Summary: [Sequel to Safeguarding the Future] Norman confronts Harry's new hired nanny Emma.

The Osborn Curse

"You hired a nanny?!" Norman questioned, shouting. His voice demanded an explanation. Despite his graying hair, he continually held himself as a powerful man. He expected others to comply. Including his own son.

The two Osborns were in Harry's apartment. Norman stood on his feet, and Harry sat on his couch. An open laptop rested on a glass coffee table. The controversy was between a father-now-grandfather and a son-now-father. Little Stanley was kept in his nursery, napping. He was far away from the dispute.

Harry rolled his eyes. He despised his father's tone. The man was treating him like a reckless high school student over a savvy head of a company. He wondered if any of his actions would ever please him. He knew Norman had yet to meet Emma, the newly hired nanny. He waited for the right time. He dreaded the clash that was beginning.

"What's the big deal?" the young man argued. "I'm taking responsibility for Stanley. So I hired an extra hand? So what?"

"So what?!" Norman repeated. He became exasperated. Shutting his eyes, he placed his thumb and index finger around his furrowed eyebrows. "Harry, when you hire someone to help you raise kids, you're surrendering time that should be spent with them. You may even rely on the hired help and forget about them. Normie and Stanley may even get attached to her. Did you ever think of that?"

The name of his first child struck a chord in Harry. He sprang up.

"No! Not Normie!" he corrected.

Norman was shocked by his boy's outburst. He stared at him.

Harry felt his fists clench automatically. He sought to control his temper. He sharply exhaled. "Emma won't be running around with him. Me and Liz already made an agreement. Whenever it's my day to spend with Normie, Emma will be watching over Stanley. My time with Normie has gotta be one-on-one. I don't want him getting jealous over Stanley."

He knew he had committed that same sin. He recalled his own green-eyed attitude over his best friend and his father. He decided to take control of the issue before the issue took control of them. He acknowledged the situation at hand. "Jealousy is a fact of life. He'll need to learn how to handle those emotions. But it's not that simple."

He concluded in a lower voice, "If Stanley wasn't Normie's half-brother, that'd be different."

He turned around. He hid his defeat. He accepted Liz held no responsibility for Stanley. The infant was conceived between himself and his then-fiancée Lily Hollister. But she remained in prison for her crimes as Menace. Her sentencing was extended after that attempted prison breakout. Her own father, Bill Hollister, also had his hands full with the mayor election disaster. Neither showed interest in Stanley. The newborn only had his dad for protection.

Norman heard his son. He observed his sullen body posture. He understood how much effort Harry placed in to that arrangement. The young auburn was willing to strike a balance with someone who had a frayed rapport. He wasn't focusing on lecturing his boy. Yet something still stirred in him. He huffed. "If you needed help, why didn't you ask for it?"

Harry sensed the changed tone. His father sounded like he was excluded from the family. The older Osborn sounded hurt. He scorned how his parent presumed that.

"Because Stanley is my responsibility!" Harry roared as he spun around. "He is my son! What I choose to do with him is my business!"

The two fell into silence.

Age didn't soften Norman. His skills in verbally crossing swords stayed sharp. However, what was more important wasn't winning but staying present for his boy. He picked up the remorse in his son's voice. As the Osborn family expanded, he opposed lines drawn. He knew he needed to show support over control.

"Yes, Normie and Stanley are your sons," the older man agreed. "I respected your choice in asking Peter to be Normie's godparent. I was always happy just being the role of grandpa. And as a grandparent, I believe I do carry certain responsibilities."

Harry fought to release his growing frustration. He wasn't looking to deny either of his sons opportunities with their grandpa. Such a connection was a gift. Especially since he was unable to have it for the longest time. He understood how his father worked tirelessly to keep his ties.

Calming himself, he replied, "Dad, it's not just about Stanley. You know it's also about Oscorp. Blocking it from the claws of Alchemax. I'm trying to keep what belongs to the family in the family."

