When they had first told him a much needed trip into the city to settle some family affairs was required he had told them no problem. Why wouldn't he? He has been the longtime driver of The Wayne Family for as long as he can remember. It was his duty to accompany the man and lady of the house wherever they went. When he had been told he would not be driving on this day this left him a bit baffled but was well understood as well. Thomas Wayne often liked to drive himself everywhere he went with Martha tending to drift towards having him be the driver whenever she wanted to adventure out into the city on her own.
But nothing could have prepared him for this. When she had said she had some riding experience he mistook what she had said as having little experience in driving. Oh if he knew just how on point he was. She didn't just have little driving experience. No, she has no driving experience whatsoever. So much so that if he was to describe this trip into the city using as little words as possible it would be this. The car ride from hell. That is the only way he knew how to describe it the moment Miss Prince got behind the wheel. Horns blazing through the air across every single street they wizz on past from countless angry drivers who voice their displeasure in more ways than one. Buildings zipping on by them within a blink of an eye as the engine roars from the horsepower being applied. Wheels screeching from brakes being used to avoid head on collisions from this speeding bullet passing them by. Hearts pounding hard from avoiding an incoming disaster just like his is beating right now. A heavily breathing Alfred who clutches the leather in the back rests of the two vacant seats on each of his sides while watching Gotham City soar on by from the backseat windows with wide terror filled eyes. An experience he can only hope he will never have to experience ever again. At least not for a little while.
A car ride that thankfully he feels coming to an end when Diana slams on the brakes causing Alfred to jerk forward violently in his seat with only his seatbelt holding him back from being sent hurling forward into the front of the vehicle. This sudden movement that makes Bruce glance over his shoulder towards the backseat to give him an amused look that doesn't sit well with him. Didn't he know just how many laws his so-called wife had just broken? The amount of car accidents she almost caused and he has the nerve to just look at him with amusement? If only he was still a teenager. If he was, he would have no problem putting the young master over his knee for being such a cheeky little bugger not caring who or what sees him do it, girlfriend,wife or not. An exchange that is either ignored or goes unnoticed by the way Diana simply turns the engine off and glances back and forth between them with a smile while most of her attention is on Bruce trying to gauge his reaction to her first time behind the wheel. If she was being honest this was so much better than riding on one of those airplane things. This by far is the mightiest stead she has ever ridden. Much faster than any horse but she was willing to bet she could put this vehicle's speed to the test against the speed in which she flies. Perhaps a small test will need to be done later to prove this? For now though only one thing is on her mind.
" So how did I do?"
Sharing a quick look with Bruce with his eyes pleading with the young master to tell her the truth, receiving a nod letting out a small sigh in relief as he sees Bruce turning to look at Diana reaching down Alfred undos his seatbelt.
" Perfect."
A short answer that makes Alfred immediately snap his head back up to look at Bruce with disbelieving eyes as Diana smiles at him brightly. With this look of shock and betrayal across his face. A look that turns sour when Bruce glances back at him and gives him a wink as Alfred sees Diana getting out of the vehicle out of the corner of his eye before he watches the young master follow after the young lady out of the vehicle not catching a single word that he mumbles out.
" I do hope this isn't a regular occurance."
But even with that as he gets out of the vehicle and looks back towards the couple finding them with their arms linked just staring up towards the Wayne Enterprises as citizens walk on by with very few glancing back towards them with confusion while others with realization from recognizing Bruce's face even after so long Alfred can't help but smile slightly at them. How long has it been since the young master has been here? He honestly couldn't remember. If he was to adventure to guess he would say the last time Bruce even came here was when he was a small boy with the late Thomas Wayne. Such a long time ago and just like with time many changes have been made to this company in his absence. To his family's company. Changes he wished he could say were all good but in fact they were not. Very few good changes that would be quickly swallowed up and forgotten about within a blink of an eye due to those in power sitting on the top floor of this building and their decision making. The very same sharks who wouldn't bat an eye at sinking their teeth into the young master at any sign of weakness like sharks smelling blood in the water.
