The Way We Fall | Bruce Wayne

CHAPTER 10 - Deliberation

Footsteps on tile preceded Bruce's arrival to the parlor. He entered while fixing a cufflink on his white shirt. Sara stood and greeted him as formally as she always had, with a handshake and professional smile.

He gestured cordially to the couches for her to have a seat again. He sat across from her.

"The manor is gorgeous, I've never seen anything like it," she said as she looked around the room again.

"I'm sure Alfred already mentioned how ancient it is." A slight smile on his face and glimmer in his eyes told her just how proud he was of his family's legacy.

"I always wondered what it was like in here."

He pointed to the spotless floors. "When I was a kid, I would slide down these halls in socks. My father warned me I'd break my nose one day." His gaze was distant for a moment before he chuckled. "He was right."

A pang of sympathy struck her. Everyone knew the Wayne family tragedy. Sara couldn't imagine how hard it was for the young heir. The manor seemed enormous now, how much more so it would be to a lonely boy. Looking at the man now, she saw something deeper. Like the eight-year-old boy had never left.

She caught herself thinking such things, bewildered how the thoughts were of the very same Bruce Wayne as the one she had met only a week prior. The very same one who always lived without a care in the world, mingling with women and buying things he didn't need. What kind of life was that? She figured that maybe it was one that suited him, filling the deep void.

Before she could think of anything to say, Alfred walked in carrying a shiny tray with two pots and two sets of cups and saucers. He placed it on an end table. "Coffee or tea, miss?"

"Oh, that's not necessary-"

"Please, you're our guest," Bruce cut in before Alfred could speak.

She looked to him and back to the butler. "Coffee, please." Declining the cream and sugar, she received the cup and saucer. The irresistible aroma filling her nostrils helped to relax her slightly. Sara hadn't realized just how tense she had been sitting. "Thank you."

Alfred served Bruce second, who took his coffee the same way.

The butler departed, and Sara became acutely aware of how informal the conversation was becoming. And how alone they were. She took a small sip of the hot coffee before placing it on the coffee table before her. "Mr. Wayne, my board of directors is concerned with the partnership negotiations after the recent news."

He placed his coffee down and clasped his hands, matching her sense of formality. "The situation is still under investigation." She watched him closely for any discrepancy, noting his body language. "I'm told there should be more information tomorrow."

"I'm sure that there's some changes in terms of suppliers. This could affect our manufacturing as well, should we finalize the agreement."

"That shouldn't be a problem. Suppliers recognize that we're the largest manufacturer of technologies in Gotham." His tone revealed a hint of pride in his statement.

She was determined to counter his poorly placed confidence. "You're not wrong, but they would be concerned with such a scandal reoccurring. If it does, they aren't guaranteed financial security. Wayne Enterprises can't pay off debts it can't afford."