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By: OrderNerd
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What followed was fascination.
An elderly lady with silver hair and understated jewelry approached with a warm smile.
"My dear, your dress is stunning, she said, taking Raven's hand. Finally, someone with good taste in this place full of pretension."
Raven raised her brows, surprised, and thanked her with a shy nod. Ethan only smirked at the corner of his lips, watching how the attention now gravitated around her.
On the other side, a burly executive raised his glass toward Ethan.
" Mr. Vale! he exclaimed loudly. So… does this mean ValeTech is seeking strategic alliances with the Teen Titans?"
Ethan merely leaned in, pretending to whisper a secret.
"Who knows?" he murmured, winking mischievously before leading Raven away. The murmur of speculation only grew louder behind them.
Once they were apart, he turned to her.
"You look beautiful tonight." he said sincerely, his voice losing its usual sarcasm.
Raven glanced away for a moment, her cheeks betraying a faint blush.
"You too… you seem different. More eloquent than I imagined."
He let out a quiet chuckle.
"Are you blushing?"
She sighed, as if it were useless to hide.
"Normally, it's easy for me to control my emotions," she admitted softly. "But near you… it's been harder than it should be."
This time it was Ethan who looked away, an involuntary smile tugging at his lips.
The orchestra began a gentle waltz. Couples glided across the ballroom in coordinated steps. Ethan watched for a few seconds, then turned back to Raven.
He extended his hand.
"It'll be good to clear your mind a little. I promise it's not nearly as terrifying as facing supervillains."
She lifted her eyes to him, hesitated, then laughed at the teasing remark.
"You're impossible."
Even so, she placed her hand in his.
Ethan guided her to the center of the ballroom, and together they began to dance. At first, their steps were careful, almost hesitant. But soon the rhythm took over—along with the eyes of everyone present. Some murmured, others smiled, and some simply watched with curiosity.
In that moment, amidst the music and the discreet flashes of photographers, there was no ValeTech, no contracts, no looming threats. There was only Ethan and Raven, lost in each other, in a silence that spoke louder than words.
Ethan spun Raven across the floor, leading her with steady confidence. The orchestra subtly quickened the tempo, and on the final note he dipped her gently back, supporting her by the waist. Her dress flared in the air like a violet circle illuminated by the glow of the chandeliers.
For an instant, every gaze fixed on them—the Titan heroine and the enigmatic Vale heir, moving in perfect harmony at the heart of the ballroom.
Raven lifted her eyes to him, a faint smile breaking through despite her effort to remain composed. Still holding her, Ethan arched a brow.
"See? Not so terrifying after all."
She sighed, laughing softly as he helped her upright again.
"Perhaps… a little less than facing an interdimensional alien."
They laughed together, but Ethan soon asked:
"Would you like something to drink?"
Raven shook her head.
"Just some water please."
"Then I'll be right back," he promised, reluctantly letting go of her hand before stepping away.
As he walked through the ballroom, Ethan was immediately surrounded by investors and executives. A tall man wearing a dark green tie with the discreet logo of Queen Industries approached him:
"Mr. Vale, I've heard rumors about future collaborations between ValeTech and Star City. Perhaps we could discuss renewable energy soon…"
Ethan exchanged a few formal words, keeping his tone political and neutral. But before the conversation could continue, a female voice called out behind him:
"Mr. Vale… would you grant me the honor of an interview?"
He turned.
A woman with sleek, dark hair, dressed in a sophisticated red gown that accentuated her figure, approached with confident steps. Her brown eyes gleamed with determination, and the badge of the Daily Planet glimmered discreetly on her bag.
Ethan studied her for a moment, trying to place the familiarity tugging at him.
"I have the impression I've seen you somewhere before."
She smiled faintly, extending her hand.
"Rude of me not to introduce myself. Lois Lane."
For a moment, Ethan held her hand, then, the name locked into place like a puzzle piece sliding where it belonged.
Lois Lane — the most influential reporter in Metropolis, and Superman's love.
"Of course… now I remember," he said, raising an eyebrow. "The journalist who's made senators sweat through interviews."
Lois chuckled softly.
"Well, let's see if you handle it any better than they did. I'm writing a piece not only about the event, but about the political and social ripples caused by ValeTech's presence here. And naturally… about you and your brother."
Ethan drew in a slow breath, though the sarcastic smile never left his lips.
"That sounds like a very well-laid trap, Miss Lane."
"I prefer to call it journalism," she countered, steady but with a playful glimmer in her eyes. "So… what do you say?"
