Sofia turned away, her skirt brushing Oswald's lame foot, and left with her head held high.
She was furious. Her father's health declined year after year, and people within the family had already begun quietly taking sides.
She had been the undisputed choice for Heir, but now Oswald, that damned penguin, had become mayor and opposed her at every turn.
She had to build up her own power as soon as possible. She couldn't let a petty bastard like Oswald keep gloating.
A sudden commotion arose at the entrance to the banquet hall.
Bruce Wayne entered the hall with Ririko on his arm.
He wore a black suit, his shoulders looking broader than before, his frame sturdier and more upright.
Ririko held his arm, wearing a burgundy gown with a thigh-high slit that revealed a stretch of her long, fair legs with every step.
People in the crowd whispered-
"Bruce Wayne? Doesn't he look different?"
"Did he get a new girlfriend? Wasn't he supposed to be with Sofia?"
"He's the Wayne heir. A few extra girlfriends are nothing unusual..."
"A playboy after all. Those rumors were true."
Bruce selectively listened to the compliments about his physique and the remarks about how well he and Ririko suited each other.
Ririko maintained a gracious smile beside him, welcoming everyone's envious gazes.
Oswald stood in the middle of the banquet hall, feeling as though he had swallowed a dead frog.
She really did come with Bruce...
Why did I say I looked forward to welcoming both of them? Why couldn't I have said just her...?
Still, jealous as he was, he leaned on his umbrella and made his way through the crowd toward Bruce and Ririko.
"Welcome." Oswald greeted them with a stiff smile.
"Congratulations." Bruce extended his hand and shook Oswald's.
"Thank