Chapter 106 (edited)

In Perry's office, Kara and Kate sat across from each other while Perry leaned against his desk. 

"You're finally back," Perry said, glancing at Kara with a mix of relief and restrained curiosity. Concern was evident in his eyes, but he wisely refrained from asking too many questions. 

Perry was no fool. Kara had hinted at things that most people would kill to know, but he had kept his distance. If someone less discreet had been in his place, Kara's secrets might have been exposed to the entire world. 

Perry knew what was at stake. Even with Kara's subtle remarks, he had deduced that Batman might be Bruce Wayne. But crossing Bruce was dangerous—his resources and influence could crush anyone who opposed him. More importantly, if Kara was truly "Oracle," the ruthless vigilante who had taken down Lars and the League of Shadows with precision and force, keeping her secrets was as much an act of self-preservation as it was loyalty. Perry wasn't the Joker; he wasn't reckless enough to test those waters. 

Instead, Perry made the wise decision to support Kara. His expression turned thoughtful as he studied her. "What's the plan now? Should Kate keep helping you?" 

Kate kept her head lowered, not daring to interject. She was still new at the job. Kara had only been in Gotham for about a month, but her writing had already made an impact, outperforming Kate's column in every way. The profits didn't lie. 

"No," Kara said decisively. 

Her tone was calm yet resolute, and her piercing gaze landed on Kate, softening just slightly. Kara was many things, but breaking a promise wasn't one of them. "Kate's done an excellent job with her column. Let her keep running it. She's earned it." 

Kate looked up, surprised but grateful. 

Kara continued, her voice unwavering. "As for me, I'll start a new column. You've been on my case about slacking off, so it's time I put in the effort." 

"Oh?" Perry raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "What's the topic this time?" 

"Food," Kara said, her ruby-red eyes lighting up as she spoke. 

Perry blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Food? What kind of angle are you thinking?" 

Kara leaned back slightly, a smirk playing on her lips. "I want to combine local culture with food reviews. I'll describe the dishes, share the general process of making them, and throw in my own commentary. It'll be unique." 

Perry considered her proposal, his skepticism showing. "Are you sure people will read it? Every TV channel has cooking shows already." 

Kara shrugged nonchalantly. "You've got to take risks. If it doesn't work out, I'll pivot to something else—maybe fashion or even gossip columns. I can handle it." 

Kate opened her mouth as if to say something but hesitated. 

Kara noticed and smiled warmly. "Don't worry. I'm not being forced into this. I want to try something different. Sticking to one thing for too long gets dull." She paused and added with a teasing tone, "If it doesn't work out, maybe I'll switch careers entirely. How does 'screenwriter for Marvel' sound? I could adapt their comics into a cinematic universe." 

Marvel comics were popular in Gotham, and Kara had noticed their consistent sales. The idea of spearheading a Marvel Cinematic Universe, producing 20 interconnected films over a decade, thrilled her. She chuckled inwardly, wondering if DC comics in the Marvel world were just as successful. 

Perry, however, looked horrified. "Don't forget you're still under contract with us," he warned. 

Kara rolled her eyes playfully. "Fine, fine. If this food column doesn't perform for three consecutive issues, I'll write your gossip column." 

"Deal," Perry said quickly, knowing he had little to lose. "But don't think you can slack off!" 

"Never crossed my mind," Kara replied, grinning. 

Perry suddenly held out his hand. "Now, hand it over." 

Kate frowned, confused by the exchange. 

Kara smirked and pulled a set of photographs from her jacket, placing them in Perry's outstretched hand. Kate gasped softly when she caught a glimpse—photos of Batman. 

But the truth was far less scandalous. Kara had asked Bruce for some casual shots, including a few with herself, to use for her articles. 

Before Perry could press for more, Kara dropped another bombshell. "By the way, tomorrow's headline can read: 'Oracle Announces Retirement.'" 

Perry's jaw nearly dropped. He stared at her, searching for any sign she was joking. 

Kara nodded, her expression calm but firm. 

Relief flooded Perry's face, quickly replaced by excitement. "This is huge! We're going to sell out tomorrow!" 

Kate, however, frowned. "Chief, shouldn't we be more concerned? What if Oracle was injured fighting the Joker? People love Oracle. You can't just celebrate without knowing the full story." 

Perry glanced nervously at Kara, silently seeking confirmation. 

Kara rolled her eyes and nudged Kate toward the door. "Relax, kid. I'm fine. Now, go finish your work." 

Once outside, Kara stretched her arms above her head and sighed contentedly. "No column until next week. Looks like I've got a few days off." 

Kate watched her in disbelief. "You're betting your reputation on this column, and you're taking it easy?!" 

Kara simply laughed, pulling out her phone to call Dani. The two made plans to meet up for drinks, and Kara strolled out the door without a care in the world. 

Moments later, Perry emerged from his office, looking around. "Where's Kara?" 

Kate blinked. "She left." 

"Left?!" Perry sputtered, his face red with exasperation. "She didn't finish designing the column layout or drafting the outline! Damn that woman!" 

Kate stifled a giggle but said nothing, her mind still spinning from the whirlwind that was Kara.