As Superman disappeared into the night sky, Lois stood by the edge of the pool, watching his form fade until he was only a speck among the stars.
She felt the weight of his visit linger in her heart and mind, but she shook it off, wrapping the towel more securely around herself before turning to head back inside.
But just as she took her first step, her phone, still on the sunbathing chair, buzzed loudly. **Brrr—brrr—**
'Hmm?' Lois raised an eyebrow as she picked it up, glancing at the screen to see an unknown number flashing across.
She frowned slightly, hesitant, but curiosity got the better of her, and she pressed the answer button, bringing the phone to her ear. "Hello? Who is this?"
A familiar voice responded, smooth and unsettlingly casual. "Forgotten me already, Miss Lane?"
Hearing Arias's voice on the other end sent a chill through her, and she tensed up, her heart kicking up a beat. The thought came unbidden—'Does he know Superman was here?' It was a paranoid leap, but there was something about the tone of his voice, that strange edge that set her on high alert, as if he knew everything.
She kept her voice level, maintaining her usual composed tone. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this late call, Mr. Markovich?"
"Just to let you know," Arias replied, his voice light as if they were discussing dinner plans, "that we can go ahead with the interview on Monday evening, at Ark Academies."
Lois felt her shoulders relax, relief flickering over her expression. 'Just the interview.' She tried to keep her voice steady, casual, as an idea came to her.
This could be her chance to draw him out, to see if he would slip and reveal something. "Is that all you wanted to talk about?" she asked, lowering her voice, trying to sound intrigued and interested.
"Yes," he replied smoothly. "Good night, Miss Lane." The line went dead with a curt click.
Lois lowered the phone, a small sigh escaping her lips. "Of course it wouldn't be that easy." She shook her head, casting one last glance at the city beyond before stepping inside.
———
Over in Leviathan Tower, Arias was reclined in his chair, the dim light casting deep shadows across his office.
He calmly placed the phone into a drawer and turned his attention back to the screen in front of him, where a video call was already in progress.
Mercy was on the other end, her expression anything but pleasant. Arms crossed tightly over her chest, she leaned back in one of the castle's lavish Markovian offices, her posture rigid with irritation. She scowled, her voice full of bitterness. "Done talking to that media slut?"
Arias let out a low, amused chuckle, leaning forward to rest his chin on his hand. "Jealous, are we? That someone stole my attention from you for a moment?"
Mercy's glare deepened, and she rolled her eyes. "Hardly. I just hate her," she retorted, her tone defensive. "Not everything revolves around you, you know."
Arias's smile grew, and he tilted his head, clearly enjoying himself. "But you do, at the very least."
Mercy's cheeks reddened just slightly, but she didn't rise to the bait, only rolling her eyes again and muttering, "Whatever." She then cut straight to business. "Anyway, my sources say plenty of people are trying to take advantage of your little… situation in Gotham. They're seeing an opening and think they can make a move. If we leave them unchecked, they'll become a problem."
Arias chuckled at her words, and Mercy's eyes narrowed, looking somewhat puzzled. "What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing," he said, waving it off with a casual air. "It's just obvious. Anyone in a position like this has those waiting to take advantage, make a little profit or gain a little power."
Mercy's frown deepened as she followed his logic, her gaze still suspicious. Arias's voice darkened slightly as he continued, "But with or without this situation, these are people and factions that need dealing with if I want Gotham to be less… wild. And what I need from you is a comprehensive list. I'll take care of the rest."
The edge in his voice made even Mercy's stern expression falter but she gave a nod in agreement. "Alright," she replied, her voice a touch more subdued now. "But I'll need some time to compile everything." She paused, raising an eyebrow. "And what will you be doing until then?"
Arias leaned back in his chair, the dark amusement in his gaze clear. "Keeping busy by entertaining the League and the government, of course."
Just as he finished, his phone rang with a notification. He glanced down and his expression shifted into one of interest. "Speak of the devil…"
Mercy raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
Arias's smirk returned, and he clicked off the video call without another word, leaving Mercy staring at the blank screen, her frown deepening.
On his end, Arias stood, smoothing down his jacket, a look of satisfaction spreading across his face as he made his way toward the elevator. "She'll have to forgive me, I can't keep my surprise guest waiting."