Chapter 111: Batman Woes Part 1

With his plans for Luthor put on hold until a date was set, Arias could only focus on other matters. However, he soon realized that much of what he needed to do was either already done, planned for, or pending, so he had no immediate tasks to carry out.

As he was sitting in his office contemplating how to spend his upcoming free weekend, Mercy walked in wearing a tight office suit that had a subtle combination of sexiness and formality. 

In contrast, the person wearing the outfit had a frown on her face as she placed a single envelope on Arias's desk.

Only a day had passed since Arias revealed that he and Lex would be working together, but since then, Mercy had been more positive towards him, although her fiery attitude remained the same.

She looked at Arias with a narrowed gaze when she noticed him eyeing her down in her new attire. "Could you not stare every time I walk in?"

Arias could tell she was trying her best not to curse profanities at him, but he didn't care and smirked at her while shaking his head.

"I'm enjoying the view, even though it comes with a rather unpleasant noise. Anyway, what's this?"

Arias ignored the deadly gaze she gave him and just lifted up the neatly decorated envelope. Mercy clicked her tongue and crossed her arms before giving an answer.

"An invitation from your fellow billionaire playboy, Bruce Wayne. He's holding a fundraising gala at his Manor this Saturday, and apparently, you're invited." She revealed with a tone of sarcasm that was yet again ignored.

Instead, Arias focused on the invitation before him and opened it. It was laced with unnecessary sophistry that he quickly skimmed through. All in all, it was just an ordinary high-class invitation letter.

Although the two had made no direct confrontations yet, Arias knew Batman, or rather Bruce, wasn't convinced about his actions and motives and suspected him greatly.

Arias now wondered if this was a way for Bruce to get closer to him and learn more or if it was genuine.

"Interesting, I guess it is about time he and I meet. But this invitation says I can bring a plus one…" Arias trailed off, and a grin appeared on his face.

Mercy immediately understood what he was getting at and didn't hesitate to refuse. "No, no fucking way. I'm not going to some rich boy get-together as your arm candy; take anyone else."

Arias just smiled at her arguments; it wasn't like she had a choice. Arias had made up his mind and made it clear with his next words.

"You're not the first option either, but you'll attract the least attention. Besides, you must've attended countless of these with Lex, so I can count on you not to ruin things. Just suck it up; who knows, you might like it."

"Like hell I would!"

"Well, you don't have a choice. Clear your schedule and get your ass ready to leave; we're going to need to get you a dress and whatever else you'll need to look more… arm candy-ish."

Once again, Mercy clicked her tongue but didn't protest. Instead, she just turned and yelled, "Fine," before storming out.

*Seems I was right. Stubborn as she is, she couldn't have gotten along with Lex all this time unless she's submissive. The real question is, was she like this before? Or did she become this way due to her infatuation? Oh well, she's mine to enjoy now.*

…

Meanwhile, Bruce Wayne was at his manor with Alfred by his side, overseeing the many workers preparing his hall for the event. However, Bruce looked anything but pleased, as he soon expressed to Alfred.

"Is this really necessary? I have enough to deal with right now, especially with the League. It's far from a proper unit and—" Before Bruce could finish, Alfred coughed and cut him off.

"If I may be so bold, Master Bruce, I feel now is the best time to remind Gotham of your presence while the joy over the Joker's death is still fresh. If you miss this chance to create a positive image, I fear the media will target you next with their pompous rumors and such," he advised, causing Bruce to release a subtle sigh and shake his head.

"Fine, prepare the venue and invite whoever you feel is necessary. I'll be in the cave settling some things," Bruce revealed as he turned to walk away.

Alfred nodded at those words and replied, "It will be done, and do remember that you yourself will need to get prepared as well. The host must look the part."

Bruce only waved his hand as understanding the point before his figure completely disappeared into another hall.

Once down in the cave, Bruce immediately walked over to the Batcomputer and was about to take a seat when suddenly he stopped. His eyes narrowed at the control panel for a second before he turned around sharply with a battle stance.

"Who's there!?" he asked in a commanding and serious tone.

Immediately after he asked this, some light footsteps began to emerge from a shadowed corner, soon revealing the curvy figure of a woman in a tight black jumpsuit.

"Selina…" Bruce muttered as he lowered his stance before asking, "What are you doing here?"

His tone remained serious as he looked at Selina, who just showed a small smile. "Prrr, and here I thought you'd be glad to see me, Bruce."

"I don't have time for your games, Selina. Talk."

After Bruce said that, Selina's smile faded, almost as if disappointed, but she still spoke.

"I need your help with something. Arias Markovic… he's not what he seems," she revealed with some anger laced in her voice.

Bruce, who had shown disinterest up until now, finally narrowed his gaze and muttered, "What do you know?"