"Yeah, a federation that belonged to Batman." Lex Luthor gave a soft snort. "He really made the United States one."
Lex Luthor's tone was complicated. Beyond anger and hatred, there was an indescribable admiration and jealousy. His gaze shifted from Schiller's face to the window beside them. Although there was little to see in Gotham's dreary, rain-soaked daytime, he still stared blankly at the distant clouds. The obsession rooted in his nature, visible only after defeat, was laid bare at that moment.
"We're not discussing that," Schiller said. "If you're willing to cooperate, I can introduce you to a highly qualified psychiatrist after this is over. But for now, tell me about the scandal between the president and Mrs. Romanoff."
The muscles at the outer edge of Lex Luthor's brow immediately tightened. He narrowed his eyes at Schiller and said, "Why not talk about it? Because you think I'm completely incomparable to him now? Because you think I'm a total failure?"
"All right, let me put it another way." Schiller adjusted his posture. "If you don't explain the scandal to me, I'll have Superman come take a look at your current condition. I'll let him know that you've lost to Batman completely in politics, economics, and force. He'll definitely sympathize with you. What do you think?"
"I did it," Lex Luthor answered without hesitation. "Now go find something for him to do off the southwestern coast of Australia."
"What was your goal?" Schiller continued.
"I disliked Wayne's new economic policies very much. This was one of my methods for interfering with their rollout."
"What about the murder case?"
"What murder case?"
"The head of Wayne Enterprises' Security Department."
"That had nothing to do with me." Lex Luthor said, "Do you think I killed them and pinned it on Wayne? If