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[b][center][color=gray]BATMAN[/color][/center][/b][/h1][/sup][/color][indent][sub][COLOR=gray][I]OLD GOTHAM[/I][/COLOR][/sub][/indent][indent][sup][right][COLOR=gray][b]HOMECOMING - AGREE TO DISAGREE[/b][/color][/right][/sup][/indent][INDENT][hr][/INDENT]
[INDENT][INDENT][INDENT][color=DARKGRAY][color=946C82]"You truly don't know what you've just done, do you?"[/color] 

Bruce's uncle confronted him, and the displeasure was evident in his tone and expression. The conference room was nearly empty, except for a few eager individuals hoping to have a personal conversation with the newly appointed CEO. Despite Philip Kane's composed facade, a subtle glimpse of his unfiltered thoughts was ready to break through, catching his nephew's full focus.

[color=946C82]"Shutting down the entire arms division, canceling those DoD contracts without reason, will cost the company millions! Not to mention, our competitors will surely swoop in to grab those contracts, especially Powers Technology. They've been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to gain an advantage over us, and now they've got it."[/color] Philip's hands clenched as he exclaimed, struggling to contain his outrage. Yet, his anger cut deeper than it seemed. To everyone else, it appeared as a simple objection from a man on his way out. But to Bruce, it felt like a desperate final plea to change course now before... Before what, though?

[color=B7C0C1]"I understand your concerns, uncle."[/color] Bruce smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder. [color=B7C0C1]"I have already devised a plan to recuperate any lost profits during this transitional period."[/color]

[color=946C82]"It isn't just about the money."[/color] Philip nearly shouted; his frustration was pretty evident. After taking a moment to collect himself, he stepped back from Bruce and continued in a last-ditch effort, [color=946C82]"Your decision will definitely ruffle some feathers with the investors and partners I've dedicated sixteen years of my life nurturing for the company. I can't bear to see all my hard work undone by a mistake that could simply be overlooked. Your father would agree with me and berate you afterward."[/color]

The room fell into stunned silence as Philip's final words hung in the air, nearly every eye focused upon him. Frantically, he quickly tried to backtrack, stammering, [color=946C82]"Ah, that's not what I meant-"[/color]

Bruce felt the tension in the room escalating as if any criticism of him or his father was forbidden. Emilia, in particular, was appalled by the remark and wasted no time in contacting security to have him escorted out of the building. It felt not just insulting but also as if he was being treated like that fragile child all over again. That was almost two decades ago; he had managed to move forward in a positive and healthy way. [s]At least, that's what he told himself.[/s] But just before things could've gotten any more awkward, Bruce cut in to defuse the tension and carefully approached his uncle. [color=B7C0C1]"You could be right, Philip. My decision might indeed disappoint my father. Unlike you, the chance to have that personal connection with him was taken from me, but I've dived deep into how his decisions made Wayne Enterprises a global powerhouse. Thomas Wayne was ambitious, yet never lost sight of the principles he pledged to uphold as a doctor long before even inheriting the company."[/color]

[color=B7C0C1]"You see it in the several donations to the ICRC and other humanitarian agencies for his own pocket. Keeping that in mind, my father would actually agree with me."[/color] Bruce declared firmly to the whole room. His uncle was stunned and disheartened, realizing he couldn't sway his nephew to reconsider. With a heavy sigh, Philip began to leave the room, feeling utterly deflated, even though security was on its way. He hesitated to leave, then turned to Bruce and spoke in a hushed tone:

[color=946C82]"At least you're as brave as he was—you'll need it."[/color]

Bruce stared at his uncle in surprise, struck by the veiled warning that seemed to be the only piece of advice he could offer. Emilia came up to him and asked, [color=EFDCDF]"Are you okay?"[/color]

[color=B7C0C1]"Yeah, I am."[/color] Bruce answered warmly as Lucius Fox joined them. [color=20487C]"While I disagree with Philip's comments about your father, he does have a point about the financial hit we're going to face. I really hope your plan pulls through."[/color]

A member of the board spoke up nervously. [color=white]"GCPD should be at least be open to hearing our offer, especially with the recent increase in crime."[/color]

[color=white]"I still think it's too risky to get involved with them given their... reputation,"[/color] another border member interjected.

[color=EFDCDF]"That's why we should be helping them out,"[/color] Emilia chimed in.

[color=B7C0C1]"This isn't a guaranteed deal, and I am exploring all other options. I hope to have lunch with the commissioner soon to discuss a potential partnership. In the meantime, I want us to prepare for the worst-case scenario regardless."[/color] Bruce declared as he felt his phone buzzing in his pocket, quickly pulling it out. A text from Alfred flashed on the screen that made him chuckle: [color=EEEEEE]Harvey insists on talking today. Meet him at the cafe near his office.[/color][/color][/INDENT][/INDENT][/INDENT] 
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