Chapter 26: Start Small

A week passed since Arias was announced a free man, and he had gotten very busy then.

After Roulette arrived the next day, the pair had already begun to plan how to best use what was now a free market in Gotham.

At that point, she still had doubts, but given how he splurged money on her, she felt lingering around wasn't a problem.

However, her interest grew when Arias attained all the auctioned properties using only the 8 million dollars he had.

When in actuality, Arias didn't spend a single cent.

This occurred because Gregor had again tried to get in his way by not inviting him to the auction.

Unfortunately for Gregor, Arias had information concerning over 90% of the attendees.

So when the auction ended with him thinking he had delayed Arias significantly, news arose of the newly purchased properties being sold to Arias in what they described as "private deals."

Since the deals were private, the money spent wasn't officially disclosed. This meant the public and media could only speculate.

This harmed the image he was trying to set up as an honest businessman in the public eye, but he had few choices.

By the time it was Monday the following week, Arias was the single largest property owner in Gotham, with his new net worth estimated to be a whopping 378 million dollars.

Everyone that wasn't Arias was shocked at this stunning turn of events.

…

Among the newly attained properties that Arias had gained, a tower that housed some of Gotham's finest penthouses was among them.

This was the place he had chosen to be his residence, reserving the best penthouse at the building's very top for himself.

It covered two stories and had all the amenities needed, along with plenty of luxurious features and bonuses.

The single value of that penthouse alone was a staggering 50 million on paper. Yet, he got the entire building for free. To those he had blackmailed, Arias, indeed, was the devil.

Arias awoke to another day of him making headlines. He couldn't help but smile as he watched the early morning news in the living room while having a light breakfast.

[ The saintly prince of Gotham, Arias Markovic, has once again left residents stunned.

Following his attainment of the abandoned park in old Gotham, Mr Markovic has already begun renovating it. He plans to rename it Craig Dawson park, in respect to the hero officer who died while pursuing the truth of Gotham's underbelly.

This was welcomed by the residents who felt Gotham had lost many of the recreational attractions that children could go to and relax.

Mr Markovic also owns Horrison stadium and the Gotham sports centre, all located within Old Gotham. He says he plans to renovate and restore Gotham's various sports teams.

Many residents are excited at this prospect as it gives youths from lesser backgrounds with athletic prowess a stage to showcase their talents.

Mr Markovic also-]

Arias grew tired of hearing his name repeatedly repeated with little to no criticism and his public image growing at an astounding rate.

The fact that many could relate to him having grown up in poorer conditions meant it was easier for them to support him in the most simple of actions he did.

More often than not, the mayor's office has focused on increasing Gotham's value, but with their own hands in crime, they couldn't go far.

Those who tried to fight and curb crime would permanently either lose or die before the elections ended.

Gotham was experiencing such changes for the first time in a while, and they thanked him for it. Arias only did this with his properties, so he was essentially increasing the value of his assets.

Of course, such a rise to fame and power attracted the attention of more than just the residents of Gotham.

Arias shifted the image on the television to that of BatgirlBatgirl and robin, who could be seen sneaking into what was now his warehouse.

"I guess I've caught the attention of Gotham's vigilante crime fighters."

[ Will they pose a problem? ]

Infinity's voice resounded within Arias's mind, but he smiled and shook his head.

"No, in fact, this is a good opportunity. I don't know who those people are, but the boy wonder has been with Batman for quite a few years now, whereas BatgirlBatgirl appeared not too long ago. That may suggest she hasn't yet established a strong bond towards the duo."

[ And what do you intend to do if she hasn't? ]

"Lure her over to my side, even though that's quite an undertaking for me. For now, it'll be much easier if I start recruiting some of the more criminal talents Gotham offers. I'm sure an opportunity will arise soon enough."

"I've already had Roulette use her networking skills to scout out what is present within Gotham. Though ever since the massive takedown, most villains have fled."

[ That means you have fewer unruly individuals to deal with. But given your current level of strength, I can't imagine you getting potentially dangerous individuals under you ]

"Correct, I'm starting small, hence my interest in the likes of Batgirl. The only potential recruits with superior powers on the villain's spectrum are Shade, Giganta and Harley Quinn."

Arias's conversation with the infinity was cut short when his doorbell rang.

He quickly went to open it and found Roulette, sporting a tight crimson-red business suit waiting for him.

"Good morning, boss." She said with some allure while beaming a smirk.

Since Arias displayed how easy it was for him to gain wealth, she stuck to him like a leech, carrying out her secretarial duties to the fullest.

"What is it? We're not scheduled to leave until noon." Arias replied with a brow raised, but Roulette smiled more.

"Well, your world-class and underpaid secretary has managed to arrange some interviews with potential recruits later tonight at the iceberg lounge. And by interviews, I mean I've found some useful people desperate for money."

Arias frowned at the greedy in front of him and furrowed his brows. "Calling yourself underpaid is quite bold when you've earned two million from me in less than a month."

Roulette adjusted her glasses and laughed seductively while swaying her hips a little.

"Aw~ But boss, two million is far from enough to satisfy a lady's needs. I mean, look at how well I dressed for my generous boss. I've spent so much money all for you to be pleased." She pleaded in a not-so-convincing and playful manner.

Arias stepped back and eyed her up and down before shaking his head. "From appearances alone, I do not see where my investment went, and perhaps you should try showing me in numbers. Maybe then you'll see just how generous I can be. Okay?"

Arias extended his hand and held the tip of her chin while looking down at her coldly.

Roulette wasn't fazed and smirked in reply before giving her lips a little lick.

"Mmm, yes, Sir~ It just so happens numbers are my speciality… among other talents." She added before tilting her head and taking his thumb into her mouth.

She twirled her tongue around it slowly and gave it a slow suck, but Arias quickly withdrew his hand.

"I'll explore all those talents thoroughly when I have the time to indulge in distractions. You can leave for now, and we'll meet at noon." Arias turned and began to walk away, leaving Roulette disappointed she couldn't lure him in.

"My poor heart, my boss thinks I'm a distraction." She said in a playful voice as she turned to leave his apartment.

Arias glanced at her in the corner of his eye and showed a grin. "I find anything that doesn't increase my worth a distraction, don't you?"

Roulette did not reply to this and smiled seductively as she walked away.