"Very well, after you prepare my dinner, go ahead and take a rest," Harvey said. "Starting tomorrow, you'll be responsible for managing these tasks."
Hearing Sonia mention that starting next year, Tony Stark would bring in at least three billion annually, Harvey couldn't help but feel a bit surprised.
Sonia nodded slightly and placed a call to the kitchen, instructing them to start preparing dinner. She would pick it up later. Then, she settled into a soft sofa in the hall and began researching.
She needed to investigate the owners of the islands near Void Island.
All the samples Tony Stark had presented today were created entirely by Tony himself. But to move into large-scale production, numerous factories would need to be built.
Void Island, the headquarters of the Void Cult, was designated for members' activities, so it wouldn't be practical to set up factories there. The best option would be to purchase another island and develop it.
This way, workers could have a place to spend their wages, keeping them on the island while also enabling a partial return of funds.
Through her interactions with elite officers of the new legion, Sonia had come to understand something. Even without explicitly mentioning Lord Kassadin, the big players on Xandar were well aware she was Kassadin's right hand.
Though it wasn't her intention to ride Kassadin's coattails—she preferred to handle things on her merit—she couldn't deny that she was indeed under his protection.
With this recognition, Sonia realized she didn't need Kassadin to personally get involved in purchasing an island; she could manage it herself. Being Kassadin's steward meant she had to be more mindful of her actions, ensuring that she didn't tarnish his reputation.
Finding out who owned an island was simple enough, so Sonia quickly identified several nearby islands. Then, she pressed a button, and a floating table drifted over to her.
She began drafting plans for the upcoming month and estimated the required budget. Trying to remember everything in her head was a recipe for mistakes, so Sonia preferred writing things down and reviewing them daily to ensure nothing got missed.
Watching Sonia scribbling diligently, Harvey felt a sense of pride. He had chosen well—Sonia was indeed an exceptional steward.
She wasn't just competent but constantly sought ways to improve. After completing tasks, she would often reflect on what could have been done better. If she identified any shortcomings, she'd dive into learning more, striving to be even more perfect next time.
In just over a year, Harvey had grown used to Sonia's efficient management. As a result, he had become increasingly lazy.
Considering Sonia had joined the Void Cult and would be by his side for years to come, Harvey wasn't too concerned. While he had generously compensated her, often rewarding her with large sums of money in addition to her initial salary, Harvey couldn't help but wonder if his growing laziness was a bad thing.
He thought back to his earlier days when he was more energetic, planning everything meticulously and handling many matters personally.
But after hiring Sonia as his steward, there was little left for him to do. All he needed to do was tell her what he wanted, and she would take care of the rest.
Harvey realized he'd have to reconnect with his original drive when he returned to Earth—perhaps in about seven months, at the start of 2011.
That would be the perfect time to rediscover his roots. Tony would also be returning to Earth then, and the planet was about to experience its first cosmic invasion. Many interesting events would unfold—how could Harvey not be there to witness them?
It would also be the perfect opportunity to bring the Hulk into the Void Cult. With Bruce Banner and Tony working together, the pace of technological development would skyrocket.
After deciding that next time, for sure, he'd get back to his old self, Harvey continued to lounge around.
Sonia, having felt Kassadin's gaze on her for a moment, glanced over to see him leisurely playing a game. She didn't pay it any mind.
Even if Lord Kassadin spent his days sleeping, it didn't bother her. As long as she managed everything according to his instructions, all would be fine.
Though her responsibilities had expanded significantly, requiring her to learn various new skills, Sonia enjoyed the challenge.
In less than a year of serving Lord Kassadin, she had already saved over twelve million. To think, she had earned more in one year than she could have worked at the Elite Hotel for decades!
Kassadin rarely gave her specific orders, granting her plenty of freedom, which made her time on the island all the more enjoyable.
Her only problem was that since she spent so much time on the island, she rarely had the chance to go out and spend money. Many of the outfits delivered to her didn't seem appropriate for wearing in front of other members of the Void Cult—she couldn't afford to damage Kassadin's image.
But Sonia wasn't in a rush. Now that she had joined the Void, she had plenty of time. There would be future opportunities to go out and enjoy herself.
After dinner was ready, Sonia picked it up and finalized her tasks for the month, completing her notes around ten in the evening.
Stretching her body, she let out a soft moan, her form wrapped in a short, elegant dress, showcasing her perfect curves and smooth, ivory skin.
Any other man watching the scene would feel their blood boil, but Harvey's eyes stayed glued to his game console, not even turning his head.
Sonia's gaze lingered on Kassadin, a hint of frustration flickering in her eyes. She considered herself attractive—her looks had passed Elite Hotel's ten-year beauty assessments with flying colors.
Since joining the Void Cult, she had become even younger and more radiant, her skin smoother and more alluring than ever. Yet, despite being a stunning woman, Lord Kassadin had never once shown any interest in her.
"Lord Kassadin, I'll be heading off the island tomorrow to take care of some matters," she said, her tone laced with subtle reproach. "I'll arrange for the chef to bring your meals to the door. You'll need to go downstairs to retrieve them yourself."
Quickly concealing her disappointment, Sonia reminded him, concerned about maintaining his image.
If anyone else saw how laid-back Lord Kassadin appeared at home, it could damage the reverence others held for him. She would never allow someone to deliver food directly to his quarters—it simply wouldn't be appropriate.
"Got it. Go ahead and take care of it," Harvey replied, glancing at Sonia briefly and nodding.
Satisfied with his response, Sonia left to fetch her dinner.