Arias's convoy rolled steadily towards the Leviathan residence. As they approached the towering building, the scene outside grew increasingly chaotic. The dia and civilians had gathered in throngs, creating a bustling sea of humanity around the periter of the residential tower. Caran hoisted their equipnt, reporters jostled for pri positions, and civilians held signs, their ssages ranging from fervent support to vehent opposition.
"Mr. Markovich! What do you say to the allegations?" a reporter shouted, his voice cutting through the din.
"Do you plan on addressing the accusations?" another demanded, her tone insistent.
"You're a hero to us, Arias!" a civilian cried out, waving enthusiastically.
"Get out of our city, war criminal!" a voice countered from the crowd, drawing murmurs of agreent.
The commanding officer and his n fought to maintain order, their voices raised in a harsh tone to push back the encroaching crowd. "Step back! Everyone step back!" he barked, his frustration reaching a boiling point.
Despite the tumult, Arias remained composed inside the vehicle, watching the spectacle with a bemused expression. As the gates finally closed behind them, cutting off the chaotic scene outside, the convoy parked safely in the underground garage.
Stepping out of the car, Arias took a mont to look at the countless people gathered outside the periter of the tower. He smirked, thinking he had attracted a bigger crowd than he had planned.
The commanding officer, noticing the smirk, couldn't hold back his annoyance. "Are you happy making the city this chaotic?" he snapped. "You should know that because of you, a lot of people might get hurt as protests spark."
Arias's smirk widened into a grin. "Why should that bother when the governnt has no qualms killing thousands of people over profits?" he retorted. "If you have nothing of value to say, then just shut up and spare the useless comntary."
The officer's face flushed with anger, but he held his tongue as Arias walked into the tower, leaving the pandemonium behind.
Inside, Arias made his way to the lounge where he had left Cheshire and Tala. The scene was a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Cheshire was sprawled lazily on a sofa, a cocktail in hand, while Tala levitated in a ditative pose above the sofa opposite Cheshire.
As soon as Arias walked in, Cheshire smiled mischievously. "Welco back, boss. I was starting to think you forgot about us already."
Tala descended from her ditative pose, her expression serene. "It is our honor to even be rembered by the master," she argued, a hint of reverence in her tone.
Arias shrugged. "I got held up by a few unexpected circumstances."
Cheshire slid off the sofa and sauntered over to him in an alluring way. Placing one hand on his chest, she traced it downward, her touch light and teasing. "We have unfinished business," she purred.
Arias smiled, tilting his head before holding Cheshire by the waist and pulling her in. "Unfortunately, we'll have to 'play' another ti. There are too many eyes on us at the mont."
Cheshire's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I don't mind a crowd."
Arias scoffed. "I'm sure you don't."
"Stop bothering the master," Tala snapped, her voice sharp.
Arias called over Tala with a single finger, and she walked over obediently. Using his free hand, he held her by the chin. "You two behave now and try to get along."
Both won fell silent, their gazes fixed on Arias. After a mont, he pulled away from them and turned to leave. "Keep your guards up. Anything can happen. Goodnight."
As he left the room, Cheshire and Tala exchanged glances, their rivalry montarily set aside by Arias's commanding tone. The lounge fell silent, as Arias walked away.
The following day, Arias was up early. He chose to isolate himself in his personal office within the tower, a space that was synonymous with modern elegance. The office was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a panoramic view of the city skyline. A large, mahogany desk dominated the center of the room, flanked by bookshelves filled with a mix of business literature and historical tos. The décor was minimalist yet luxurious, with a few pieces of abstract art adorning the walls and a sleek, leather sofa in one corner.
Arias sat at his desk, his eyes glued to the multiple screens in front of him. He kept checking on all the latest news updates surrounding him, both good and bad. Articles, news clips, and social dia posts scrolled past, each one dissecting his every move, speculating on his intentions, and debating his morality. He read them all with a detached interest, his expression never changing.
As he was engrossed in the news, his phone, resting on the table, began to ring. The caller ID read "Miss Lane." Arias's lips curved into a small smirk before he answered.
"Miss Lane," he greeted, his tone smooth.
Lois's voice ca through, assertive and slightly breathless. "You're a hard man to get to, Mr. Markovich."
Arias leaned back in his chair, a hint of amusent in his eyes. "I try."
Lois continued, her tone turning more suggestive. "I was a bit surprised you arranged everything for to arrive in Gotham. First-class travel, a five-star hotel suite... it's almost like you're inviting for sothing other than an interview."
Arias let out a small laugh. "Simply courtesy, Miss Lane. I believe in treating guests well."
"But you know," Arias said, his voice taking on a more serious edge, "I haven't decided yet if you'll be the one to interview ."
Lois sounded genuinely confused. "What do you an? You clearly said you wanted to interview ."
Arias's smirk widened slightly. "An error on my part. I ant to say you have a chance at interviewing ."
There was a brief silence before Lois sighed, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, that's just great. You should know I already told my boss. He's expecting I co back with sothing."
"For a professional, you're pretty quick to jump the gun," Arias observed, his voice calm and unbothered.
Lois's irritation was evident. "And whose fault is that?"
"Don't worry," Arias replied smoothly. "Only one other person is shortlisted for the opportunity."
"Who?" Lois demanded.
"Vicki Vale," Arias answered, his tone casual.
"You gotta be kidding ," Lois muttered, exasperation clear in her voice.
Arias didn't reply to her outburst. "Co for screening at 12 p.m . By the ti lunch is over, I'll have made a decision."
"Wait—" Lois began, but Arias cut the call, leaning back into his seat with a smile. She makes it too easy, he thought to himself.
He returned his attention to the screens in front of him, the smile lingering on his lips. The ga was just beginning, and he knew he held all the cards.
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E/N: Author has brought back his shaless notes.
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