"I believe so too. So, what are you proposing?" Margaret's mind was already racing. She had heard that this billionaire was keen on getting involved in philanthropy.
If that's what he was here for, then this was truly like manna from heaven.
Bruce didn't prolong the conversation any further, cutting straight to the point. "I'd like to make a donation to your orphanage. What do you think, Ms. Williams?"
Margaret's smile deepened, and crow's feet formed at the corners of her eyes. "…Everyone has been saying how arrogant and rude you are, but I think they've exaggerated. You are quite the charitable soul, and the children will surely be grateful to you."
Though this was the first time Margaret had met Bruce in person, it didn't matter. Anyone bringing money was automatically a "good person."
"I've always been this way. They just don't know me well enough."
Bruce said this with a wry smile. At this moment, Avery who is standing nearby, timely handed Bruce another "champagne" glass. Bruce took it, while Margaret smiled and raised her glass as well.
The sound of their glasses clinking echoed clearly through the room.
…
The charity gala didn't last long.
On the drive back, as Avery navigated through the streets, he casually asked, "Why did you decide to donate to her orphanage? If we expose Margaret's crimes and bring her to trial, the orphanage would inevitably collapse soon after. People would instinctively reject such a 'den of evil.'"
The night streets of Gotham sped by outside the car window, a city beautiful but hiding its darkness. Bruce stared out at the scenery, his expression calm. "Margaret Williams is being protected by powerful person. If I just hand over the evidence to Gordon, it might not amount to anything. After all, Gordon is only the deputy commissioner—his superiors may not all be clean."
"And so?"
"So, I need to use Bruce Wayne's public persona to elevate the issue. I've only recently returned to Gotham, and the media is still in their honeymoon phase with me. If word gets out that I'm donating to her orphanage, it will attract a lot of attention. Then, when a scandal breaks, the press won't hesitate to make it headline news."
"This way, even if they want to sweep it under the rug, it'll be impossible. The public, once they know the truth, won't allow it."
Avery clicked his tongue in admiration. "You're truly a master strategist."
Bruce glanced at him sidelong. "I don't remember you being so slow that I'd have to explain something this simple to you."
As they crossed the Robert Kane Bridge, nearing the Wayne estate, Avery chuckled softly. "I've heard that part of a butler's job is to make their employer feel exceptionally intelligent."
Bruce who is visibly uncomfortable with the term "employer," responded, "I am exceptionally intelligent."
"Of course, sir."
The car disappeared into the night as it drove farther away.
...
Sure enough, by the next morning, news of Bruce Wayne's intended donation had already made its way to the headlines, thanks to the well-connected media. However, sharing the spotlight was also a piece about a certain famous actress seen walking arm-in-arm with a certain billionaire.
Of course, the latter likely bought the publicity to ride the wave, but it was of little consequence.
Not long after, Bruce Wayne successfully reunited the child he had previously adopted under another identity with the child's real parents—an achievement he had been working toward for days.
The child's hometown wasn't in Gotham, but in another city within the same state. Upon learning the news, Batman immediately set out with the child to find the parents.
Thankfully, Reggae's parents had never given up searching for their lost child. The moment they saw him—after years of suffering—they couldn't help but cry tears of joy, embracing Reggae at once.
Having been abducted at a very young age, Reggae initially struggled to adjust and even tried to run away due to the psychological trauma he had endured. But under his parents' careful and loving care, he soon found happiness in being reunited with his biological family.
Both Reggae and his parents were immensely grateful to Batman.
It seemed that everything was moving in a positive direction.
Sometime later, after much investigation, Batman handed over all the information and evidence he had painstakingly gathered to Gordon.
Even in the dead of night, Gordon's face darkened as he reviewed the materials.
"How could she do something like this? No matter the circumstances, such suffering should never be inflicted on children," Gordon said after finishing.
America has always placed great emphasis on the well-being of children, so upon learning of the sinister activities hidden within the Williams Orphanage, even a seasoned officer like Gordon couldn't help but be shocked.
He hadn't expected that Margaret—widely praised by the public—was this kind of person. Over the years, she had carefully maintained an impeccable reputation, so no one could have imagined that she was using the orphanage as a front for the trafficking of children. It was utterly unforgivable.
Gordon put down the files in his hand and looked up at Batman. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to—"
His words were cut short.
Batman was gone again.
Faced with Batman's signature disappearing act, all Gordon could do was take a gloomy drag from his cigarette. He exhaled the last puff of smoke, dropped the cigarette butt to the ground, and crushed it underfoot. With a sigh, he picked up the hefty stack of files and turned around to leave, ready to make sure Margaret was brought to justice.
The night breeze gently swept through the air. If this were a movie, it might be the perfect moment for the villain to make their appearance.
And as a supporting character in Gotham's dark movie, Margaret didn't disappoint the audience.
That same night, as Batman handed the evidence to Gordon, far away in her luxurious mansion in the wealthy district, Margaret was smoking when she too received some news: Reggae, the boy who should have been adopted as a rich man's plaything, had somehow been returned to his biological parents.