章 18: C 18
"Eddie?"
Jameson's eyes narrowed, trying to recognise the powerful figure he had just seen with the memory he had of Eddie. Although he'd only met Eddie once, he had collected enough information on him to have a vivid impression.
"Could that really be Eddie?" he muttered, watching the footage of the man kicking down the heavy iron gate—a scene more like an old Captain America video from seventy years ago than anything he'd expect from Eddie.
"Yes, it's him," Anton confirmed. "Eddie somehow infiltrated the Life Foundation disguised as a homeless person, and we received footage through our source. But then, Eddie was taken inside as a volunteer subject." He kept his explanation short and to the point, and it was enough for Jameson to understand.
"So, Eddie's transformation is related to Drake's research," Jameson said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. He muttered to himself, "No wonder Norman Osborn would go to such lengths to acquire the Life Foundation. This is bigger than I thought."
"Are you saying Osborn already knows about the Life Foundation's secrets?" Anton asked, surprised.
"Nine times out of ten, yes. Norman must have some intel on Drake's operations, or he wouldn't be willing to meet our high demands," Jameson replied, a knowing tone in his voice. "Osborn's not one to act impulsively."
Anton shook his head, feeling like a rookie in the face of such powerful players. If the situation hadn't gained such media attention, spurred by Oscorp's interference, the Life Foundation wouldn't have been as easy to pressure.
Back at The Daily Bugle, a lively buzz greeted Anton as he entered.
"We did it!" someone cheered. "The Life Foundation's reputation is in ruins!"
The team had just watched Carlton Drake's floundering press conference, his responses to the mounting accusations exposing his guilt.
"Who was that guy who broke out with the woman? He looked familiar!"
"Looked like a scene from some kind of action romance. And did you see how he shattered that iron door?"
"Anyway, it's clear now—something strange is going on inside the Life Foundation's labs."
"Yeah, Drake's career is toast!"
Anton raised his hand, signaling for quiet. "This is only the first stage of our battle," he reminded them. "We have to keep the pressure on, to make sure Drake and the Life Foundation don't find a way to wriggle out. And after we've won, there'll be double bonuses for everyone!"
"That's the spirit, boss!" the room erupted in cheers.
After settling in his office, Anton dialed Phil.
"Did you see that footage?" Phil's voice was barely controlled excitement on the other end. "It was Eddie, wasn't it?"
"Yes," Anton replied. "Even with the Life Foundation in trouble, they won't let Eddie go. Stay in San Francisco and try to locate him. I'll do whatever I can to support you from here."
"Understood, boss." Phil's voice held a note of determination. "I'll find him."
Anton hung up, his head aching as he rubbed his temples. Venom. He could almost guarantee Eddie had bonded with a symbiote and acquired the powers of Venom. But instead of ending the matter, this seemed only to be the beginning of something much larger. If the Life Foundation escalated the situation, his own ability to influence events might be severely limited. He could only hope Eddie could handle the fallout.
With Oscorp now attempting to acquire the Life Foundation, Eddie might have a brief reprieve. Perhaps the corporate chaos would buy him some time. Otherwise, Eddie would have no choice but to take down Carlton Drake, as Venom did in the movie.
But things had already diverged from the movie. The Daily Bugle was now actively involved, and Osborn had jumped into the fray, throwing the situation into disarray. Trying to predict the outcome based on the original story was pointless.
"This waiting isn't going to work," Anton muttered to himself. "I need to get the Batman template ready. If I can access its power—even just the basic suit—I'll be far less vulnerable."
He quickly called the film crew to check on progress. They were in the final stages of production, with only editing and promotions left after a solid plan for special effects had been set. The serialized Batman Begins novel, published in The Daily Bugle, was also nearing its final chapters.
Its thrilling storyline and quality had attracted a loyal fan base across New York. Checking the fan value for Batman, Anton saw the numbers had reached 210,000—a promising start, but still, he couldn't shake his sense of urgency.
He called Betty next. "Increase the promotion for the Batman novels," he directed. "I want every person in New York to know Batman's name by the time the movie releases."
"That'll cost a pretty penny, Anton," Betty replied. "Your personal account's already running low."
"Why is that coming out of my personal account?" Anton snapped. "The Bugle's publishing house is printing Batman—shouldn't they put something behind the books the boss writes?"
Betty shrugged. "You're the boss, you call the shots." She smiled, heading out of the office.
Meanwhile, in a quieter part of San Francisco, Eddie carefully set Dora down. "We need to separate," he said in a low voice.
Dora's face fell. "Are you leaving me to fend for myself?" she asked, her voice filled with shock.
"No, it's not like that," Eddie explained. "Drake is after me, not you. If you hide somewhere safe, he won't come looking for you. Just lay low until this is over."
"But my daughter is still in Drake's hands," Dora protested, her voice shaking. "As a mother, I can't abandon her."
Eddie paused, then said, "As a senior researcher, you know a lot about the Life Foundation's operations, right? You might even know some of Drake's secrets."
"What are you getting at?" Dora asked, eyes narrowing.
"Don't forget, I used to be a journalist." Eddie said, "If you go to The Daily Bugle and reveal what you know, public opinion could force Drake's hand. He'd be too exposed to target you. And as far as I know, you aren't the only family he's taken hostage."
Dora considered this. "What about you, though?"
Eddie gave a bitter smile. "My situation's different. Drake won't stop coming after me. I'm the only person who has successfully bonded with a symbiote. As long as he's in power, he'll be after me."
Dora clenched her fists, knowing he was right. This wasn't the time for sentimentality. "Fine. We'll part ways here. Give me a way to contact you," she said. "I know more about symbiotes than you. If you're ever in need, I'll help however I can."
Eddie nodded, grateful. "Here, this is my private email. Memorize it."
…
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