He couldn't be angry at his ex-wife. She had returned her wedding ring instead of throwing it away. He tried to work with her on other issues. He enlisted a team of Oscorp scientists to aid her step-brother Mark Raxton in controlling his Molten Man powers. He didn't know if he and his ex were working together for the sake of little Normie or if there was something else. But he couldn't walk away from Oscorp. That was his legacy he was preparing for ever since he was born. Back in high school, he only wanted to make his father proud. Now, it was his time to show he could carry on the torch without the curse of The Goblin hanging over him. Little Normie and Stanley had their vaccine given.

Norman appreciated his son's endeavors towards the company. He himself had invested endless hours of his own labor in rebuilding it. But he had his regrets, namely choosing his company over his son. He never wanted the current head to make that same mistake. He only question Harry's choice for his children. "If your plan is keeping the family first, then why hire someone outside the family?"

"Who else is there?" Harry asked back. "I'm doing what I can for them while running Oscorp. I never want to become so overwhelmed that I lash out at either of them. If there's any crisis when they're with you… Iron Patriot will need to take to the skies."

The auburn knew his father would drop everything to save his grandchildren should danger arrive. He didn't want to discourage his only parent from pursuing his honorable service. Instead, he smiled, "I like the idea that Normie and Stanley can see their grandpa as a hero. Like the way I do."

Norman became speechless. How Harry viewed him mattered to him. He was the same as always in the eyes of his son.

"There's nothing wrong with trusting new people," Harry added. He tried recalling what his buddy mentioned on occasions. "If you didn't let me stop the limo on that rainy day, then I wouldn't have really gotten to know Peter. That's why I hired Emma. There are some things Stanley will only get from her. Normie has his mother. For me, it was Peter's aunt. And I didn't meet her until high school. If Emma is the only female influence in Stanley's early life, then I don't see a crime in that."

He thought about May Parker. He did love her. He was grateful for the time she had babysat his first born. His mind played tidbits of his little boy sharing his day with her, like the two of them baking cookies together. He knew small Normie and May created lasting memories.

The older man heard the point. The benevolent woman made a positive impact on his son. Neither of the young boys had a grandma.

Harry spotted his father seeing his side. He disliked how he always needed to explain himself and his decisions to him. He had his own life to live and choices to follow through. Standing firm, he bade, "Promise me you won't go snooping around to find anything about Emma."

Norman gawked. He disbelieved the inquiry. He disbelieve what was being asked. "What?"

"I know I made mistakes in the past. I know I did a lotta foolish things as Patrioteer when I was a teen. I know I fall too easily for the fairer sex." Harry surveyed his failed relationships with Liz and Lily. He had called off his latest one with Amy Riley, Peter's cousin, when he took in Stanley. He wasn't parading his flaws but opted how he was handling them. Soundly, he continued, "But I'm not letting just anyone watch over Stanley. I did a background check on Emma. She had no criminal record. Not even a parking ticket. She has her C.P.R. and food handlers certifications. I can trust her."

He looked at his only parent straight in the eye. "So when I ask you not to go digging around, I want you to show me that you trust my judgment."

Norman reviewed his son's request. A father guided his son. He also gave his validation. "Alright. I won't."

Harry heard the hesitation. He still aimed to work with his father. "If you wanna meet her, she'll be here this evening. Peter's coming over. He said he had something important to discuss."

"Could it be related to Spider-man?" Norman questioned. He doubted if Harry could handle Patrioteer to his list of duties.

Harry shrugged. "I dunno. Maybe it's just about his newest relationship. I asked Emma to watch Stanley so we can talk privately."

He knew his best buddy also bore trouble keeping a girlfriend. Currently, Peter was seeing someone. The auburn suspected she was a hero as well. But even superpowers couldn't guarantee a happy relationship. He sensed a fault. Should something happen, the two pals still had each other for support.

Before anyone spoke, a baby's alerted babbling rang in Harry's ears. He bolted for the nursery.

