Chapter 91: The Price to Pay Part 1

Around the same time Luthor was getting released, Arias sat in his office within the Markovic Tower with a grin on his face. He could only imagine the sheer anger and humiliation Luthor was feeling right about now. Even as a multi-billionaire, getting scammed out of 5 billion dollars would be infuriating beyond belief. With this move, Arias was now certain that Lex would proactively try to ruin or even kill him.

But with Roulette now acting as his insider, he didn't need to concern himself with any plans that might threaten any of the projects he was currently working on. As for attempts on his life, he was even more unconcerned.

While he was relishing the misery of others, Apeiro's gentle voice resonated in his mind.

**[ I take it everything is going according to plan? You seem very elated. ]**

Arias continued to sit in a relaxed posture, not surprised by the sudden appearance of Apeiro. "More or less. I've managed to take over this city almost completely, and the public still thinks I'm just another ordinary human."

**[ The majority lack intelligence, while those that don't are too blind to recognize the greatness before them. I have to admit, there's something fairly enjoyable about watching you crush the dreams and beliefs of others while fooling them into following yours. ]**

"You'd be amazed at just how many beings utilize such a method. Though, the higher you climb, the more dangerous it becomes if you lack the power to protect yourself. More often than not, people like me meet untimely and cruel deaths."

**[ So, for you who does have the means… ]**

"I can't be stopped."

Before the conversation could continue, a loud knock resounded on his door, catching Arias's attention.

"Enter," he said casually while adjusting his sitting posture to look professional. Apeiro said nothing more, and her presence just faded away once again.

After the door opened, the familiar figure of Slade appeared, strolling into the room with his arms crossed. "You've got a visitor, boss. That bold snake Lex is demanding to see you. He seems very pissed; it's honestly pretty entertaining, but it's starting to cause a scene. Want me to just kick him out?"

Seeing that it was just Slade, Arias relaxed his posture again and grinned before replying, "Invite him in. I'm curious as to what's got him so worked up."

Slade grinned back, immediately sensing that Arias had indeed done something to Lex. Since Arias didn't wish to speak on it, Slade left it and didn't inquire further.

He left and returned a few minutes later with Lex and Mercy in tow. Judging by his appearance, Lex had likely come directly after getting released, still looking quite grimy with a foul odor. Still, Arias played the role of a welcoming host and just smiled as Lex walked in.

"Lex Luthor, glad to see you've been released. It's always nice when justice prevails, don't you think? Anyway, have a seat."

Lex wanted to frown even more, but his face had reached its limit on the amount of anger it could express. Despite how he felt, Lex was smart enough not to let his anger completely dictate his actions.

Given the way Arias was acting, Lex considered the possibility of the room being tapped or under surveillance. He needed to be very careful with what he said. So, with great reluctance, he swallowed some of his anger but remained standing as he spoke.

"Our previous transaction… don't you think it was a bit... 'unfair'?"

Despite trying his best to hide his anger, it was still very apparent in his voice. Arias feigned contemplation by tapping his chin for a moment before snapping his fingers as if realizing something.

"You're absolutely right. It was completely unfair; I knew you of all people could understand, Lex. The amount we agreed on prior simply isn't enough, considering the contents of our agreement."

Arias's reply wasn't what Lex expected. He wanted to yell and curse at Arias for being so twisted. How dare he say the deal was unfair on his part when he got billions for doing nothing? Lex wondered this but didn't express it. He felt like Arias was purposefully trying to push his buttons, so he didn't entertain those thoughts.

Arias could see that Lex was on the verge of exploding, so he decided to do one final thing. "Hmm, don't believe me? See for yourself," he said confidently, reaching into a drawer in his desk.

From there, he took out a large folder and threw it on top of the table. Lex hesitated but eventually picked it up and began flipping through the pages. The more he flipped, the grimmer his face became.

"Where did you get this…?"