He adjusted his dark blazer, the corner of his mouth curling into a cool, controlled smirk.
"Miss Lane, I'd be delighted to grant you the interview you're so eager for."
Lois raised an eyebrow, ready to fire back with another quip. But before she could speak, Ethan finished:
"Unfortunately… or perhaps fortunately… I'm accompanied tonight."
He cast a brief glance over his shoulder. On the other side of the ballroom, Raven was surrounded by a small crowd of curious onlookers — businessmen, politicians, socialites. All eager to pry a word or a smile from her, like vultures circling rare prey.
Ethan turned his gaze back to Lois, his voice laced with polished irony.
"It wouldn't be very gentlemanly of me to leave my companion in the hands… of opportunists."
Lois stifled a laugh, recognizing the wordplay.
"I see. But don't think you'll get away from me that easily."
He slipped a hand into his pocket and pulled out a black business card with silver details, holding it out to her.
"Here's my direct contact. Call me, and we'll set up a conversation under better circumstances."
Lois's eyes flashed for a moment, surprised by the boldness of the gesture. But she accepted the card, tucking it away carefully.
"I'll hold you to that promise, Mr. Vale."
Ethan tilted his head slightly, offering a faint smile as he excused himself, moving off to retrieve the glass of water Raven had asked for.
As he returned, his gaze hardened for a moment. Even from a distance, he could see the discreet impatience in her violet eyes, barely concealed by composure.
A young heir from one of Metropolis's wealthiest families, Gregory Halden, whiskey glass in hand, spoke loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear:
"A woman like you shouldn't be wasting her time in a place like this…" he said, leaning in shamelessly closer to Raven. "I could take you out tomorrow. Restaurants, hotels, trips… you don't need to mingle with these people."
Gregory's smile was arrogant, dripping with condescension. Raven crossed her arms, keeping her face neutral, though the discomfort in her eyes was unmistakable.
"I'm not interested," she said flatly.
He laughed, a drunk, mocking sound.
"Oh, of course you are. Every smart woman knows how to recognize an opportunity when she sees one."
That was when Ethan arrived. His presence alone drew several glances. Without a word, he stepped to Raven's side, sliding a hand around her waist and pulling her gently closer.
"Mr. Halden," Ethan said, his voice low, polite — but sharp as a blade. "I imagine you've enjoyed the evening… perhaps it's time to call it a night, considering the stench of alcohol I can smell on you."
Gregory laughed again, tossing back his glass.
"Do you even know who I am?"
Ethan tilted his head, the smirk on his lips laced with disdain.
"I know exactly who you are. I also know you're too drunk to realize you're about to humiliate yourself in front of all Metropolis."
Ethan's eyes flared with a spectral blue glow for an instant, and an invisible weight pressed down over the air. Gregory froze, swallowing hard as sweat trickled down his forehead. Raven shot him a look of surprise — she had felt that energy before, but never expected to see it unleashed this way.
"I suggested you leave," Ethan said, his icy calm more terrifying than any shout. "Consider this your last warning."
He moved before Gregory could react. With one motion, Ethan guided Raven gently behind him and seized Gregory's arm in a crushing grip. A sharp crack echoed faintly as Ethan pressed down, dislocating the man's wrist.
"I already told you to go," Ethan said, shoving him to his knees.
Gregory cried out in pain, drawing the eyes of everyone nearby. The ballroom erupted in murmurs; some guests discreetly raised their phones, recording the scene.
Ethan pulled a white handkerchief from his pocket and calmly wiped his hand, as though brushing off something filthy.
"It seems the party is over for our guest," he declared, his voice firm enough to echo through the hall. With a gesture to security, he added: "Escort Mr. Halden to his car. Tell his parents it was… a pleasure having him here."
Two suited men moved quickly, hauling Gregory to his feet. He still whimpered, clutching his injured wrist, as he was dragged out under dozens of watchful eyes.
Ethan turned back to Raven, who was staring at him with eyes filled with surprise.
He simply arched a brow.
"You alright?"
Raven drew a slow breath, trying to disguise the faint blush rising to her cheeks.
"I was handling it just fine on my own."
Ethan let out a dry, ironic smile.
"I know. But I wasn't about to let someone like him steal another second of your peace."
Her gaze softened, and for a moment, the two of them seemed to forget they were surrounded by dozens of curious eyes.
The evening carried on lightly. Ethan and Raven sat together at the table, raising their glasses in discreet toasts of wine and even sharing a few quiet laughs that slipped past her usual somber demeanor. Both seemed content simply to enjoy each other's company.