Norman stood in place as the new father tended to his son. His eyes fell on the laptop. Harry was preparing to submit the standard rejection letter. Norman decided to relieve him of that trivial task. His eyes studied the email list. He pondered why the auburn was rejecting some applicants with higher education or at least a focus on child care. Placing a thumb near his lower lip, he didn't know much about Emma. He easily found her name and application. He analyzed her information. He narrowed his eyes.

It was like her résumé was tailored not for the job, but for the employer. It all sounded too good to be true.


The pale light of the full moon filled the nursery. The stuffed animals and paint job glowed in a calm light. A baby's cooing echoed. He didn't exert any extra energy to roam around the room. He merely enjoyed the attention he was receiving.

Emma, the new hired nanny, held him. Her matured gaze took in the infants features—from his large, brown eyes, to his messy black hair, to his small mouth. He had yet to have his dinner. But no tears streamed down his face. No whimpers ripped from his little throat. He was only agreeable when the word "bottle" came to him. She gently placed him down in his crib. Her wavy brown hair drooped past her round shoulders. Her lips covered in a black lipstick curved upwards. She allowed Stanley to grasp two of her slender fingers decorated in green nail polish.

A grim voice greeted her from behind, "Hello, Emma."

Her heart nearly jumped out of her chest. She whipped around. Her widened brown eyes spotted the former businessman standing in the doorway. She exhaled to calm herself. "Oh, hello, Mister Osborn."

It was the first time Emma engaged Norman face to face.

"I don't think we've properly met," the nanny insisted. She swept her hair behind her ear and placed on a well-bred smile. "I'm Emma. I'm the new hire to watch over Stanley."

Norman stood in place. His blue eyes were raw. His facial expression was grisly. He kept his hands at his side. "So Harry told me."

The atmosphere stiffened. Neither adult spoke. Little Stanley watched. He became fascinated with the interactions between his two caretakers.

Emma grew uneasy. She didn't know if Norman was merely checking on Stanley. Harry had jokingly warned her about his father's persistence in reigning control. However, she wouldn't stop her contract. She casually remarked, "I was putting Stanley down so I could go prepare his bottle."

If Norman wished to oversee the infant, she couldn't deny him that. He was Stanley's grandparent. She fixed herself to exit the room. She walked past him.

"I took a look at your résumé," Norman remarked as he stood in place. "I see you haven't told Harry everything… Emily."

The nanny stopped walking. She turned around. She was completely shocked.

The older Osborn faced her. He gazed at the woman soaking in the moonlight. He felt something stir inside of him. It was familiar and warm. Yet he kept his anger up front. "Surprised I found out?"

The brunette understood her charade was over. At least around him. There was no running away from Norman Osborn. Despite the vigorous man she was up against, Emily kept herself grounded. "I didn't think you'd still be alive. I thought your foul temper would've gotten the best of you."

Rage flickered in Norman's eyes. He thought back to his son's attitude and how Harry worked to control himself. He knew anger would bring his end had he not changed. "I've improved. I have my son to thank for that."

Another wave of silence came between them.

Norman had done his research. The woman accepting the situation without any delay confirmed everything. Sometimes he wished he was wrong. With the return of his ex-wife, numerous questions bombarded his mind. He began his interrogation. "Why have you come back?"

Emily kept her aging brown eyes on him. What was once between them had long been extinguished. She coolly replied, "There was a job opening."

"And you needed to take it? How did you even find that? Have you been watching Harry?" Norman always had a problem carrying an overly suspicious outlook. He had foes both for Oscorp, his time as The Goblin, and his new role as Iron Patriot. No matter the circumstance he did what he could to keep his son from the hands of their enemies.

"It's not like I took any of your wealth when I left," the brunette answered. Her response elicited his rage. She spotted his growing anger. She was familiar with his splenetic attitude. She was done defending herself against him. Holding her head high, she added, "If you insist on hiring someone new, then you go talk with Harry."

"Don't speak like you're on friendly terms with him!" Norman snapped. He thought about those close with his son. Harry had his long-time friends from Midtown High, classmates from Empire State University, business partners from Oscorp, and his teammates from his days at the S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy. He even thought about the auburn's best friend and his aunt. "You are merely associating with him because of this paid position. You have no business in doing what takes time to gain that trust."

