Marvel: Umbrella Corporation-Chapter 160: Choice

*WHOOSH!*

Just as the Green Goblin turned around, several black-armored figures suddenly flew out from the ruins above, blocking his path.

More figures appeared, surrounding him from all directions—front, back, above, and below.

A total of twelve black-armored warriors encircled him.

These figures stood about three meters tall, exuding a powerful presence. Their armor was adorned with intricate patterns, making them look both elegant and formidable.

Before the Green Goblin could ask anything, the twelve black-armored figures moved in unison.

They raised their right hands, and in an instant, beams of energy shot out.

The Green Goblin barely had time to react before he was struck. Yet, the expected pain never came. The lasers had precisely targeted his Goblin armor and glider.

With a series of loud *bangs*, the armor and glider were completely destroyed, leaving Norman Osborn exposed.

Without his glider, Norman plummeted downward, only to be caught mid-air by one of the black-armored figures, which then carried him toward an intact high-rise.

Completely powerless, he could only struggle in vain.

"Who are you?! Let me go!"

Even as they passed through a window into a luxurious room, Norman continued to resist.

However, he soon froze.

Sitting comfortably on a sofa, dressed in pajamas, was Adam. One hand swirled a glass of red wine, while the other rested casually on his waist.

Despite his relaxed demeanor, a few specks of dust clung to his clothes, evidence that the recent explosion had not entirely spared him.

"Good evening, Norman," Adam greeted with a smirk.

"It's quite late—what brings you to my place? And with such a grand entrance... blowing up my room without even saying hello?"

Seeing Adam alive, Norman's heart sank.

Desperate, he turned to the black-armored figures and shouted, "I'll give you half of Oscorp's shares if you kill him! No—eighty percent! Ninety percent!"

He knew that being captured meant he had no bargaining power with Adam. His only hope now was to offer his entire fortune in exchange for these mysterious figures' betrayal.

But the black-armored warriors remained silent, standing motionless. Norman's heart turned ice-cold.

Then, laughter erupted from Adam.

"Hahahaha..."

His eyes gleamed with amusement, "Red Queen, open their helmets. Let him see for himself."

"Yes, Master."

In the next second, the black-armored figures' helmets slid open.

Inside, there were no human faces—only complex electronic circuits and machinery. They were not people. They were robots.

Seeing this, Norman cursed internally.

'If they're not human, then why make them humanoid? Just for aesthetics? Armor is designed for people to wear. A human-like shape isn't even the most efficient form for machines!'

After a moment, the black-armored figures resealed their helmets, while Adam stood up and approached Norman.

"I currently hold ten percent of Oscorp's shares," Adam stated calmly. "You have two choices: prison or retirement."

Norman's eyes widened in disbelief.

Then, realization struck.

"The Sherlock Fund... that was you?" His voice trembled. "Now that I think about it, I did hear rumors about its connection to you."

He let out a bitter laugh.

"So, your target was always me... I was too careless... hahaha... HAHAHA..."

His laughter carried an unmistakable sense of loss, helplessness, and despair.

After all, anyone would be devastated to realize they had been played from the very beginning. For someone as proud as Norman, the blow was even greater.

When his laughter finally subsided, Adam leaned back onto the sofa.

"So? What's your answer?"

Norman lifted his head and met Adam's gaze.

"I choose a third option!"

With a sudden burst of strength, he twisted his leg and snapped his own arm free from the robot's grip. Then, he hurled himself backward toward the window.

*CRASH!*

The glass shattered, and his body plunged from over a hundred meters high.

This was the only solution he could think of.

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Sacrificing himself.

He knew exactly what Adam's two options meant.

If he went to prison, Adam—who already held ten percent of Oscorp's shares—would take control of the company.

If he retired, he would be forced to sell his shares at a loss, leading to the downfall of the Osborn family. Either way, Oscorp would eventually fall into Adam's hands.

His only option was to die, ensuring that his company remained with his family.

But as he fell, only one thought filled his mind.

His son, Harry, was just eleven years old. Would he be able to handle the cutthroat corporate world? Would he survive the power struggles without him?

A wave of guilt and sorrow washed over him. 'Harry... I'm sorry. I won't be able to take you to Disneyland anymore.'

A heavy *thud* echoed through the night.

Car alarms blared in response.

From the high-rise, Adam stepped toward the shattered window, gazing down at the lifeless body below.

He merely shook his head.

He could have saved Norman effortlessly. But there was no need.

After all, the U.S. had strict antitrust laws. Umbrella Pharmaceuticals was already the number one player in the industry, while Oscorp ranked second.

If Adam openly acquired Oscorp, it would trigger scrutiny from regulators.

The smarter move was to control the company from behind the scenes. With Norman dead and Harry still a child, the future of Oscorp was already decided.

"Red Queen, begin the acquisition process."

"Yes, Master."

......

June 21st – Morning~

At the Osborn estate, Harry stood in front of a black-and-white portrait of his father.

Dressed in a black suit, he clenched his fists, his eyes brimming with unshed tears. His father had always taught him that boys shouldn't cry—that they had to be strong.

He wanted to tell his father that he was strong, that he hadn't cried. But now, standing here alone, he could no longer hold it in.

At that moment, Peter burst in, tossing his backpack aside as he ran up to his best friend.

"Harry, what happened? Uncle Norman... how did this happen?"

Peter had been on his way to school when he got the news and had rushed over immediately.

Seeing his closest friend, Harry could no longer restrain himself. Tears spilled down his face as he clung to Peter and sobbed uncontrollably.

"Peter... my dad is dead..."

The sound of his cries echoed through the grand hall.