Million Dollar Man [Drury W.]

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Summer loved going to these themed-events. Not only were they for a good cause, but it gave her an excuse to swipe her Gotham Live Studios credit card for a new pair of Jimmy Choo’s and designer dress that cost more than her rent quadrupled. The aspiring socialite had grown accustomed to such expenses and had grown to look forward to the evenings where she adorned the ornate jewelry and tasteful dresses that were altered specifically to fit her slender curves.

Her girlish giggle infected the group that surrounded her, as stray peels of laughter soon fell from their own lips. Her hand decorated with jeweled rings, she reached gracefully for the cocktail that had been served to her; a sparkling pink liquid with a collection of maraschino cherries at the bottom. The overall tint of the drink matched her plump lips, which curled into a smile as she took a sip from the straw.

She felt like royalty as she politely excused herself from the group of Gotham’s elite. To think that she had started so humbly in such a city and effectively worked her way up to this. Even though she was a guest in attendance, it was hard to leave her nosy, reporting tendencies behind. She sucked in her cheeks and took mental note as one of the local politicians bickered in hushed tones with his wife. Eager to know what the conflict was centered around, she forced herself to ignore her urge and simply cast a gaze in the opposite direction.

She was looking for someone in particular, though it seemed as if he had not arrived yet. Of course he hadn’t, because there would have been his expected grand entrance – it was almost predictable. Instead, her green eyes locked on another individual with equal wealth, charm and looks as her previous target. Her timing was perfect, hosting a few brief conversations on her way to her target she managed to slip in just as he was left alone. With a playful smirk, she moved to introduce herself. Having recently expressed interest in doing a story on His most recent achievements and efforts, she was genuinely excited to see him.

“Welcome back to Gotham, Mr. Cleer.” Summer greeted him warmly. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you, I’m Summer Gleeson.”

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Cameron watched the crowds quietly as the themed event went on around him. For a millionaire CEO, he was rather dull in comparison to his peers. He was kind and polite whenever someone spoke to him, but he didn't demand a spotlight or force others to speak with him. Instead, he spent most of the party watching others enjoy themselves. To the outside world, he guessed he just appeared as timid. But the truth of the matter was he didn't belong. He had never known as much money as he has now. Growing up he barely knew a warm meal every day, let alone a stable roof over his head. 

But the past was behind Drury, he wore his mask as the successful but shy businessman. His eyes were ever alert to those around him, listening to the braggart speeches of those around him. It actually helped him with his... "hobby". He took mental notes, mostly remembering names of who to follow up on. He was looking for marks. Potential victims. Potential cases to sell to whichever crime lord wanted to take a swing at them. 

A young heiress of some old named family in Gotham had found her way to Cameron, making a few advances. A quick glance at her jewelry told him all he needed to know. It was a cheap knock off that was made to look authentic. Most socialites probably didn't pick up on it, but a reformed street swindler knew a fake on the spot. He politely refused her advances, and then refused again more sternly as the first time hadn't seemed to register. 

As the heiress walked away rather miffed, Cameron turned his attention to the approaching beauty of Summer Gleeson. He smiled at her playful smirk, she lit up a room and was well aware of it. She was confident, and he appreciated that. He smiled back warmly, "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Gleeson." He said, meeting her green eyes with his own. "Are you enjoying yourself this evening?" 

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Summer took a small sip of her champagne to hide the smile currently stretching across her face. He was easy on the eyes but appeared to be just as easy to speak with, regardless of how difficult it had been to contact him over the past few weeks. Regardless, she had him exactly where she wanted him now, but she was wise enough to keep business on the backburner until it was appropriate. After all, he had come here for an evening of fun and charity, not to be harassed by an ambitious reporter.

“I am actually. I love the opportunities to get dressed up and attend such events. Though if I am being completely honest I feel a bit out of place without a camera or microphone in my hand.” The young reporter teased playfully. Even considering such, Summer did still mingle with the crowd rather well. Other than her wealth, or lack-there-of, there was no way of distinguishing her from the crowd of heiresses other than her fame. With the assistance of her Gotham Live credit card she was dressed in garments designed by the most current names in fashion.