Hurt flickered in Emily's eyes. She despised how the nine months she had carried Harry meant nothing to the older Osborn. She scorned,"It's not like a mother could know her child when she's dead."

Norman knew what she was invoking. He showed no remorse. "You left him when he was only a year old. I couldn't very much well explain to a child that his mother had abandoned him."

"So you told him I was dead?" Emily questioned, her voice cracking. She cleared her throat. She refused to break down.

The former businessman grew absolutely surprised by the shared information. "He mentioned that private family matter? To the nanny?"

Emily clenched her fist. She denied taking the abuse any second longer. She spat, "Harry may be your son, but he isn't as cold as you."

The remark stung. Pieces began to return to the older Osborn's recollection. Perhaps his own mind had twisted his cherished memories. Perhaps instead of unearthing a precious metal, he had instead found pyrite. Fool's gold. He replied, "Sure, it was a white lie. You might as well have been."

The inclination cut deep. Perhaps the woman at one time had wished for that while she was married to such a brute. She later acted upon it when the opportunity came. Without a pause, she reminded, "Harry isn't your property. He's free to hire whomever he wishes."

Norman stared at the brunette in front of him. It was clear that she wasn't going anywhere. Not this time. "You never were only interested in the job. What is it you're really after?"

Emily hated the endlessly accusations thrown at her. She depicted the role of the caring wife, and all she received was backlash. Her childhood sweetheart had morphed into a monster. A monster consumed by greed, wrath, and revenge. An opportunity came for her to see all that she missed. Or rather, what was stolen from her. "Have you never learned the value of love and family, Norman? What is it to you? Maybe I just wanted to see my grandsons!"

Something inside Norman exploded. Emily was aware of his foul relationship with his parents. He recalled all the times he himself had neglected Harry. However, he fought to correct those faults. "What right do you have to see them when you didn't want anything to do with your actual son?!"

A baby's crying interrupted the altercation. The barking frightened him. The tense atmosphere made him anxious. He expressed his grief in the only manner he knew how.

"Now look what you did!" Norman yelled.

"What I did?" Emily questioned. She recalled all the blame the man casted on everyone. She made the mistake of comparing the mulish Osborn to his late father. She made that mistake only once.

Steps rushed towards the room.

"What's going on?!" Harry shouted.

Following behind him was Peter. "Everything OK up here?"

The two middle-aged adults looked to the two young men. Both wore traditional business suits and had their hair combed back. To a stranger, it would seem like a pair of brothers had entered. But no one there was a stranger.

Harry looked at his father and then at Emma. Neither one said anything. He still heard Stanley bawling. Such an act was odd because the newborn was pretty easy-going. Harry sprinted past them and headed for the crib. He picked up his son. He tried to sooth his wailing infant. He tenderly brushed the bulbous head, allowing the soft black hair to run between his fingers. The ambrosial trait reminded him of Lily and her original color.

Once the baby realized he was with his father, he ceased his weeping.

When Harry was pleased to have his baby relaxed, he said, "I was giving Peter business advice for Parker Industries. And then we heard shouting."

He couldn't stand the idea of his second child undergoing negligence. He never wanted either of his children to feel what he did growing up. He scowled. "Why was Stanley crying with no one doing anything?"

His enraged eyes darted between the other adults. Norman was the grandpa; he insisted on the job. Emma was the nanny; it was her paid position. He didn't need to wait long for an answer.

Norman pointed his finger. "Harry, do not trust this woman here!"

He didn't care if his son was angry. He needed justice.

Out from the shock, Harry and Peter turned to the nanny.

Emily felt the unwanted attention on her. She explained, "Harry, I was on my way to get Stanley's bottle when Mister Osborn stopped me."

She felt the scowl of her ex-husband burning through her. But she wanted to prove her innocence. Her innocence at the moment.

Harry would always follow his father. At the moment, he had no reason to doubt his hired help.

