head, determination returning to his gaze. “Mr. Wayne, your words are compelling, but I need more time to consider. This isn’t a decision I can make lightly.”

Adam smiled faintly, hiding his disappointment. “Of course, Dr. Connors. Take all the time you need. But remember—opportunities like this don’t come around often.”

The conversation ended on a cordial note, but Adam left the café deep in thought. Connors had passed his test of character, but his hesitation was an obstacle. Adam would need to apply more pressure if he wanted to secure the scientist’s cooperation.

As he stepped into his car, Adam issued a command to Skynet. “Monitor Connors’ movements and communications. Let me know if there’s any change in his stance.”

“Understood, Master,” Skynet replied.

Adam leaned back in his seat, a sly smile playing on his lips. “Don’t worry, Dr. Connors. I always get what I want.”