"Sonya, go ahead and buy a private island, make sure it's a big one," Harvey instructed after considering Sonya's earlier words.
He didn't demand Sonya possess extraordinary strength, so he wasn't concerned about her diminishing his authority. However, due to her serious nature, Sonya often imposed personal restrictions, determining what actions were acceptable and which were not.
And Sonya had raised a valid point. People's first impressions could be projected onto her, leading them to ask about Void-related matters. If her answers didn't meet their expectations, trust and admiration could falter.
"You currently have a balance of two billion," Sonya responded thoughtfully. "Purchasing a small island isn't an issue, but what exactly is your plan for it? By the way, everything's been arranged with Mr. Stark."
Harvey smiled slightly at her confusion. "Building a sports field where others can spy on us isn't ideal. It's better to have a whole island to ourselves."
"I'm founding the Void Cult to avoid unnecessary complications," he continued. "If we can't let people in, we can just enjoy things ourselves. If it's not feasible on the island, then we can head out occasionally."
"You want me to go with you?" Sonya blinked in surprise, unsure if she had heard correctly.
Harvey nodded. "Yes, just take care of the arrangements."
"Got it," she replied, her face lighting up with excitement as she realized she hadn't misunderstood.
Previously, when Harvey had suggested purchasing a large spacecraft, she found it unnecessary, considering she wouldn't get much use out of it. Even Stark wasn't ready to work on such a project yet, meaning the ship would have just been an expensive decoration.
But this was different. The island would have practical use. Even if Harvey lost interest, they could easily develop the island and make a profit. Besides, Stark's factory was up and running. After deliveries were made and taxes were deducted, there would still be more than three hundred million in revenue. With future income secured, money wasn't a concern anymore.
Sonya set off immediately, piloting her aircraft to scout the islands. She already knew who owned the ones nearby, so making contact and negotiating wasn't too difficult.
Harvey relaxed, knowing he'd soon have the chance to enjoy some downtime. He didn't concern himself much with beach activities as he awaited word from Stark, whose demonstration of Void power would further solidify his standing within the Void Cult.
Five days passed. Sonya had successfully acquired an island spanning 506 square kilometers for just 530 million. Since the island was an uninhabited one over 400 nautical miles from the Falling Star Harbor, access was difficult, lowering the price. With no chance of Void Cult members showing up, it was the perfect spot.
Harvey and Sonya packed up supplies and headed for the island. Upon arrival, Sonya changed into a white swimsuit, her pale skin glowing in the sunlight. Her angelic features and stunning figure were enough to capture any man's attention.
"What do you think? Does this suit me?" Sonya asked, noticing Harvey's gaze as she emerged, her face glowing with a smile.
"Yeah, it suits you well," Harvey replied, his eyes flickering briefly before nodding.
Pleased with the compliment, Sonya eagerly set about preparing the area. Harvey, however, found himself momentarily distracted by her allure, feeling an unexpected surge of desire. But he quickly suppressed the thought. Sonya was his employee, after all.
The reason he entrusted her with so many tasks without worry was because of their professional relationship. As long as he didn't ask for anything inappropriate, Sonya would never feel disrespected or upset.
But if he crossed that line, he'd either have to spend a fortune to sever ties or risk becoming emotionally entangled with someone on Xandar, which wasn't something he wanted. Harvey didn't want any personal attachments—he wanted to keep things strictly physical, no strings attached.
There were plenty of women to choose from on Earth and across the vast universe. There was no need to jeopardize his relationship with Sonya for something as fleeting as lust.
"Everything's ready, Mr. Kassadin," Sonya said cheerfully, waving at him from across the beach, clearly happy about the day's progress.
Harvey shed his armor and changed into swim trunks, revealing a lean, muscular physique. Sonya's eyes lingered on him for a moment, but her brief fantasy dissolved when she glanced up at his ever-hidden face, still obscured by golden light.
"If only his face matched his body…" she thought for what wasn't the first time. The fleeting thought helped her regain her composure, dispelling any romantic notions.
The two spent the day on the island, competing in various sports. Harvey found himself frequently losing, mostly because he kept smashing the balls. It wasn't easy to balance his immense strength with the precision needed for such activities.
Meanwhile, Sonya, who had watched these games often and had more manageable strength, performed much better in comparison.
After a few hours, they returned to the Void Island villa for a meal before heading back to the island for more fun.
They played well into the afternoon, with both of them thoroughly enjoying the freedom of the private getaway. Sonya was delighted by the opportunity to play without worrying about damaging Harvey's reputation among the Void Cult members. Harvey, meanwhile, became engrossed in figuring out just how much power he could use without destroying their equipment.
Their playful rivalry continued until Sonya received a message, causing her to stop abruptly.
"Mr. Kassadin, there are visitors on the island, heading for the temple," she said apologetically. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I think we should head back."
It was rare for Harvey to invite her for a private outing, and the secretiveness of it made it all the more thrilling for her. But even away on this remote island, work is still called.
"No worries. We'll just play again another time," Harvey replied calmly.
"Another time?" Sonya looked surprised.
"This island's for us to relax on, of course, there'll be another time."
Sonya's eyes sparkled with joy at his words, and she nodded enthusiastically.
"Now go change," Harvey added with a smile. With a quick motion, he grabbed her hand, and in the blink of an eye, they were back in the Void Island villa.