Disclaimer: Is it mine? No.

Author's Note: Okay, I was getting bored, so this is about six months down the line, Catherine's been away in England, but has been keeping in touch with Lex through phone and e-mail.  She is now back, ready to face up to her destiny as a Luthor.

I know it's been awhile, but I had my first exam today.  Writing this is kind of my reward for being good and getting up in time.

Chapter 17: Family Values.

The limousine pulled into the driveway.  The driver got out and opened the door for the young lady inside.  She stepped out and released the deep breath she had been holding.  She walked up the drive and was met at the door by two men, one young and bald, the other older and with more hair.

"Hey guys."  She said with a cheery grin.

"Cat.  You should've come sooner, we've missed you."

"Yes, sweetheart.  But I understand that your studies must come first."

"So, I have news, let's go inside."

They entered, and went to the library.  Lionel sat behind the desk and Lex leaned against the front.

"Well?"  They asked.

"I'm getting married!"  Catherine said, placing her palm flat against her chest and grinning.

"Bruce?"  Lex asked.

She frowned slightly and said, "No, Prince William.  Of course Bruce."

"Congratulations."  He said, and got up and hugged her.

"Yes, my dear."  Said Lionel walking around the desk and embracing her.  "Congratulations."  In a whisper he added.  "Well done, I thought it would take you much longer."

"God I wish you were girls."

"Huh?!"  They answered in unison.

"Ring!"  She said waggling the appropriate finger about.

Lex leaned past his father and inspected the band, "Very nice."  He said.

Lionel took her fingers and inspected it far more closely than his son. 

"I have a jeweller's eye piece somewhere if you want a better look."  She told him with just enough sarcasm to not piss him off too much.

"It's an intriguing setting, is there a particular significance, or was he too cheap to buy a diamond?"  Lionel asked, as innocently as he could muster.

"As you can see the band is platinum with alternating black opal, deep purple amethyst and green emerald.  Vivid green I might add, the most valuable."  She said this with a look at Lionel that put him in his place.  "They represent the unions our marriage will have."

"What do you mean?"  Lionel asked.

"The opal represents Wayne Enterprises, the amethyst is LuthorCorp, and the emerald is Longridge." 

"How lovely!"  Lionel said obviously growing bored of the conversation.

"And before you get your knickers in a twist, he also bought me a diamond ring, I wear it around my neck so it's closer to my heart."  She pulled the neck of her sweater down exposing a beautifully cut diamond on a chain that was long enough so that it hung exactly over her heart.

"Come here girl."  Lionel said, as soon as she was close enough, he grabbed the ring and began examining it.  "It's flawed!"  He proclaimed after a short while.

"Duh!"  She replied.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, the Vincent diamond is famous for its flaw."

"He gave you the Vincent diamond?"

"Yeah."  Catherine looked at Lionel with disbelief, as he walked over to her and hugged her again.

"I've never been more proud of you."

"You only met me six months ago."

"Yes, but you've done lots of things in your life I'm very proud of you for this."  He said offhandedly.

"Here's hoping I never cure cancer, imagine the praise."  Lex suppressed a smirk.

"There's no need for that, what does your stepfather say?"

"Who cares?"

"He said that?"

"No, me."

"Does he know?"

"No, he'll find out when it's announced."  Catherine turned around and started to leave.  "I'm off to find Chloe and Lana, they'll appreciate my ring."  She said before heading out.

"Who?"  Lionel asked bewilderedly, Lex shook his head in amusement as he left.  "No, really Lex, WHO?"  He asked the empty room.

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As far as I know there is no Vincent diamond, just pretend.  I assume Bruce's company has a black logo, I don't remember from the movies, the L as we all know is purple, and I made Catherine up, so her company logo is whatever I want it to be.