Chapter 123: A New Top Figure Part 1

The following day, the world or to be precise the US was still largely shaken by the deaths of Lex Luthor and Amanda Waller.

The sheer number of conspiracy theories online was incredible. One could be amazed just how much bullshit people could claim about once you were dead.

Needless to say, Arias had already moved past those matters and was contemplating other plans. With the world focus elsewhere and the distraction of Luthor and Waller taken care of, it was an ideal time to spring into action.

First and foremost, the official opening of his institutions for meta-humans and aliens was nearing and he needed to be adequately prepared for the benefits and problems it would present.

This was very important because the young talent the institutions attracted would be the foundation of the world Arias had in mind.

But progress couldn't be rushed and he needed to wait a little longer. Until then, he could only go about his days normally so without making any major moves as he was sure they were many eyes on him right now.

Some because of suspicion while others because of his relationship with Mercy. Along with her value, came danger… not for him but still an annoyance he could without.

That morning, he made it to his office without much hassle as his security detail kept reporters at a good distance.

Judging from the crowd and the questions being asked, he could safely assume that Mercy had come to work that morning, the first step to making yield.

As he approached the entrance to the Markovic tower, numerous reporters began yelling out to him.

"What does it mean to have a bigger billionaire working under you?"

"Is your relationship with Miss Graves strictly professional?"

"What comments do you have concerning the passing of Mr. Luthor?"

Whatever the question was, Arias just ignored it and continued walking until he was inside the building.

On his way to the office, his steps reverberated loudly in the many empty halls of the building. Despite it being such a large structure, the Markovic tower had very few employees.

Cleaners, tech junkies and his security force mostly since despite all his wealth, Arias had no real major business that required him to employ a large work force.

It's because of this that many mocked him as a fool for spending so carelessly without having a solid source a revenue.

This was especially true after he sold the majority of the properties he first acquired. Those that he did keep weren't even in much use.

Like the building Mercy and much of Slade's security detail stayed in. It housed only people on his pay roll, important ones at that so aside from staff, there really wasn't anyone living there.

The same went for his own personal residential tower.

With such a setup, it was no wonder many financial analysts predicted that he would be bankrupt in a few years if he didn't find a large source of income or gained investments in what he had.

This side of Arias was especially highlighted because of the fact Mercy seemed to have chosen to keep working under him despite her newfound wealth.

So it came as no surprise to Arias that went he arrived at the door near his office, Mercy looked at him with a narrowed gaze.

"Is this all a joke to you? Do you really not care about how much you're losing each day?" She asked with absolute wonder in her tone.

When she arrived this morning, she had found some extra privileges had been granted to her, one being access to Arias's expenditure, which left her absolutely surprised.

She knew he had a crazy expenditure but even she didn't expect that he was blowing through millions each passing week.

At the rate he was moving, it definitely wouldn't be long before he went broke. But money carried little value in the eyes of Arias now, and it only served as a tool to help him navigate the world as it was right now.

"I'd assume it's a lot. Are you worried you won't get paid?" He teased but Mercy looked absolutely serious.

She placed a stack of papers against his chest and spoke in a loud tone. "Could you take this seriously. These are offers from major investors looking to buy into your company but most want shares in your institutions when they fully open and also-"

Before Mercy could continue, Arias dropped the smile he was putting up and his expression turned serious.

"Reject them all. I understand your concern given the circumstances but I don't plan selling company shares under any conditions. I made billions in a single day, and I can do it again anytime I wish."

His eyes met with Mercy's and showed a look of utter confidence. His words weren't just hollow. As she thinking of what to say, Arias continued on to say,

"Lex kept accumulating wealth and yet he died before he could enjoy it fully. Do you really want to spend your better years slaving away for some idolized paper? Or will use what you have to create your own comfortable space where you can truly live freely?"

The question struck deep at Mercy and really made her wonder. She had been acting CEO of Lexcorp before and it was anything but shallow and uninteresting.

It came with many privileges but she just didn't see them as worth it to keep living such a stale and calculated life.

She could now understand why Arias wasn't slaving away trying to plan for and make timed financial decisions.

Before the conversation could be brought to a close, Slade appeared out of the elevator with an annoyed problem.

"We've got a problem. Federal agents are here saying they want to investigate the building and our networks, they're asking for you down stairs."

Arias furrowed his brows for a moment before turning to face Slade. He clicked his tongue in annoyance while shaking his head before walking toward the elevator.

"It's true what they say, become too quiet and people will start to think you're easy prey. I think it's time people start to gain a sense of fear when it comes to… certain matters."