More and more guests filtered through the grand entrance of the Continental, each arrival accompanied by the relentless storm of camera flashes waiting just beyond the glass doors. Every time the doorman pulled one of the towering bronze handles, another burst of white light spilled into the lobby, illuminating polished marble floors before fading as the doors closed once more. Luxury cars rolled to a stop one after another beneath the covered entrance while valets hurried to open doors and greet Star City's elite. Politicians mingled with business owners, philanthropists exchanged pleasantries with celebrities, and reporters eagerly tried to catch snippets of conversation before being gently but firmly redirected by security.
High above the lobby, Kieran observed everything from the hotel's security room.
The walls were lined with monitors displaying nearly every corner of the building. Hallways, entrances, elevators, kitchens, loading docks, ballrooms—nothing escaped the dozens of discreetly placed cameras. Two members of the security team sat before the screens, quietly calling out observations while another monitored radio traffic flowing throughout the hotel.
Kieran stood behind them with his hands tucked neatly behind his back.
Nolan had long since retreated beneath the surface.
Tonight belonged to Kieran.
His sharp eyes wandered from monitor to monitor, carefully watching the evening unfold exactly as it had been rehearsed. Bellhops welcomed guests with practiced smiles. Waiters circulated through the ballroom carrying silver trays laden with champagne. Every member of staff moved with purpose, confidence replacing the nervousness that had filled the building only hours earlier.
Perfect.
Or close enough.
After another ten minutes, Kieran's grin slowly widened.
"I think they've survived without me long enough."
The two security officers chuckled.
Kieran stepped forward and gave each man a friendly pat on the shoulder.
"Keep an eye out, gentlemen."
"Yes, sir."
"You got it, boss."
With that, Kieran straightened his jacket, adjusted his cuffs, and disappeared through the door.
***
The ballroom had transformed into exactly the sort of gathering Kieran adored.
Crystal chandeliers cast warm golden light over polished floors while a string quartet played softly from a raised platform near the center of the room. Conversations drifted together into a pleasant hum, punctuated every so often by laughter or the clink of crystal glasses. Servers moved effortlessly between clusters of guests while photographers patiently searched for the next important face entering the room.
The atmosphere was alive.
Exactly as it should be.
"Mr. Gantz."
Kieran approached with the same effortless smile he seemed permanently capable of wearing.
"It is a pleasure to see you again."
The older gentleman turned, immediately returning the smile. Mr. Gantz was beginning to lose his battle with both age and gravity, his thinning hair and expanding waistline making that abundantly clear, yet his eyes still carried the enthusiasm of a man decades younger.
"Mr. Everleigh," he said warmly. "The pleasure is mine. You know my invitation to the museum still stands."
Kieran laughed.
"I've been meaning to accept. Unfortunately, opening hotels has turned out to be surprisingly time-consuming."
"I can't imagine why."
Gantz looked around the magnificent ballroom before gesturing broadly toward the crowd.
"I get exhausted whenever we unveil an interesting exhibit. This…" He shook his head with genuine admiration. "This is something else entirely."
"The planning was the enjoyable part."
Kieran accepted a passing glass of champagne before continuing, "The secret is hiring people significantly smarter than yourself."
Gantz raised an eyebrow, "Is that your secret?"
"Oh, absolutely." Kieran lowered his voice conspiratorially.
"If I were actually responsible for organizing this evening we'd probably still be arguing over tablecloth colors."
The older man burst into laughter, "I somehow doubt that."
"I assure you, my decorating instincts are criminal."
Another laugh escaped Gantz, "Well, regardless, you've done an excellent job."
"I appreciate that."
Kieran gestured toward the ballroom, "Please enjoy yourself, Mr. Gantz. Everything you see tonight is meant to be experienced."
The museum director's eyes wandered toward a passing waiter carrying an impressive assortment of hors d'oeuvres.
"I believe," he announced solemnly, "I'm about to ambush one of your servers."
Kieran nodded approvingly.
"I encourage it."
After all… The chef had been worrying all week that they'd prepared too much food.
***
No sooner had Mr. Gantz disappeared into the crowd than another familiar face caught Kieran's attention.
"Francine."
His smile somehow became even brighter, "How wonderful of you to make it."
The elegant woman turned at the sound of her name before greeting him with the sort of bell-like laugh that seemed incapable of sounding insincere, "Kieran."
She stepped forward to offer a brief hug.
"I was beginning to think I'd have to interview your employees just to get your attention."
"I would've been terribly offended."
