"It's finally a happy ending," Kara said as she stepped out of the prison gate, pausing on the sidewalk under the sun, stretching her arms out with a satisfied smile.
The time she'd spent there hadn't been long, and it hadn't involved much "physical work," nothing compared to the intense final battle against the League of Shadows, led by Ra's al Ghul.
That last mission had been thrilling, a mix of physical and mental conflict. But this time, it was entirely different, more like a war of minds, a battle of strategy, psychology, and intellect.
If she had been limited to the powers of an ordinary person, she knew Joker would have won, outmaneuvering her at every turn. Even with Superman's abilities at her disposal, the Clown Prince of Crime had managed to manipulate her more than once.
Still, Kara had to admit that her Kryptonian heritage wasn't exactly cheating; after all, it was her own strength, her power.
Now, finally, it was all over. Once Commissioner Gordon received all the confessions and those mob bosses were identified in court, Gotham could at last see a ray of justice.
But that was no longer her concern.
Kara approached a Lamborghini parked by the sidewalk. Without bothering to open the door, she touched the handle, and it unlocked for her. She climbed in, and with a press of the start button, the sports car roared to life and sped off.
She headed towards Wayne Manor to return the car, knowing that Alfred would be there, as always, to receive her.
"Where's Bruce?" Kara asked casually, barely glancing at Alfred as she walked towards the door.
"Master Wayne managed to invite Miss Jennifer out," Alfred replied, watching her carefully, "and they went to lunch."
Kara paused, turning back to look at him.
"Take me there," she said abruptly, moving back to the car and motioning for Alfred to join her.
Alfred hesitated, realizing he probably shouldn't have mentioned Bruce's whereabouts.
"Miss Jennifer accepted willingly," he muttered, trying to justify his previous words.
Kara rolled her eyes, scoffing. "I'm just going to get a bite. You stole my lunch date with Jennifer. Where am I supposed to eat now?"
Seeing her unwavering determination, Alfred sighed and got into the car beside her, silently apologizing to Bruce in advance.
They arrived at the exclusive restaurant Bruce had taken Jennifer to once before—the same place where Harvey had first appeared in public with Rachel. Despite her casual attire, the doorman recognized Kara immediately, nodding and allowing her in, with Alfred close behind.
Inside, Kara spotted Bruce and Jennifer right away.
Jennifer had dressed up today, wearing the same elegant outfit she'd once lent to Kara and a delicate pearl necklace around her neck. Bruce was staring at her, his attention focused on the pearls, perhaps remembering his mother's necklace, shattered that fateful night.
Kara also noticed they weren't alone. Harvey and Rachel were seated across from them, chatting animatedly. Suddenly, Harvey pulled out a ring and proposed to Rachel, with Bruce and Jennifer as witnesses—Bruce for Rachel, and Jennifer for Harvey.
Everyone was completely engrossed in the conversation.
Kara didn't interrupt; she leaned against the bar with her arms crossed, watching silently until the restaurant manager approached her with a respectful bow.
"Miss Kara, would you like me to escort you to their table, or would you prefer your own seat?"
Impressed that he remembered her name, Kara nodded slightly, then turned to Alfred with a grin. "Looks like lunch is on you, old man."
Alfred chuckled. "It's the least I can do."
Kara had helped Bruce numerous times, and while she saw it as just doing her duty, Alfred was determined to show his gratitude however he could.
They found a table nearby, ordered drinks, and a nice selection of food. While this exclusive restaurant usually required reservations, anyone connected to the Wayne family could dine here without notice.
Though Alfred was officially just the family's butler, he had managed all of Wayne's inheritance during Bruce's long absence, faithfully protecting the company and its assets. Bruce trusted him completely, even with the maintenance of his Batman equipment.
The food arrived, and Kara dug in enthusiastically. She ordered several high-quality steaks and opened the finest wine the restaurant had, savoring every bite.
In the middle of her feast, she noticed Harvey and Rachel had discreetly left. Now only Bruce and Jennifer remained, enjoying their dessert while Bruce spoke to her in a soft tone.
Kara frowned. Holding a fork in one hand and a wine glass in the other, she walked over without even finishing her bite.
Alfred looked up just in time to see her disappear from the table. Realizing she was now standing next to Bruce and Jennifer, he shook his head in resignation.
"What are you two up to?" Kara said suddenly, startling both of them.
Jennifer looked up, surprised but amused, while Bruce raised an eyebrow, glancing at Alfred.
"I thought Alfred told you that the car you took is yours now," he said with a bemused expression. "Weren't you heading back to Metropolis?"
Kara laughed softly. Was he trying to send her away?