Pushing through the slightly long corridor, past the bathroom and walk-in closet, Selina rolled her eyes in irritation.
The room was a chaotic scene. Besides Liv and Sophia, who were tangled with Axel on the bed, three club women were sprawled across the carpet. The scent of sweat and sex hung heavily in the air.
Selina waved a hand in front of her nose and stepped past the women to stand beside Axel's bed.
Her eyes lingered on Axel's toned physique, especially his waist and abs, before she looked away, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Then she glanced at Liv and Sophia, focusing briefly on Sophia's curves. Disgust curled her lip.
Raising her leg, Selina kicked Sophia sharply on the butt with her stiletto. Sophia shrieked and flopped awkwardly, instinctively trying to shield herself but failing miserably.
"Who—wait, why are you here?" Sophia stammered, scrambling to cover herself.
Axel, unfazed, nudged her again with a leg. "Keep it down."
"I—I got it!" Sophia curled into a ball, clutching her backside. She was utterly exhausted from the afternoon with Axel and Liv.
Satisfied she was quiet, Axel finally withdrew his hand from Liv, wiped it discreetly, and sat on the edge of the bed.
He turned to Selina, whose breathing was uneven. "So, Selina, what's the situation? You joining us?"
Selina glared and slapped his outstretched hand away. "That's not happening. Sophia's father is here. He wants to see you, but he doesn't dare witness his daughter in this state."
She tossed a bath towel to Axel in annoyance.
Axel wrapped it around his waist without hesitation and sauntered into the bathroom. Showering with the door open, he scrubbed his hair and asked, "What time is it?"
"Six-thirty," Selina replied.
"Perfect," Axel said, smirking. "Prime time to enjoy Gotham's night view. After seeing what Carmine has to say, you want to explore the city with me? I want to see Wayne Tower from the top."
Selina leaned against the bathroom door, arms crossed. "There's nothing worth seeing in Gotham but greed and sin. If you're looking for beauty, you'll find more in the madness people can't escape."
Axel finished washing and Liv handed him his clothes.
Dressed, he paused. "Got a holster? I need one. It feels wrong going out unarmed."
Liv frowned. "You don't need a gun, Boss Wraith. You can tear anyone apart with your hands."
Axel smirked. "Fists only scare those who know me. A gun earns respect from everyone. I don't want to tear people apart every time I meet someone; I'd run out of clothes to change into."
Once the holster was secured, Sophia finally found the strength to rise. Still naked, she adjusted the back of Axel's clothes.
A few minutes later, Axel followed Selina to Falcone's private room.
He swung the door open, arms wide. "Good evening, Old Carmine. Your daughter is… lively, and that's not even counting your best one! And hello, Victor. Drinking much? Your bald head's practically glowing. Want me to join you?"
Falcone stood and embraced Axel warmly. When they separated, he glanced at Victor and Sophia, waving them out.
Victor and Selina started to leave, but Axel stopped them. "What are you doing? Carmine, you don't want me stuck in this boring room without company, right? Victor's perfect for joking with, and Selina—you're too good to just stand there. I need a view, old buddy!"
Victor and Selina froze, exchanging awkward looks.
Falcone, expressionless, met Axel's gaze. Then he waved. "Sit."
Axel settled, and Selina, uncertain where to go, finally stood just behind his left side. Axel grinned and wrapped an arm around her waist.
"You're not bald like Zsasz, so letting you stand would be a waste," he murmured.
Leaned against him, Selina didn't resist, knowing she couldn't give him the cold shoulder in front of Falcone.
Axel smiled at Falcone. "Old Carmine, what do you think of this scene? Fine wine, beautiful women, a crazy killer, and two ambitious scoundrels—one big, one small—all sharing the same madness. Doesn't it feel… perfect?"
Falcone chuckled, raising his glass of red wine. "The same madness runs through us all. That was my first realization when I arrived in Gotham. Only greater madness can overcome more madness. Anyone ruling Gotham must embody the darkest chaos."
He leaned forward, eyes locked on Axel. "Tell me, Axel, how do you plan to rule this city? Show me the extent of your madness. I might even approve."
Axel laughed. "Interesting. Feeling pressure from outside Gotham, Falcone? A showdown is thrilling, but I'll tell you what I want. You're not my final target—just the next."
He patted Selina's hand. "Selina, do you know how long it took God to create the world?"
"Seven days," she said softly.
"Exactly. Seven days. Now, how many do you think I need to rule Gotham? Surely not slower than God. Day one: integrate. Day two: proclaim my name. Day three, tomorrow: Falcone disappears from this city."
Falcone raised an eyebrow. "Only the third day?"
Axel tapped the table. "That's all you are. If you survive Gotham's chaos, you'll witness the Sky Rail fall, City Hall collapse, Arkham burn, and Wayne Tower crumble. You're just the city's butler—its past belonged to Wayne, the future belongs to me. And you, Falcone, never truly owned Gotham."