"Dad," he called. "What are you talking about?"

Something then clicked in his mind. He grew suspicious. "Why shouldn't I trust her?"

Peter watched the strained situation unfold. Keeping an eye on his best friend, he noted Harry's demeanor. He refused to speak so the Osborn family could talk.

Norman observed his son. He could see him taking her side. If lines were to be drawn, he needed to take action against traitors. He knew he had the burden of testimony. Filled with his drive, he declared, "This woman isn't who she claims to be! I have my proof!"

He slammed a tabbed file folder on the table.

Two pairs of young blue eyes stared at the folder. Peter then looked at Harry. Curiosity began its way in the auburn, like an overrunning creek.

The other pairs of older eyes met. The woman's eyes were showing her growing uneasy. The older man's eyes showed he was willing to protect his son.

"Harry," Norman called. "Give me Stanley and look at what I've found. There's no woman here named Emma."

The woman turned mute. She lost all the stamina she built against her ex-husband. She could do nothing to defend herself.

Harry heard his father. Yet the strong man's order was faint. Countless thoughts raced in his head. He looked around the room. He wanted to trust his father, yet he had given him a new command to blindly accept. His new hired nanny remained speechless. Secrets had been gathered behind his back. Just like all those years ago when he was a teen. As Harry began to fall in and out of reality, he only clearly heard his son's babbling. He gazed at little Stanley, who stared back at him with undoubting eyes.

Keeping his son close, Harry backed away. His father obviously broke his promise. But Norman Osborn had earned his streak in his precisions. Emma could easily be someone he shouldn't trust. Especially not with his second child. Photos could be manipulated. Documents could always be forged. His breathing tightened. His heart rate picked up.

"Harr," a gentle voice called.

He nearly jumped. He looked to his side and noticed Peter standing next to him. The blue eyes showed his concern.

((I've crossed paths with Emma multiple times. When I first met her, my Spider-sense didn't go off. Who knows what info Norman found? He isn't the type to bluff. Stanley seems OK with her. Can I really say how dangerous she is? Then again, this isn't my choice to make. The least I can do now is help out my bud. He seems more than jittery. And I've seen this anxiety happen to him before.))

"Look," he began. "There's obviously something going on. Lemme take Stanley. I'll watch over him while you talk this misunderstanding out."

As usual, the brunet preserved his ability in giving the benefit of the doubt. It was any wonder he maintained the innocent attribute in the ruthless world of business.

Harry began to piece himself back together. He shook his head. "I couldn't ask you to do that. You have your own company to get back to."

"Yes, a company. Not a family. You know Aunt May is down at F.E.A.S.T. giving the community a hand. I can get back to reading boring emails later. Like Rome, the Uncle Ben Foundation isn't built in a day."

((Never thought yours truly would ever be head of his own company, did you? Neither did I. Parker Industries has been successful. Even J. Jameson Senior, father of J. Jonah Jameson and Aunt May's fiancé, is my biggest investor. I keep its headquarters in the Baxter Building, so no one else could own the former home of the Fantastic Four. Now I'm looking to start up an organization that benefits others. Of course, I named it after my own hero.))

Guilt began weighing down on Harry. His closest buddy was always helping him out. He asked, "But what about… your other responsibilities?"

It had been years since Harry last wore his Patrioteer armor. Not including his pained time bringing in his ex-fiancée. Juggling running Oscorp and raising two sons took his time. Those were his commitments. Peter may had started Parker Industries and funded his newest institution, but he had less obligations to take care of. Acting as Spider-man was still his calling.

Peter smiled, "Then you better get talking. I'll feed Stanley his bottle and come back after that."

Since Peter trusted his best friend with his biggest secret, Harry knew he could trust him with his greatest treasure. He gently handed over the infant.

"Better make it quick," Peter teased. "You know how Stanley guzzles down his formula."

Stanley had since quieted down. His round eyes stared at the man holding him, and he gave no negative reaction. He had ultimately taken to Peter, opposite of his half-brother when little Normie was born. Peter gazed down at the newest youngling. A smile grew on his face.

