The Way We Fall | Bruce Wayne

CHAPTER 14 - The Party

The elevator reached the top floor with a ding!

Bruce offered his arm again before they stepped out. Reluctantly, she took it. They walked together down the hallway toward the entrance of the banquet hall.

Sweat formed at her brow, though her waterproof makeup remained unchanged. If there was anything she hated more than board meetings, it was banquets. Bruce walked with an air of confidence, looking every bit the pompous billionaire that he was. In a way, she almost envied his effortless charm. Fancy gatherings were his natural habitat.

Another doorman stood at the entrance and promptly opened the door to the hall. Just as she'd pictured, dozens of exquisitely dressed people crowded the large room. Chatter filled the air as they indulged in expensive alcohol and hors d'oeuvres.

"Just try to relax." Bruce leaned close to whisper in her ear. Easy for him to say.

Visibly uncomfortable, Sara found herself clinging to his arm as they walked into the crowd. Every head turned to greet Bruce as he walked by. He paused occasionally to introduce her briefly. "Ms. Sara Carter, the vice president of Gotham Tech." The more thorough introductions would come later, when everyone would have had enough booze.

Sara watched Bruce closely as he talked with each one, studying his mannerisms to distinguish which individuals had his good graces. Which weren't many. In fact, the flattering smile on his face was clearly obligatory, as was everyone else's. She'd seen what a genuine smile looked like on him to know the difference. A way of life in Gotham high society, she deduced.

Already feeling tired and overwhelmed, Sara politely excused herself to get some refreshments. Letting out a heavy exhale, she navigated through the crowd to first get a drink. If Mr. Riley was right on one assumption, it was that she'd spend her time sipping on the free champagne.

As she selected some hors d'oeuvres, a man stepped beside her and did the same. They minded their own business until they were finished and holding their small plates. He turned to her. "Sara Carter, right?"

She nodded and he offered his hand in greeting. "Philip Miller. QuantumCore Robotics.

Sara looked at him for a moment before shaking his hand. Salt-and-pepper hair at the temples, bright blue eyes, and a dashing smile. "I don't believe we've met. Though I think I've seen an interview or two about your latest innovations."

He grinned at the recognition. "We did meet once briefly, at a conference last year."

She tried to recall, but her memory drew blank.

"I understand that Gotham Tech is looking to partner with Wayne Enterprises," he said before popping a grape into his mouth.

"It's in the works, yes." The matter was gradually becoming public knowledge, and it seemed to be the talk of the party. Just as Bruce had counted on.

"QuantumCore considered it at one point, years ago. Thankfully, we never submitted any proposals. We prefer stability."

Sara wasn't blind to his insinuations. "They've handled the situation well. I'm sure they'll use this to enhance their security measures."

He arched a brow. "They're becoming monopolistic. We saw that early on. The tech industry in Gotham needs more healthy competition."

She thought back to the original offer of acquisition. Could he have a valid point?

"Wayne Enterprises is afraid of losing the chokehold they have on the industry." He paused to sip on his pinot noir. "QuantumCore aims to end it."

They finished their refreshments and discarded the plates. Together they walked to the side of the room, away from the noisy crowd.

"I believe Gotham Tech has everything we need to keep competition strong."

Sara looked at him curiously. "Are you suggesting that we partner with you?"

He flashed a charming smile. "I think we've got everything you'd need. And both companies will be on more level ground."

It was a reasonable concept. Wayne Enterprises would always have the upper hand in a partnership. They had the prestige and power. Gotham Tech would never truly be independent. But was she willing to consider abandoning the deal? It wasn't even her sole decision to make, though she figured that anyone could be persuaded. No, she wouldn't change her mind now.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Miller. We've already made a commitment."

He tilted his head, narrowing his gaze slightly. "If there is something they're offering, we could make arrangements."

She shook her head. "I assure you, we're content with our negotiations."

He continued, "Is it Wayne? If you're worried he would hurt your reputation..."

Sara gave him a pointed look. "It's not that at all. You don't have the right to accuse him of such a thing."

Philip rolled his eyes. "You're a smart woman, Ms. Carter. You know as well as I do that he's one of the most powerful men in Gotham."

"I'm not afraid of Mr. Wayne. Nor am I troubled about our business dealings." Sara crossed her arms, holding her ground.

"Fine. I see there's no persuading you. But I should warn you, it isn't exactly professional to mix feelings with business."

Sara wanted to slap him for such a suggestion. She had opened her mouth to protest when another voice intruded into the conversation.

"How's things going over here?"

She turned to see Bruce approaching them. He smiled politely, yet exhibited a flame in his eyes - a dangerous one.

"I had the honor of meeting your new business partner." Philip grinned casually.

Sara looked up to Bruce, locking eye contact for a brief moment. His head nodded briefly to her, as in understanding.

"Is that so?" He looked to Philip with a steely glare and then back to her.

She mouthed to him, don't make a scene.

Bruce stepped beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. With the friendliest smile and tone he could muster, he said, "Get out."

Philip frowned and was about to respond when Bruce patted him on the back and pushed him gently in the direction of the exit. "Now." Something told Sara his next gesture wouldn't be so friendly.

The other man took the hint and sourly strode through the crowd and out the door.

Bruce placed his hand around the small of her back as they walked away.

"I told you I can handle myself," Sara said quietly, looking up at him. He looked back at her, his concerned gaze softened. She felt heat rise to her cheeks.