Unexpected Invitations

Witnessing this firsthand, Bruce suddenly saw Avery in a new light. He realized he'd overlooked just how much attraction Avery had gained without anyone noticing.

Avery, on the other hand, didn't understand Bruce's reaction. After all, Bruce was no stranger to people hitting on him. Gothamites were known for following their desires.

Suddenly, Bruce remembered something important and looked at Avery seriously. "Has this only happened today?"

"Why are you asking?" Avery asked, puzzled, as Bruce's well-composed face revealed nothing. So, Avery answered truthfully, "There have been a few times before when people handed me business cards or hotel addresses, but I've taken care of them."

Of course! Bruce knew it. Avery had been back in Gotham for quite a while, and Bruce had brought him to numerous social events. It was impossible that this was the first time someone made a move on him.

Bruce felt a bit uncomfortable, though he wasn't exactly sure why. Offhandedly, he made a suggestion: "Maybe next time, Alfred should attend these events with me instead?"

Avery pondered for a moment and then flatly shot down the idea. "That probably won't work."

Bruce was confused. "Why not? Do you really want to keep getting harassed by these people?"

"No, I mean, my father doesn't have the time," Avery replied. Seeing Bruce's blank look, he added, "It seems my father hasn't told you yet. He's leaving soon for a trip."

"A trip?" Bruce was surprised. Alfred hadn't mentioned that to him at all.

Avery smiled at him. "My father has been managing the household for you all these years. Now that you're back and I've taken over, shouldn't he take some time to relax?"

Bruce nodded in agreement. "You're right. Next time, I'll make sure to warn people not to harass my butler."

Avery sighed. "The last time you made a scene at Wayne Manor and drove away your guests, you already offended quite a few people. I'd advise you to be more cautious. Besides, it's not a big deal. We're all adults here. Their behavior may be a bit wild, but in this day and age, it's pretty normal."

"And anyway, I threw all that stuff in the trash afterward," Avery added, as he raised the car window and snapped his fingers. Instantly, flames flickered inside the car, burning all the business cards and handkerchiefs to ash, including the one Bruce had been holding. The fire touched Bruce's skin but didn't leave a mark.

"You call that normal..." Bruce muttered, staring at his now-empty hand, and then asked thoughtfully, "So, have you dated anyone before?"

Avery took a turn in the car and replied calmly, not even glancing over. "I dated a classmate from university. But it only lasted three months."

"Did you pursue her, or why did you two break up?" Bruce asked, curious.

"No, she pursued me, and she was the one who ended it."

Bruce pressed on, "And why did she break up with you?"

"No particular reason," Avery said. In truth, her reason had been, 'It feels like your heart is so far away from me, no matter how hard I try, I can't reach it.'

Avery understood. Though he hadn't shown it clearly, deep down, he was a person prone to suspicion—a mark left from his previous life. Back then, after dealing with the aftermath of killing his greatest rival, he had been constantly paranoid, suspecting everyone around him, as most of them had been the deceased man's followers. It wouldn't have been surprising if they wanted revenge after discovering who was responsible for their leader's death.

Eventually, Avery eliminated all potential threats and consolidated power. But during that time, he had killed so many that his reputation had taken a nosedive. People feared him, trembling in his presence as if they were staring death itself in the face. In such a hostile environment, it was hard to make any real friends, and trusting others became nearly impossible.

Perhaps, if his ex-girlfriend had been more patient, she could have gotten through to him. But she hadn't, and Avery didn't feel she owed him that. In the end, it was a clean break.

"So you got dumped," Bruce chuckled lightly, a hint of schadenfreude in his voice.

Avery laughed too as he drove. "Yes, poor me. So, what are you going to do to comfort me?"

Bruce actually considered this for a moment. As his eyes wandered outside, he caught sight of a billboard illuminated by streetlights. It advertised a famous circus in Gotham.

After a moment's thought, Bruce suggested, "How about we go to the circus and watch a show?"

Avery almost couldn't believe what he'd heard. He briefly considered breaking traffic laws just to turn and look at Bruce. "Do you even know what you're saying? You want to take a wizard to watch a magic show at the circus?"

Bruce thought about it and realized the idea wasn't great after all. "You're right. That doesn't make much sense. Besides, I remember you're not particularly interested in anything, are you?"

He did recall a period when Avery had been fascinated by musical instruments. Perhaps he should buy Avery a piano?

For Avery, life in this identity was already fulfilling. He had family and friends—things he had lacked before. Compared to all that, there wasn't much he wanted. Material things no longer held much allure for someone who had once possessed everything. But since Bruce had brought it up, Avery didn't want to dampen the mood.

After thinking for a moment, he said, "On second thought, maybe the circus isn't a bad idea. I've never go to circus, so it could be interesting to see what it's like."