Norman Harold Osborn sat next to his lawyer, with a thick stack of documents in front of them. His lawyer, Conrad, shuffled through the papers, analyzing every word. He had a habit of clearing his throat, and barking out a question or concern about the contract. The attorney sitting on the opposite end of the large wooden desk, would cooly respond. It was a game of chess, each attorney checking the other, both ruthlessly protecting their clients' interests.

Normie sat still and silent as Conrad groaned over the contract. His hands were folded, and he maintained a neutral facial expression, and fought the urge to look at the woman sitting across from him. She sat, back perfectly straight, and yet, somehow at ease. Her face was hidden in the shadows cast by the dim lighting in the large office space.

Everything about this deal seemed to be shrouded in darkness. It was kept as quiet as it could be, and the meeting itself was absent on all agendas. The office space was poorly lit, and the blinds were closed, blocking out the breathtaking view of the city.

Normie then realized that this moment would likely be the last time he sat in this space.

The realization was both exhilarating and terrifying. Being the child genius CEO of Oscorp, he had grown up in boardrooms and offices, it was all he knew. But now, on the cusp of Oscorp being over, Normie's world was being turned upside-down. What would he do next? What could he do? Was he even capable of doing anything else? The excitement was starting to wane, leaving only terror…

"Mr. Osborn?!"

"Huh?" Stupid. That was professional. Not. Normie took a breath to regain his composure.

"Do you have any final questions?"

He shook his head no. Conrad slid the contract to him. All Normie had to do was sign on the line. Such a simple act. His father's legacy gone, with the stroke of a pen.

Normie carefully signed his name. Conrad slid the contract across the table.

"Ms. Allan, do you have any questions-"

But before the lawyer could finish, Liz Allan signed the document. Her signature was fast, as if ripping off a bandaid. Normie couldn't help but notice her cool composure crack. It was a quick moment, a subtle shift in her shoulders, betraying the weight and gravity of their deal.

It was done. Life as he knew it was forever changed.

"The funds will be transferred to your account," her attorney said. "It's been a pleasure-"

"Could you give us a moment?" Liz said, cutting her attorney off.

Conrad grabbed his briefcase. "Yes, of course, Ms. Allan." He stood up and indicated that Normie should do the same.

"Not you," she said, looking directly at him.

Normie sat back down, as Liz glanced at her attorney, who awkwardly realized it was her cue to leave. She muttered something, and then left with Conrad, leaving Normie and Liz behind.

They were still until the door was closed, and then for a few seconds after.

Liz walked over to Normie, and placed her hand on his shoulder.

"You okay?"

"Mom," after a day of hearing her called 'Ms. Allan,' it felt strange to call her that. "Did we just erase him?"

"He was more than this company," she said, her voice heavy. She sat down next to him. His mother didn't often talk about his father. He hoped she'd say more. But she didn't. They sat in silence. Normie remembered how he had once promised to use Oscorp to make up for the sins of his father and grandfather. He had had grand ideas and plans of making the world a better place, and giving new meaning to the name Osborn. But despite his best efforts, his company often attracted some of the worst people. And it put a target on his back. He had been attacked by everyone from villains seeking his grandfather's goblin formula to heartbroken people out for revenge. Spiderling and her family had saved his skin dozens of times. And he knew they would continue to, but he was tired of being saved.

"What are you going to do now?"

The billion dollar question. Normie shrugged. What could he do?

Liz sat next to her son. "I'm proud of you."

He laughed. "Mom, I'm unemployed." She laughed too. "You'll be okay." She ran a hand through her straight, blonde hair. "Let's go out to dinner. To celebrate new beginnings. My treat."

"You sure? Oscorp wasn't cheap."

"No, it certainly wasn't. That was some deal you brokered."

"Look, I can give you the money back…"

"Oh please, Norman, don't be ridiculous. I can afford it. And dinner. Come on, sweetie. Let's go."

His mother stood up, and walked out the room. Normie lagged behind momentarily, taking in the space one last time. He wondered what his father would say, if he were alive. What he'd think of this deal. And then he thought of the dreaded question. What's next?