Chương 16: Gala Intrigues

Avery also went to accompany him, not only serving as a driver but also staying by Bruce's side, ready to assist everything he needed. Many wealthy people from the same social circle would attend, and it would seem improper for Bruce Wayne to arrive without a companion.

They drove to the gala venue, arriving with just one minute to spare before 7:30 p.m. The lot was packed with cars, and few people remained outside.

This was by Bruce's own design. Arriving late might be a bit rude, but it also made him seem frivolous, a persona he liked to project.

As they approached the entrance, Avery didn't even need to present the invitation. The doorman instantly recognized Bruce. And why wouldn't he? How many people in Gotham wouldn't know the city's wealthiest man, Bruce Wayne?

After exchanging polite nods with the doorman, they entered the grand, opulent hall. The scene inside was one of decadent luxury, and despite their attempt to stay low-key, it was impossible for Bruce Wayne to go unnoticed. Nearly everyone turned around to look at them immediately.

Some actresses and models in attendance were particularly eager. If they could catch the attention of Gotham's richest bachelor, they might find themselves on tomorrow's front page.

As Bruce's sole companion, Avery couldn't avoid attracting attention either. Countless eyes scrutinized him, scanning him from head to toe with curiosity.

Avery, however, remained utterly indifferent.

What was the big deal?

"Bruce, who is this...?"

A woman named Della is the first one to approach Bruce, she turned her gaze to Avery with a look of curiosity.

To her, the man standing behind Bruce Wayne exuded an air of elegance and poise, with striking good looks to match. Yet, she had never heard of anyone like him at any social event before.

Bruce, hearing the question, introduced them. "I forgot to introduce you. This is Avery, my new butler."

Avery gave a polite smile and nodded slightly in greeting. "Miss Della."

The woman, whose striking appearance was at odds with her more gentle demeanor, couldn't help but remark, "Oh, he's so elegant. Is he British?"

Bruce nodded. "Yes, most wealthy people tend to choose a British butler."

While the profession of butler originated in France, it was the British royal court that formalized and refined it, setting a standard for etiquette and professionalism that soon became an industry benchmark.

As a result, having a British butler came to represent a life of taste and sophistication, which is why many affluent people prefer hiring one from the UK to serve as their personal butler.

There's also an undeniable charm to the old-fashioned demeanor of the British, which stands in contrast to some American habits. Perhaps that's what Della had picked up on so accurately.

"I almost thought he was your..." Della trailed off with a slight, awkward laugh, looping her arm through Bruce's and sashaying toward the center of the party. "Do you know what today's papers are saying? They're claiming you've been partying recklessly right after burning down your mansion, even suggesting you're into some role-playing games."

Bruce fell silent for a moment. He was well aware of what had happened. After all, the interviews had taken place right outside Wayne Tower, and he could pull the surveillance footage in a matter of minutes if he wanted.

Behind him, Avery couldn't help but stifle a quiet laugh.

It was hard to say that when Avery had made those remarks at the time, he hadn't foreseen this very outcome.

Resisting the urge to glare at him, Bruce looked at Della with a wry smile and said humorously, "They always do that. They can take a fisherman's catch and turn it into a prediction of next year's earthquakes and tsunamis. That's how the media makes their living, isn't it?"

"Hahaha, that's so true…"

As they chatted, they reached the center of the gala, where Bruce warmly embraced the host, then began mingling with the guests.

It had only been a day since Wayne Manor had burned down, and memories of Bruce Wayne's infamous outburst, chasing away his guests, were still fresh in everyone's minds. Some of the older aristocratic families couldn't help but throw out veiled sarcastic remarks.

But, unfortunately for them, the "clueless playboy" didn't seem to care. He appeared oblivious to the barbed comments, continuing to charm the room effortlessly with his relaxed demeanor and the many women who surrounded him.

Yet Batman hadn't forgotten the real reason he was attending this gala: to meet Margaret Williams in person. Why bother? You might ask. Well, seeing her in the flesh could give him a more intuitive understanding of her character, something far more valuable than cold data. This might help him make critical decisions when the time came.

Avery knew exactly what Bruce was thinking. He subtly surveyed the large ballroom and, once he spotted the target, discreetly nudged Bruce's side.

"She's over there."

He gestured in a particular direction.

Bruce nodded in understanding and, without missing a beat, casually strolled toward the target, holding a champagne glass. He greeted her first, "Ms. Margaret."

Margaret appeared to be in her fifties, with graying hair elegantly swept up. She had an air of dignified grace. Her attire wasn't particularly expensive but suited her position perfectly.

Looking at her, one might never guess the kind of "devil" hiding behind this seemingly kind, gentle facade.

Margaret, although elderly and rarely seen at social events, could still easily recognize Bruce Wayne. She was surprised by his approach, uncertain of what he wanted, but greeted him politely nonetheless.

"Hello, Mr. Wayne. You're even more striking than the rumors say."

Bruce offered her the champagne glass he was holding. "No need for formalities. I heard you run an orphanage?"

Margaret took the glass. "Oh? Are you thinking about adopting a child, Mr. Wayne?"

She looked at him, her weathered face creasing into a smile.

Bruce smiled and shook his head. "No, not exactly. I was simply reflecting on how I've grown up in this city, yet haven't done enough for it. And I've always believed children are the future of our country..."