As the clock advanced, an older gentleman approached discreetly, leaning toward Ethan and murmuring something in his ear. The young Vale gave a small nod.
He rose from the table. That single movement was enough to draw attention; heads turned, conversations slowed. The music faded softly, and the hum of the ballroom quieted bit by bit.
Ethan walked to the ornate podium at the center of the hall, adjusted the microphone, and lifted his gaze.
Then, he began his speech:
"Ladies and gentlemen, good evening.
Before anything else, allow me to thank each and every one of you for being here tonight. This event is not just a charity gala — it is a reminder of what we can achieve when we stand together.
Gotham is a city scarred by hardships — we all know this. But it is also a city of unshakable strength. A city built by citizens who rise each day, who work, who fight, who dream — even in the face of adversity. They are living proof that hope never disappears.
Tonight, our mission is not only to raise funds. It is to plant seeds. Every donation, every investment, represents not just a meal, not just a roof — but a chance for these children to grow up in a different world. A world where they have opportunities, where they can study, where one day they may stand where many of us do now — leading, innovating, changing the world.
I want to give special thanks to the companies that joined us here. Partners who chose to believe that together we are stronger. We are not here to compete. We are here to prove that when great industries, philanthropists, and visionaries unite, we can rise above borders, above differences.
Tonight, we are not only helping Gotham. Tonight, we are helping the future.
To all of you, thank you."
As the final word faded into the air, the hall lingered in silence for a moment, as if everyone were still absorbing the weight of his speech. Then, applause erupted — hesitant at first, then swelling, echoing across the entire ballroom. Some guests rose to their feet in approval, others exchanged surprised glances at the eloquence of the young heir.
From her table, Raven watched in silence. Her violet eyes caught the golden glow of the chandeliers, but what stood out most was the faint curve of her lips — a rare, discreet smile.
Ethan simply inclined his head in gratitude, keeping his composure. He stepped down from the podium as the applause continued to ripple, returning to his table with the calmness of someone who had done exactly what needed to be done.
He had barely taken his seat when a murmur began to spread across the hall. First it was whispers. Then, dozens of phones were lifted into the air at once, like a silent audience.
And then, outside, all eyes turned to one of the massive holographic screens covering the façade of the neighboring building.
FLASH NEWS — JUMP CITY EMERGENCY
Shaky footage of helicopters hovering over highways. Sirens, police barricades, chaos.
A reporter's urgent voice cut through the static:
"The criminal known as Toyman has escaped during his transfer to Gotham. Following his breakout, he hijacked a school bus returning from a field trip. Reinforcements have been deployed, but the situation is considered extremely high risk."
Ethan's heart froze. He stepped forward, his eyes locked on the massive screen. The feed cut to a list of missing students, accompanied by blurred photos pulled from school records.
The world seemed to stop when he read one name:
Sophia Vale.
The glass in his hand cracked under the pressure of his grip. Beside him, Raven saw it too — her eyes darting instantly toward him.
Around them, a few executives murmured in hushed tones, watching carefully. The air grew heavy, as if the entire hall were holding its breath, waiting for his reaction.
Ethan clenched his jaw until he tasted metal. Rage boiled inside him like lava. He leaned toward Raven, his voice low, sharp with urgency:
"Raven… take us back to Jump City. Now."
She hesitated, her hand lightly gripping his arm.
"Ethan, think for a second. I understand your anger, but—"
He cut her off, his gray eyes blazing with restrained fury:
"If I have to, I'll walk across this entire hall and vanish into the shadows in front of everyone. But then it's over. My identity, ValeTech… everything collapses. Raven, can I count on you or not?"
The silence between them was suffocating. Ethan's breath came heavy, almost like a growl. Raven held his gaze — and saw something there that left her with no more doubts.
She nodded slowly.
— "…Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"
Darkness surged around them like a living dome, swallowing the golden light of the ballroom. In an instant, the two of them vanished before everyone's eyes.
Outside, journalists lost their minds. The gala crowd erupted in shouts, cell phones shaking as they captured the impossible phenomenon.
In the very next instant, when the shadows released them back into the world, there was no red carpet, no floodlights.
There was only a stormy night in Jump City… From the top of a tall building, Ethan could hear the distant wail of sirens and the roar of news helicopters.
Ethan's eyes blazed.
And for the first time since they had met, as she looked at his expression, Raven felt fear.
(continue...)