Though for some odd reason this didn't bother him. Didn't worry him and he knew just why. The young woman on the young master's arm. A truly strong minded woman that reminds him a great deal of Martha. The way she always made sure her voice was heard by Thomas no matter the circumstance always voicing her opinion when it was needed. Just what had happened between these two when Bruce was on Themyscira still remains a mystery to him but one thing is clear to him. Whatever had happened had turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Bruce. He could only shutter to think what the young master's life would have been like if he didn't meet this amazonian princess. The long lonely nights he would have patrolling the streets of Gotham before returning back to a quiet mansion. Slowly but surely becoming colder as the days went by until finally one day the inevitable would happen. A fate he wouldn't wish even on his worst enemies but he has a good feeling this young woman won't allow the darkness to consume the young master. At least not without a good fight and with that Alfred makes his way around the front of the vehicle and gets into the driver's seat and watches Bruce slowly lead Diana into the entrance of Wayne Enterprises with a fond smile on his face.
A young couple who many take notice of almost immediately the moment they step foot inside of the building for numerous reasons. The luxurious and rather expense looking business attire each are wearing. The way they walk with so much confidence with these looks of determination across their faces making many that walk past them stop and glance back at their retreating forms in confusion. The very same look shared by many in the building as they adventure across the first floor until they come to a stop and await for the elevator doors to open giving everyone a chance to take a much closer look at the couple. Giving many the chance to take a closer look at Bruce as he stares forward observing everything going on around him as Diana does the same while flashing those looking in their direction with a friendly smile and yet a warning in her eyes telling all those staring to not approach them. A look that is well received as finally the elevator doors open and Bruce escorts Diana inside before turning to hit the button for the top floor of the building revealing his face for everyone to see. A reveal that makes him hear gasps from all around as hushed whispers start to break out the moment the elevator doors start to close.
" No, we are showing very healthy growth in these sectors."
" I don't think Thomas Wayne would have viewed heavy-arms manufactures as a suitable cornerstone for our business."
An opinion that is well received with many agreeing. Thomas Wayne wouldn't want this. Wouldn't want to see his company be turned into this. It went against everything he ever believed in. Went against everything he ever stood for. So just why oh why were many on this board so admadent on changing this company into something they swore long ago to never become. The answer was simple. Money,lots and lots of money.
" Well, that's twenty years ago, Fredericks. I think after twenty years we can allow ourselves to stop thinking about what Thomas Wayne would have done."
Speaking of the devil. William Earle. The man behind the driving force for this change. For many changes in fact. It was no secret to anyone on this board what his true intentions are. He no longer saw this as Thomas Wayne's company much less anyone else's company except his own. The evidence was there for everyone to see. Despite not finding a single trace of evidence to declare his findings to be accurate somehow this businessman had found a way to undermine The Wayne Family and take control of the company right out from underneath Bruce Wayne's hands. The heir to The Wayne Fortune that hasn't been seen for so long with many questioning whether he is really alive or if Mr Earle is right when saying he is dead. Just like how the legal papers declare him as of this moment. A young man many have wished for so long would walk through those doors and claim back what is rightfully his to begin with. A wish that hasn't been granted for so long now that many have begun to lose hope.
If only they knew he was much closer than they think and he wasn't coming alone. In fact if any of them were to look just outside of this closed office many of them would faint on the spot. Others would smile with joy at seeing Bruce making his way towards Mr Earle's secretary stationed just outside of the office at her desk taking call after call while being accompanied by what they would call a rather beautiful and exotic woman.
" Good morning, Mr Earle's office. Oh yes, he's confirmed for dinner tomorrow evening."
" Good morning. I'm here to see Mr Earle."
" Name?"
A bit rude of her. That is the way Diana thinks of this young secretary who doesn't even bother to look up from whatever she is writing down. Not a great first impression to make. Oh she couldn't wait to see the look on this woman's face the moment Bruce reveals himself to her. She wants a name and oh he'll give her a name. A name she will never forget.
" Ah Bruce Wayne."
A name the moment it leaves his lips causes an instant reaction to be seen coming from the young secretary. For her hand to come to a sudden halt as her whole body freezes up with wide eyes. These eyes that slowly look up from her work and only get wider when she looks up finding Bruce standing at the front of her desk smiling down at her. This smile that is contiguous, making her smile as her eyes continue to get wider and wider in realization before her attention is directed elsewhere the moment she realizes they are not alone. And what she finds makes her smile dip slightly and frankly to this day makes a cold shiver run up and down her spine whenever she thinks about this moment. To find herself staring into the eyes of Diana who looks at her with this amused smirk across her face while her eyes have this predatory look within them. A look that makes the secretary's eyes go wide before with only muttering a quick apology to Bruce that it will only take a moment she rushes around her desk and silently enters into Mr Earle's closed office closing the door behind her slightly.
