Poker Face | Bruce Wayne

two

"What did he say?"

A sip of hot tea.

"What do you think he said?"

The blond-haired man grimaced slightly. "That bad, huh?"

"Not that I was expecting anything different, anyway." Meredith rolled her eyes. "Like there was ever a chance he was letting me get that leg-up on him."

The man stared at her, almost seeming nervous under her gaze as he fidgeted with the button on his suit jacket. She narrowed her eyes. She'd known Oliver for years, and there were very few things that ever got that reaction out of him.

"What's your damage, Mare? Your company is booming, revenue at an all-time high, you're top ten on Forbes for Christ's sake— why do you even need more money?"

She scoffed. "It's not about the money, Oliver. If Elias Incorporated is seen being partnered with the Justice League, do you know what that's going to for my reputation? Especially after the whole 'exploding laptops' debacle a few months ago, my market value dropped two percent and I need it back."

"So, you're essentially only showing up for the good graces?"

"Precisely."

He looked exasperated, running a hand through his hair as he swiveled his chair around and stared out the window of his office. The Queen Industries tower— although she would never admit it— was one of her favorite company buildings in terms of style. His office was big and warmly lit, with oak wood tables and soft carpets. Behind him was a birds-eye view of the entire Star City skyline.

"I think you're chasing a lost cause."

Meredith went silent. Usually, Oliver was in support of her business expenditures, calling her on late nights to find out what happened to whatever deal she had brokered. This particular one was involving the Justice League, with high-flying heroes and men who could outrun race cars. She'd figured that Oliver would've been all over her to get a part in it.

"Weren't you the one who said that I always get what I want?" She took another sip of the hot tea one of his assistants had brought in.

He swiveled back around. "Yeah, but—"

"Then I don't see how this is a lost cause."

"—you don't get it! It's different this time. This isn't your typical, rich CEO shmuck," he explained. "It's Batman. And no offense, but that's a little out of your league."

She glared at him. "And it's in yours? How did you even get a stake, anyway?"

"That's... not important. Listen—"

"Wait, you never actually told me," she said, realization dawning on her. She set down her glass. "How exactly did you get in?"

He froze and his face went blank. She could tell a thousand thoughts were running through his mind. He looked exasperated again.

"Mare, I already paid off my debt to you with those numbers. I don't owe you anything else."

"Then don't consider it work-related. It's just a conversation between two old friends."

"Meredith..." he said warningly. She could read his unspoken plea not to press any further.

"Oliver..."

He sighed, and silence fell over the room before he spoke again. He stopped playing with his jacket button and rested his head in his hand, almost looking guilty.

"I... have a connection."

"Which is?"

"Just someone I know."