Chapter 38 I was scared by a dog when I was a kid. (Rewritten)

The daughter of the esteemed master ninja, the hidden villain who nearly destroyed Gotham, Talia Al Ghul, trembled upon hearing Stephen's voice, seething with futile anger. Her heavy breaths were audibly labored as she struggled to suppress the rage in her heart. After a long while, her desire to dismantle Gotham compelled her to endure.

"Hello, Stephen, I hope you're doing well. I..." She attempted to restrain herself, but she felt her thoughts were incomprehensible without uttering a few cruel words.

"Did you think I would be fine with you? Did you consider me some silent monk? So you didn't bother acknowledging my existence, huh? Let me tell you, I have a retort to counter your heartless words. Anyway, just prepare for what I want." Stephen interrupted, cutting off Talia Al Ghul's words, reigniting the anger she had endured.

"I will kill you, mark my words. I will make sure I do it next time."

Hearing the commotion over the phone, Stephen tilted his head slightly and responded impatiently. "Don't bark in my ear. I used to be scared of dogs when I was a kid."

"..."

"Are you calling me a dog? Do you dare call me a dog again?"

"You should know that dogs are loyal friends of humans. So why do good friends quarrel? Can't we sit down and calmly resolve our differences?" Stephen earnestly suggested.

Talia Al Ghul's chest rose and fell, and after a long while, she sneered. "When I see you, I will definitely 'play' with you."

"If you can actually do it," Stephen disapproved, chuckling, and then paused to discuss the size and requirements of the uniform.

Talia Al Ghul realized that she would be the one suffering if the argument persisted. Just as that wretch said, why even argue? Why not just kill him outright when she sees him?

"Three days from now, deliver the items to Frank Bertinelli's house in Starling City."

With her abilities, she could easily find out who Frank Bertinelli was. After all, he was the current leader of the crime syndicate in Starling City. Stephen wouldn't be foolish enough to believe she would obediently deliver the items without making any arrangements. If one dies at the hands of an ally in the crossfire instead of a poor enemy, then who hasn't fallen into a pit? Helena shouldn't mind anyway.

After hanging up, Stephen left.

In Wayne Group's president's office, Talia Al Ghul placed the phone down and leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. The size he described is clearly for women. It doesn't matter who wears it. The important thing is to seize this opportunity to kill Stephen and retrieve the photographed items, if they prove helpful.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes and thought of someone.

The Catwoman.

She had been in the same cell as Stephen before. With that connection, she could approach Stephen directly. Even if she couldn't kill him, she could still use her thieving abilities to retrieve what she desired. And why would Catwoman assist her? Didn't she want to wipe her criminal record clean?

With the bait set, shouldn't the fish be caught?

Talia Al Ghul located Catwoman while having someone prepare a uniform. Despite Catwoman's seemingly easy-to-find appearance, her trail was difficult to trace. However, Talia Al Ghul had her own methods.

Upon finding Catwoman, Miranda Tate, she asked for her help, claiming that Stephen was using the photo as leverage to control her. She hoped Catwoman could find Stephen and retrieve the filmed items, offering in return to clear her criminal record. The software would be handed over to Catwoman.

Catwoman had a strong impression of Stephen. Initially, she was fearful after witnessing Bane defeat Batman, but Stephen effortlessly killed Bane, which made her reluctant to provoke him. However, when it came to erasing her criminal past, Catwoman had second thoughts and decided to give it a try.

Talia Al Ghul didn't ask Catwoman to kill Stephen because she realized Catwoman wouldn't agree to such a condition. Besides, she had other plans in mind.

The three-day period wasn't long, yet not short either.

Talia Al Ghul arranged for someone to deliver the prepared items to Starling, with Catwoman tagging along.

Starling City, Bertinelli's house.

Helena stood by the window, glancing outside. The villa was guarded by at least twenty security personnel armed with guns. Drawing the curtains, Helena turned and saw Stephen lying on her bed, surprised. "How did you get in?"

"How can you steal fragrances and jades without having the ability to steal them? What do you think? Are you surprised or shocked?" Stephen replied with a smile.

"My father has restricted my movements since I came back last time, and he is still searching for you. Are you daring enough to come to my house? If they find you, you'll be killed." Though surprised, Helena urged with concern. "You should leave. If my father returns, you won't be able to escape."

Stephen stood up and raised his hand to pull Helena closer to him, chuckling. "Your father has been searching for me everywhere, yet here I am, sleeping with his daughter in his own home. If he found out, he'd be furious. Don't you find this exhilarating? Even though he is the leader of a murderous criminal syndicate, he can't stop me. His daughter slept with someone in a heavily guarded house."

"But there are two bodyguards outside the door." Helena glanced toward the door.

"Then you just need to keep your voice down."

Helena's eyes sparkled as she whispered, "I thought of something. Wait here."

Saying so, Helena got up and walked to the closet, retrieving a black ball gag as if to claim her contribution. "Now you don't have to worry about us being too loud."

"Wow, darling, you have all these items? I'm surprised. You truly are kinky, aren't you? But... I like it." Seeing her put the ball gag in her mouth, Stephen was about to make his move in an instant.

...

Real Author: Marvel King

Translator: Zatch[King]Rex