Facing Rachel in Harvey's arms, Bruce found it hard to accept. Without even bothering to eat, he rushed out, escaping the situation.
Kara and Jennifer, who were indirectly involved, could only leave as well.
As Bruce drove his expensive car, he was visibly absent-minded. Halfway through, Kara had to insist he get out of the driver's seat so she could take over.
"Driving after drinking? Are you trying to kill us all? We don't want to die with you," Kara scolded while sliding into the driver's seat.
Jennifer chimed in with a smirk, "Didn't you drink, too?"
Kara shot Jennifer a look, then checked the rearview mirror where Bruce had been unceremoniously moved to the backseat. She muttered under her breath, "Already playing the third wheel, huh?"
Bruce was clearly shaken. After helping save Gotham and defeating Ra's al Ghul, Rachel had found out his secret identity and even kissed him in a moment of passion. Bruce had thought their connection might finally lead to something more. But Rachel had ultimately rejected him, saying maybe they could be together when he was no longer Batman.
What Bruce didn't expect was that before that could happen, Rachel had moved on and found someone else.
Rachel wasn't someone who would settle for power alone. If that were the case, she would have been with Bruce long ago. Instead, she valued integrity and a heart devoted to justice.
Both her ex and now Harvey Dent fit this mold perfectly. But Bruce, in her eyes, had fallen short.
Yet Bruce was still Bruce—he recovered quickly, masking his disappointment. He called Alfred on the drive.
Bruce didn't employ many servants—his secrets made that risky. Alfred had to juggle all sorts of tasks around the mansion, effectively being both a father and mother to Bruce. It was the price of his chosen lifestyle.
Bruce asked Alfred to prepare dinner, since no one had eaten anything, but Kara couldn't resist chiming in. Without even glancing back, she said, "Just set up the ingredients, Alfred. I'll cook. Bruce, Alfred is old. Stop making him do everything. You should really think about settling down and having kids so someone can help him."
On the other end of the call, Alfred's voice perked up. "Miss Kara! Are you volunteering to take up that responsibility? Master Bruce would be so fortunate!"
The car swerved slightly as Kara shouted back, "It's not me! But I'll bring someone more suitable!"
Jennifer blushed slightly, glancing over at Bruce with a bashful smile.
Bruce, still processing his heartbreak over Rachel, now found himself grappling with this new twist. It felt absurdly dramatic—like something out of a soap opera.
Choosing to avoid any further discussion on the topic, Bruce deftly changed the subject. "Alfred, as Kara said, just prepare the ingredients. We've got plenty in the fridge, right?"
Alfred responded, "Yes, Master Wayne. A while ago, you asked for Wagyu beef, so I had a dozen of them flown in."
Kara groaned. "Evil capitalist."
Only Bruce Wayne could casually airlift a dozen Wagyu cows to his estate. But that was his way—he didn't do anything halfway.
As Kara sped through Gotham, heading to the Wayne Manor, she couldn't help but revel in the performance of Bruce's sports car. The roads were mostly clear now that it was late, and Kara wasn't about to waste the opportunity to push the car to its limits.
Meanwhile, Bruce and Jennifer clutched each other's hands in the backseat, clearly nervous. Bruce glanced at the speedometer—it was approaching 300 kilometers per hour. He realized Kara wasn't merely pushing the speed limit; she was obliterating it.
Yet the car handled it flawlessly—an impressive testament to Bruce's wealth and the car's craftsmanship.
When they finally arrived at Wayne Manor, Kara couldn't help but admire the newly rebuilt estate. It had been left in ruins before, but now it stood as if nothing had changed.
The manor had been painstakingly restored, right down to every brick and tile. It was as though the old castle had been reborn.
For Kara, this was her third time at Wayne Manor. The first time, it had been whole; the second, in ruins; and now, she was witnessing its restoration.
Before entering, Kara turned to Bruce. "Congratulations. It's beautiful."
Bruce paused, then smiled softly. "Thank you. Welcome back."
As the door opened, Alfred greeted them with his usual dry wit. "Are you planning to stand outside chatting all night?"
Even Bruce couldn't argue with Alfred, and he ushered Kara and Jennifer into the grand entryway.
"Welcome to Wayne Manor, ladies," Bruce said.
Jennifer, already feeling more at ease, quipped, "Feels like we're walking into a vampire's castle."
Kara chuckled. Jennifer had an easygoing humor, and they were all so used to bantering with each other that it would have been impossible for Jennifer to play the part of a demure, upper-class lady for long.
Once inside, Kara marveled at how the manor had been restored to its former glory. Though much of the original art and cultural relics had been destroyed, Bruce had clearly spared no expense in replacing them with equally valuable pieces.
Kara sighed dramatically. "I could have sold all this stuff and retired."
Bruce pretended not to hear the comment, but a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Alright, I'm going to start on dinner," Kara announced. She clapped her hands, winking at Jennifer before making her way to the kitchen. "Why don't you and Bruce take a walk around?"
Jennifer blushed but nodded, understanding Kara's not-so-subtle hint.
As Kara disappeared into the kitchen with Alfred, she overheard Alfred ask, "Is that the young lady you mentioned on the phone?"
Kara nodded. "What do you think? Wouldn't she make a fine mistress of Wayne Manor?"
Alfred glanced at her with a knowing smile. "I still think you're the better choice, Miss Kara."
"Don't even start," Kara shot back.