Chapter 69: Feels Good To Be a Boss - Part 1

After Arias finished his time on the stand, the other representatives were given their chance to speak. It quickly became apparent that many had been heavily influenced by his words. The majority either outright agreed with what he had said or cleverly rephrased it to gain some political clout. Arias's impact was so significant that even the most powerful figures couldn't argue against him without risking their own reputations, especially if they couldn't present a counterpoint strong enough to challenge his.

By the time the thirty-minute afternoon break arrived, Arias had accomplished far more than he had anticipated. This made the rest of the debate almost irrelevant, but he remained vigilant, ready to defend or counter any points made against him or Diana. However, no such challenges arose. The remaining time after the break was spent discussing countermeasures that would benefit everyone.

Discussions ranged from establishing emergency bunkers in every city, recruiting superhuman police officers, educating the public on handling dangerous situations, and other topics that, while important, lacked the intensity of the earlier debates. Some representatives still clashed occasionally, but none dared to question Arias's earlier points, especially after witnessing the damage he had done to Lex Luthor, who now remained conspicuously quiet.

Luthor's arrogance had led him to a fatal error, but he wouldn't make the same mistake twice. Now aware of what Arias was capable of, Luthor would take appropriate measures in the future. Arias, too, would be prepared for whatever came next.

At 5 PM sharp, the conference concluded after another lengthy speech by the speaker and host. On his way out, Arias met up with Diana, but they had to navigate through a crowd of representatives eager to start a conversation with him. These individuals recognized the value of aligning themselves with someone as resourceful as Arias. Others, however, saw him as a potential tool they could manipulate, underestimating his strength and cunning.

As Arias exited the building, reporters called out his name, eager for a statement. Fortunately, the police barrier kept them at a distance, though the flashing cameras were still a nuisance. It was too early for Arias to make any public declarations. Now was the time to listen to the offers from other representatives, to see who was willing to work under him and who still thought they could control him.

Once in the car, Arias let out an exasperated sigh and said to Slade, who was in the driver's seat, "Back to the hotel. This day has been a headache."

Slade, grinning widely, relayed the orders to the other armored vehicles that made up Arias's security detail and stepped on the gas. "I never pegged you as a good speaker. If you ever think of running for president, you've got my vote."

"That title will lose its meaning in the near future, Slade," Arias replied vaguely but confidently. Slade, intrigued by the cryptic response, grew even more excited to see what Arias had in store.

'Never thought being a bodyguard could be this entertaining,' Slade mused silently, focusing on his duties. After the stunt Arias pulled, it wouldn't be surprising if someone attempted to kill him. Whatever Arias was planning, Slade knew it was big and had the potential to make him very rich. He had nothing to lose by ensuring Arias stayed alive long enough for that to happen.

Fortunately, no attempts on Arias's life were made as he returned to the hotel with Diana. She was in high spirits after seeing so many of the world's leaders flustered by her bold statements during the debate. As they made their way up to their rooms, she couldn't stop talking about her time on the stand.

"Oh, and do you remember that man with the funny haircut and the woman's name? Hah! He actually thought we Amazonians needed a man to lead us—the audacity! If I'd had my sword, I would've dueled him right there to show him who's superior! And oh, there was also...!"

Like an excited child, Diana continued to chatter while Arias loosened his tie and pretended to listen. Rose, acting as their escort, leaned back and sighed, clearly finding the elevator ride unbearable.

Finally, they reached the top floor, and Rose looked the most relieved. She wanted nothing more than to satisfy her craving for a smoke. Lucky for her, Arias had also had enough of Diana's hyper energy for one day. "Well, Diana, I still have some work to prepare for tomorrow. We have one more day before this event ends. In the meantime, why don't you get better acquainted with my secretary? She can teach you more about our culture."

Although Harley was far from the ideal teacher, she was a free spirit like Diana, making it easier for the two to get along.

"Hmm, she is strange but lively—reminds me of a certain energetic sister of mine back home. Alright then, if you need me, I shall be in the company of Harley Quinn."

Diana accepted the suggestion and walked off, murmuring under her breath, "I wonder if she'll be willing to spar…"

Arias sighed but wasn't worried. He had already sent Harley a list of instructions regarding Diana. To make her fall more quickly under his influence, he needed Harley's help. Diana was naturally more comfortable around women, so Arias planned to have Harley subtly plant certain ideas in her mind, making her more open-minded and more trusting of him than others.

A loyal Harley was eager to carry out the task, especially after Arias made it clear that he had no intention of sharing her or Diana with anyone else. Harley found possessiveness to be a huge turn-on—she wanted to be owned, controlled, and made to feel all sorts of emotions, be it pain or pleasure…

With Diana gone, Arias returned to his room with Rose in tow. Slade had asked her to stay by Arias's side until he could ensure the building was as secure as possible. Once inside, Arias took off his blazer, tossed it on the couch, and placed his phone on the table.

Rose looked at him with a raised brow. "Did you just want her gone because her stories wore you out?"

Arias smiled and shook his head. "Not exactly. I just can't start my work until people begin calling. Being the one who's called first gives you the advantage. So until someone calls, I intend to relax. Is that a problem? You don't seem particularly happy about being on guard duty."

He wasn't wrong, and Rose didn't deny it. She simply shrugged and sat on the sofa's armrest. "Well, I'd be lying if I said I wouldn't prefer being in a hot tub with a smoke or just killing someone. No offense, but guarding just isn't my thing."

Arias sat upright on the couch and looked at her with a smile. "Neither is politics for me, but we do what we must. Though, it's not impossible for you to enjoy guarding. I have a jacuzzi, drinks, and cigars. It'd be a shame not to use them."

Always good with his words, Arias made Rose an offer that was hard to refuse. As a killer for hire, someone like her likely had very few chances to relax and was also quite open-minded. The life of a killer was short, so they often took what enjoyment they could when it was offered.

His gamble paid off. Rose looked at him with a grin while biting her lower lip. "I take it back—maybe guarding is my thing. I just never had the chance to have such a kind, handsome boss. Well then, I'm ready whenever you are…"

Arias's invitation was clear to Rose. She didn't hesitate to loosen her clothes and begin stripping. He watched her with a satisfied grin, thinking to himself, 'Feels good to be the boss.'