#lex luthor centric

‟I suppose congratulations are in order,” she suddenly said, causing him to blink. It seemed like only yesterday that he had said the same thing to her on her birthday, but that had been weeks ago — and yet, the memory of that evening still lingered. ‟Or, maybe condolences… It's difficult to keep track of this, uh, whirlwind romance.” He stilled for a second. Of course, she must have read the headlines. They had been everywhere. Not just the gossip rags and local newspapers, but the major ones. He gave her an amused shrug, ready for another round of verbal ping-pong. ‟Hey, I always did have a talent for hasty, nearly fatal decisions.” But instead of a quick-witted retort, she kept looking at him — with that unsettling stare she reserved for people she considered hopeless cases. The same look she had given him the first time they met. But they were past that, weren't they? ‟I would've sent a wedding gift, but by the time I heard about the nuptials, the shops had closed — and by the time they reopened, the marriage had already been annulled.” She clicked her tongue and shrugged her shoulders, her tone exaggeratedly light. Lex shifted in his chair and adjusted his cuffs, glancing around the room. That was one way to describe the brief disaster he called a marriage. ‟So, you, uh, heard about it, then.” He instantly felt like an idiot for saying it. ‟Metropolis has newspapers. And internet access. Also, people talk — a lot.”

‟I'm sorry, Mr. Luthor,” Pontius said, handing him a folder. ‟Those German privacy laws are ironclad.” ‟That's it? That's your opening?” Lex raised a brow when Pontius took the seat across from him. Pontius didn't reply at once since a waitress approached them, and he ordered a cappuccino. Once she left, he looked back at Lex. ‟I know you expect perfection,” Pontius said, unbothered. ‟But this one was particularly difficult.” He gestured toward the folder, which Lex hadn't opened yet. ‟German data protection laws are on another level,” he said, rolling his eyes. ‟They don't even have voter registration records.” Lex smirked. ‟Well, they don't have to register to vote to begin with. But I wasn't interested in Ms. Harris' voting history.” Pontius raised his hands and was about to say something when the waitress reappeared with his cappuccino. She handed him an extra napkin that looked suspiciously like she had scribbled down her cell phone number. Lex didn't bother hiding his eye roll. ‟I don't pay you to flirt,” he snapped. ‟My apologies, that comes naturally,” Pontius replied with a smirk, letting the napkin slip into his pocket. ‟Anyway, I was able to track down the information you wanted. Her father's military clearance opened a few doors. Otherwise, I'd have hit a brick wall…” He trailed off and sipped at his coffee while Lex flipped through the folder.

Barbari's smirk deepened, and he perched on the edge of one of the leather visitor chairs, adjusting his cuff links. A silver watch glinted on his wrist. Chris was pretty sure it was one by Vacheron Constantin. She had seen a similar model on her grandfather's wrist, and she knew these watches were worth half a fortune. ‟Sharp as ever, Ms. Harris. Mr. Crupi values your discretion and your… unique approach to the law. He wanted me to personally ensure you're comfortable handling this expansion. It's a significant investment, and he doesn't like surprises.” ‟Neither do I,” she replied smoothly, forcing herself not to glance at her computer. ‟I'll need some additional details — profit projections, regional compliance requirements. And, as always, I keep my distance from anything that falls outside corporate law. And with distance, I mean the Milky Way, at least. You understand?” Barbari chuckled softly. ‟Crystal clear. That's why he trusts you.” He gestured around the room, his gaze lingering on a rubber duck that resembled the Queen. Chris had spotted it at Heathrow Airport when she was on her way back home from Germany, and there had been no way not to buy it. ‟You've got an… interesting setup here.” His tone was somewhere between admiration and disbelief.

Normally, I'd post a snippet from the current chapter to lure you all in - because that works so damn well. 😅

However, this week I've decided against it since this chapter isn't exactly cuddles in Cuddleville with Snugglepaws McWhiskers.

Anyway, chapter 15 is up on AO3.

“Anyway, this kid I know discovered a hidden Native American cave on said land. It's full of murals and ancient symbols… In short, it's supposed to hold the origin story of the Kawatche tribe, who are native to this area.” ‟Intriguing.” He heard some rustling movements. ‟You're not making yourself popcorn, are you?” ‟Lex, seriously! I'm a Harvard-educated lawyer who may come across as a little odd, but I'm a professional attorney! — I'm having leftover chow mein.” He couldn't help but laugh at her soberness. ‟Well, in that case — bon appétit!” He shook his head in amusement. He had never met a woman he could talk to so easily. In fact, he had never met anyone so easy to talk to. Not even Clark. ‟Anyway, if my father continues with the construction works, the caves will be destroyed and with them the rich history of the Kawatche tribe. As you can imagine, there are already tribe members and activists camped out there.” ‟And now, you want me to negotiate with your father to sell you the land… Lex, frankly, that's absolutely stupid!” ‟What?” He arched an eyebrow. That conversation changed quickly. How could she have the nerve to call him stupid? After all, he was paying her. He knew how to deal with his father. He knew him better than anyone else. A buyout would be the best option. And now, she even had the nerve to laugh at him. He was close to hanging up.

‟Visva, coffee, coffee, coffee!” Someone rushed by Lex and snapped her fingers in the barista's face. ‟No! How many have you already had?” ‟Some… Plus some more… And maybe a few, but those don't count since they were disgusting. Yours is better, anyway! Quick, quick. I'm on a pro bono case at Housing Court.” Lex raised his brows. Beside him, Chris Harris all but begged Visva for coffee. The exchange between the two of them was something else. ‟You had enough caffeine today. No more!” Visva crossed his arms in front of his chest and gave her a stern look. ‟I need caffeine! I'm on a pro bono case. You don't want a single mom and her two baby twins being evicted, do you, Visva? Cute, sixteen-month-old baby girls. With little pigtails and the most gorgeous smiles you can imagine.” ‟I don't want you to die an early death.” ‟Then, give me coffee, and I'll keep on financing that little Indian hometown of yours!” She almost pouted. Lex chuckled when Visva handed him his order, and only now did Chris notice him. Her face lit up, causing his neck to prickle. Not many people looked at him like that. It almost felt as if she could see something in him he wasn't aware of. Something she truly liked. ‟Hello, you,” she said, softly. ‟Running late like the White Rabbit, I see…” he replied, his mask in place as ever. ‟'Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I shall be late!',” she replied, laughing. Then, she slightly cocked her head. ‟What are you doing here?” ‟I'm enjoying Visva's coffee. It's good coffee. Strong and hot,” he said teasingly, winking at the coffee cart owner. ‟It gives you enough energy for the rest of the day. You should try one…”

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