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Selina's clothes were wrinkled and her long hair was still wet and clinging to her skin.
She, who had just stood up from the floor in a flustered mess, looked nothing like the confident and graceful lady she had been just moments ago.
Her breath was uneven and her eyes were burning with resentment as she glared daggers at Allen.
After a long silence filled with bitterness, she finally muttered with visible reluctance.
"It's a piece of software that can erase all criminal records. That's what she promised me. Something I've always wanted… A fresh start!"
There was a hint of desperation in her voice now, the usual flirtatious air stripped away.
"Allen, help me just this once." Selina's tone softened, her gaze turning imploring as she looked directly into his eyes.
"Give me what you recorded, and I'll owe you a big favor. A real one."
Allen raised an eyebrow, his tone calm but skeptical.
"Are you even sure something like that really exists?"
Selina's expression lit up slightly, as if clinging to a sliver of hope.
"I've heard whispers about it in the past. I've been trying to track it down for a long time, but always came up short. This time's different, though."
"The Wayne Group has it, definitely. That's why Miranda Tate came to me with the deal. Help me, and I swear I'll make it worth your while."
Her voice trembled slightly as she finished.
He looked at her pitiful expression, like a drenched and abandoned kitten…
That could have melted the heart of any man.
But not him.
Without any hesitation, he shook his head.
"I'm not giving it to you. It hasn't served its purpose for me yet. I still need it."
Selina's eyes dimmed, disappointment washing over her face.
But just as quickly, Allen added, "But…"
Her gaze snapped back up.
Hope returned in an instant.
She stared at him intently, trying to guess what he meant.
Allen crooked his finger, gesturing for her to come closer.
Hesitantly, Selina Kyle took a few steps forward, unsure of his intentions.
Allen gave her a harmless smile and motioned with his finger.
"Closer."
"…What?"
"Just do it."
Frowning but still hopeful, she reluctantly came in front of him, looking up suspiciously.
Smack!
Without warning, Allen smacked her forehead with the back of his hand.
The sharp sound echoed in the room.
"Ah! What the hell?!" Selina yelped and fell back onto the floor, clutching her forehead.
Her eyes were wide with shock, and a red mark quickly bloomed on her skin.
"What are you doing, you psycho?!"
Allen snorted.
"Are you dumb?"
She didn't understand what this guy was on about.
Allen sighed.
"If that software really exists, and Miranda has it, why wouldn't I just take it from her using the blackmail material?"
Selina blinked, stunned by the sudden logic bomb.
She hadn't helped Miranda yet, hadn't handed over anything.
So, if the software was real… Allen could get it himself.
It had never occurred to her that he could just blackmail Talia for the software...
Slowly, realization dawned on her face, and with it, anticipation.
"So… if I help you with something, you'll give me the software?" she asked carefully.
Allen leaned back slightly, stretching.
"Yeah, and once it's done, I'll help erase your record. Deal?"
Selina was sure she was going to agree, it was that important to her but she still asked.
"What is it that you want me to do?"
"First, follow me. We're going to meet someone."
Without further explanation, Allen picked up a bag and strode toward the door.
Selina hesitated only a second before hurrying to follow.
The two of them walked through the city, an unusual pair that drew attention everywhere they passed.
Selina Kyle, usually poised and stylish, now looked completely out of place.
Her hair was messy, her clothes wrinkled and her face was still showing traces of indignation.
People stared, whispering and gawking, but she ignored it all.
She had to.
Nearly half an hour later, they arrived at a quiet apartment building.
Allen led her upstairs and stopped in front of one of the units.
He knocked firmly.
A few seconds later, the door opened.
Laurel Lance stood in the doorway, blinking in surprise as her gaze shifted from Allen to the disheveled woman beside him.
Her eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity.
"…Who's this?" she asked, her voice neutral.
"Selina Kyle," Allen said simply, stepping inside.
"Your new teacher."
Both Laurel and Selina turned to stare at him in disbelief.
"…Teacher?" they echoed at the same time.
Allen tossed the bag onto the sofa and turned toward Laurel.
"That's some gear for you. Training clothes, weapons, a basic kit. Starting today, you'll be training under Selina. She'll help you improve your combat ability."
Then he turned toward Selina.
"Once she's good enough, I'll give you what you want."
Selina frowned.
"How good does she have to be?"
"At the very least, capable of going toe-to-toe with you. That's the baseline."
Selina fell silent, thinking it over.
Laurel, however, was less reserved.
"And you?" she asked, watching him closely.
"You're just ditching me now?"
Allen glanced at her with an amused expression.
"Do you have Stockholm syndrome or something?"
Both girls looked at him as if he was crazy.
Before Laurel could answer however, he stood up and headed toward the door.
"I've got something more interesting to deal with for now. Once you've both made some progress, I'll be back."
*Slap*
*Slap*
As he passed between them, Allen casually reached out and smacked both women on the butt, one after the other, like it was nothing.
Selina and Laurel both froze, then looked at each other with wide eyes.
An awkward silence filled the room.
Selina, who had just been humiliated moments ago, now had to act as a mentor.
Her pride still stung, but at least she had something to work toward.
'Somehow, it is easier to trust this crazy guy over Miranda…'
****
Meanwhile, Allen's true goal lay elsewhere.
He arrived at the Bertinelli household without any interference.
Frank was outside chatting with the guards, so Allen quietly went upstairs to Helena's room.
To his mild surprise, Helena seemed to have calmed down completely since the incident.
"Hey there Allen, did you miss me that much?"
She greeted him with a smile, cracking a small joke as if nothing had happened.
Allen approved, this kind of resilience was more entertaining than blind anger or helplessness.
"Of course I did," he replied with a smile.
"Do you mind showing me what you have gathered so far?"
He asked her to show the evidence she had collected on her father.
Helena laid it out on the table.
There was a good amount, but nothing decisive.
Nothing that could topple a crime lord like Frank in Starling City.
"This isn't enough," Allen said.
"I know," Helena replied confidently.
"But once he brings me along to confront his competitors, I'll have a chance to collect solid, irrefutable proof. Problem is, he won't take me to a meeting like that just yet."
Allen smiled faintly.
"I'm not going to help you gather the evidence."
Helena raised an eyebrow. "No?"
"I'll just make it so you have the chance to gather it yourself," Allen replied calmly.
Helena's lips curled into a small, knowing smile.
"That's all I need."
She stepped closer to him and leaned in slightly, her eyes gleaming.
"Just make them believe I'm not his daughter anymore, but your girlfriend. If they think I'm with you, no one will question anything."
Her tone dipped into something sultry and challenging.
"So… what kind of tricks do you have in mind for a show like that?"