Soon after, in Houston, at the National Museum of Technology, Floyd Lawton walked through the exhibition hall with his daughter.
Zoe Lawton rarely had time with her father, so she held his hand tightly, even as her eyes wandered toward the displays filled with advanced gadgets and interactive exhibits.
Floyd glanced down at her and smiled, satisfied with his decision.
The night Carmine Falcone fled Gotham, Floyd had received a contract on Axel. The bounty alone had already climbed past thirty million Dollars.
He had not been tempted.
Deadshot was known as the most expensive assassin for a reason, second only to Slade Wilson. He did not take risks he could not control. Axel was not a target he could guarantee.
Within half an hour of receiving the offer, Floyd had taken Zoe and left Gotham.
Now, watching her excitement, he felt it had all been worth it.
His wife could do whatever she wanted back in Gotham. None of that mattered. As long as Zoe was safe with him, that was enough.
Especially after hearing that the Gotham Skyrail and Wayne Tower had both been destroyed days ago.
That only confirmed his decision.
As they stopped in front of a robotic dog display, Zoe's attention locked onto it. Her grip tightened slightly, her eyes filled with quiet excitement.
Floyd noticed and smirked. He was already considering buying it for her.
Before he could speak, a woman nearby stepped forward.
"Do you like it?"
Selina Kyle turned toward them with a calm smile.
Zoe's eyes widened instantly. She had never seen someone like this before. Without hesitation, she reached out her small hand.
Selina accepted it gently.
"I like you," Selina said softly. "I'll get one for you."
She pulled a card from her dress and flicked it toward the exhibition manager across the room.
The man caught it, confused at first. "I'm sorry, ma'am, this model is still in development. It won't be available for another three to five years..."
"Take a closer look at the card," Selina replied.
The manager hesitated, then checked it. His expression changed immediately.
"I apologize. I didn't realize you were from Wayne Enterprises. We can arrange an experimental unit right away."
Selina nodded slightly, then looked back at Floyd. "It turns out status has its advantages. Everything here belongs to Wayne Enterprises. It would be unfortunate if a father couldn't give his daughter something she likes."
She tilted her head slightly. "You owe me one, Floyd."
Zoe held Selina's hand, her voice soft and curious. "You're really pretty. Will I be like you when I grow up?"
Selina smiled faintly. "If you grow up well, you might."
She moved slightly, intending to pick Zoe up.
Floyd reacted instantly.
He pulled Zoe back into his arms and stepped away, his expression cold.
Zoe froze, sensing the change, and buried her face into his chest.
Floyd's voice was steady. "Does Wayne Enterprises have work for me?"
He shook his head before Selina could answer. "Doesn't matter. I'm on vacation. I won't take any jobs for the next half month."
Selina studied him for a moment, then spoke calmly.
"I understand your position. People respect your skills, but they ignore your life. You're raising her alone, whether you admit it or not."
Her tone sharpened slightly.
"You want the best for her. But there are things money alone cannot buy. Education, connections, access. The kind of doors that stay closed to people like you."
She stepped closer, her voice quiet but firm.
"Elite schools, private institutions, the networks that shape the future. Those circles will never accept you. They fear you."
She reached into her bag and pulled out a thick list, placing it in his hand.
"You need support. And your daughter needs protection that goes beyond you."
Floyd glanced at the list but said nothing.
Selina continued, "We can provide that. Influence, protection, access. Your daughter will not grow up in your shadow. She will have choices."
She pushed the list slightly toward him. "All we need is your cooperation."
Floyd stared at it for a few seconds, then dropped it to the ground.
"I know who you are, Selina Kyle. You were never worth targeting because of Falcone."
His eyes hardened.
"But this?" He gestured at the list. "This is suicide. Whoever you're working for is worse than anything Gotham has seen."
He let out a short laugh. "I'm not pointing my gun at someone like that. Not for any price."
He turned away, picking up Zoe as the manager returned with the robotic dog.
"For the sake of my daughter, I'll let you walk away."
Selina let out a quiet laugh behind him.
"You should call me Selina Axel. Or Madam Axel."
Floyd stopped.
He turned slowly, his expression uncertain.
"You and him…?"
Selina nodded once.
"Do you want proof?"
She raised her voice slightly. "Axel."
A burst of fire ignited beside her.
Axel stepped out of it, holding a small camera, casually pointing it toward her.
"What is it?"
Selina froze for a second, then her face flushed. Her voice softened, almost unsteady.
"I just called you, and you came right away… I didn't think I mattered that much to you."
Axel blinked, then spoke casually. "Bruce and Lex are running tests on my hearing. I heard you from here, so I came to check."
He turned the camera outward. "You see that? Houston. I can hear from this far now."
He lowered the device and waved his hand dismissively. "That's enough. I'll leave you two to whatever this is."
He paused, looking between Selina and Floyd.
"Wait. Shouldn't you be at the club?"
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"When did you come to Houston to meet another man… and one with a kid?"
The air shifted instantly.
Axel's gaze landed on Floyd.
Floyd dropped to the ground without hesitation, grabbing the list he had thrown away.
"I work for you," Floyd said quickly. "I'm taking the job. I'll handle it."
He held Zoe tighter. "Just don't kill me. My daughter is here."