"Breaking News: The vigilante known as Green Arrow has been spotted in Metropolis, performing acts of heroism." Lex raised an eyebrow, turning to the TV screen, he made sure to turn up the volume as the TV transitioned from the news anchor talking to a video of Green Arrow holding up a light pole. At its landing spot, the camera zoomed in on a family of three frozen in terror. Though it seemed to take it all out of him, Green Arrow tossed the light pole to the side before zipping away. The TV didn't stop there, though, as it transitioned to night, a security camera was able to pick up the footage in relatively good resolution. Green Arrow was pinned behind a car, and heavy automatic fire kept him down. The emerald archer was quick, though, as he shot two arrows in succession, taking out two of the robbers. Attempting to move closer, Green Arrow was shot in the shoulder. The robbers moved in as he ducked back behind cover. Just when it seemed that this would be the end of the vigilante, he pulled out a syringe. Green liquid could be seen inside the syringe. Sticking the needle into his shoulder, the pain seemed to vanish immediately. Using both of his arms, he pushed the car he was using as cover towards the incoming robbers. His arrows flew faster than before; the robbers didn't stand a chance.
Lex couldn't help but raise an eyebrow as he turned off the TV. The green liquid was familiar. He already knew that Oliver was Green Arrow; this just gave him evidence. The fact that he was testing the drug on himself was a bit worrisome. Especially when they weren't sure of the aftereffects, if he was sure that Pamela hadn't been entirely forthcoming, then Oliver must have thought the same.
"Morning," Lana entered, seemingly full of energy.
"Good morning, beautiful," Lex said, spinning his chair towards Lana. He could tell by the look she was giving him that she was going to ask him something.
"I want to thank you for allowing me to extend an invitation to Clark." It hadn't taken much convincing if he was being completely honest with himself.
"I don't hate Clark; it would be rude not to at least send an invitation when his entire support group will be there. Though I doubt he accepted," Lex said, watching as a smile appeared on Lana's face as if she knew something he didn't. "Impossible, I didn't think he had it in him."
"He'll be there," Lana said. "What about Oliver and your father?" Ah, so that's why she seemed so inquisitive when she entered.
"Unfortunately, Oliver will be out of town," Lex offered her a sad smile, seeing the disappointment flash in her eyes. "My father, on the other hand, has been avoiding me for the past week. I'll catch him today and see if he's available. Don't hold out hope, though we both know how he feels about me."
"I think he hates me more," Lana said, frowning, and Lex almost smiled at her naivety.
"Darling, he hates that you're with me; he's wanted nothing more for me to be alone since the death of my younger brother." Even when Lex told him he played no part in the death of Julian, Lionel continued to hate him. Misery loves company, and Lionel is the personification of Misery. Standing up, he walked over to Lana, placing a kiss on her cheek. "I'll see you tonight."
The flight to the metropolis was quaint; the clouds were clear, though they were expecting rainfall later tonight. Entering LuthorCorp, he made his way towards his father's office, peeking inside, he clicked his tongue. Empty, leaning against the wall, he waited watching as the clock on the wall ticked towards 8. Right on time, his father arrived, his suit wrinkled, his hair unkempt, and his skin pale. He seemed to ignore Lex as he stumbled into his office, falling onto the sofa.
"What can I do for you, Lex?" Following his father inside Lex looked at the man who seemed exhausted, lying on the couch, lacking in all forms of professionalism.
"My engagement party is tonight, and for some reason Lana has found it in the kindness of her heart to send you an invite." Somehow, she remained optimistic even when the rest of the world seemed to be crashing down around her. It was something that Lex admired, especially knowing how dangerous this world truly was.
"Well, as you can see, Lex, I'm not exactly in the best state of health right now. I'll take a rain check," he reached into his pocket, pulling out a handkerchief just as he began to cough.
Lex watched on as his father practically coughed up a lung, looking at him reminded him of how he looked when he was in prison. The liver disease had really gotten to him, but as far as anyone was concerned, he was magically healed. If it wasn't an illness, what was it? Had he found something truly worth throwing all of his energy into, even at the expense of his own health?
"I'll be at the next engagement party, whether that's yours or Miss Lang's remains to be seen," Lionel continued, where his coughing had interrupted.
His attempt at getting under Lex's skin seemed more forced than anything, maybe to regain face due to how weak he currently appeared. Lex wasn't quite sure, walking over to his desk, Lex looked down at the case files. He owned the company, and anything that was being worked on was under his purview. Opening the file, he frowned, "You're reopening the study into the Kawatche caves?"
"Virgil Swan was the only person who truly understood the language; a student of his has entered my employment. With his help, we've already begun to understand the letters; soon, we'll understand the secrets." Lionel wiped his mouth with his handkerchief as he sat upright. "You interested? We partnered on this once. Why not do it again?" A smirk appeared on Lionel's face, and the weakness seemed to fade. Now he was a snake laying a trap, one Lex had no interest in falling in.
"I no longer find the Kawatche caves of interest, don't throw too much money into pointless pursuits," turning towards the door, Lex stopped at the exit. "I'll send Lana your regards. I might even send you a get-well-soon card."
Exiting his father's office, he couldn't help but frown; interacting with the man seemed more draining each time. At least he wouldn't be at the party tonight; Clark would be troublesome enough.
…