The moment they entered the house, Lucas stepped forward and took—no, accepted—the wooden box from Luthor's bodyguard.
Carrying the box, he walked to the wine rack beside the living room and carefully placed it into an empty slot.
Then, from the neighboring compartment, he took down a bottle of champagne his father had bought—worth ten dollars at most.
On his way back, he casually picked up two wine glasses and sat down on the living room sofa.
Pop~
After opening the champagne, Lucas poured a full glass and placed it in front of Luthor with a smile.
"Here, Mr. Luthor. Don't be shy."
This single action stunned everyone present—except Carrie.
Luthor froze for barely half a second before his smile returned.
Raising his glass toward Lucas, he said with a chuckle,
"I believe what you're curious about right now is why I came to see you."
Lucas nodded.
After taking a light sip, Luthor continued,
"I've already mentioned my background. The Luthor Group has long been dedicated to the research and manufacture of high-end technology, particularly in the military sector, where we enjoy a strong reputation."
"Just last quarter alone, our investments in military manufacturing, aerospace, and advanced materials reached 1.3 billion dollars, ranking first in the United States."
Lucas frowned.
"And what does that have to do with me?"
Luthor set down his glass, stood up, and raised two fingers.
"Because I want to know whether you are the one capable of overturning all of that."
Lucas's eyes narrowed.
"You know about what happened that day?"
S.H.I.E.L.D. might be able to conceal the truth from the general public—but North America was a world ruled by capital.
For a financial titan like the Luthor Group to know about it was hardly surprising.
Luthor smiled confidently.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. maintains deep strategic cooperation with us in technology and research. Witnessing your… performance was not difficult."
"Your combat power makes me seriously question whether you are even human."
Lucas shrugged.
"With the resources of the Luthor Group, I imagine you've already confirmed the truth."
Luthor nodded.
"That's right. No matter how we investigate, you are a completely ordinary human—pure-blooded."
Lucas had expected that.
Although he had transmigrated from another world, his physical body was indeed a native, pure human of this one.
That was also why he didn't fear someone like Luthor, who harbored extreme human-supremacist tendencies.
"So," Lucas asked,
"what do you actually want from me?"
"I would like to invite you to become the Chief Security Consultant of the Luthor Group."
Luthor took a document from his bodyguard and placed it in front of Lucas.
"I don't like signing contracts," Lucas said flatly, not even glancing at it.
"Just say it outright."
The morning's events were still fresh in his mind—no chance he was stepping into another trap.
Luthor looked mildly surprised, then smiled and handed the document back to the bodyguard.
Crossing his hands, he continued,
"Very well. My offer is thirty million dollars per year after tax, with the option to prepay two years in advance."
"You will have a dedicated office at headquarters, administrative authority equal to mine, and full access to all corporate benefits."
"You will also be eligible to attend executive and board-level meetings alongside me, with advisory privileges."
"In addition, the company will gift you a private residence no smaller than 500 square meters, located near headquarters."
"For transportation, you will receive a top-tier Mercedes executive sedan, a Cadillac armored extended SUV, and a Windchild sports car for daily use."
"Both the company's business aircraft and my personal jet will be available to you at any time."
Lucas, who had been holding his glass in a refined pose, nearly choked on his drink.
Thirty million dollars.
If he accepted this offer, his annual income would exceed one hundred million.
As if recalling something else, Luthor raised a finger.
"Oh, and considering you need to take care of your family, you may freely choose your workplace. The group will place no restrictions on you."
Lucas set down his glass, his expression turning serious.
"Mr. Luthor, there's no such thing as a free meal falling from the sky."
"So, have you offended someone recently and need someone like me to provide… forceful protection?"
Luthor burst into laughter.
"As expected of you, Mr. Reed—sharp and perceptive."
"You're absolutely right. I have run into trouble, and I need you to protect me for a period of time."
"Do you know where the threat is coming from?" Lucas asked.
Luthor nodded, then shook his head.
"As a major conglomerate, the Luthor Group naturally has many rivals. I can't give you absolute certainty."
He then took an envelope from his inner pocket and handed it to Lucas.
Lucas opened it and found a threat letter inside, stating that Luthor's life would be taken within three days.
Leaning back against the chair, Luthor said calmly,
"Corporations of comparable scale include Stark Industries, Hammer Industries, and Cord Industries."
"There are simply too many enemies. I can't determine who issued the threat."
Lucas placed the envelope down.
"So what do you need me to do?"
Luthor raised three fingers.
"I want you to provide close personal protection for me for three days, starting tomorrow morning."
"Of course," he added,
"I will arrange accommodations and care for these two lovely young ladies during that time. You won't need to worry."
He then produced a check from his suit pocket and slid it across the table.
Lucas glanced down at the six trailing zeros, nodded with satisfaction, and slipped it into his pocket.
Working with smart people like Luthor was effortless—they thought through everything for you.
"In that case, no problem," Lucas said with a sincere smile.
Luthor laughed heartily.
And just like that, the two reached an agreement.
---
After seeing Luthor off, Lucas whistled as he returned to the sofa.
"He's clearly testing you," Elaine said calmly from where she sat.
"So what?" Lucas replied, raising the check in his hand.
"He paid for the trouble."
He wasn't naïve—he knew exactly what kind of man Luthor was.
"He really was threatened," Elaine continued, standing up and walking into the kitchen. She took out a packet of soda crackers from the cabinet.
"But he also wants to use this opportunity to gauge your strength—so he can incorporate you into two of his plans."
"Doesn't matter," Lucas shrugged.
"Like I said—take the money, solve the problem."
"Take me with you tomorrow," Elaine said, tearing open the package and popping a cracker into her mouth.
Lucas was about to protest—why should a child get involved—
But Elaine cut him off first.
"You know I'm not ordinary. Keeping me by your side will only benefit you. Trust me."
__
T/N:
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