15: The First Date [1]

If you want to read chapters ahead, go to-https://pàtreon.com/Darkwolfest.

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Seriously join it, I'm in a severe need of Friends who are cultured. (⁠╥⁠﹏⁠╥⁠).

[A/N: Ok, No, I'm not done with the Pàtreon thing. just wanted to give you guys this chapter to let you know I'm coming back soon.]

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As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Seoul, I stared out of the window. The city's skyline felt less imposing than I'd anticipated.

In front of a mirror, I adjusted my tuxedo, ensuring every detail was perfect. Ra's had arranged for us to attend an energy summit, a gathering of private corporations and their delegates. Many influential figures were present. It was a strategic move, a chance for him to show the inner workings of the League to me.

In reality, my presence at this event was unnecessary. Ra's had thoroughly planned his approach and didn't require my direct involvement. Yet, this was his way of exposing me to the kind of individuals I'd be dealing with in the future—individuals who deserved the wrath of the League. It wasn't an issue for me; if attending this event helped foster Ra's trust in me, I'd do it willingly.

But Socializing with a bunch of jerks? I'm already hating that part but Ra's promised it won't be long, so that's patronizing.

My so-called role at the gathering, or as Ra's put it, lack thereof, involved me merely being present and gaining insights into how he was planning to eliminate them all. It was pitched as leisure time, a break from my training, but it hardly resembled a vacation. I preferred my vacations to be serene and joy-filled, not in the midst of a dick measuring contest with Rick jerks.

A series of knocks jolted me from my thoughts. The guest I was expecting had arrived right on schedule.

I swung open the door to unveil an undeniably stunning woman. Her flawless brown skin gleamed under the lights, a single streak of hair cascading down her face in an alluring manner. Her dress was a sleek one-piece, its white hue adding to her exotic allure, and the teasing slit that revealed her leg made me gulp—though only someone with eyes as sharp as mine would notice the concealed dagger strapped to her thigh.

"Bruce, admiring the view?" Talia teased, her tone playful as she caught me staring.

"Absolutely. You're beautiful." I responded, meeting her playful jibe with unreserved honesty. "I might have just won the competition for the best date at the gala."

"Is that what I am to you? Something to show off?" Her raised eyebrows were met with a mischievous smile.

"No, you're more than that. You're beautiful, and beauty commands attention." I countered with a smirk.

"Touché." She chuckled, admitting defeat. I stepped out of the room.

"Shall we?" I extended my arm toward her.

"Sure." She smiled, our hands intertwining as we left the hotel room. Heading to the lobby, we entered an awaiting limo with a chauffeur at the helm.

The journey to the docks stretched for over an hour, marked by mostly silence. Our eyes met occasionally, smiles exchanged in those fleeting glances.

Finally, we arrived at the docks, greeted by a miniature cruise ship. The limo joined a line of vehicles, flanked by armed guards on the starboard, roof, and entrance.

Passing our invitations to the gate guard, the limo was permitted through the gates along with other vehicles.

Stepping out of the car, I led the way, extending my hand for Talia to follow suit. As we exited the vehicle, camera flashes surrounded us—an onslaught of paparazzi capturing everything and everyone. They probably had no idea who I was, given that Bruce Wayne hadn't made a public appearance in eight years. Still, they eagerly snapped shots, and Talia likely caught their attention as a perceived Middle Eastern supermodel.

"Can't stand them." I muttered as we boarded the cruise ship.

"Want me to take care of them?" Talia queried, her innocent tone tinged with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

"Nah, they're more like pests. Irritating everyone." I responded, shrugging off the annoyance. I gestured to a servant who guided us to the party hall.

Stepping inside, all eyes turned to us. Talia attracted the attention of every male, while I seemed to command the opposite. Keeping a calm facade, I pressed on, unaffected by their stares. Some gazes lingered on us, though they were likely from leering men checking out Talia.

"This place is insufferable." Talia whispered in my ear as we reached the bar.

"Couldn't agree more." I sighed, ordering a whiskey. "But it was your father's idea. Blame him."

"I look around, and all I see are cold-blooded murderers." She said, her eyes fixed on the gathering as if searching for the mark of Cain on every forehead.

"They are, but you know what else they are?" I prompted, raising her curiosity.

"Narrow-minded, greedy, ignorant." I added. "And oblivious."

I took a sip of my drink, gesturing at the crowd. "Most of them here have no idea what they're signing death warrants for. To them, they were just expanding their companies, not caring about the devastation they caused."

"But they should care." Talia insisted, her disappointment evident as she continued scanning the attendees. "They've made choices that destroyed entire ecosystems, and they're here partying like it's nothing."

"Exactly, they're clueless." I smirked.

Talia's smile turned sad, and I gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. While we spoke, my eyes wandered across the crowd, searching for any familiar faces. And there was one and he was surrounded by a group, seemingly carefree. A man I hadn't expected to see here.

I turned to Talia, her gaze distant.

"Enough gloom. How about we mingle a bit?" I suggested, pointing to the group of people nearby.

"No." She flatly declined, but I didn't back down. Interlocking our fingers, I gently tugged her along.

"Come on, trust me, I'm not thrilled about this either." I said as we approached the group.

"Then why are we doing it?" Talia retorted, though we were already at our destination.

"Steele." I called out, effectively breaking up their little huddle. Steele turned toward me, eyebrows raised in curiosity, clearly unaware of my identity.

"You're Walter Steele, right?" I questioned, earning a collective frown from the group. Addressing him informally in this private meeting was a breach of etiquette, but since they were all marked for death, why the fuck should I care?

"I am, but do I know you, sir?" He inquired. Unlike the others, he seemed unperturbed by the lack of decorum. Perhaps he was accustomed to dealing with entitled brats.

"You probably would have known me if you had any interest in Gotham." I smirked, relishing their confusion. "Call me Bruce Wayne."

At the mention of my name, their eyes widened. Of course, everyone recognized Bruce Wayne.

"Mr. Wayne!" Steele exclaimed, rushing forward with his hand extended. I shook it with a mild smile, giving a subtle nod of acknowledgment. "I'm so sorry, I didn't recognize you."

"Well, that's understandable. I've been out of the limelight for a while." I responded, offering a gentle smile.

"Indeed." Steele chuckled, attempting to salvage the conversation. "I don't know if you're aware, but Queen Corp has proposed a merger with Wayne Tech."

"Apologies, my focus isn't currently on my company." I remarked, my gaze drifting toward Al Ghul at my side.

"You look stunning, my dear." One of the women in the group complimented Talia.

"I'm well aware." Talia retorted, her sharp response causing the woman to recoil.

"I heard about Mr.Queen's and his son's passing. My condolences for your loss." I shifted the topic, prompting Walter and the group to regard me. "It's been four years now, hasn't it?"

"Yes, thank you." Walter responded with a somber smile.

"Well, enjoy the rest of the party." I said, beginning to walk away from the group. However, Walter stopped me.

"Mr. Wayne, if your schedule permits this week, could we discuss the future of our respective companies?" He inquired earnestly.

"Sure, why not?" I shrugged. "How about tomorrow, right here?"

"That would work." Walter agreed enthusiastically.

"See you then." I offered a parting smile before walking away.

"Now that was cruel." Talia whispered in my ear with a chuckle.

"I know." I sighed, glancing at the dance floor. A couple was engaged in a sensual dance to a slow tune. While I would have invited Talia to join me, the music wasn't quite my style.

"Let's get out of here."

"Where to?" She asked, curiosity piqued.

"For our first date." I suggested, remembering the desert setting where we never quite had the opportunity for one.

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A/N: Check out the riddle.