Chapter 131: Choose Your Enemies Wisely, Part 1

The day came to an end with no major events occurring for Arias. He spent his time glossing over the knowledge he had taken from Luthor. The more he found out, the more he realized just how ambitious Luthor was. The sheer number of operations Luthor had a hand in was staggering.

Unfortunately, most wouldn't benefit Arias much unless he were trying to take over the country in a more political and methodical way… which wasn't happening. However, there were a few projects he found intriguing. But now wasn't the time to bother with them. 

For now, he focused on building his own foundation, feeling it was enough for the moment.

When he got back to his residential tower, he planned on tightening the hold he had over his… "residences." 

But upon arriving, he found he didn't need to do much.

The newest resident, Terra, had wanted to do something nice for both Arias and Slade, so she had prepared a grand meal and set it up in the large dining area. Harley didn't need any convincing to attend, while Diana was curious to see how this custom played out. Rose was the only hesitant one, but she too eventually joined.

Arias and Slade arrived to find the trio already seated and awaiting them.

"You girls seem to be having fun," Arias commented upon entering the room, while Slade scoffed, glancing toward Rose.

"You mean to say, you girls *and* the boy with a vagina."

Rose clearly saw that her father was directing the comment at her, and she immediately narrowed her gaze, shouting, "Fuck off!"

Slade shook his head and gave Arias an appealing look. "Should we really allow rabid animals at the table? I mean, just look at those crazy eyes… sorry, eye."

Arias stepped away from the bickering father-daughter duo without commenting on either side. He approached the table and found Terra smiling a lot. She seemed to be settling in fine and, for some reason, found both Harley and Diana fun.

Terra looked up at Arias and quickly stood to pull out his chair for him, muttering, "I just wanted to say thanks somehow for… everything."

Arias had lost count of how many times she had thanked him, but she was clearly keen on showing her gratitude.

*Well, at least I won't have to worry about her showing gratitude in the future,* he thought, returning a smile to Terra. "I appreciate it."

After taking his seat, Harley dominated the conversation, mostly talking about what she and Terra got up to after Arias left. Diana joined in, sharing some of the strange encounters she had that day.

"Can you believe it? Right there in the open for all to see. Your people are bolder than I gave them credit for."

This topic piqued Harley's interest, and she eagerly joined in. "Ouu, did he have a big dick? How was he pounding her?"

Diana shook her head, disappointed. "Sadly, I didn't stay long enough to measure or ask. It is rude to stare, even though I'm sure they didn't mind."

Slade, who had finally decided to stop arguing with Rose, couldn't help but comment. "Wow, you've been here for less than two months, and you already have more live sexual experience than her," he said, pointing a fork at Rose.

Rose frowned and quickly defended herself. "You know most fathers don't want their young daughters getting dicked down, you sick old bastard."

The insults didn't faze Slade, and he shrugged. "Well, good thing I just have a really feminine son."

Terra was both entertained and awkwardly uncomfortable with the discussion, but overall, it showed that she was enjoying herself. 

As for Arias, this was quickly becoming the norm. Still, he wasn't one to mingle more than necessary, so he decided to excuse himself.

"Well, this was nice, but I'll be going to relax in the bath for a bit. It's been a long day," he said, preparing to leave.

As soon as he did, though, Diana also stood and announced, "I shall join you then. You still have more to teach me."

Although Diana spoke in a literal sense, it came out far bolder than she realized, sparking a mischievous smile on Harley's face. "Ouu, can I join the lesson?"

Terra was surprised by what she was hearing but didn't show it, continuing to smile awkwardly. 

Arias, however, was still in the process of courting Harley, and sadly… threesomes were not the way to do it. 

Visibly disappointed, Arias shook his head at Harley. "Your lesson will come later, Harley. Be ready."

Knowing she wouldn't give up otherwise, Arias satisfied her with the promise of a vague "lesson," letting her imagination run wild… and it did. Without wasting time, she left the table to go prepare… for what, no one knew. And it was better that way.

Seeing Arias walk away, Slade couldn't miss the chance to strike one final jab at Rose. "Not gonna ask for a lesson too?"

As Arias and Diana left, Rose's distant curses grew fainter and fainter until they reached the elevator to head up to Arias's suite.

Once there, Arias, who had been having light conversation with Diana, came to an abrupt stop upon entering the room.

"Is something the matter?" Diana asked, confused.

Arias smiled and glanced toward the open balcony window. "It seems we have a guest."

As soon as Arias said this, a figure emerged from a dark corner, hovering silently in the air. Diana immediately recognized the figure and spoke up first. "Superman?"

"So it seems," Arias added, looking at Superman with an unfazed gaze.

"What are you doing here? If this is about rejoining the League, I've already said I'm not interested," Diana revealed, crossing her arms. But Superman shook his head and looked directly at Arias.

"I'm here for him. I've got some questions to ask," he said plainly.

Arias had no interest in playing games, so he refused flatly. "I have no interest in whatever you're trying to do."

Superman hovered closer, his expression serious. "Like it or not, you will tell me what role you played in the death of Lex Luthor."

As Superman moved closer, Diana stepped forward and stood between him and Arias, her sword unsheathed and pointed toward the Man of Steel. "I don't understand your reason for doing this, but if you continue, I will act," Diana warned.

Superman glanced at Diana, then at the smug Arias, before leaving in the blink of an eye.

Once he was gone, Diana looked at Arias with concern. "It seems they've fed him lies, just like they tried to do with me. Deep down, I know his intentions are good," she said, sighing in resignation.

Arias observed the open balcony door for a moment before shaking his head.

"Good or not, since he wants to be enemies… I'll give him a valid reason to despise me," Arias's voice turned cold, and his expression became serious, visibly irritated by the uncalled-for visit.