In the world of Overwatch Films, drama unfolded. Robert, the reserved CEO, found himself under intense media scrutiny. A 24-hour meeting with Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, ignited a media frenzy. Headlines speculated wildly: was Stark joining Overwatch Films? Was Robert secretly orchestrating a grand scheme involving superheroes? In truth, Robert wished for nothing more than to avoid these entanglements. His agreement to collaborate with Stark was simply a means to keep Iron Man from pestering him relentlessly—Stark was known for his persistence.
While working with Stark would also enhance his personal security, Robert's motivations were straightforward: he wanted a safety net, knowing that Stark could intervene swiftly if needed.
But this didn't lessen the tension surrounding him. For a brief escape, Robert immersed himself in a gaming session, a sanctuary from the media storm. However, when he emerged, his phone revealed a troubling discovery: dozens of missed calls and texts from an unknown number.
One message read ominously:
> "Dear Mr. Robert, I have your assistant, Miss Burundt. Come to Deep Sea Bar before 10 p.m. if you want her to remain unharmed. But remember, come alone."
Panic seized him. He quickly called Lucy's number, only to be met with a male voice on the other end:
> "Mr. Robert, I knew you wouldn't leave the lovely Miss Burundt to fend for herself..."
The line went dead, leaving him alone with the clock ticking. It was already 8 p.m., with only two hours left.
Should he seek help from Stark? The nature of the message hinted that Lucy's captor was no random adversary—it was likely connected to Overwatch Films' success disrupting competitors. "When the rabbit is cornered," he thought, "it bites back."
Summoning his driver, Thomas, Robert instructed him on a contingency plan. "If you don't hear from me within an hour, call this number and tell them I'm finalizing the script draft at Deep Sea Bar. Urge them to act quickly."
Thomas repeated the instructions back to him with a worried expression, clearly uneasy. But Robert insisted.
Finally, they reached Deep Sea Bar, a sleek establishment with a unique blue glow, designed to evoke the depths of the ocean. Although the bar's beauty was undeniable, Robert felt only unease as he entered.
The bar was filled with patrons, yet none showed the expected admiration for the famous CEO. Instead, their stares conveyed cold calculation. The only ones who seemed neutral were the waitstaff, emotionless as they moved through the crowd like machines.
Inwardly, Robert regretted coming here.
> "Mr. Robert!" A voice called out. Robert's gaze landed on a bald man in a suit, seated confidently. "An honor to finally meet you in person."
Recognizing him vaguely, Robert responded politely, "Lucy. Where is she?"
> "All in due time," the man replied. "First, take a guess. We've spoken on the phone, remember?"
Robert shrugged, "Apologies. I receive countless calls."
> "Seems I'm not memorable enough," the man said with a wry smile. "Allow me to reintroduce myself. Sparkle Charlie, CEO of Flying Films."
Robert's eyes narrowed slightly. The name was familiar, and now the situation became clearer. Charlie's company, Flying Films, had aggressively pursued collaborations, but Robert had always turned them down.
> "Please, join me," Charlie gestured, sipping from a glass of wine. "1982 Lafite—a fine vintage. Care to try it?"
> "I'm fine, thanks. Let's cut to the chase." Robert's tone was firm.
Charlie's expression hardened. "Very well. Let me be frank. Flying Films and Shouwang Pictures recently entered a lifelong partnership. This cooperation includes shared film rights and, ideally, my becoming a board member of Overwatch Films with an agreed percentage of shares."
He slid a thick folder of documents across the table. "Sign these, and it'll all be official."
Robert couldn't hide his smirk. "You want an ownership share? I only hold 8% of my company; what makes you think I'd hand over yours?"
Charlie's smile grew cold. "Previously, you had a choice. Now, it's different."
At his signal, two men entered, bringing Lucy into the room. She looked unharmed but visibly shaken.
> "I wanted to negotiate peacefully, but you left me no option. I'm giving you three minutes to decide. Sign these, and we're partners. Refuse, and neither of you will leave this bar alive."
Robert glanced around. The "customers" were not ordinary patrons—they were armed. Even the bar staff seemed part of the setup.
Desperation closed in on him. Just as he was weighing his limited options, a strange sound reverberated in his mind:
> "The faith of 80 million fans worldwide has been reached. Soldier 76 transformation enabled."
The statement puzzled him, but he felt an unusual energy surge through his body. As if responding to some unseen power, he suddenly felt bolder, sharper.
He didn't show his hand immediately, instead allowing his gaze to fall on Charlie calmly.
> "Charlie, you're right. The world is a dangerous place. But cornering me was your mistake."
Charlie scoffed, not taking him seriously. "You're in no position to make threats, Robert."
Robert straightened, his eyes flashing. "Let Lucy go, and I'll consider signing your papers. We don't need to escalate this."
Charlie's amusement turned to annoyance. He motioned to his men, signaling them to stay ready, as he replied, "You're not in control here."
But before he could give further orders, the room darkened. There was a hum, and suddenly, an electric discharge shot through the room, disarming the men closest to Lucy.
Emerging from the shadows, a figure in a combat suit and visor appeared—Soldier 76. A hero from Overwatch's legendary ranks, and his presence commanded immediate silence.
Robert himself was stunned by the sight. He had never summoned Soldier 76, yet here he was, apparently called by the collective will of millions of fans. The power of those who believed in heroes had brought him here.
> "This place looks lively," Soldier 76 remarked, his voice gruff but steady. "Mind if I join?"
Charlie's men aimed their weapons, but Soldier 76 acted swiftly, neutralizing them one by one. In a matter of seconds, the situation was under control.
Robert couldn't help but feel a strange satisfaction. The tables had turned, and now, he had the upper hand.
> "Charlie, it seems you underestimated what loyalty and belief can summon," he said, standing confidently.
Charlie, now visibly shaken, tried to regain his composure. "This changes nothing. I'll just come back stronger."
> "If you're smart, you'll rethink that," Soldier 76 advised, his voice firm as he approached Charlie, who flinched at the hero's intimidating presence. "People like you feed on fear, but today, you've run out of luck."
The authorities soon arrived, and Charlie was taken into custody, along with his accomplices. As for Lucy, she was unharmed, albeit a bit shaken.
With the ordeal over, Robert looked at Soldier 76, who nodded in acknowledgment before vanishing as mysteriously as he'd arrived.
Back at the safety of his office, Robert reflected on the night's events. He realized that even when he wanted to keep a low profile, the world would still pull him into the storm. Perhaps his destiny with Overwatch—and its heroes—was only beginning.
This crisis had been a stark reminder that allies could appear from the most unexpected places. And maybe, just maybe, a world where superheroes watched his back wasn't so bad after al