Chapter 25: Knowing Your Place

Arias arrived at a hotel just as the sun began to set, signaling the end of a long, successful day. The weight of his carefully executed plans lifted from his shoulders as he stepped out of the police car. He gazed at the hotel, a small smile playing on his lips, before heading inside to check in. With no belongings to carry, it seemed as though he was already a returning client, familiar with the establishment.

After securing a standard room for the night, he decided to call it a day and retire early. Inside his room, Arias took out a small flip phone, its contact list empty, and dialed one of the many numbers he had memorized. The number rang for a short moment before someone on the other end picked up.

The line was silent, so Arias loosened his collar and smiled. "Not going to congratulate me on my freedom, Gregor?"

"Congratulations," Gregor replied, his voice devoid of emotion. "What can I do for you?"

"I'll admit, I didn't think you had it in you. We must have a nice, long chat on the auction day. I'll assume I'm on the list of invited guests, but if you forgot, think of this as a reminder. Oh, and congratulations on becoming mayor. Have a good night."

Arias spoke mockingly, teasing Gregor about his failed attempt on his life without directly mentioning it. He ended the call before Gregor could reply.

Immediately after, the Infinity resounded in his consciousness.

"When will you take that insolent fool's life?"

"Gregor? Unfortunately, he still has quite a lot of uses. It would be far too troublesome to employ another pawn in the mayor's position. Even then, there's no guarantee I won't face hostility."

"You must remember that you're still at a stage where it's not difficult to kill you instantly. If that were to happen, then… I'd lose you for good."

The Infinity's tone carried a sadness that struck Arias as odd.

"For good? You say that like you've lost me before."

"I'm only trying to highlight that I don't wish to lose you, Ari, as a vessel and a being I hold dear."

Arias was surprised by this confession, but he knew better than to dwell on it. Honesty was crucial in his relationship with the Infinity, even if phrasing was essential.

"You and I are forever bound together. It was odd at first, but I've come to accept this situation over the past days. In the end, you're the only being that truly understands me and supports my ambitions fully. That makes you the most important being in my life. You're invaluable to me."

The Infinity fell silent, leaving Arias alone with his thoughts.

"Infinity?"

When no answer came, Arias could only shrug, offering a brief smile before settling onto the bed with his phone still in hand. He lifted it close to his face and dialed another number, pressing the call button.

The phone rang only for a moment before a sultry, seductive voice answered in a whispery tone.

"Hello? Who might this be?"

"Your boss, calling to tell you that you've been chosen for the position, Miss Roulette."

"Oh? So it's my 'potential' boss," she replied playfully. "Interesting. I just saw your interview on the news. Quite the bold, ambitious man you are. A shame, though—I thought you were a billionaire, but from what I could dig up, you're worth less than thirty million. Not all that impressive."

Arias remained unfazed by her attempt to trigger his pride. "You overestimate your value. Whether you reject the position or not, the one million is yours; money is something I can make on a whim. Just give me a direct answer. My time is valuable."

Roulette's playful tone wavered as she realized he wasn't like the other men she had dealt with. Most wealthy men had fragile egos, easily swayed by flattery or insults. But Arias was different, uninterested in proving his worth to her or anyone else.

"A no-nonsense kind of man, huh? Well, I won't lie that I'm curious to see your so-called brilliance in action, so I guess I'll be calling you 'boss' from now on. But what is my position exactly? Managing director? Financial department head?"

"Secretary."

Silence hung on the line, the weight of the title sinking in. Arias knew he had bruised her ego, demoting her to a role she considered beneath her skills. But her love of money won out, and she swallowed her pride.

"Not at all, boss. When do I start?"

"Tomorrow. I'm about to send you another million. Book a flight, come to the Rollington Hotel, and do some shopping while you're at it. I can't have my secretary wearing cheap clothes and makeup now, can I?"

The jab at her appearance was deliberate, another calculated move to keep her in check. Though anger simmered beneath the surface, Roulette kept her tone sweet.

"What a generous boss. Is there something specific you want your secretary to wear? After all, I'm dressing to please you."

Her attempt to lure him into spending more on her failed. Arias wasn't a man easily manipulated.

"You're dressing not to embarrass me. I'll trust you can manage that much. I'll call you again tomorrow evening, so be sure to have settled in by then."

He cut the call before she could respond, laying back on his bed with a satisfied smile. "Different people really do need different approaches. I need to break her ego due to the many men who have likely drooled over her. Anyway, that's one asset gained… but I need many more."

Arias knew his path to power required more than just money and influence. It required people—capable, loyal people who would serve his interests without question. And Roulette was just the beginning.