Chapter 42

In front of Bruce, who had changed into formal attire, Kara also asked him to pose a few times. This was for the cover photo, which would replace his earlier disheveled look.

Bruce was being helplessly manipulated by her, obedient for once—at least he didn't want those earlier photos to be published.

"It seems you do know how important appearances are," Kara teased with a smile. "I thought you didn't care about that most of the time."

Bruce couldn't help but chuckle. "I seem to recall you weren't much better back then either, right?"

They were both referring to their earlier travels around the world, where neither of them was in much better shape than the other.

Kara shrugged. After taking the pictures, she put the camera away, then pulled out a voice recorder, placed it to the side, and took out a notebook and pen. She gestured with her mouth, signaling that she was ready to start.

Bruce sighed, "You better be taking me to dinner after this. This interview is definitely going to make you some good money."

"My money is nothing compared to yours, Bruce," Kara shot back, not falling for the bait.

Bruce was about to retort with something like, "Didn't you discover several abandoned gold mines and even a nice diamond vein?"

Kara raised her hand in a 'shh' gesture.

"Shut up, Bruce," she said with a smirk. Those gold mines and diamond veins belonged to other countries, and she might have extracted a bit secretly, at most.

"Alright, let's get serious," Kara began, shifting into professional mode. "Mr. Wayne, you disappeared for seven years and didn't even have time to finish your college degree. Where have you been all these years?"

Bruce wanted to reply, "Don't you know?" but he noticed the stern look in Kara's eyes and quickly changed his response.

"I've spent these years broadening my horizons. I traveled to many places to grow, both as a person and in my understanding of the world. I feel like I've matured quite a bit."

"So, do you plan to take over Wayne Enterprises now that you've returned?"

"Not exactly. Although it's the Wayne family's company, it's doing very well under the current leadership. I believe the current executives are making decisions that will only strengthen Wayne Enterprises."

"Including the executive, Mr. Earle, who seems to be planning to take the company public and sell off a large number of shares for cash?" Kara asked, her question sharp and cutting.

Her words implied that Wayne Enterprises might be on the verge of being sold off, which would be devastating for Gotham City. The Wayne family's company is the most significant economic pillar in Gotham. Not only does it provide jobs for countless people, but its existence is crucial for the city's survival.

In this universe's setting, Wayne Enterprises was pivotal during Gotham's most trying times. Particularly in Bruce's father's era, the company played a major role in rescuing the city from a severe economic depression. Thomas Wayne's efforts were instrumental in preventing Gotham from falling into irreversible decline.

Faced with Kara's sudden and pointed question, Bruce was momentarily taken aback.

The truth was, Bruce had no real control over the company's current decisions. However, just because he wasn't involved in its management didn't mean he wasn't secretly planning something.

But he certainly couldn't reveal that, especially not in an interview.

So, Bruce had to play it cool. "I believe this will make Wayne Enterprises stronger," he said vaguely.

Kara wasn't buying it and repeated what he said with an obvious tone that implied Bruce was just skating by on a superficial answer.

Not that Kara cared. She was just doing her job.

"Speaking of which," she said, her tone shifting. "It seems like someone's noticed that ever since your return, you've been frequenting extravagant parties, spending quite a bit of money, sometimes with movie stars, other times with socialites. You even bought a hotel recently. Is this part of a business plan, or just the hobby of a playboy?"

"Don't be so harsh, Kara," Bruce finally protested, unable to keep his calm anymore. Her questions were starting to feel more like accusations, making it hard for him to respond without feeling cornered.

In reality, his public playboy persona was just a cover.

Since returning to Gotham, Bruce had discovered the city was even darker than he remembered. Carmine Falcone, the crime boss, had nearly the entire city in his grip, controlling everything from the underground to legitimate enterprises. His influence reached into every corner of Gotham, and no one could touch him, because he played both sides of the law.

The city was, in many ways, like New York's dark side—gritty, corrupt, and plagued by crime. Falcone was, without question, the power behind the curtain.

Bruce knew he couldn't deal with someone like Falcone through traditional methods. He would need to go beyond the law to challenge the crime lord. It was Alfred who had suggested that Bruce wear a mask, taking on a different persona to fight this battle. During the day, he would remain the carefree billionaire, but at night, he had already begun to act as a shadow in the dark—beginning his quest to take down Carmine Falcone.

But there was no way he could share this with Kara, and certainly no way it would make it into any article.

"Come on, Kara, give me a break," Bruce said, hoping she would ease up.

Kara shrugged. "Hey, news always needs a hook. You know how it is. Some countries' media ignore the truth just to drive traffic and get attention. As long as it sells, it doesn't matter if it's real or not."

"That's a pretty cynical view, coming from you," Bruce said, surprised.

Kara waved it off. "I have my own column now. I'm not a reporter anymore. It doesn't matter to me."

"Maybe not to you, but what about the people reading it?" Bruce asked.

Kara shot him a look. "And another thing," she said, her eyes suddenly sharp. "You do know that your constant gossiping could hurt someone's feelings, right?"

Bruce blinked, caught off guard. "Who? Are you saying it's you?" he teased with a grin.

His smile wasn't serious; he knew Kara was just a friend. They were close, but strictly platonic. Although Bruce had always liked Kara, they both knew their relationship was better left as friends—besides, Bruce had a girlfriend.

And Bruce wasn't Kara's type, anyway. If there had been any chemistry between them, it would've surfaced back when they traveled together.

Kara slammed her notebook shut. "You wish. I'm talking about Jennifer."

"Jennifer? From school?" Bruce's brow furrowed as he tried to remember.

"Yes, Jennifer. She had a crush on you back in the day, and she's stayed single all these years. No other man has ever measured up. I don't know what's wrong with you, Bruce. You're just a heartbreaker."