The Way We Fall | Bruce Wayne

CHAPTER 7 - Invitation

After lots of deliberation, the two seemed to be reaching a conclusion.

"And if the partnership is finalized, there will be increased profit for both parties." Sara pointed to the projected numbers on an early draft.

She had Bruce's complete attention, but his lack of contribution to the conversation was becoming noticeable. Was he not prepared for the meeting? It wouldn't be a bad idea to find out.

"So Mr. Wayne, what concerns does your board have that we could address with the initial draft?"

His eyes flickered from the document drafts to her meet her gaze. "None that I'm aware of."

Okay, so he clearly wasn't prepared. "Uh-huh. Alright, so I'll hand it over to you. What's next?" She crossed her arms, waiting with amusement.

Just as expected, he nonchalantly leaned back in the chair and looked down at the papers on the desk as if he was processing a thought. She imagined the gears in his head grinding. He was no businessman. Anyone who watched television or still read newspapers would know that he did nothing outside of sipping champagne and buying things, all with two or three women around his arms. He wasn't running Wayne Enterprises. He hardly had any interest, clearly. Sara wondered how much he would care if there was ever any cause for concern.

He sat before her now only for formality's sake, given his role in the company. And his act at their first formal meeting was just that - an act. Probably to elicit some reaction out of her. What he probably saw as entertainment.

"I'll have Mr. Fox review the drafts." He leisurely picked up a document, looking it over briefly. "He'll know whether it's worth our time."

"So, you don't?" Sara bit her tongue. A nasty response had been building up within her for the past hour.

His eyes brightened with her remark. "Like I said, Ms. Carter, it's up to review. If it's satisfactory, you got yourself a deal. And if not..." He purposely refused to finish his sentence. Sara wanted to wipe the smile off his face with her fist.

"I see." She looked down at the papers to avert the flame in her eyes from his gasoline.

"Don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you."

Sara met his gaze again. She spoke with venom. "Thank you, but I don't think your word will be necessary." Or meaningful.

Clearly ignoring her statement, he began to stand. "Oh, one more thing."

She joined him in standing, then waited for his conclusion with annoyance.

"We'll be holding a charity fundraiser on Friday night. With most of our major investors in attendance, I think it'd be a good idea for you to be there."

You mean an extravagant banquet for all the rich snobs in Gotham to publicly display their wealth. "I've been to some fundraisers myself, I don't think I'd be all that beneficial."

"Trust me, it's in your favor to have a representative of Gotham Tech in attendance."

"I could ask Mr. Riley-"

"I'd much rather have you there, Ms. Carter." He spoke with his typical charm. His eyes illuminated with eagerness for her answer.

Her arms folded across her chest again. Would he take a plain no? Probably not. She scrambled her mind for reasonable excuses."In such short notice, I don't have anyone to attend with."

"Then you'll join me. I'll introduce you to all the connections you'll ever need."

Did he just invite her as a date? "You're kidding." She didn't mean to say the words out loud, yet there were out before she could ever retrieve them.

His mouth curved in a handsome smile. Bruce knew she was nearing defeat. "I'll pick you up at seven."

Believe it or not, Sara did find a silver lining. If she could meet other investors, then at least there'd be an alternate plan if the deal with Wayne Enterprises fell through. A last resort. And with connections, there was influence.

Before anything else could be said, the phone in Bruce's pocket rang. He quickly answered, putting the smartphone to his ear. His expression darkened quickly. He furrowed his brows and spoke brief phrases in a low tone.

Sara felt rather awkward to be standing around as he received what seemed to be disturbing news.

He disconnected the call and looked back at her. The light in his eyes had diminished. "It seems that I'm late to another appointment. They're not too happy. If you'll excuse me..."

They shook hands before Bruce abruptly departed from the office.