Disclaimer: Don't blame me for anything but the story.
Chapter 27: Loose Ends.
Catherine had driven from Gotham to Metropolis, where she had told Lionel, with great relish, that Bruce had a list of all his dodgy dealings, and a few other skeletons she had found. Lionel had merely congratulated her on being a Luthor. By the time Catherine arrived in Smallville the news of Lionel Luthor's 'sudden death of a heart attack' was everywhere.
Chloe had been very worried about Lex's reaction to his father's death, but had been spared the truth, that Lionel had committed suicide knowing that there was proof of his misdeeds around. Chloe couldn't have coped with her part in events, even if it was only Lionel. Catherine and Lex on the other hand mourned their father perfectly in public, and discussed how to keep the truth under wraps in private.
Bruce, agreed to maintain the façade he and Catherine were together for a while, they announced their split a few months later, blaming the stress of Catherine's loss. In the divorce Catherine didn't get anything, partly because she didn't want it and partly because Bruce wouldn't give it. Catherine had hurt him, but he knew that Lionel had pressured her, and she had made sure he got back the shares he'd lost. Despite their perceived friendship, Catherine ensured she didn't see him again after the funeral.
The funeral was beautiful, too beautiful for Lionel, Chloe had said. Lex had been glad to see the back of his father, but even he was surprised by Catherine's cold attitude towards the man. As the stood beside the grave she had turned to Lex and whispered.
"It's too bad it isn't raining, that would have made a good photo."
No one at the funeral had actually liked Lionel, the Luthor children had even heard the rumour he had killed himself circulating. Acting quickly Catherine had screamed at the people saying it, and Lex had kicked everyone out. They had then set about sorting the necessary legal matters she didn't take anything from Lex but Bruce's shares, and the few things Lionel had earmarked for her in his will were donated to charity if they were of any value. Lex took control of the company, moving what he needed to run it to Smallville so he wouldn't have to leave the life he had made there. Catherine had left on the first plane to England, as far as Lex knew she didn't plan to return. Their last encounter had been less than friendly.
"You lied to me about your life." He said angrily after the last guest had left.
"I know." She replied calmly.
"Why?" He demanded grabbing her arm.
"Because I needed you onside, I had to have someone with me if I was going to make it. I knew what the results were going to be all along, I just wanted you to want me as your sister, I was lonely." She replied, like it was the most obvious reason in the world.
"But you seemed like you knew where I was coming from." He said.
"I know, but I don't. I can speak three foreign languages well enough and I'm fluent in French, but I've never been anywhere but England and America. I threw myself into academic work in the hope that somehow I'd be better for it. I went to uni at 16 and I spent my entire time working because I had no friends. And I don't want you to feel sorry for me, if that's what you think. I want you to let me go." She pulled away from him.
"That's fine by me." He said. "Go back to England and run your company, I'll see you around probably." He looked at her coldly.
"I don't want to run the company, I'm going to go and live abroad, I have enough money, and I'm not exactly talented at a running a company. I've told them I don't want to be actively involved right now." She picked up her coat.
"So you're going to go, stuff everyone else? You killed my Dad." He asked.
"I didn't mean him to kill himself, I just wanted him to get off my back. You're just pissed because you're happy he's gone." She said looking him in the eye.
"I am not, we may not have got on, but he was still my father."
"If you really believe that answer me this, why have you let me stay here? You're just looking for a scapegoat for the elation you currently feel, if I'm wrong, tell me." She held his gaze and there was a long pause. "I thought as much." She walked away slowly; Lex was reminded of his father as she left without looking back once.