Chapter 356: Wayne Manor (3)
The Millionaire and the Prosecutor
"You said we're similar?"
"Yes." Barbara ticked off a list on her fingers, saying word for word, "Same wealthy background, same lack of parents, same playboy reputation, and both of you like having one-night stands with supermodels and actresses."
Luke burst into laughter.
"You should take back that last part. I'm not interested in actresses."
The girl scoffed. "Liar!"
"Seriously, in my eyes, a hundred actresses are worth less than you."
"Lying again!" Barbara turned her head away. "Stop trying to seduce me. I won't fall for it."
Luke simply smiled, wrapping his arm around her slender waist and walking toward the mansion.
A white-haired, upright man with the refined demeanor of an English gentleman stood by the entrance. Upon seeing Luke, he approached with measured steps.
"Hello, Mr. Shaw. I am Alfred Pennyworth. Welcome to Wayne Manor."
"Hello, Mr. Pennyworth." Luke shook his hand, then turned and introduced her. "This is the Mysterious Lady, my date."
Alfred smiled and nodded. Barbara, wearing the white fox mask that only covered half her exquisite face, exuded a mysterious allure, but Alfred was long past the season of youthful fervor.
"The young master is in the main hall. If you'll follow me, please."
Alfred personally escorted the two into the mansion, a courtesy not extended to the other guests.
The attendees in the living room were numerous, mostly familiar faces seen on television: businessmen, politicians, entrepreneurs, socialites, and others. Unexpectedly, Gotham's new District Attorney, Harvey Dent, was also present.
Dent was a rising star in politics. Though he lost the mayoral race, his popularity hadn't decreased. Instead, his tough stance secured him the role of District Attorney, and Gotham's current stability was largely due to his efforts. These guests were all local Gotham figures; by comparison, Luke felt like an outsider.
"Luke Shaw, the rumored Master Shaw, underground kingpin of Coast City. I never expected to see you here."
Harvey Dent's words carried an undercurrent of hostility, almost like he was interrogating a suspect. Luke replied casually,
"My only identity right now is that of a guest at Wayne Manor."
"Is that so?" Harvey Dent looked up, his stern face filled with scrutiny. He then lowered his voice and challenged, "What exactly are those one hundred kinetic armor suits? Why were criminals willing to provoke the FBI to steal them?"
"I apologize, but I don't know how to answer your question. If you are interested, you can inquire at the Gotham City Police Department."
With that, Luke blended into the crowd with Barbara.
As a promising young billionaire, Luke Shaw's appearance caused quite a stir. Likewise, Barbara, with her white fox mask and partially revealed face, instantly became the focus of the men present.
The two held hands, greeting various people and experiencing the so-called high society life.
Barbara had initially worried that people would question her identity. Gradually, as the party progressed, she realized that what concerned everyone was her relationship with Luke Shaw, not her own identity.
This greatly annoyed the girl. She was Barbara Gordon, not some appendage.
In a corner of the ballroom, a lady in a black gown, her face veiled by black gauze, quietly watched Luke.
"Is that Luke Shaw, the Hongmen heir?"
Her attendant nodded. "A ruthless character with ambition and skill. The master is very fond of him."
The lady curled her lip in slight mockery.
"That's just the old man's taste. Unfortunately, I'm not interested in little boys. How is the plan going? Has Wayne Enterprises still refused to cooperate?"
The attendant shook his head, looking serious.
"Bruce Wayne seems to have realized something. He has completely terminated the cooperation plan and dispatched people to secretly track our contacts."
"Oh!" The lady raised an eyebrow. "It seems Gotham's playboy isn't as useless as the rumors suggest."
The attendant said gravely,
"The master has issued an order: You are to take full charge, starting with the Wayne family as the breakthrough point to gain complete control over Gotham City."
At that moment, the party's host, Bruce Wayne, stepped onto the podium and delivered a brief welcome speech. After the speech, the banquet officially began.
Soft orchestral music started, and guests entered the dance floor in pairs.
Barbara, a bit nervous, whispered, "Do we have to dance?"
"Of course!"
"But... I don't know how!"
"I'll teach you."
With that, he pulled her onto the dance floor. The girl showed excellent talent and quickly mastered the steps. The two gracefully danced, gradually becoming the center of attention.
As the music ended, the two left the dance floor to applause. Barbara was flushed and excited.
"How was my dancing?"
"Extremely gifted."
Luke gave a thumbs-up, then turned his attention to Bruce Wayne, who was approaching them.
"Mr. Wayne, thank you for the invitation. The party is wonderful."
"I'm glad you like it." Bruce glanced at Barbara. "Could we talk over here?"
"Certainly!"
Luke patted the girl's shoulder and followed Bruce toward the second floor. The sight of the two leaving drew many eyes. There were persistent rumors that Wayne Enterprises was highly interested in the Tesla kinetic armor, and everyone wondered if their conversation was related to the matter.
It's often said that the decoration style of a study reflects the personality of its owner. True to form, Bruce Wayne's expansive study contained only bookshelves and a sofa, with a dark color palette that created a strange sense of oppression.
Bruce pulled back the curtains and spoke in a low voice.
"Do you like Gotham?"
"Honestly, no."
"Because of the crime rate?"
"No. Because the people here stole my cargo."
"Are you sure it was Gotham?"
Luke shrugged. "I have my information channels. Likewise, as a co-owner of Gotham City, Mr. Wayne should also be clear on this."
Bruce frowned and asked in a strained voice,
"What exactly are those one hundred kinetic armor suits?"
"I apologize, I cannot tell you."
"Are they dangerous?"
Luke sighed. "The armor was initially manufactured to handle the growing number of supernatural events, not common criminals."
Bruce clenched his fist. He had previously commissioned a custom armor suit from Luke and was deeply impressed by its performance, even without weapons loaded. He could only imagine the casualties if the armor fell into the hands of criminals.
"I recall Tesla had a clear policy: absolutely no production of military weapons." Bruce looked up, staring intently at Luke. "Why did you violate that principle?"
Luke's eyebrows twitched, and his face became serious.
"Mr. Wayne, many things are beyond one's control. Just like Wayne Enterprises—you're also producing weapons for the Department of Defense. But let's get back to the main topic. Why did you specifically invite me to this party?"
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