" Thomas would probably not have taken the company public but that is what we as responsible managers are going to do…."
Didn't they understand this needed to be done? No of course not. All they ever thought about is what the great Thomas Wayne would have ever done. Not anymore. Not on his watch. Everything is already in motion. If they weren't with him then they were against him. Many of these so-called advisors much like himself. Men and women he has worked with for so long that should know by now how things work around here. Perhaps he will just have to remind them once again but before Earle can voice his opinion the sound of his closed office doors creaking open behind him causes him to look over his shoulder finding his secretary of the last three years staring right back at him looking as pale as a ghost.
" Jessica?"
Snapping out of her daze glancing around the room at each member of the board before zoning in on Earle clearing her throat reaching out Jessica grazes the door handle of the office.
" Mr Earle? Members of the board. There is someone here that needs to meet with you. It's urgent."
Now this certainly gains the attention of everyone inside of the room with many having interested looks coming across their faces. Interest that only picks up as Jessica slowly pushes open the office doors revealing a sight they never thought they would ever see again. This sight of Bruce Wayne alive and well instructing an unknown woman from behind as she takes careful aim at the golf ball on the ground while seemingly enjoying the way his arms are wrapped around her from behind is any indication. A young man every single member of the board including Earle stares at with nothing but shock across their faces as Diana rears back slightly and hits the golf ball with pinpoint accuracy into the hole step up a small distance away causing her to look up at Bruce with a rather pleased look.
" I rather like this game."
" Bruce? You're supposed to be dead."
Glancing away from Diana's eyes to look over his shoulder finding every single pair of eyes inside of the room on him with his face showing nothing but amusement Bruce shrugs his shoulders.
" Sorry to disappoint."
This man really loves the sound of his own voice doesn't he?
There is a word she often used to describe people like him. Pathetic. Sniveling cockroaches. Disgusting human beings that don't even realize how grateful they should be to even be alive. Oh she has seen many of her fellow sister's act like him. Has seen and heard about many men like him but seeing it first hand just disgusts her even more. To think someone can be so greedy and power hungry absolutely makes her sick. It was men and women like these that gave humankind a bad name. A man who is oblivious to the way she glares at the back of his head as Diana sits by Bruce's side watching this disgusting man pour them each a glass of liquor from his private cabinet in the back of his office. A look she suppresses and forces herself to smile the moment he turns back towards them with a glass in each hand.
" I'm sure you realize I can't stop the big machine. Too many wheels turning. We're going public."
The smug look on his face as he presents each of them a glass of wine. A look she wanted nothing more than to slap right off from his face right now. Who was he kidding? They knew everything he was saying was complete bullshit. If he wanted to he could stop the company from going public. He just didn't want to and unfortunately they are powerless to stop this. At least at the moment. Not until the right paperwork is filed. It still amazes her how much power pieces of paper can have over the world. Documents ranging from detailing ownership of certain things to even proving life and death. Just when this system came to be is anyone's best guess but one fact remains the same. She didn't agree with it. Not one bit. She had heard it from Alfred first hand. This man. This William Earle had been the one to have declared her husband dead when no evidence of him had been found. A death that had caused nothing but a chain reaction resulting in many things going in his favor forever cementing him as a disgusting,petty little man in her eyes.
" I understand and we'll be handsomely rewarded for our shares. We're not looking to interfere."
Not yet anyways but she'll let that pass for now. Once the papers are filed away with the right people and Bruce is declared alive once again all bets were off. In fact Diana can already see some welcoming changes happening around the office the moment everything falls into place and this man would be the first thing to go.
" What we are looking for is something more precious to the both of us."
" Oh and just what might that be?"
" I just want to get to know the company my family built."
" Any ideas where you would start?"
" Applied sciences caught my eye."
A small white lie. Well some of it is anyways. Did he want to learn more about the company his family built? Yes,yes he did but surely there were much better ways than what he is doing right now. Simply going online and doing his own private research would net him more results than to go walking around this building asking numerous people about his family. But the one thing he isn't lying about is The Applied Sciences Division. The name itself caught his eye the moment he first got wind of it. A division dedicated to making new inventions with many still in the prototype phase if his information is accurate. Only time would tell but one thing was for certain. He couldn't wait to see just what kinds of inventions may be being hidden from the public's eye. Some of which might even be used to inspire his very own.