Lex's grip on the folder tightened as he spoke, the anger he once had replaced by a completely different emotion—fear. Within that folder, Lex saw a compilation of proof about numerous illegal operations he ran or had been involved in. It wasn't everything, but the sheer volume of evidence contained within that folder was enough to charge him on numerous counts.

Murder, treason, human trafficking, alien trafficking, weapons trafficking, money laundering, and many more.

Even with the best lawyers in the world, a life sentence—or worse, the death penalty—was unavoidable. Not to mention the numerous powerful people who would want his life once they discovered he was behind operations that negatively impacted them.

The reason Lex asked how Arias got this was because Lex was always thorough in making sure no traces were left. But there was a problem. With every operation he conducted, the people he had do things for him would obviously know.

But being arguably the smartest man on the planet, he had measures in place. Even if they had some information, it couldn't amount to much.

Unfortunately for Lex, Arias had three sources of information. Roulette, who now helped run many of his current operations. Barbara, who had memorized the entire criminal dossier on the Batcomputer while she was still Batgirl. Within that dossier, Batman had evidence he worked hard to acquire through brilliant investigation and use of resources.

Last but not least, Lex's long-time lawyer. Because of their long-standing cooperation, he had numerous records of many transactions Lex had done. These were, of course, supposed to be destroyed, as he too would be charged if caught, but the man needed to have a last resort in case things ever went south with Lex.

Three individual sources—alone, the evidence wasn't enough to cause Lex to worry, but together, it painted a nightmarish picture.

Arias smiled at the flabbergasted Lex before speaking. "Do you now agree that our deal was unfair?"

Lex could barely register what Arias said. Right now, his mind was churning, trying to piece together how Arias got this information. The first thought was that Roulette had betrayed him, but that didn't make sense. Two out of the three sets of evidence were from operations he did years before even knowing Roulette. Furthermore, not only did Arias want her dead, but the evidence present would also serve as a problem for her too.

Mercy was a possibility, but she lacked reason and intelligence, in his mind, to do this—after all, she too would be affected, just like Roulette.

The last was Lex's lawyer. He could be responsible for one set without a doubt, but he couldn't imagine the rest originating from him… so then, how?

The more Lex thought about it, the more confusing the entire situation became. For now, though, he needed to deal with Arias.

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice heavy with resignation.

Arias smiled as he leaned back into his chair and replied, "The same amount… plus her." He added while pointing towards Mercy.

Both Lex and Mercy were surprised by this additional demand, especially Mercy, who couldn't help but protest immediately. "Hey, asshole! I'm not some bargaining chip, okay?!"

Lex just frowned and ignored Mercy's protests. In his mind, she was definitely tradable. Arias felt he should make things clearer, so he spoke again.

"I just happen to need a secretary. Who better than the woman who's worked for the world's most brilliant man? More importantly, my previous secretary was poached away by you in a very unappealing manner, so I think this is fair. Wouldn't you agree?"

On the surface, it seemed like Arias was just greedy for money and was being petty with his request, so Lex tried to counteroffer. "Half the amount, and I'll send your former secretary back. Do we have a deal?"

At that point, Arias laughed for a moment and showed a look of anger. "I'll get her back myself eventually. I have unfinished business with her, so no deal. The same amount, plus her. If you don't agree, then leave, but be ready for a storm."

Lex was not in a position to negotiate, so he begrudgingly agreed, "We have a deal."

Hearing that, Mercy became livid. "What the fuck, Lex!?"

However, Lex wasn't in the mood for her backtalk, so without hesitation, he smacked her with the back of his hand. "It's either this, or everything's over. My life and yours… are you too thick to understand even that?" he lectured angrily.

Mercy, too shocked at the fact she was hit, didn't reply back, so Lex simply turned to leave the office with the folder in hand. "Send me the account details when you have time."

Looking at the situation, one would think Arias was giving Lex a taste of his own medicine by taking away one of his most trusted assets. In truth, Arias knew that Lex had very few people he could trust.

With Mercy being left in Gotham, Lex would have no choice but to depend on someone else who was not only well aware of his operations but had little chance of betraying him… Roulette.