"You would've survived."
"Barely."
She looked around the ballroom, genuine admiration replacing the playful teasing.
"It's beautiful."
"Thank you."
"I mean it."
Her eyes drifted upward toward the chandeliers before sweeping across the room.
"I've attended a lot of grand openings."
She smiled, "This one feels… expensive."
Kieran placed a hand dramatically over his heart, "I shall treasure that compliment forever."
She rolled her eyes, "I suppose you've already guessed why I'm here."
"You'd like a private tour."
Francine blinked. "…How do you keep doing that?"
"Professional intuition."
"I think it's witchcraft."
"I've considered that possibility."
She laughed again before lightly nudging his shoulder.
"My readers are going to love this place."
"I certainly hope so."
Kieran inclined his head.
"I look forward to tomorrow morning's paper."
"You should."
She gave him a mischievous grin, "I've instructed my photographers to make you look at least ten percent more handsome."
"I appreciate the extra effort."
"You'll need it."
Before Kieran could think of an appropriate response, Francine's attention shifted toward the ballroom entrance.
Her smile slowly froze.
"Oh."
Kieran followed her gaze.
"Oh indeed."
A familiar blond billionaire had just entered the ballroom accompanied by an equally striking woman.
Kieran's grin became positively predatory, "If you'll excuse me."
Francine smiled knowingly.
"Go."
"And?"
"Send my regards."
"I'll do my best."
***
Kieran crossed the ballroom with the effortless confidence of a man entirely in his element.
"Oliver!"
His voice carried easily above the surrounding conversations, "I'm delighted you could make it."
Oliver turned immediately, his trademark grin already firmly in place, "I wouldn't miss it."
"I was beginning to think Star City had swallowed you up. Haven't seen you since our introduction!"
"You wouldn't believe how busy I've been!" Kieran groaned, "Too much to do."
"Oh I could imagine, I've been known to throw a part or two."
Kieran placed a hand over his chest, "And where was my invite?"
Oliver laughed before gesturing toward the woman beside him, "Kieran… may I introduce Dinah Lance."
Kieran's attention shifted toward her. For just a fraction of a second he seemed genuinely speechless.
Then he smiled.
"My word…" He offered his hand with practiced elegance, "Mr. Queen neglected to mention he was arriving with the most beautiful woman in the ballroom."
Dinah accepted the handshake, one eyebrow arching ever so slightly, "That's a dangerous line to use at your own grand opening."
"Is it?" Kieran tilted his head thoughtfully, "I would've thought it was simply accurate."
She laughed despite herself.
"And here I thought businessmen were supposed to flatter investors."
"Oh, they absolutely should."
He lowered his voice just enough to sound conspiratorial, "The trouble is none of the investors I've met this evening have been nearly as distracting."
Oliver groaned dramatically, "Trying to steal my date Everleigh?"
"I wouldn't dream of it Oliver." Kieran looked positively innocent, "I'm merely trying to be a gracious host."
"You're flirting."
"I prefer the term excellent customer service."
Dinah shook her head, unable to suppress another smile, "Do all of your guests receive compliments like that?"
"Only the memorable ones."
"And how many of those are there?"
Kieran looked around the ballroom as though seriously considering the question before returning his attention to her.
"So far?"
He smiled.
"One."
Oliver let out an exaggerated sigh, "I knew inviting her was going to inflate your ego."
Kieran chuckled.
"I assure you, Mr. Queen…"
His eyes never quite left Dinah's.
"…my ego was already doing just fine."
The three of them remained near the edge of the ballroom, champagne glasses in hand as the conversations around them rose and fell like the tide. The orchestra continued its soft performance somewhere in the background while waiters drifted effortlessly through the crowd, replacing empty glasses almost as quickly as they appeared.
Oliver, as expected, quickly reclaimed control of the conversation.
"So," he said, sweeping an arm toward the ballroom with theatrical flair, "I have to admit, I'm impressed."
Kieran smiled.
"I'll happily accept compliments all evening."
"No, seriously." Oliver turned slowly, taking in the enormous crystal chandeliers, the marble floors, the towering windows overlooking Star City, and the hundreds of guests mingling beneath them. "This is incredible. Half the city is here."
"Only half?" Kieran asked, feigning disappointment. "Clearly my invitations require improvement."
Oliver barked out a laugh.
"I knew you were ambitious, but expecting the entire city to attend is pushing it."
Kieran lifted his glass slightly.
"I'll aim higher next time."
