After the matter with Amanda Waller had been settled, Arias returned to his residence and ignored the happenings of the world.
It wasn't long after his arrival that the murder of Amanda Waller was revealed. It was less shocking but still big news because, whether people liked her or not, she was still a high-ranking government official.
Her death made large political waves, and rumor mills began to spin that the entire thing was orchestrated by none other than President Ross, with the help of Superman, whom he had announced as an official ally of the United States.
Given how Lex was looking to be a front-runner in the coming elections, it wasn't a surprise that such rumors began to spread. As for Waller's case, many government officials who supported her felt that Ross may have played a role in her demise, as he had recently stripped her of many roles and privileges.
Be it on social media or the news, the demise of the two figures and the cause of their deaths were the hot topics being discussed and debated.
Following this news, however, a leak from the firm that handled most of Luthor's legal affairs was released, stating that his entire wealth and assets were to be given to the children he had with unnamed mistresses.
This, in turn, started another rollercoaster of news, as many women who had interactions with Lex saw an opportunity to cash in.
Unfortunately, that story ended quickly, as the firm made an official statement saying that, despite his will saying this, Luthor had left everything in the name of one Mercy Graves, Luthor's former personal assistant.
And unless she returned the assets to his name, Luthor's net worth could be considered zero at the time of his death.
It didn't take a genius to know that Luthor had likely left these things in her name because of his arrest, similar to what he had done a year prior.
Many just felt it was a coincidence, since she had returned the wealth once before, but what about now?
This was something Arias was very curious about as well.
With this news out, it didn't take long for reporters to gather around Markovic Tower, where it was revealed she now worked, sparking even more rumors.
An angry-looking Mercy walked out of the building with watery eyes as reporters tried to storm her. Arias had considered leaving her some extra security, but that would only prove counterproductive.
He needed the media to annoy her with questions concerning Luthor during this period of mourning… and they did just that.
"Mrs. Graves, how does it feel knowing that you are now among the richest people in the world? And America's wealthiest woman?"
"Mrs. Graves? How do you feel knowing Lex Luthor secretly fathered many children? Was your relationship with him intimate or strictly business?"
"What caused you to start working for Arias Markovic? And now that you are many times richer, will you leave?"
"Have you considered giving some of the money, if not all, to the unknown children of Mr. Luthor, just like he—"
It didn't take long for the constant shoving, flashing cameras, and annoying questions to make Mercy snap.
"No! No, I won't be giving away anything, now get out of my way!"
Mercy pushed and pushed, but she found it hard to leave. Suddenly, a group of figures in suits appeared and cleared the way before directing her to a car.
She immediately recognized it as one of Arias's company cars and got in without question. However, Arias wasn't present.
Before she could question anything, she received a call from him and picked up immediately. She half-expected him to take a kind tone with her given what was going on, but Arias kept in character.
"With so much going on, the last thing I need is you turning my building into a hotspot for reporters."
"Me and Lex weren't particularly close, but you seemed to be, for whatever reason, so you have my condolences. I'm only calling to find out whether you still work for me or not," Arias asked plainly. Despite her having a far greater net worth now, he didn't treat her any differently.
His way of doing things annoyed her, of course, but it was a welcome gesture after the hellish day she'd been having.
"I'm richer than you now, so why should I? To get treated like dirt some more?" she asked rudely, but in truth, she just wanted to hear Arias's reason for still wanting her around.
And he answered somewhat honestly… he lied through his teeth.
"Like I said before, as annoying as you are, you're valuable to me. Your newfound wealth and assets are your business, not mine. So long as you don't create problems, I don't mind keeping you as my secretary."
The level of arrogance with which he spoke was certainly on par with Luthor's. Mercy couldn't help but get angry just hearing him speak.
"I should be the one saying this! I can leave, you know! I really can!" she threatened.
Arias just yawned loudly over the phone as if bored by her words.
"That's true. Well, I'm getting tired, so I'll see you tomorrow. And don't forget to pick up my suits if you're still my assistant come morning. Good night."
Without waiting for her reply, he cut the call, leaving her even angrier than she already was.
"He… he hung up on me."
…
"Bastard!"