Chapter 26: Start Small

A week passed since Arias was announced a free man, and in that time, he had become quite busy. After Roulette arrived the next day, the pair began planning how best to capitalize on the now free market in Gotham. Initially, Roulette had her doubts, but given how he splurged money on her, she felt lingering around wasn't a problem.

However, her interest grew when Arias attained all the auctioned properties using only the $8 million he had. In reality, Arias didn't spend a single cent. Gregor had again tried to get in his way by not inviting him to the auction. Unfortunately for Gregor, Arias had information concerning over 90% of the attendees. So when the auction ended with Gregor thinking he had delayed Arias significantly, news arose of the newly purchased properties being sold to Arias in what they described as "private deals."

Since the deals were private, the money spent wasn't officially disclosed. This meant the public and media could only speculate. While this harmed the image he was trying to establish as an honest businessman, it was a necessary compromise. By the following Monday, Arias was the single largest property owner in Gotham, with his new net worth estimated at a staggering $378 million.

Everyone, except Arias, was shocked by this stunning turn of events.

…

Among the newly attained properties, a tower housing some of Gotham's finest penthouses was one of them. This was the place Arias had chosen as his residence, reserving the best penthouse at the building's top for himself. The penthouse spanned two stories and had all the amenities needed, along with plenty of luxurious features. The value of that penthouse alone was a staggering $50 million on paper, yet Arias had gotten the entire building for free. To those he had blackmailed, Arias was indeed the devil.

Arias awoke to yet another day of making headlines. He couldn't help but smile as he watched the early morning news in his living room while having a light breakfast.

"The saintly prince of Gotham, Arias Markovic, has once again left residents stunned. Following his acquisition of the abandoned park in Old Gotham, Mr. Markovic has already begun renovations and plans to rename it Craig Dawson Park in respect of the hero officer who died while pursuing the truth of Gotham's underbelly. This move has been welcomed by residents who feel Gotham has lost many recreational attractions where children could relax."

Arias grew tired of hearing his name repeatedly with little to no criticism and his public image growing at an astounding rate. The fact that many could relate to him, having grown up in poorer conditions, meant it was easier for them to support him in even the simplest of actions. More often than not, the mayor's office focused on increasing Gotham's value, but with their hands in crime, they couldn't go far. Those who tried to fight and curb crime were either killed or lost their positions before the elections ended.

Gotham was experiencing such changes for the first time in a while, and they thanked Arias for it. He only did this with his properties, so he was essentially increasing the value of his assets.

Of course, such a rise to fame and power attracted attention from more than just Gotham's residents. Arias switched the image on the television to that of Batgirl and Robin, who were sneaking into one of his warehouses.

"I guess I've caught the attention of Gotham's vigilante crime fighters," he mused.

"Will they pose a problem?" The Infinity's voice resounded in Arias's mind.

"No. In fact, this is a good opportunity. I don't know who those people are, but the Boy Wonder has been with Batman for quite a few years now, while Batgirl appeared not too long ago. That suggests she hasn't yet established a strong bond with the duo."

"And what do you intend to do if she hasn't?"

"Lure her to my side, though that's quite an undertaking. For now, it'll be much easier to start recruiting some of the more criminal talents Gotham offers. I'm sure an opportunity will arise soon enough. I've already had Roulette use her networking skills to scout out what's present in Gotham. Though ever since the massive takedown, most villains have fled."

"That means you have fewer unruly individuals to deal with. But given your current level of strength, I can't imagine you getting potentially dangerous individuals under you."

"Correct, I'm starting small, hence my interest in the likes of Batgirl. The only potential recruits with superior powers on the villain's spectrum are Shade, Giganta, and Harley Quinn."

Arias's conversation with the Infinity was cut short when his doorbell rang. He quickly went to open it and found Roulette, sporting a tight crimson-red business suit.

"Good morning, boss," she said with a smirk.

Since Arias displayed how easy it was for him to gain wealth, she stuck to him like a leech, carrying out her secretarial duties to the fullest.

"What is it? We're not scheduled to leave until noon," Arias asked, raising a brow.

"Well, your world-class and underpaid secretary has managed to arrange some interviews with potential recruits later tonight at the Iceberg Lounge. And by interviews, I mean I've found some useful people desperate for money."

Arias frowned at her and furrowed his brows. "Calling yourself underpaid is bold when you've earned $2 million from me in less than a month."

Roulette adjusted her glasses and laughed seductively. "Aw~ But boss, $2 million is far from enough to satisfy a lady's needs. I mean, look at how well I dressed for my generous boss. I've spent so much money all for you to be pleased."

Arias eyed her up and down before shaking his head. "From appearances alone, I do not see where my investment went. Perhaps you should show me in numbers. Maybe then you'll see just how generous I can be."

He extended his hand, holding the tip of her chin while looking down at her coldly. Roulette wasn't fazed and smirked in reply before licking her lips.

"Mmm, yes, Sir~ It just so happens numbers are my specialty… among other talents," she added before taking his thumb into her mouth, twirling her tongue around it slowly.

Arias quickly withdrew his hand. "I'll explore all those talents thoroughly when I have the time to indulge in distractions. You can leave for now. We'll meet at noon."

"My poor heart, my boss thinks I'm a distraction," Roulette teased in a playful voice as she turned to leave.

Arias grinned. "I find anything that doesn't increase my worth a distraction. Don't you?"

Roulette smiled seductively as she walked away.