Starting from scratch, Batman crushed my dream of getting rich

Chapter 78 Valentine’s Day

"I'm here tonight only out of respect for the relationship between my parents and your family."

The tall and straight man stood in front of the window, looking through the blinds at the bustling crowd downstairs, the clinking glasses of wine, the beautiful socialites, and the satisfaction of being the center of attention. This party had everything - and the host of the party standing downstairs seemed to be enjoying it all.

Falcone stared at him, then at Bruce Wayne in the window, unable to comprehend his inner thoughts. This was clearly a sincere bond forged between the two families in times of crisis, yet this young master seemed to take it lightly. For years, he had stubbornly sought to sever all ties with the underworld, treating the Falcone family like a dirty, bloodstained banknote, fearing the stain of his hands.

Is it the arrogance and aloofness that are unique to the upper class, or is it simply childishness and innocence?
In any case, I respect the friendship between the two families and I also respect the doctor who saved my life, so I will treat him with courtesy - this is the etiquette of the "Romans".

He shook his head slightly and said to Bruce, "Your father was much more than a friend to my father, Bruce."

"But that was a long time ago."

The playboy answered casually, silently observing the magnificent wedding banquet downstairs. Layers of gorgeous, expensive cakes, golden glazed towers of precious champagne, a professional orchestra playing beautiful live music, courteous waiters attentive to every detail, and a packed house of guests, all dressed in the utmost luxury.

The central figure of the wedding banquet was Johnny Vitti, and the fat blond woman next to him was his mother, Carla Vitti, the godfather's sister; and other big figures in Gotham City - tycoons, dignitaries, socialites, all appeared at today's wedding banquet.

"But today, you have so many new friends, Mr. Falcone, so many powerful friends—isn't that Richard Daniel over there? The president of Gotham Bank, now he's also your friend."

The Godfather could hear the sarcasm in Bruce's words, but he didn't care. He simply got straight to the point and said, "I'm a very lucky man. Richard told me that Gotham Bank is considering doing business with Falcone Imports. I'm counting on you, Bruce. Please do me a favor."

Family relationships are maintained by interests. This was the first lesson Falcone's father taught him. Not only family relationships, but many relationships require exchanges and interactions between both parties, either emotionally or materially - and Carmine Falcone is indeed very smart. He has always learned things quickly from his father.

Doing business with Gotham Bank and Falcone Company is definitely a win-win proposition that benefits both parties.

However, Bruce still kept repeating the same few words over and over again. They were his countless responses to the Godfather's suggestions and his countless responses to the relationship between the two families.

"Do not."

He turned to look at his godfather. "I will not vote or influence the board on your behalf—regardless of what favors you have done Richard."

As always, no surprises.

"That's a real bummer."

Despite saying this, the Godfather's face didn't show any anger. He elegantly sniffed the bright red rose in his hand, letting the fragrance dispel the unhappiness in his heart. He continued to say to Bruce, "Enjoy the rest of the party, Bruce. Try the cannoli. I had them air-shipped from Italy. They're very fresh."

"Click"

As Bruce left, the door was closed. The butler, wearing a corsage, looked gloomy. He took two steps forward, walked to the side of the Godfather and suggested: "Perhaps I can 'advise' Mr. Wayne, just like I advise others."

The Godfather put the red rose back into his chest and waved his hand: "I don't think that's necessary, Milos. Richard promised that we would have enough votes."

"Although Bruce would have absolutely ensured we did that."

A few minutes later, the door was opened again.

A bespectacled, refined man walked in. It was Alberto Falcone, the Godfather's son. The Godfather waved him closer, his eyes still watching the people on the dance floor through the blinds. His sister, Cara, who had come all the way from Chicago, was worth noting, but the beautiful woman dancing with Bruce Wayne on the dance floor was also quite eye-catching.

For some reason, Falcone subconsciously reached out and touched the three claw marks on his cheek. He always felt that the woman named "Selina Kyle" seemed familiar.

"Father, you have to know that I saw Bruce Wayne sneaking outside the door before-"

"Alberto, Alberto, Alberto."

The Godfather sighed. His youngest son Alberto always liked to help him think things through and try to solve the problems he encountered in the family business. This was what he liked most about him, but it was also the thing he least wanted to see.

He is too smart and cares too much about himself, which is exactly why I sent him to further his studies - the black underground kingdom is not open to the light, and the Falcone family cannot always be active in Gotham as gangsters. He needs to make plans for what will happen next. Using the import company to launder money is the beginning of the Falcone family's transformation from black to white - and after the whitewashing, the heir to Falcone's huge industry must naturally also be white.

Falcone put his arm around his son's shoulders affectionately and said to him with a smile, "A handsome guy like you should be going to weddings and courting beautiful girls, not worrying about these trivial matters that have nothing to do with you."

This is what happened at Johnny's wedding last year.

The past came and went like a tide, but when I thought of Alberto, the memories of the past came flooding back again.

"Ever since Richard Daniel resigned, other banks in Gotham are unwilling to do business with us. Falcone, our money is stuck here, and the other families are watching you."

"Dad, I might have a way—"

"Alberto, be quiet, we are discussing business - Cara, my nephew Johnny should be back soon, I want to see him immediately - I want him to deal with the bank president who dared to go back on his word first!"

This happened before Halloween last year.

"Sugar, tomatoes. Add some sausage. It's Thanksgiving, and we have a lot to be thankful for, Alberto."

"Yes, Dad."

The door was suddenly pushed open.

"There's a lot to be thankful for? Like what? Falcone, my Johnny is dead!"

This is what happened last Thanksgiving.

Now, I am the same as my sister. Falcone looked at Alberto's tombstone in front of him and silently put down the blood-red rose in his hand.

This happened on Valentine's Day in February this year.

Roman was alone and sad in the Gotham cemetery.

(End of this chapter)