Shadow of the Bat

Chapter 15: A Night to Remember

Bruce Wayne's manor gleamed under the evening sky, every window alight with the glow of wealth and prestige. The grand ballroom was packed with New York's elite, all gathered for a noble cause: to raise donations for Wayne's foundation to support homeless children. Waiters moved seamlessly through the crowd, offering champagne and hors d'oeuvres, while a string quartet filled the air with soft, elegant music. Conversations buzzed as cameras flashed, capturing the faces of New York's most influential figures.

Bruce Wayne stood near the entrance, greeting guests with his trademark charm. He wore an immaculate black tuxedo, his public persona that of the wealthy philanthropist on full display. Yet behind the casual smiles and polite exchanges, his mind was always working, always calculating. Tonight wasn't just about raising money; it was about gathering information, connections, and influence.

Among the attendees were two notable figures: Tony Stark and Nick Fury. Stark, ever the showman, made his presence known as soon as he arrived, laughing loudly and mingling with ease. Fury, on the other hand, was more reserved, keeping to the edges of the crowd. But Bruce could feel his gaze lingering, studying him as he always did.

"Bruce," Fury greeted as he approached, his one eye narrowing slightly, searching for any cracks in the billionaire's polished veneer.

"Nick," Bruce replied, flashing a disarming smile. "Glad you could make it."

"I wouldn't miss it," Fury said, his tone casual but with an edge that suggested there were always deeper motives. "You've been hosting a lot of these charity events lately. Must be good for business."

Bruce chuckled softly. "Just trying to do my part. The city has enough problems without me adding to them."

Fury's lips twitched, almost amused. "That's what they all say."

As the evening progressed, Bruce's assistant, Thomas, quietly directed guests toward the auction and donation tables, while Jeffrey, Bruce's butler, moved discreetly through the crowd, ensuring everything was running smoothly. The night was going according to plan—or so it seemed.

Suddenly, the Calm Shattered

Without warning, the lights in the ballroom flickered and then went out. A few gasps of surprise rippled through the crowd as darkness settled over the grand hall. Bruce's expression didn't falter, but inside, he immediately went on high alert.

From the shadows, armed thugs poured into the room, their faces obscured by masks. They moved with military precision, spreading out and taking control of the exits. Panic began to rise as guests realized what was happening.

"Everybody, stay where you are!" one of the thugs shouted, brandishing a gun. "No one moves, and no one gets hurt."

Bruce, standing near Fury and Jeffrey, subtly signaled to his butler. Jeffrey gave a barely perceptible nod and moved toward the back exit.

"Well, this is certainly interesting," Fury muttered, stepping closer to Bruce, his eyes sweeping the room. "What's your plan, Wayne?"

"I'm going to keep everyone safe," Bruce replied calmly, his mind already racing through a dozen different scenarios. He couldn't act openly—not with Fury watching his every move. Fortunately, he didn't need to.

Bruce's Personal Office

Bruce led Fury and Jeffrey through a hidden passage that led to his personal office, tucked away from the main party area. As they entered, the door slid shut behind them, sealing them off from the chaos below.

"You've got a lot of secrets, Wayne," Fury said, glancing around the room, still suspicious of every move Bruce made. "What's the play here?"

Bruce calmly sat down at his desk, tapping his watch as he did. The device responded instantly, connecting him to his Bat-suit, which lay hidden in the Batcave, far beneath the manor. Through his control over the shadows, Bruce activated the suit remotely, sending it up through hidden tunnels, ready to intervene without him ever having to leave the office.