Chapter 516: Lex Luthor's Ambition (3)
Amanda's Hesitation
Sometimes, Amanda Waller saw the shadow of Luke Shaw in Lex Luthor. The two shared many traits: they were equally intelligent, equally cunning, and equally preferred to have every matter firmly in their grasp.
Cooperating with such individuals always brought surprises, but also fright. You never knew when he was using you, and even if you did, you'd find yourself jumping into his schemes involuntarily.
Amanda was extremely clever and vaguely sensed Luthor's goal, yet she couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
The White House certainly had too many strange quirks. Defense technology like powered armor, which could decide the course of future wars, should be placed on a control list and prevented from flooding the market.
However, the President not only failed to do so but actively supported it. In addition to this, there were government benefits like tax breaks, loans, and policy support—every single item seemed to have Tesla's name on it.
Tesla's rapid growth from a startup to a multi-billion dollar enterprise in just over two years was inseparable from White House support. Amanda was keenly aware of this but had to let it slide due to certain complications.
The greatest benefactor in the rebirth of A.R.G.U.S. was Joel Nash. Without his effort to overcome opposition, Amanda would not hold her current position. While the U.S. doesn't prioritize personal gratitude, it does operate on party lines and factions.
In the eyes of outsiders, Amanda was a trusted confidante of Joel Nash. If she turned her weapon against the man who promoted her, what would others think? Who would dare to cooperate with her again?
Betrayal is intolerable in any nation.
"I need to consider this matter. I'll give you a reply later."
Amanda put down her champagne glass, stood up, and left.
Luthor watched her coldly, only withdrawing his gaze once she disappeared.
"To have expanded your influence to this extent in just two years, Luke Shaw, you truly surprise me."
Luthor clenched his fist. Despite his intense reluctance, he had to restrain himself. He couldn't act, and he dared not show hostility. If the other party noticed, death would be his only welcome.
Someone like Luke Shaw wouldn't show mercy.
"A direct attack won't work. I can only act indirectly. The question is, who should I choose as the target?"
Luthor walked to the computer and brought up his database. Dozens of photos were arranged on the screen:
The first was Luke, his mortal enemy;
Next was Superman, the most hated man;
Third was Batman, the most disgusting man;
Linda, also a Kryptonian, was fourth. Besides them, there were Carol Ferris, Barry Allen, Martian Manhunter, Diana, and others.
These individuals were either deeply connected to Luke or were unusually critical key figures.
Contemplating the identities behind the photos, Lex Luthor's gaze slowly became scattered.
Linda was the easiest target but not the most suitable choice. Her ties to Luke Shaw were too deep. Attacking her would instantly alert him.
Since she was out, the secondary choice was Superman.
Recalling the red-caped strongman, Luthor couldn't help but purse his lips. There was a mix of envy, jealousy, disgust, and gratitude, along with a complex feeling he couldn't quite describe.
His original dream was to become a brave, kind, benevolent hero filled with justice and compassion, revered by millions. But cruel reality dragged him to the opposite side, turning him into a ruthless devil.
After his dream shattered, Luthor gave up on himself, believing no perfect person could exist in the world. Then, Superman appeared, realizing Luthor's dream in an almost brutal way.
This feeling was terrible; it made him want to scream.
He resented Luke, but he despised Superman the most. Every time he saw him, he was overcome with the urge to act.
A Cold Reception
Several months had passed since the Battle of Metropolis, and the city still hadn't shaken off the war's impact. Every day, large numbers of citizens visited the memorial to place flowers and mourn deceased relatives and friends.
In a roadside restaurant directly opposite the memorial, Clark sat at a table, gazing at the distant crowd. The facial features of the citizens registered clearly in his mind.
They were helpless, lost, and their hearts were filled with the sadness and pain of losing loved ones.
"Stop looking, already."
Lois walked up. "Time heals all wounds. It will pass eventually."
Clark forced a bitter smile. He wanted to save the city, but he didn't know how. Tens of thousands of people had died because of that war—the Kryptonian war.
Many times, he thought that if he had been more decisive then, perhaps the situation would have been different.
Lois took her boyfriend's hand. "We're going to see Linda in a moment. Don't worry about this anymore."
Clark nodded slightly, straightened his mood, and headed to Tesla's headquarters with Lois.
After Luke left, the perpetually grumbling Miss Danvers returned to her old job, taking on the responsibilities of CEO. To be honest, she hated working, especially managing a company. There were endless tasks to handle and endless people to deal with every day.
Troubles piled up one after another, making her head spin, and once she managed to deal with them, she had to face interviews.
Sigh!
The girl let out a long sigh.
"When will this life end?"
Siobhan next to her was speechless. "The position of Tesla CEO is what countless people envy, and you're complaining."
"You wouldn't understand."
Linda shook her head and forced herself to perk up slightly. "Which media outlets are coming today?"
"The Independent, the City Post, the Daily Planet, local TV stations..."
"Wait!"
Linda frowned. "Did you just say the Daily Planet?"
"Yes, the Daily Planet is one of Metropolis's most influential newspapers. An interview with them would be beneficial for Tesla's publicity. Is there a problem?"
"No."
"Let them in."
After preparations were complete, reporters from several major media outlets entered the venue. Clark and Lois were among them. Seeing them, Linda subtly pursed her lips. She said nothing, maintaining her usual arrogance and coldness.
In the eyes of the world, Linda was a cold and proud noblewoman. She had a sweet and beautiful face, but her temper was terrible. She easily lost it, and her verbal attacks could terrify people.
Yet, this odd person possessed extremely powerful research and design capabilities. Every product she developed was astonishing, with concepts so novel and designs so ingenious that many researchers could only look on in envy.
Her employees both feared her and revered her. The only ones who could remain calm in her presence were Barry Allen and Billy Shaw.
This press conference was destined to be different. Linda treated the reporters' questions with perfunctory indifference, only answering what she wanted to and directly passing on what she didn't care about.
Such conduct left the crowd very dissatisfied, and they protested several times, but Linda showed no intention of changing her ways. Consequently, the meticulously prepared press conference had to be concluded hastily.
Siobhan rested her chin in her hand, unsure what to say.
Linda, however, felt nothing was amiss. As soon as the work was finished, she left the company. Clark and Lois were waiting by the door.
"Kara, we'd like to invite you to dinner."
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