Chapter 365: Jim Gordon on the Verge of Exploding!
A Father's Fury
The girl in the photo was wearing an orange-red, low-cut evening gown that accentuated her curvaceous figure. She had an excellent physique—tight muscles, healthy skin, and she shone under the lights like an athlete on the field, exuding a distinct allure.
She wore a white fox mask, concealing her face, but judging by her eyes and chin, the face beneath the mask was undoubtedly beautiful.
Others wouldn't know who she was, but how could Jim Gordon not know?
This damn girl is his own daughter!
"What's wrong with you?" Harvey Dent frowned slightly, sensing the Commissioner's odd demeanor. "Are you injured?"
Jim Gordon waved his hand, picked up the photo, and looked at it again, suppressing his inner fury. He hissed, "You said she attended the Wayne Manor party tonight with Luke Shaw?"
"Yes."
"What... what is their relationship?" Jim Gordon felt a dull ache in his chest as he asked the question.
Harvey Dent thought back, shaking his head. "They're probably lovers or a couple. But you know what kind of person Luke Shaw is—he's never short on women. I imagine this girl is one of his mistresses."
Crack!
His pen snapped in half. Jim Gordon, his face pale with rage, roared toward the door.
"Bourne! Bourne! Where are you? Get in here!"
His assistant instantly appeared at the doorway.
"Commissioner, what is it?"
Jim Gordon held up his bloodied hand. "Go get me some gauze."
The assistant acknowledged him and quickly left, completely confused as to how the Commissioner had suddenly been injured.
Harvey Dent frowned, staring straight ahead. He wasn't stupid; Jim Gordon's behavior was completely illogical.
"The girl in the photo, do you know her?"
"No, I don't recognize her. Never seen her before." Jim Gordon pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag. "But anyone who associates with Luke Shaw is definitely no good. Leave the photo here; I'll have someone investigate."
Harvey Dent was silent for a moment, then spoke gravely.
"Jim, you must understand the consequences of this. Whether it's the power armor, the Talon unit, or the Court of Owls, this is a huge problem. Their goal isn't just crime; it's to overthrow this city. If they succeed, everything we've worked for will vanish in an instant."
"And Luke Shaw—the armor the criminals wore is a Tesla product, military-grade equipment. I don't know what role Luke Shaw played in this incident, but we must use him to open a breach and find the armor's weakness."
"You have to take this seriously."
Jim Gordon exhaled a plume of smoke, his voice weary.
"Don't worry, you'll get your answer."
Harvey Dent said nothing more, rising to leave the office.
Jim Gordon walked to the window, looking out at the night and shaking his head endlessly.
Barbara, you're going to be the death of me!
Uncomfortable Truths
At the Gotham City docks, Barbara, having finished her work, sat alone by the sea, holding her phone. The screen showed seven missed calls: five from her dad and two from Aunt Sarah.
"It's over. It's all over."
Recalling everything that happened, the girl held her head, full of regret. How could he find out? I lowered my voice, but he still recognized me. Dad's too good.
No, no. If I go home, he'll kill me.
"What's wrong? Who upset you now?" Luke, dressed in a suit, walked up behind her, holding takeout. Barbara was in no mood to eat, but seeing him, she grabbed her last lifeline.
"Luke, you have to help me."
"With what?"
"My father. He recognized me. I lied and told him I was at a friend's house tonight, but I was with you at Wayne Manor. And the power armor—it's over, it's all over, he knows everything."
"So what if he knows? Don't forget, without you, the police station would be in ruins. Technically, you saved them."
Luke opened the plastic bag and took a fruit sandwich, putting it in his mouth. Barbara was a little hungry, too, but thinking of her father instantly ruined her appetite.
"How about you take me home later?"
Luke stopped chewing, his expression strangely amused.
"Are you sure you want to do that? Your father is the Police Commissioner, and me..." He shrugged and smiled faintly. "You should know a little about my identity."
Barbara immediately fell silent, her eyes darting around. She tentatively asked,
"Dad said you're the boss of the Coast City Young Masters Gang, the underground leader of the West Coast. Is that true?"
"What do you think?"
"It looks like it is." Barbara sighed, feeling a bit of relief. "I can't believe I'm friends with a gang leader, but you don't seem that scary."
Luke chuckled.
"A gang leader doesn't necessarily have to look menacing. What matters is the methods and how he operates."
"What do you mean?"
"Simply put: you need people to respect you, fear you, be in awe of you, and submit to you. Get those four things right, and you can hold your position as the boss."
"Are your subordinates all afraid of you?"
"Of course."
The girl scrutinized Luke. She looked puzzled. "I don't see anything scary about you."
Luke tossed the remaining sandwich to a nearby stray cat that had been watching them intently.
"Come with me. I'll show you my scary side."
He turned and walked toward the black sedan parked on the dock. The girl, still confused, followed out of curiosity. As soon as she opened the car door, he pressed her down onto the seat.
A strong, masculine scent washed over her. Barbara's cheeks instantly flushed, and her heart pounded like a drum.
"What... what are you doing? Let go of me."
"Don't talk. The scary part is just beginning."
The night was silent by the coast. A black sedan moved slowly on the beach. A faint moaning sound caused the stray cats, waiting by the shore for fish, to look around in confusion. Spring is over. Why are there still mother cats in heat?
The Unfortunate Revelation
The next evening, a guilt-ridden Barbara tiptoed and pushed open the front door. Just as she was about to head upstairs, a heavy cough sounded from behind her.
The girl's body froze. She quickly put down the briefcases and looked fearfully at her father standing at the kitchen entrance.
"Dad, you... you... you're home!"
That was all she could manage after a long moment of panic. She lowered her head in shame. She'd been having too much fun with Luke and had completely forgotten about coming home.
Jim Gordon's face was black, dark enough to drip water. He looked his daughter up and down. Her dress, boots, and jewelry had all been changed to expensive, brand-new designer items.
Seeing this, he felt a fire raging in his heart, wanting to burn that damned Asian man to ashes.
Sensing the dangerous mood, Barbara quickly apologized.
"Dad, I was wrong. I promise I won't ever..."
"Get over here!" Jim Gordon roared, glaring coldly at his daughter before turning and walking toward the study.
Barbara had a strong feeling of impending disaster. She shot a pleading look at Aunt Sarah by the stairs, who only shook her head helplessly and gestured to keep quiet as much as possible.
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