Oliver shook his head, still grinning, "You know… this might actually rival one of my old parties."
"Might?" Kieran pressed a hand dramatically against his chest. "You wound me."
Oliver chuckled, I'm leaving myself room to judge dessert."
"Fair."
Kieran glanced around the ballroom before looking back at Oliver, "It's an excellent turnout."
"It really is."
"But…" Kieran's smile turned slightly mischievous, "…I imagine it still isn't quite as entertaining as the legendary Queen parties."
Oliver groaned loudly enough for several nearby guests to glance over, "Oh, don't start."
"I've heard stories."
"I'm sure you have."
"They're quite unbelievable."
"They're probably true."
Dinah folded her arms, already smiling because she knew where this was going.
Oliver sighed dramatically.
"Those were years ago."
"So the rumors are exaggerated now?"
"No."
"You've mellowed?"
"Absolutely not."
"You simply got older?"
Oliver pointed an accusing finger at him.
"I liked you better before you started asking questions."
Kieran laughed, "I somehow doubt that."
"I did."
"You've known me for all of ten minutes."
"Long enough."
Dinah rolled her eyes affectionately before turning her attention back toward Kieran.
"So…"
Her expression became pleasantly curious, "I'm sure you've been asked plenty of questions about your business."
Kieran inclined his head, "only a couple."
"What about personal ones?"
His smile didn't falter, "I've had considerably less practice with those."
"Where'd you grow up?"
"Gotham." He lied
"I know that."
She took a sip of champagne, "What was it like?"
Kieran looked thoughtful for a moment before smiling faintly, "Educational."
Oliver snorted into his drink. Dinah narrowed her eyes.
"Educational?"
"I learned many valuable life lessons."
"Such as?"
He counted on his fingers.
"Never trust cheap coffee."
Oliver nodded solemnly.
"Fair."
"Always wear comfortable shoes."
"Reasonable."
"And never underestimate an elderly woman carrying an umbrella."
Dinah blinked, "….There's a story there."
"There are several."
"Are you going to tell me one?"
"Probably not." She laughed, "You dodge questions professionally."
"I own hotels."
"I don't see the connection."
"You'd be surprised how often they overlap."
She studied him for another moment.
"Family?"
Kieran's smile softened almost imperceptibly, "They're… complicated."
Oliver noticed the tiny hesitation. Dinah did too. Neither of them pressed further.
Instead she shifted slightly, "What did you want to be growing up, Oliver over here wanted to throw parties his whole life."
Kieran answered immediately, "Taller."
Oliver burst into laughter so suddenly that he nearly spilled his drink, "That wasn't the question."
"I know." Dinah couldn't help smiling, "And the actual answer come on I'm interested in the new business mogul in star city," she fluttered her eyelashes
"I don't remember." That answer sounded genuine.
Almost too genuine.
"So you always wanted hotels?"
"I don't think anyone dreams about hotel management as a child."
"What did you dream about then?"
Kieran looked past them for a brief moment, his eyes wandering across the ballroom before returning with that same effortless smile.
"Suits. Nice suits, I guess I achieved my dream."
Before Dinah could ask another question, the atmosphere inside the ballroom shifted.
It started quietly.
Conversations paused.
Heads turned.
Then the volume throughout the room seemed to rise all at once.
Reporters near the entrance suddenly became animated, camera flashes erupting in rapid succession as more photographers rushed toward the doors. Guests whispered among themselves while others subtly repositioned to get a better view of whoever had just arrived.
Oliver glanced toward the entrance.
"So much for us being the center of attention."
Kieran followed his gaze.
The enormous bronze doors had opened once again. Stepping through them in an impeccably tailored navy suit was Bruce Wayne himself.
One arm rested comfortably around the waist of an impossibly beautiful model who smiled effortlessly beneath the barrage of camera flashes, waving to photographers as though she'd done this a thousand times before. Bruce wore the familiar expression of a man who looked mildly inconvenienced by being admired.
Kieran's smile immediately brightened.
"I knew he'd make it."
Oliver chuckled.
"You were pretty confident."
"Oh, Bruce always insists he's far too busy."
Kieran shook his head with obvious amusement.
"He complains about his schedule every single time."
"And yet…"
"There he is."
Oliver smiled knowingly.
"So he's predictable."
"No."
Kieran's grin widened, "He's just a terrible liar when it comes to invitations."
He set his champagne glass onto the tray of a passing waiter before straightening his jacket, "Oliver."
He inclined his head.
"Dinah."
