Metropolis is very close to Gotham City. In fact, crossing a bridge in Metropolis and then a short stretch of highway will bring you to Gotham City.
Between the two cities lies a large lake or an inland sea, forming a natural divide.
At the moment, Kara was driving a sedan, crossing that very bridge on her way to Gotham City.
After all, she had been tricked by Perry White into interviewing Bruce Wayne.
"That sneaky editor," Kara muttered under her breath, clenching the steering wheel.
Perry had bribed her with an irresistible offer: one month of paid vacation. The catch? Kara had to prepare four columns in advance to secure the deal.
The prospect of a vacation was too tempting to pass up. Kara imagined spending time with her family, finally relaxing, and helping Clark prepare for college.
Luckily for her, the work was already done. She had completed all the manuscripts, much to Perry's dismay.
Now, she was en route to Gotham City, a task she still considered an inconvenience.
The distance between the two cities wasn't far, but getting to Wayne Manor was another matter. Kara called Bruce from the bridge to confirm his location. He had just returned home and was currently at Wayne Manor, sleeping in.
Wayne Manor was situated outside Gotham City proper, a sprawling estate that required her to traverse half the city.
"Such a hassle," Kara muttered, annoyed but resigned. She briefly wished her car could fly.
Obeying traffic laws, she finally reached the gates of Wayne Manor by noon.
Wayne Manor was massive, with thousands of square meters of lawns and gardens surrounding a castle-like structure. Its grandiose design resembled something out of medieval Europe, a reflection of the Wayne family's long-standing wealth and influence.
Parking her car near the front steps, Kara was greeted by an elderly but dignified man.
"Good afternoon, Miss Kara," the gentleman said with a slight bow. "I am Alfred Pennyworth, the butler of this manor. Please feel free to call me Alfred."
Kara glanced at the man as she got out of the car. "Or can I call you Alfie?"
Alfred smiled politely, though there was a trace of a wry expression. Kara and Bruce were around the same age, and Alfred's years of loyalty to the Wayne family made him feel protective of Bruce.
Kara shrugged. "The name Alfred is a bit too formal. Alfie feels more fitting. What do you think?"
Without addressing the nickname further, Alfred gestured for Kara to follow. "Master Wayne is waiting for you in the living room. Please, this way."
Kara nodded and followed Alfred into the mansion, walking up a grand staircase and down a long corridor.
The interior was just as extravagant as the exterior, filled with artifacts and decorations that oozed history and wealth. But Kara didn't bother with any of it.
When they reached the living room, she found Bruce lounging on a couch by the window. Despite it being noon, he was still in pajamas, a glass of wine lazily held in one hand.
Kara raised an eyebrow and turned to Alfred. "Is this what you allow him to get away with?"
Alfred gave a small shrug. "While I don't approve of Master Wayne's current state, he is, after all, the young master. My advice can only go so far."
Bruce smirked. "Alfred, you're talking too much."
The duo's playful banter made Kara chuckle as she set her shoulder bag down on a nearby chair.
She pulled out her camera, immediately snapping a photo of Bruce without warning.
Caught off guard, Bruce raised his arm to shield his face. "Hold on! You're not planning to use that photo for the cover, are you?"
Alfred, about to leave to prepare tea, paused. "Miss Kara, regardless, Master Wayne is still the heir to the Wayne family and Wayne Enterprises. Some decorum might be wise."
Kara waved her camera mischievously. "Then maybe he should go change into something presentable."
Bruce groaned but complied. He knew Kara wasn't going to let it go.
After a shower and a change of clothes, Bruce returned, looking every bit the polished heir of Wayne Enterprises. The contrast was striking, his formal attire transforming him into a sharp, confident figure.
Alfred returned with a pot of tea, setting it down before quietly excusing himself to give the pair some privacy.
Now seated across from Bruce, Kara smiled slyly. "See? Much better. Shall we begin?"
Facing Bruce, who had changed into formal attire, Kara also asked him to strike a few poses. This was for the cover photo, replacing his previous unkempt look.
Bruce was helplessly manipulated by her, very compliant—at least he didn't want his previous photos to be published.
"It seems you understand the importance of appearances," Kara teased with a smile. "I thought you didn't care about that."
Bruce couldn't help but chuckle. "I recall you weren't much better off back then, right?"
The two were referring to their past encounters while traveling the world, a time when neither of them was in great shape.