((I know it's my job to maintain my network with those who are still close to me. Holding Stanley makes me wonder what my own future holds—beyond the number crunching and wearing brightly colored tights. I'm at least grateful that my best friend still stands by me. Harry fights to keep what's important. He's giving me a hand despite his own hardships. I couldn't ask for a better brother.))

Peter looked at Harry. He already knew what enveloped his mind. He assured, "Contrary to what you think, this isn't the Osborn Curse."

The brunet and the baby left the room.

Who was left was the father, his son, and the woman who was recently hired. The file remained in place, untouched. The young auburn gathered his strength. He took control of the situation. He made the first move.

"I think you should leave for tonight," Harry directed at the nanny. "I want to talk to my dad by himself."

His blue eyes glared at the man who raised him alone.

The woman turned speechless once more. She couldn't remember anyone standing up to Norman Osborn like that. Yet she admitted to herself that she didn't know the young auburn in front of her. Perhaps she would never become acquainted with him. Her heart had been proud in seeing who Harry had grown to. Even with her out of the picture. Keeping her despondent eyes to the ground, she quietly left.

Norman kept his own aged eyes low. He remained in place as the feminine footsteps exited out of his proximity. Perhaps for good.

The father and son stood in silence.

The young auburn glowered as he crossed his arms over his chest. The folder in front of them was proof of something else. He waited for an explanation.

Norman looked at his boy. He knew of his misdeed. Detached, he confessed, "Yes, I did some research on her."

"I can't believe you!" Harry yelled. He felt foolish for expecting a different answer. Embittered, he stomped around the room.

"Harry, please, there's no need to act like teenager."

"How can I calm down with this insult hurled in my face?! I thought you trusted my judgment!?"

"Son, I can see how this hurts you. I know I broke many promises when you were growing up. But this is one of those times I needed to go back on my word."

Harry was more than hurt. He felt betrayed. He needed to let his father know that. "Like all those times you left me for Oscorp? When you were teaming up with Ock to go against Spider-man all those years ago? What explanation could possibly trump trust?!"

Despite the past sins, Norman remained even-tempered. He learned to accept his crimes and sought to reprimand them. He may had embraced more of his identity as Iron Patriot, but Norman Osborn still carried his own power. In a controlled voice, he answered, "Protecting my son and grandsons."

Harry ceased his outburst. He looked at his father. The statement seemed truthful; Norman no longer continuously changed his definition of family.

"This wasn't about double-guessing your judgment," Norman assured. "Nor my paranoia. It was my parental instinct. The same nature you felt seconds ago for Stanley."

The auburn heard his son's name. He looked to the crib.

Norman was proud of his son for the dutiful action he took. Safeguarding his child was the pledge for any father to accept and enact.

"You're an adult with your own life and children," he began. "I do respect that. It was… Emma I needed to look in to."

He watched his wording. He couldn't unfold the truth; his boy was far too frazzled to properly digest such knowledge at the moment.

Harry picked up the sincerity. He knew he couldn't continue acting so boorish himself. He had examples to set. Managing his temper, he said, "I'm sorry. I don't mean to keep throwing The Goblin and your old partnership with Ock in your face."

He tried to move on from his lonely childhood and discouraging adolescents. He only wanted what was best for his sons. Yet so much needed to be fixed. Wistfully, he closed his eyes. "I know we don't have secrets between us. But with everything that has happened to us… I don't want it to be where the only person I can trust is my brother."

Between Spider-man, The Goblin, symbiotes, family issues, and broken relationships, the two best friends still had each other. They had deepened their bond. They viewed each other as brothers.

Norman was aware of the close connection between them. He knew how much one meant to the other. He knew the intelligent brunet was all Harry could rely on when he was out as that horrific green monster. He never wanted his son to reject him.

Harry gazed at the carpet. He thought about his new hired. He began to wonder if he could depend on her. "I know you didn't want Normie or Stanley getting attach to her…. Even if… Emma… She's only been here less than a month. I could always let her go. She doesn't know what it means to be an Osborn."

