Chapitre 40: Chapter 40 (edited)
Metropolis was located quite close to Gotham City—so close, in fact, that a simple bridge and a stretch of highway connected the two cities. The only thing separating them was a wide lake that some might call an inland sea.
At the moment, Kara Kent was behind the wheel of a modest sedan, driving across the bridge toward Gotham City. Perry White had managed to trick her into this trip, assigning her to interview Bruce Wayne.
"That manipulative jerk," Kara muttered through gritted teeth, gripping the steering wheel a little tighter.
Perry had offered her a deal that was too tempting to refuse: an entire month of paid vacation. The catch? She had to turn in four weekly columns in advance before leaving.
The promise of a proper break, a chance to relax, visit her family, and help Clark prepare for college was irresistible. Plus, Kara had already prepared drafts for her columns. Perry likely knew this, given she'd handed in her latest piece just yesterday and another earlier today. The editor was crafty like that. Still, she vowed to give him a piece of her mind once she got back.
The drive from Metropolis to Gotham City wasn't long, but crossing the sprawling urban expanse of Gotham to reach Wayne Manor was another matter entirely. The Wayne estate was located on the outskirts of the city, its sprawling grounds a stark contrast to the gloomy chaos of Gotham itself.
Kara had called Bruce while still on the bridge, letting him know she was on her way. True to his infamous reputation, Bruce informed her that he was at Wayne Manor and still lounging in bed after returning late from "business."
"Typical," Kara muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes as she continued driving. The idea of flying her car over the congested streets crossed her mind more than once, but sadly, such options weren't available—yet.
It was nearing noon by the time Kara finally pulled up to the outer gates of Wayne Manor. Spanning several thousand square meters, the estate boasted immaculately maintained gardens and a grand castle-like mansion that exuded old-world luxury. Kara couldn't help but feel a pang of awe at the sight. This was a home befitting one of the richest families in the world.
After calling Bruce again, the gates opened with a mechanical click, and Kara drove up the wide driveway to the front steps of the mansion.
Waiting there was an older man with sharp features and a dignified air. He bowed slightly in greeting.
"Good afternoon, Miss Kent. I am Alfred Pennyworth, the butler of Wayne Manor. You may call me Alfred," he introduced himself warmly.
Kara stepped out of the car, glancing at Alfred with a mischievous smile. "Or can I call you 'Al'?"
Alfred raised a brow but maintained his polite composure. "As you wish, Miss Kent."
Kara chuckled and shrugged. "Alfred it is, then. The full name is too stuffy for my taste."
Though Alfred kept his polite demeanor, Kara could sense he wasn't entirely thrilled by her informality. Still, she knew Alfred wasn't just any butler. This was the man who had helped Batman himself out of countless predicaments, often acting as Bruce's confidant, caretaker, and moral compass.
With a small nod, Alfred gestured toward the grand entrance. "Master Wayne is expecting you in the living room. This way, please."
Following Alfred, Kara ascended the wide stone steps into the mansion, walking through a long corridor filled with priceless art and historical artifacts. However, she paid little attention to the decor, her focus on the impending meeting.
Upon entering the spacious living room, she found Bruce Wayne lounging on a plush sofa by the window. Even though it was midday, he was still wearing pajamas, his hair slightly disheveled, and a glass of red wine in hand.
Kara raised an eyebrow. "Seriously? This is how you're running Wayne Enterprises these days?"
Alfred, standing by her side, sighed. "Miss Kent, I assure you, I've expressed my concerns about Master Wayne's current… routine."
Bruce smirked, swirling his wine lazily. "Alfred, you're giving her ammunition. Not helpful."
Kara ignored their exchange, slinging her shoulder bag onto a nearby chair. She began rummaging through it, pulling out her camera.
Bruce narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "You're not planning to use those photos for the article, are you?"
Ignoring him, Kara snapped a picture, prompting Bruce to raise his arm to block the lens.
"Kara!" he protested. "You better not use that as a cover photo!"
Alfred, who had been preparing to step out, turned back and frowned. "Miss Kent, while I understand your intentions, Master Wayne is still the heir to the Wayne legacy. A degree of professionalism would be appreciated."
Bruce shot Alfred a look. "Thanks for the support."
Kara waved the camera teasingly. "Then maybe you should go change into something more appropriate."
With a resigned sigh, Bruce got to his feet. "You know, most people would be a little more grateful. I don't usually do interviews."
"Grateful? I was blackmailed into this," Kara retorted, crossing her arms.
Bruce rolled his eyes but disappeared down the hall to change. When he returned, he was transformed. Clad in a tailored suit and looking every bit the billionaire philanthropist, he exuded charisma and authority.
"Better?" Bruce asked, spreading his arms.
Kara gave him an approving nod. "Much. Now you look like someone worth interviewing."
Alfred returned with a pot of freshly brewed black tea, setting it on the coffee table before excusing himself to give them privacy.
Bruce leaned back in his chair, sipping the tea. "So, what's Perry hoping to get out of this interview? A fluff piece about Gotham's favorite bachelor?"
Kara smirked, raising her notepad. "Something like that. But don't worry, I'll try to make you look good."
Bruce chuckled softly, his sharp gaze meeting hers. "I look forward to seeing how you spin this."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone