Chapter 109: Taming Mercy Part 2

"Bastard…" Mercy was fuming after hearing Arias mock her. "Did you come all the way here just to make fun of me!?"

Arias stared at Mercy with a grin still plastered on his face. "While that wasn't the main objective of my arrival, you make it so easy."

The scowl on Mercy's face only grew fiercer when she heard those words. "Well then, what are you doing here? Boss," she inquired in an unenthusiastic tone, as if she didn't expect a reply. "If you wanted to bother someone, why didn't you just go to that clown slut?"

Arias didn't seem bothered by Mercy's tone. As a matter of fact, he was pleasantly surprised that she didn't blatantly ignore him after the joke about Lex complimenting her. "I thought you would at least show a bit of sympathy towards her during this time. I didn't realize the enmity between you two was that deep."

"Don't act like a nice guy. I know you had something to do with Joker's death." Mercy didn't hesitate to share her thoughts about Arias, which only made him grin wider.

"Oh? That's a pretty interesting assumption to make. You're not as dumb as you look, I'll give you that." Arias didn't cease his mocking of Mercy.

At this point, it was like the two were trading jabs at one another, something Arias quickly grew tired of, so he just got to the point. "Anyway, I didn't come here to judge your one-sided admiration for Luthor. I just came to tell you you'll be my secretary for now, at least until I find someone more mentally stable."

The angry look didn't leave Mercy's face as she crossed her arms and just nodded. "Fine, if that's all, do you mind leaving me the hell alone?"

Her attitude wasn't a surprise to Arias, so he just smirked and shrugged his shoulders before turning away. "Right, be sure to wear something fitting. Something that would make old rich men want to sleep with you."

Arias's degrading words made Mercy fume. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists but didn't make a move; instead, she countered his claims.

"I'm not some cheap whore you can sell out to your rich old friends like that clown slut," she argued.

Arias then snickered before his expression turned serious. "Lex clearly thinks you are because he gave you to me without any qualms. Don't worry, though. Unlike Lex, I don't share what's mine."

With that said, Arias began to walk away. Mercy found his words very offensive and immediately shouted, "Who said I'm yours! I don't belong to you or Lex. You pay me, I work, simple as that."

Her words caused Arias to pause just as he was about to make an exit. He cast her a glance and shook his head as if pitying her before replying, "Even you don't believe that. The funny thing is you're smart enough to know Lex doesn't care for you and yet…"

Arias didn't finish his words and just left her to her thoughts. It was far from enough to make her turn her back on Lex, but the seed of doubt was now planted.

Next came the bait.

After leaving her residence, Arias went to his office in Markovic Tower, where he went over the progress of his projects thus far.

The Gotham University and high school were both in the final phases of their expansion, with many new buildings now visible on each respective property.

Being the first of its kind, the university attracted many brilliant minds eager to be a part of history or just unravel the mysteries and cultures of other races or civilizations in the expansive galaxy.

The university received its fair share of criticism, especially from the racist community towards aliens. But this was to be expected; you couldn't please everyone.

The high school also had some controversy, with many arguing that the school would become some sort of training ground for superhumans. This was, of course, denied, as the high school offered no such courses. It only claimed to help young men or women struggling to control their gifts.

It was only in the university where one could pursue such career paths, as students there were adults and one couldn't argue otherwise. It was all just a formality in the eyes of Arias.

Now many superhumans of all ages saw him as a sort of charismatic leader who supported the underdogs.

Whether the children were street rats who had no prior education or orphans who got disowned by their parents after the revelation of their abilities, Arias had people track them down and offer them a place at his schools… for free.

In just three days, Gotham's population began to skyrocket, and it was even said to house more superhumans and aliens than any other city in the world.

Since the official opening of the schools after rebranding was yet to occur, many of the student prospects spent time within Gotham living lives they hadn't before. Freedom, a generous allowance, and a city that welcomed and supported them. For many, such a thing was a dream come true, and they owed it all to Arias… the so-called Prince of Gotham.

The past few days had been very busy for Arias, with him even taking the liberty to introduce himself to kids he felt had potential. Such a gathering, though, attracted some unique attention towards Arias. As he was seated in his office, going through profiles, his phone buzzed with an unknown number.

It wasn't the first of its kind, so Arias showed no surprise and just picked up. "Who am I speaking to?"

[Amanda Waller. The US government would like to make you an offer, Mr. Markovic.]

"Oh? Go on…"