Under the leadership of the hotel owner, Bruce, Kara finally walked in.
"You should really take notes from Miss Jennifer. If you just dressed up a bit, you'd have countless people inviting you to dinner just by standing outside," Bruce teased Kara, clearly trying to provoke her.
Jennifer glanced at Kara secretly, gauging her reaction.
Kara felt annoyed. Seriously, girl? People call you 'Miss Jennifer,' and you don't even recognize the formality? And you're actually happy about it?
Kara wasn't amused by Bruce's comment either. She rolled her eyes and retorted, "Do you really think I care about eating here? Or do you think I don't have the money?" Kara scoffed. "I'd rather share a meal with wolves than sit here with a pack of 'civilized' beasts."
At least with wolves, the hostility was straightforward, without all the hidden motives.
Bruce simply shrugged, not taking her seriously.
The three of them walked into the hotel lobby. As the owner, Bruce didn't need to reserve a table in advance, unlike most people who had to book weeks ahead to get a spot. For instance, Harvey Dent had reserved a table weeks ago.
As they walked past a nearby table, they noticed Harvey Dent sitting there with Rachel across from him. Harvey was mid-conversation, complaining to Rachel about how long he had to wait for a reservation, citing the hotel's exclusive nature.
Bruce spotted them and raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Rachel?"
Kara slapped her forehead, muttering under her breath. Come on, Bruce. Really?
Jennifer gently nudged Kara's shoulder, as if asking, Who's that?
"That's your competition," Kara whispered bluntly. "Rachel's Bruce's childhood sweetheart. So, if anyone's your rival in love, it's her, not me. But don't worry, she's here with Mr. Dent." Kara smirked slightly.
Bruce, overhearing Kara's words, shot her a look. He then glanced over at Jennifer, who seemed to blush slightly.
Kara's comments were only heard by Jennifer and Bruce, as Rachel and Harvey remained oblivious. Rachel smiled awkwardly upon seeing Bruce but kept her composure. "Bruce, this is Harvey. Harvey, this is Bruce."
The two men shook hands politely, but it was clear they weren't particularly familiar with each other.
Rachel glanced over at the women with Bruce and asked with a polite smile, "Aren't you going to introduce your friends?"
Bruce shifted to the side and introduced them. "This is Kara, currently working at The Daily Planet as a reporter. She's known for her sharp wit and her popular column. And this is Jennifer, previously a well-known prosecutor in Metropolis, recently appointed Chief Justice here in Gotham."
Harvey's eyes lit up as he extended his hand to Jennifer. "I've heard about your reputation for fairness and integrity. It's an honor."
Jennifer returned the handshake with a polite smile. "Thank you, Mr. Dent. I've heard of you as well. I believe we'll have an opportunity to collaborate soon in bringing order to Gotham."
Both Jennifer and Kara were well aware that Harvey Dent was the newly appointed district attorney, just as Jennifer had been promoted to Chief Justice.
Bruce glanced between Jennifer and Harvey, and an idea sparked in his mind. "You know, why don't we all sit together?"
His suggestion seemed innocent enough, but Rachel looked slightly hesitant. "Isn't that a bit inconvenient? The hotel probably won't allow us to rearrange the seating."
Rachel might be Bruce's childhood friend, but she still underestimated his influence.
Kara smirked. "He owns the place."
As expected, Bruce waved over the manager, and moments later, a waiter arranged three additional chairs around the small table, which had originally been set for two.
Kara couldn't help but mutter, "Really squeezing us in here, huh?"
Bruce shot her a look, signaling her to keep quiet. He clearly had something he wanted to discuss with Harvey, but it wasn't the time yet.
Kara glanced at the menu and sighed. "Just bring me a bottle of wine. I don't care about the brand, just make sure it's the most expensive one."
The waiter hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to respond, but eventually left to fulfill her request. Kara didn't care whether it was red, white, or even beer—she wasn't picky.
Bruce, meanwhile, turned his attention to Harvey with a curious expression. "You're the new district attorney, right? I'm sure you've heard of Gotham's masked vigilante, the Batman. What's your opinion on someone operating outside the law?"
Kara almost burst out laughing at the irony of Bruce asking about himself in the third person, but she held it in, curious about Harvey's response.
To Kara's surprise, Harvey answered with conviction. "Gotham should be proud of those who act bravely, Bruce. Yes, Batman is a dangerous figure, but it's hard to deny that he's fighting for justice."
Kara raised her eyebrows, impressed by Harvey's stance. She leaned in, intrigued. "So, you're saying Batman is a hero?"
Harvey nodded. "In my opinion, Batman and those like him are the dawn Gotham needs in these dark times. But I still believe that true heroes are those elected by the people—the ones held accountable to the law."
Kara glanced at Bruce, who exchanged a quick, knowing smile with her. Both of them, Batman and Supergirl, were sitting there being discussed as symbols of hope in Gotham.
It wasn't Harvey who responded next, but Jennifer, who had been quiet until now. She picked up the glass of wine that had been served, swirling the deep red liquid as she spoke in a calm yet firm tone. "While elected officials have their role, those who turn a blind eye to the decay of this city and do nothing as it crumbles around them… they're the real villains. Batman, Oracle, and others—they are the beacon of hope Gotham desperately needs."
Her words hung in the air, carrying a weight that made everyone at the table pause for a moment.