The next day, after a brief date with Alison, I decided to give her a tour of the recording studio and introduce her to the team.
Everyone was welcoming, even Vivian. Despite Alison taking her position, Vivian seemed at peace with the fact that her role as manager had always been temporary. Truthfully, she appeared content with her new role as deputy director of the studio—especially since I increased her salary by 1.5 times.
Later that afternoon, I brought Dazzler to our mobile game production center to introduce her to Heather and Barbara. To my surprise, the introduction went even better than expected.
"So, you're a mutant, Alison?" Batgirl asked, curiously looking at her new colleague.
"That's right—my ability is converting sound into light waves," Alison said, demonstrating with a short light show.
"Looks like we'll save some money on organizing concerts," Heather remarked, voicing her thoughts aloud.
"For your information, there's only one of me!" Alison responded indignantly. "Besides, I'm the director. My time is limited."
"Don't take her words to heart; we're glad to welcome you to our team," Barbara said warmly.
"Thank you," Alison replied, her voice gentle, as she began to glow faintly.
At five in the evening, I arrived at my workshop. Lately, I'd been so busy that I'd almost completely neglected the production of the GLM Glasses.
Meanwhile, spinner production and advertising were running at full speed. In just a week, the spinners would be available in stores and markets across North America.
To top it off, Bruce had agreed to sell them abroad at my urgent request. If demand went through the roof, I couldn't even begin to imagine the profits. But for now, I needed to shift gears and focus on science.
"Eva, open the GLM Glasses project. Let's continue where we left off," I instructed my digital assistant.
"Sir, you've received an invitation to an event celebrating 'American Business Women's Day.'"
"That's in three days, right?"
"Correct," Eva replied. "The holiday is widely celebrated across the United States to honor the importance of women's labor and their contributions to building modern America as an economically stable and prosperous nation."
"Hmm… I'm afraid I'll have to decline. There's too much to do."
"The invitation came from Silver St. Cloud," Eva added, "and she's on the list of people you asked me to monitor. Just reminding you."
Silver St. Cloud—one of Gotham's most successful, beautiful, and wealthy women. In the comics, she'd been Bruce Wayne's love interest, though it hadn't ended well. Tragically, she was killed in front of Batman.
The cruel world of comics. Still, Miss Silver was an intriguing individual. She was sharp enough to deduce Batman's secret identity on her own, something very few had managed. Apparently, she and Bruce hadn't crossed paths yet.
I read the invitation. The event was being held at the Iceberg Lounge, Penguin's base of operations. I'd avoided that place, but now, here it was.
Miss Silver herself was hosting the party. From what I knew, she owned an agency that organized events, conferences, and parties across America.
I really wanted to meet her, and this invitation presented a golden opportunity. But why did I have such a bad feeling? The thought of this evening gave me goosebumps.
"Will you decline the invitation, sir?" Eva's voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
"No. How could I?"
Refusing an invitation from one of Gotham's most beautiful women would be foolish. Still, my intuition screamed at me to stay away. Yet, as the saying goes, nothing ventured, nothing gained.
______________
Today, I was in the studio composing a song for Alison. Her concert was less than a week away, and she'd need time to rehearse. There was no time to waste.
"My God, this song is incredible! It feels like it was made just for me," Alison exclaimed after singing it through.
"That's because it was," I replied with a kind smile.
"Thank you, Alex," Alison said, embracing me tightly. "Now I'm absolutely confident my return to the stage will go perfectly!"
The studio buzzed with excitement as everyone prepared for their new boss's concert. They hoped the event would establish our label as a competitive and promising recording company—and, of course, bring in profits.
Typically, musicians under contract earn royalties of 10-20%. Newcomers usually settle for 10%, while bigger stars earn 20-30%. But as the studio director and a future songwriter for herself and others, Alison's royalties were set at 40%. No one objected; everyone agreed she deserved it.
______________
September 22 arrived—American Business Women's Day.
At 8 PM, I pulled up to the Iceberg Lounge. The place was surprisingly cozy for being run by one of Gotham's most dangerous criminals.
The two-story building featured a large pool for seals and penguins, complete with a sculptural iceberg centerpiece. The interior was styled like a polar winter wonderland. On stage, musicians in tuxedos played jazz compositions and sang beautifully.
The tables were laden with an array of dishes that were hard to resist.
"Champagne, sir?" a waiter offered.
"No, thank you. I'd prefer a non-alcoholic cocktail."
"Any specific preferences?"
"No, just something of your choosing."
The drink I received was unexpectedly delightful—far better than I'd anticipated.
While I scanned the room, a charming voice called out to me:
"You're Alex Reath, right?"
Turning, I saw a stunning woman with long, mesmerizing silver hair.
She appeared about 27, her bottomless blue eyes meeting mine. Her black dress tried—and failed—to conceal her beauty.
"That depends on who's asking," I replied with a confident smile.
"I…" she began.
"Who are you?"
"Depends on who's asking."
We locked eyes, maintaining serious expressions until both of us burst into laughter.
"You're quite funny," she said. "I'm Silver St. Cloud."
"A pleasure to meet you," I said, kissing her hand.
"The rumors weren't wrong; you truly are dazzling, Ms. St. Cloud."
"Oh, please," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear while lifting her chin with pride.
"To be honest, I didn't expect to see you here," she admitted, sipping her wine.
"Why not?"
"As if you don't know. You're a very modest young man, Mr. Reath. How many invitations to social events have you already ignored? Yet, here you are."
"The thing is," I explained, "I've been incredibly busy. I just started my company, and we're expanding rapidly. Most matters require my direct involvement."
************
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