Compared to the media frenzy, the person most baffled by my actions was Jim Davis. Staring at the latest newspapers on his desk, he saw almost no praise for the new "Iron Man" comic. Criticism and ridicule were overwhelming.
Frustrated, Jim swept the newspapers off the table, grabbed an envelope from his drawer, and stormed toward my office.
Bursting through the door, he found me, already at the center of a brewing storm, sitting on the sofa, casually sipping tea and cracking jokes with Emily.
"Emily, step outside for a bit," Jim commanded, his voice tight with anger.
Emily, sensing the tension, nodded and quickly left the room, leaving me alone with Jim.
"Jim, what's with the face? Iron Man's not selling well?"
Of course, I knew exactly how well the first issue of "Iron Man" was selling. The data was pouring in constantly, showing impressive numbers.
I had spent a fortune redeeming the rights to the Iron Man series, and now, the investment was rapidly paying off. The success was largely due to the clever placement of a Captain America Easter egg in the first issue.
Under the onslaught of new media and technology, it was a surprise to see a comic book achieve such terrifying sales numbers.
Jim ran a hand over his face in frustration. "Are you really this clueless, or are you just pretending? Don't you realize what you're up against? If Stark Industries sues, you won't see a dime from those sales!"
Jim's frustration wasn't just about the sales. He'd seen enough of the business world to know that money could come and go, but a lawsuit from Stark Industries could destroy everything.
"It's not a big deal, Jim. You shouldn't be getting so worked up at your age. I'm fine; don't stress yourself into a heart attack," I said, brushing off his concerns.
I'd known Jim for years, but I had never seen him this upset. It was clear he was genuinely worried.
Jim nearly laughed in disbelief. "You've got the nerve to care about my health when you're about to be buried in legal troubles! Don't you understand the seriousness of this?"
Taking a deep breath, Jim decided now wasn't the time for a lecture. My parents had entrusted me to him, and he felt a responsibility to protect me, even if it meant going to extreme lengths.
He pulled out the envelope he'd been clutching. "Jason, you need to understand your situation. Before Stark Industries has a chance to sue, you need to disappear. Inside this envelope are your passport, some documents, and enough cash to get you to a place where no one knows your name. Run, Jason. Run while you still can."
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