110 Chapter 110: Taming Mercy Part 3

Arias had no doubts that sooner or later the US government would approach him personally, but even he didn't expect it to be Amanda Waller.

However, from what little he knew about her, he knew she would go to any lengths to get what she wanted… for the sake of national security as she called it.

His call with her was brief as nothing important was discussed. Rather she just wanted to see if he was open to talks so they could set a later date to discuss things privately and securely.

With the call over, Arias rested in his couch contemplating the matter for a bit for shaking his head. 'If this really is a move by Lex, then I can't see what his angle is. Best focus on my own phases.'

He quickly put the matter to the back of his mind since no immediate date was set as of yet. Once the time came, he could better prepare for any unwanted… circumstances.

Having reached that conclusion, Arias reached for his phone and also made an odd phone call of his own.

…

At the same time in Metropolis, Lex was in his over trying to arrange plans to create a superhuman task force of his own and make Metropolis far more attractive than the current Gotham.

Unlike Arias, Lex never focused on forming interpersonal relationships to better people's loyalty towards him as he saw it as a waste of time. He considered his time very valuable and thus most problems of his were sorted through others either using force or money.

This was especially true in the past year as his focus was completely on Superman, the being who ruined so many of his plans for Metropolis with his presence alone.

While absorbed in his work, the door to Lex's office swung open and Roulette's curveous figure walked through with a folder in hand.

She casually placed it on Lex's table before sitting there herself and crossing her legs in tantalizing manner. However, Lex didn't even spare her a glance.

Once again, unlike Arias who gave people the illusion of having an advantage over him, Lex preferred to let it be known from the start that he was better than the other party.

Roulette had long since known this and had even grown bored of trying to woe Lex. One would even think he was asexual if it wasn't for some brief relationships he had in the past with some well-known women.

"Here are the profiles you asked for. Unfortunately, many of the younger ones have already moved to Gotham and have been accepted to the high school there. The few that are willing to hear me out are street rats who don't do too well with orders and only care about money."

While Roulette was talking, Lex finally turned to look at her but before he could answer, his phone buzzed and caused them both to turn their attention to it.

Lex didn't immediately pick it up and looked at Roulette, basically telling her to answer on his behalf as his secretary. In his mind it was likely just another greedy individual wanting to associate themselves with him.

Roulette reached to pick up the phone after rolling her eyes but answered in a sensual tone as if to invoke desires from the other party. "Hello~, you've reached the office of Lex Luthor, how may I help you?"

[ You seem awfully cheerful for someone who could die at any moment.] Arias's voice rang from the other side in a casual tone, but his words caused Roulette's body to stiffen and her face grow pale.

Every night she could vividly remember her near death encounter with him. She had incredible fear towards Arias, even the reports she sent to him were done through proxy's and never directly.

Lex was quick to notice her change in expression and he took the phone from her before asking. "Lex Luthor here, who am I speaking to?"

[ Forgotten me already Lex?]

This time, Arias answered with a bit of a mocking tone, immediately causing Lex to furrow his brows.

However, Lex had great self-control and composure so his expression calmed down a moment later and he replied with a confident grin. "How can I? You're making headlines every day. Which begs the question, what does a busy man like yourself want with me?"

Although Lex's tone seemed kind, anyone could tell it was anything but. It was more or less a kind of way of asking Arias what the fuck he wanted.

[ No need to be so dismissive. I've had time to think and I came to the conclusion that it is a waste of both our times to be at odds with one another, rather… think of what we could achieve if he worked together.]

Hearing this, Lex's brows were furrowed even more but his interest was certainly piqued. "In what manner exactly?"

[ Whatever manner your imagination allows you. With me, many things will become easier and possible and with your wealth… well, let's just say they'd be very little that could stand in our way.]

The more Lex heard the more he gained interest. He couldn't argue that having Arias as an ally would be an immense piece of help. But at the same time, he couldn't help but wonder if this was a trap.

"And why should I trust your words." Lex asked but Arias broke out in a subtle mocking laugh.

[ You disappoint me Lex. Being as smart as you are, I also risk a lot by working with you but I'm confident in my abilities that I will not be outdone if you carry any negative thoughts. It seems you don't share the same self-assurance, a shame. And here I thought my victories over you thus far were due to your ignorance of my capabilities. Forget I even mentioned anything then.]

Arias's words stung more than he knew, and Lex even questioned himself for a moment.

It was certainly true that Arias carried an equal amount of risk were they to partner up… yet he offered it without fear of being outdone. This irked Lex, as it meant he was subconsciously at least cautious of Arias.

"Hold on… it was just a question of caution. I agree that a partnership between us could serve both sides tremendously."

[ Good to hear. You may think this funny, but I envied you growing up Lex, so this a very welcome end to our rivalry, though I'm sure we'll find more means through which to compete.]

Lex no longer frowned and instead grinned and nodded. "I'm sure we will. I'll arrange a date on which we can discuss things in better detail here in metropolis."

[ Until then Lex.]

Arias cut the call reclined in his chair with a subtle smile. Even Lex couldn't resist the words of someone who spoke based on the other party's personality.

He knew just what to say to intrigue Lex while also leaving him room to think he was respected and rivaled.

Lex had no interest in matters or people below him. Arias presented himself as an ally and rival, someone Lex enjoyed competing against and had a point to prove.

The chances of success were high from the start.

"And with that, the bait is set, now we play the long game."

…

A few moments later, the door to Arias's office opened and a frowning Mercy walked in.

Arias completely ignored her frown and stood up before walking to the front of his desk and leaning against it while facing her. He looked her up and down before shrugging slightly.

No matter how much a woman was indifferent towards a man, she would certainly feel a certain type of way and being looked at so poorly, as if she was an eyesore.

"What? Did you just call me to perv on my body? I already told you I'm not that type of secretary so get your clown slut or muscle princess to suck you off under your table."

Arias raised a brow towards her and replied. "Under the table? You sound like you speak from experience. I'm sure Lex has enjoyed that foul mouth of yours plenty under his own."

The words Arias spoke were aimed at angering Mercy and they did just that. He knew full well Lex likely did nothing of the sort towards Mercy and if he did… he clearly didn't do it enough.

"Maybe I did, Maybe I didn't, that's none of your fucking business."

Arias continued to smirk through her insults and just shook his head. "A shame, that type of role suits you. Lex is clearly enjoying having Roulette at his side, maybe he'll be willing to trade her back to me when we he sets a date for the meeting in Metropolis."

His words invoked three sets of different emotions in Mercy. Anger at being told she was suited for being an office slut, jealously at hearing Roulette was likely getting intimate with Lex and finally, hope that she might return to him.

At that moment, she lowered her heard a bit and Arias just smiled. 'Got you.'