His eyes sparkled with unmistakable excitement.
"If you'll excuse me…"
He looked back toward the entrance where Bruce was still greeting guests.
"…I have an old friend to welcome."
***
"Bruce!"
Kieran's voice carried effortlessly across the ballroom, warm enough to draw more than a few curious glances from nearby guests. A broad smile spread across his face as he closed the distance, opening his arms before pulling Bruce into an easy, familiar embrace.
"I'm glad you could make it." He stepped back, still smiling. "I was beginning to think you'd invent another excuse. I hope the flight wasn't too boring."
Bruce returned the smile with practiced ease, every bit the charming billionaire the cameras expected him to be.
"It wasn't bad at all." His eyes drifted around the ballroom, taking in the polished marble, crystal chandeliers, and sea of well-dressed guests. "I have to admit, this place is impressive." He smirked faintly. "I feel like Gotham got the runt of the litter."
Kieran looked positively offended.
"Never."
He waved a dismissive hand before gesturing dramatically around the ballroom.
"This place is beautiful, but the Gotham locations have character." His voice lowered conspiratorially as he leaned closer. "Gothic architecture, old stonework, impossible hallways, enough gargoyles to frighten tourists…"
His eyebrows wiggled mischievously.
"Don't tell anyone, but I actually like the Gotham hotels more."
Bruce couldn't suppress the small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
"I'll confess something equally scandalous."
"Oh?"
"I agree."
"There."
Kieran pointed triumphantly.
"I knew you had taste."
Bruce chuckled before gesturing toward the woman standing patiently beside him.
"Allow me to introduce Mei."
Kieran turned smoothly toward her, offering the same effortless charm he seemed capable of summoning for everyone.
"It's a pleasure."
Mei smiled, tilting her head slightly.
"The pleasure's mine."
Her eyes wandered toward the ballroom behind him.
"Although…" she admitted, "…I was told there would be complimentary drinks."
Kieran gasped dramatically.
"They've been hiding them from you?"
"I believe so."
He pointed toward one side of the ballroom where waiters circulated with silver trays overflowing with champagne.
"An unforgivable oversight."
He smiled warmly.
"They're over there, though I'm fairly certain you could convince one of the waiters to bring you absolutely anything."
She laughed softly.
"I'll put that theory to the test."
"I wish you the best of luck."
With one final smile, she wandered toward the nearest passing server, disappearing into the sea of elegantly dressed guests.
Only after she was gone did Kieran glance back toward Bruce.
"Fresh air?"
Bruce nodded almost immediately.
"Sounds good."
Together they slipped away from the crowd, weaving through clusters of investors and politicians before passing through a set of ornate glass doors leading onto one of the hotel's private terraces.
The city stretched before them.
Star City glittered beneath the evening sky, its skyline illuminated by thousands of lights reflecting across the bay. A cool breeze drifted through the patio, carrying away the constant murmur of the ballroom the moment the doors slid shut behind them.
Once the door was closed both men touched their watches.
"So, can I expect any visits from your super pals out here in star city."
Bruce didn't drop the playboy act fully now that they were alone but his smile did get colder.
"Don't get too distracted Kieran that's when people make mistakes."
Kieran side eyed his biggest threat and shook his head, "Why can't you just stop. It would make everything smoother yknow."
"I could ask you the same question Kieran, why don't you just stop. Your a businessman know, you can quit crime and continue with these hotels."
Kieran side eyed Bruce a frown beginning to form on his lips, "It's not that simple."
"Then tell me, why do you continue?" Bruce pushed
Sneering Kieran replied, "I could ask you the same why do you continue to fight crime when it's impossible to stop it. Gotham will never be free of it, you and your sidekick make a difference but it will never be enough so why bother?"
They stayed silent for a while.
****
Marcy grinned, "Just like boss planned, he's out of Gotham. Begin the shipments. We have one night to make as many deliveries as we can, let's get started."
It was going to be a busy night in Gotham. Batman was away and the underpass knew it.
****
"I'm surprised you stepped away from Gotham to attend this." Kieran began again breaking the silence
"I leave Gotham all the time for events Kieran you're not special." Kieran looked at Bruce and frowned
Something wasn't right.
***
"Batman was right, come on let's go." Nightwing said dropping down from his vantage point
***
They rejoined the party Bruce branching off to speak to some people, Oliver included. Still Kieran thought something was amiss.
Then it hit him, "fuck." He whispered whipping out his phone and making eye contact with Bruce from across the room.
Neither man smiled anymore.