Kara shrugged. After snapping the photos, she put the camera away and then brought out a voice recorder, setting it aside. She also pulled out a notebook and pen, gesturing silently that it was time to begin.
Bruce sighed. "You'd better treat me to dinner. This interview is bound to make you a fortune."
"My fortune is nothing compared to yours, Bruce," Kara retorted without missing a beat.
Bruce was about to comment on the uninhabited gold mines and the diamond vein she had found, but Kara quickly raised her hand in a silencing gesture.
"Shh, Bruce. Those mines belong to other countries. I can only secretly extract a little at best."
"Alright, let's officially begin," Kara said as she shifted into her professional demeanor. "Mr. Wayne, you disappeared for seven years, leaving your university studies unfinished. Where have you been all this time?"
Bruce nearly quipped, "Don't you already know?" but noticed the threatening look in Kara's eyes. Wisely, he changed his response.
"I've spent the past years broadening my horizons," he replied. "I've traveled to many places to grow as a person. At least I feel I'm much more mature now than I was before."
"So, are you planning to take over Wayne Enterprises now that you've returned?"
"Not exactly. While the company is indeed part of the Wayne family legacy, it's doing well under its current management. I trust their decision-making will only make Wayne Enterprises stronger."
"Including the decision by Mr. Earle to take the company public and sell off a large number of shares for cash?" Kara asked sharply, her tone cutting through the room.
The question startled Bruce. It insinuated that Wayne Enterprises' executive, Earle, was planning to sell the company—an act that could destabilize Gotham City's economy. Wayne Enterprises was a cornerstone of Gotham, providing countless jobs and playing a pivotal role in the city's development. Its contributions, especially under Bruce's father, Thomas Wayne, had once saved the city from collapse during an economic depression.
Faced with the pointed question, Bruce hesitated. Officially, he had no control over the company's decisions. Yet behind the scenes, he had already started taking measures to reclaim his family's legacy.
But he couldn't reveal any of this—not to Kara, not for publication.
"I believe this will ultimately benefit Wayne Enterprises," he said diplomatically.
Kara raised an eyebrow but didn't push further, noting his evasive answer.
"Let's move on," she said. "Recently, there have been reports that since your return, you've been frequenting high-society parties, often spending lavishly and mingling with celebrities. There's even a rumor you bought a hotel for a group of actors. Is this part of a business strategy, or is it just the hobby of a playboy?"
"Do you have to be so scathing?" Bruce groaned, exasperated by her relentless questioning.
The truth was, his behavior was a calculated act. By day, Bruce played the role of a carefree socialite to distract from his nighttime activities. After returning to Gotham, he had discovered that the city was even darker than he had imagined. Carmine Falcone, a crime boss, had entrenched himself deeply into Gotham's fabric, controlling both its criminal underworld and its legitimate institutions.
Conventional methods would never work against someone like Falcone. Taking Alfred's advice, Bruce had donned a mask—literally and figuratively. By night, he became a shadowy figure, gathering evidence against Falcone while maintaining his carefree facade during the day.
But none of this could be disclosed to Kara, much less printed in her column.
"News needs drama, Bruce," Kara said unapologetically. "You know how the media works—anything for clicks and views. Truth often takes a backseat."
Bruce shook his head with a rueful smile. "Isn't it unprofessional to admit that?"
Kara smirked. "Relax, Bruce. I have my own column now. I'm not a journalist bound by strict rules."
"That's great for you, but what about everyone else?"
Kara's expression suddenly turned serious. "And another thing," she said, her voice taking on an accusatory edge. "Your antics are hurting people. Do you know that?"
"Who exactly? You?" Bruce teased, grinning mischievously.
Kara rolled her eyes and smacked her notebook. "Don't flatter yourself. I'm talking about Jennifer. Remember her? She liked you back in school and has stayed single all these years, waiting for you. I honestly don't know what's wrong with you, Bruce. You're a heartbreaker."
Bruce chuckled, though his smile faltered slightly. Kara was just a friend—there had never been anything romantic between them, despite their close bond. His heart had always belonged to someone else, and he had known from the start that he wasn't Kara's type.
"I think we're done here," Kara declared, closing her notebook. "But you owe me dinner."
Bruce sighed in defeat. "Fine. Just don't make this headline too outrageous."
Kara grinned but didn't make any promises.
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