Chapter 119: Strange Alliances Part 4

Later that day, in the dry hours of the evening, Lex Luthor was in the midst of preparing to leave his office at LexCorp Tower when suddenly, his personal phone rang. He didn't think too much of it at first, even upon seeing the caller ID, and just answered. "What is it, Amanda? It's not good for us to communicate too frequently."

**[ Believe me, I have much better things to do than calling you, but we have a problem. Or should I say you have a problem. ]**

Hearing those words, Lex sported a frown and narrowed his eyes. "Elaborate."

**[ The President wants you out of the picture, badly. And it seems he's suspicious of me as well; many of my privileges have been revoked. I don't know the details, but what I do know is they're planning to arrest you tomorrow and seize your assets. You better act accordingly. ]**

Hearing this, Lex looked annoyed but not particularly bothered, and soon a grin appeared on his face. "I always do. I'll be out by the end of the week once they turn up nothing. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to make some preparations."

**[ So do I. I'll stay in touch, Lex. ]**

Immediately after ending the call, Lex speed-dialed another line.

"Roulette, start clearing all evidence of our operations. We may have a minor setback starting tomorrow, so clear out and leave no trace. Understood?"

**[ Understood. ]**

The call was brief, and Lex said what needed to be said. But that wasn't the end of it. Although he trusted Roulette to handle and organize his operations, he didn't trust her with his money. For that, there was only one person he depended on. Without delay, he called Mercy, who, of course, instantly picked up.

**[ Lex? ]** The sudden call took her by surprise. After all, ever since being given to Arias, it was always her who had to call Lex once a week to feed him information.

"Of course, dear. I don't have much time, so listen carefully: I may be getting arrested tomorrow, so to protect my funds and assets per usual, I'll put it all under your name."

"This time, it should work even better since you work for Arias. Just keep out of sight and don't fumble things while I'm away. I'll organize lawyers and the like in advance. I'll call you again when you're needed."

After Lex said what he wanted, a brief silence followed as Mercy didn't answer immediately. His words caused her to fall into thought for a moment before she finally answered.

**[ I get it, Lex. ]**

"Good, don't perform any transactions or deals with Arias while I'm away. He may try to use this chance to target you since you're not his opponent."

**[ I'm not a fool, Lex; I know what to do. ]**

"Then I have nothing further to say."

The call ended just like that, with Lex treating everything casually. In his mind, nothing had changed with Mercy, and he trusted her to repeat what they had done before. Unbeknownst to him, Mercy carried thoughts of doubt concerning him.

Despite the number of times she said he and Arias were alike, she now saw a clear difference, or at least thought she did. In her mind, despite Arias being cocky, arrogant, and prideful like Lex, he was actually forward and not detached from his subordinates. It was far from caring, but it was the closest thing to being acknowledged she'd ever had since working with Lex.

Her already troubled thoughts became even more muddled. Now, what would she do? Did she wish to return to that life of being a shadow, a mere tool of sorts? Her mind was in turmoil. Like a love-struck fool, she could see the obvious signs but refused to fully believe them. Her mind still created false fantasies of better days ahead.

This was a factor that Arias couldn't intervene with, or rather chose not to. Whether a loss or a gain, he would at least accomplish the main purpose. What he could intervene with were other factors. Because shortly after calling Lex, Amanda Waller called him and told him she had done him the favor he asked for.

After this, he waited for an hour before deciding to call his piece on the inside, Roulette. She hadn't been expecting his call, but seeing it made something click within her mind. Arias knew or had a hand in whatever was going on with Lex at the moment. The real question was, what did he want from her?

**[ Hello? ]** She answered the call in a low and reserved tone, a far cry from her usual haughty and flirtatious ways of carrying herself.

"Is something wrong? You sound… ill." He mocked, knowing full well she was like this out of fear for her own safety. Not wanting to waste time entertaining himself at her expense, he didn't let her answer and just got to the point.

"Anyway, I didn't call to play with my pet. Knowing Lex, he should've already told you that some trouble is brewing and asked you to have all operations go dark."

Roulette wasn't surprised Arias knew. Ever since he invaded her mind, she felt like he could do so at any time; this false sense of fear she gave herself made it so she didn't even think twice about attempting a betrayal.

**[ He has, yes. ]** She admitted, then went silent, already knowing she was about to act as his pawn.

"I see. Have them do so, but as soon as he gets arrested, unearth them."

**[ He'll kill me if he finds out. ]**

"There are some fates worse than death, Roulette. Don't make me show you. Are we clear?"

**[…yes.]**