Norman kept his mouth shut as Harry continued, "She could report what she saw. Or what she thinks she saw."

He began to panic. "They'll be Child Services here to investigate! I could lose Stanley! I won't get to see Normie again!"

His breathing turned noticeable. His heart pounded in his chest. His own hands were shaking. He disregarded what Peter assured. Everything was part of the Osborn Curse: All Osborns were born into tragedy, to have all loved ones taken away, to have everything they ever built ripped apart, to be forever alone.

Norman observed the habit. He didn't know what the critical information could do to his son. He was already aware of the great stress stacking over Harry—his first divorce, his crumbled second relationship, his traversing company, and his sons' well-being. Last thing he wanted to happen was for him to undergo a mental breakdown and reside at Ravencroft.

Marching over, he placed his hands firmly on his boy's shoulder. The two pairs of blue eyes met.

"Harry, I won't let that happen," the older father promised. "The Osborn family is a proud one that won't decay under pressure or take any threat. Between you and me, we are a united family. We will do what we can."

The auburn stared at the only parent he knew. He spotted the sincerity. He heard the bold guarantee. He calmed down.

Norman realized his mistake. He wanted to protect his grandchildren. He couldn't allow anyone to grow attached to someone who betrayed him and left him heartbroken. Yet his hasty actions alerted his son in ways he never intended to. Releasing his hands, he said, "I won't tell you what I found. I won't force you to look at the file. This will be your decision. I only want you to make the best choice for you and your sons."

Harry stared at him. The moon's glow outlined the older Osborn. He heard the plural. He understood the knowledge could affect little Normie as well. Despite all the discord, the Osborn patriarch did genuinely care for his grandsons.

Norman reinstated his duties as a grandparent. He headed towards the door. "I'll get Stanley from Peter so he can be on his way."

The door closed behind him.

The young Osborn was left in solitude. This was different from before. He wasn't alone like before. He had a family with two loving sons. He had his network with his buddies. His father was still by his side.

His eyes came to the file. Plenty weighed on his shoulders. He always respected his father. Norman gave useful advice—both for Oscorp and raising kids. On the other hand, hiring the woman was his decision. Reading the information could back track his own efforts. He replayed his own arguments. Everything he did was for his sons. They were Osborns. Which meant they carried the same burden.

Harry always dreaded the Osborn Curse. He feared that the same heritage affected his sons. If he knew more information about Emma, he could prevent his sons being torn away from him. His hand hovered over the tabbed folder.

He clenched a fist. He shook his head. He couldn't permit the same paranoia that consumed his father and his own grandfather to consume him. Perhaps Norman did have a reason to look in to the nanny. But that didn't mean Harry needed to follow through. He didn't need anyone's permission for his accomplishments. He hated the secret keeping. He was sick of everyone doubting him.

Anger erupting, he tossed the folder. Crisp, white pages spilled out. They fluttered. Yet his unsound mind hung over him.

Blue eyes darted too quickly between the papers and the crib to see beyond the ink.

End The Osborn Curse

Emily Osborn-Lyman, for initial appearance in a photo, see Spectacular Spider-Man #180, 1991 ("The Child Within: Part 3 of 6"). For full appearance, see Spider-Man: Revenge of the Green Goblin #1, 2000. For her possible return as Emma, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #789, 2018.

The Osborn Curse, mentioned in Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #588, 2009.

Parker Industries, see Superior Spider-Man #20, 2013. For last appearance, see Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 4 #31, 2017. For brief appearance in the USM cartoon, see S3E22 "Nightmare on Christmas".

Uncle Ben Foundation, see Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 1 #1, 2015. For last appearance, see Amazing Spider-Man vol. 1 #795, 2018.

Ravencroft Institution for the Criminally Insane, see Spider-Man Unlimited #1, 1993. For Harry's imprisonment, see Spectacular Spider-Man #190, 1992.

Author's Notes: How can Emily be alive if she had her own grave? Norman had one. So did Harry.