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The "Phoenix Protocol" was finally showing results. With a portion of Wolverine's healing factor now in his system, Nolan no longer felt the same urgency. He had some level of protection now finally, a power that could keep him alive.
Sitting in his room, Nolan sifted through data, scanning projections and medical files. The serum had worked, but it was far from perfect.
He wanted the peak Logan's full regeneration, the kind that could shrug off nukes and keep a man young for centuries.
"OsCorp… I need to acquire it fast," Nolan murmured, firing off messages to Klaue.
Klaue's replies came quickly. OsCorp stock had been plummeting due to a series of PR disasters, tax investigations, and environmental violations.
The vultures were circling and Klaue was buying in bulk But so was someone else.
"Norman…" Nolan narrowed his eyes. OsCorp's founder wouldn't just sit back and let his life's work be dismantled.
The board had voted him out, but this drop in valuation? It was the perfect chance to buy back control cutting deep to reclaim the company.
Nolan advised Klaue to continue the acquisitions but carefully. Spider-Man was active now, which meant the Green Goblin probably wasn't far behind.
One wrong move and Klaue could end up on the wrong end of a glider.
Still, before tackling OsCorp, Nolan had another priority: Jessica Jones.
Flight and super-strength a budget version of Superman. With her powers, he wouldn't need to play defense anymore.
He was deep in thought when—
Knock knock.
He glanced at the security camera.
Natasha Romanoff. Black Widow herself, disguised in her usual cover identity tight leather bodysuit included, hugging every inch of her frame like it was sewn on.
"Who is it?" he asked, already knowing.
"It's Natalie," came the smooth, sultry voice. "I'd like to talk… about work. As your assistant, I think we need more communication."
Nolan rolled his eyes. She'd been playing the long con lately faking closeness, "accidentally" brushing against him, staying too long in shared spaces.
Now, a midnight visit? She was making her move.
He clicked the lock open, curiosity piqued.
There she stood in the doorway, eyes warm, voice soft, posture inviting. She pressed a hand lightly to his chest.
"I just want us to be on the same page, boss," she purred, stepping inside and casually closing the door behind her.
Nolan stepped back immediately, avoiding contact. If she was the "mother spider," he wasn't about to get caught in her web. "Is there a problem with your workload? Or… your salary?"
Natasha blinked. Was he serious? She was practically throwing herself at him. Most men would've melted by now. What did it take to get a reaction?
But no this man wasn't biting. And that only made her more certain: he was hiding something.
She took another step forward. "Boss…"
Nolan's eyes narrowed. "If you don't have something to say, get out."
Still, she stepped closer. Her hand brushed his neck.
He grabbed her wrist instantly. "What do you think you're doing?" His voice was ice.
She tried to pull away but his grip was like iron. She blinked. She was trained. Enhanced. Stronger than most men.
But she couldn't budge him.
'What the hell?'
She shifted her stance and tried to draw him in for a fake embrace, reaching subtly for the device strapped to her waist.
But his other hand snapped forward and caught her arm. He was smiling now cold, amused.
"Really?" he said.
She lashed out with a kick aimed at his groin.
He blocked it effortlessly and responded with a swift counter slamming her to the ground.
Pain lanced through her arms as he twisted both wrists behind her back. A small injection device clattered to the floor.
"You came earlier than I expected," Nolan said coolly. "I thought you'd try this later."
He'd been watching her the whole time. The second she reached for her belt, he knew. Natasha Romanoff might've been the best spy S.H.I.E.L.D. ever produced but she was no match for Nolan in a fight. Not anymore.
"Something for injecting me? Try it yourself," Nolan said, picking up the device.
Suddenly, Natasha twisted and drew a hidden pistol from her thigh holster. It wasn't aimed at him it was wired into something.
"Stay back! I'll shoot!" she warned.
Nolan just smiled and stepped forward.
She fired.
BANG!
A hole opened in his chest, right where his heart should be. Blood spurted. Natasha froze, shocked.
"You're a mutant?" she whispered.
The wound was already closing.
Nolan didn't answer. He was already beside her.
He pressed the injector to her neck and jammed it down. The solution entered her bloodstream instantly.
Before she passed out, she heard his voice, mocking and low.
"I left you a parting gift. You'll love it."
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