“And yourself?” Summer asked politely. “I hope I am not being too terribly nosy, but you’ve seemed to make someone unhappy. She’s been glaring daggers at me for the past few minutes.” The young reporter observed with a bit of a giggle. The woman so eager to make a scene by stalking away from him only moments ago still seemed a bit bitter considering whatever conversation was briefly held between the two of them. In attempt to lighten the situation even more, she turned her attention away from the snarky heiress to the handsome man before her. “Don’t worry, I feel as though at times I just have that effect on women.” The redhead teased playfully.

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Cameron smiled as she took a sip of her drink. He took a sip of his own, enjoying the moment. Ten years ago, no one in this room would've given him the time of day. If they passed each other on the street, the ladies would've gripped their hand bags and the gents would watch him with unrest. Now the room treated him like an equal, some more than that. He was fresh money and success. It was hard from Drury to not get drunk on himself. Still, what mattered was the here and now. And that was Summer. She was beautiful and she blended well here. He doubted she made enough on a reporter's salary to cushion this lifestyle, but she lusted after it, he could see it in her eyes. It was something to appreciate and respect, because it wasn't so long ago that Drury had the same look. 

"Well you look lovely without them." He complimented, smirking as he looked down at her from his towering height. "But I am curious if you're taking notes or if you're graced with a great memory." Cameron asked playfully. 

He smirked at her words, his eyes going to the scorned heiress, then back to Summer, "Oh, I'm certain you do. You're a star in a room of otherwise dim bulbs." He took a sip of his drink, "On record, I always enjoy these events. I support the cause, whatever tonight's cause may be. I'm devoted to helping the poor people of... the neglected world." Cameron teased a little, giving her a wink. "But between you and I, I'm a bit more of a home body. I'm often accused of being practical, but what's the point of having a penthouse if you can't enjoy the view from it?"

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She couldn’t help but giggle at his comment, her eyes gleaming with the answer to his question as she refrained from quickly releasing it to him. Being on television and proving to be a common name in nearly every Gotham household, it was hard to create that sense of mystery that most cloaked themselves in at such events. While each member of high society had a purpose for attendance, they also had their fair share of secrets. The only secrets that Summer Gleeson possessed were dark and haunting, gracing only the ears of her tormentors.

Even though she had done her research, there was still much to the man before her that she did not know. “I’m fortunate to have a very good memory.” She informed him. “I could tell you the name of everyone in this ballroom and at least…” She paused for a moment, her green eyes sweeping across the room. “Most of their professions. But that would result in a terribly boring conversation.” The young reporter finished confidently. Such an idea was far from absurd. In fact, it was almost expected of a woman so elevated in her career. Summer would exhaust herself to learn the name of each Gothamite if that were humanly possible.

“Such a flatterer.” She claimed, trying to hide the smile that pulled at the corners of her red lips. “Thank you for such kind words. Does that also mean that you will come to my rescue if she attempts revenge?” She was only teasing of course, sure to avoid the gaze from the woman who their conversation seemed to circle around. Such an influential member of society could make the reporter suffer if she so chose, though she most likely would turn for another glass of champagne and select her new prey.

Summer quickly found that she adored his humor, chuckling along with him. “Oh you weren’t informed?” She began, in all seriousness. “You are meant to shave off all that luxurious hair of yours and donate it to charity. Eyebrows and all. Didn’t they tell you?” The irresistible smile was quick to shine through once more, biting her lip playfully before she surrendered once more to her drink.

It was always insightful to hear such men say things that humanized them in a way. She was almost the opposite in nature, both young and restless. However, she could see how one could quickly become a homebody when they could practically touch the beautiful skyline. “Practical doesn’t sound all that bad to me when you put it that way.” The redhead replied. And honestly, it didn’t.