Chapter 27: Chapter 27: Party
[ALEX'S POV]
It's been exactly a week since the game launched. I wouldn't say much has changed in that time—just a few small, key moments. Let's start with the fact that I finally got my own place to live. I found an apartment overlooking the serene Gotham River. It's one of the most stunning condominium buildings in the entire city.
The 40-story building offers only 40 apartments—one on each floor. My apartment is at the very top and consists of five bedrooms, 600 square meters of living space, and a sprawling private terrace of 160 square meters.
The residential complex itself boasts a beautiful landscape design, a lobby styled in classic elegance, and exquisite architecture. The apartment features panoramic windows, sliding glass doors, enormous master bedrooms, spacious living areas, and glass showers accessible directly from the open terrace. All of this cost me $25 million, which definitely hit my wallet hard.
At this point, I had managed to save $36 million. To be honest, I hadn't planned to spend it so recklessly. My goal was to reinvest it into the company, as we'd soon need to expand, and that requires solid capital. But in the past, I'd given myself my word: as soon as we launched Subway Surfers, I'd get myself a proper home.
Damn! Who made me say that? But once you give your word, you have to keep it—even if it's a promise to yourself. Maybe it sounds stupid, but that's my principle. If you set a goal, you must achieve it. No excuses like, "I'll do it later" should ever be heard.
Let's close the topic of real estate and return to reality. The main event of this evening is a celebratory party in honor of the success of our first mobile game. I had just arrived at the restaurant where the event was being held.
I got out of the car, walked around it, and opened the door on the passenger side to help a charming lady in a blue dress step out.
"Did I tell you that you look absolutely stunning in this dress?"
"Yes, and this is the third time," Vikki replied with a playful smile.
"In that case, Miss Vale, let's not keep anyone waiting," I said as we walked toward the restaurant. "But come to think of it, we have so many memories tied to this place. We had our first date here and even shot a video clip."
"That's why I hope tonight brings even more pleasant memories," she said, her voice soft. "And I have a feeling they'll be more intense this time."
"I'll try to make that happen," I replied with a hint of mystery.
The restaurant was already packed with guests. The moment they noticed us, the hall erupted with applause. Once the excitement settled, I began greeting everyone.
The first people I encountered were Gotham's finest—Commissioner Gordon and some of his officers. "Commissioner Gordon, glad to see you. Thank you for coming."
"I couldn't miss this event. After all, this isn't just your company's success, Alex. It's also the first major project under my daughter's leadership. I was a bit worried about her new role at first. If you had failed, your company could have gone bankrupt, and all her hard work would have been wasted. I'm glad it didn't come to that."
"And I'm equally glad," I said, chuckling before turning to the person standing beside him. "Renne, how's my favorite detective doing?"
"She's thriving and looking great," Montoya said with a sly grin. "The place is quite cozy. You shot your video here, right?"
"Yes, the restaurant owners are good friends of mine. They let us film here."
"You know, I'd look great in one of your videos too. Hint, hint."
"Got it. Next time I shoot a video, I'll definitely call you."
"Deal. Oh, and meet my partner, Detective Harvey Bullock," she said, gesturing toward a large man in his fifties. "Gordon and I dragged him here; otherwise, he'd be stuck at the station all night. He's been in a bit of a mood lately, and we thought this might cheer him up."
"Don't get your hopes up, Renne," Bullock said gruffly, extending his hand to me. "Nice to meet you, Alex. I'm Harvey."
"Nice to meet you, too. I've heard a lot about you, Detective. I'm glad you came along with your friends tonight."
"Well, I don't know about them, but I came for the free food. I haven't eaten all day, so I'm diving in—if no one objects."
"Be my guest," I called after him as he walked off. Harvey Bullock... Quite the character. He's a seasoned detective, hardened by Gotham's criminal underbelly. He knows better than anyone that justice in a city like Gotham often requires bending the rules.
He may resort to immoral acts for a greater cause, but he's still fair. At least I know I can trust him.
After that, I spotted two familiar silhouettes—Bruce and Dick.
"Bruce, Dick, glad you two could make it," I greeted my teachers—or tormentors, depending on how you see it. "Where's Alfred?"
"He stayed at the estate," Dick replied. "The old man doesn't care for these social gatherings, though he doesn't mind dragging Bruce through them." He glanced slyly at Wayne. "Thank Alfred, by the way. If it weren't for him, Gotham's most eligible bachelor wouldn't be here tonight."
"Really? I'll have to thank Alfred. Bruce, come on, don't be silent—say something."
"I finished It," he said out of nowhere.
"What? When did you even find time to read it?"
Seriously. It's only been three days, and that book about a clown is massive.
"The other day," he replied as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. "Groundbreaking work. I'm impressed."
"And how'd you like Pennywise?" I raised an eyebrow, waiting for his response.
"I've had enough talk about clowns in this city," he said flatly. "Let's skip the details."
"As you wish."
"The important thing is, don't leave early," I added. "There'll be a small performance at the end." With that, I left the two heroes.
I spent the next while greeting my employees and their families, all of whom had been invited to celebrate our success. Among them, I distinctly remembered Paul Diaz's younger sister.
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