Disclaimer: see Chapter 1 for a complete disclaimer.

A/N: thanks a lot for the amazing reviews. I'm extremely pleased by the overall reaction of my readers towards Lana's characterisation and the unfortunate turn of events. Even though most of you are Chlexers I've managed to stir some sympathy among her detractors- I must be doing something right ! Still, Chloe remains my favourite female character and I believe she's the woman for Lex.

Here's a three-part installment. Enjoy and keep those reviews coming !!!

CHAPTER 6: Lifeline

Six months later

" Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure doing business with you, " said Wayne, shaking hands with a couple of Dutch engineers.

" We hope to have news for you soon, Mr Wayne, " said the elder man.

" I'm looking forward to it, Mr Van Der Hoven, " said Bruce , seeing them to the lift. " Lucas ! " he shouted once the doors shut behind the foreigners. " Could I have a word with you, please ? "

" Certainly, Bruce, " answered the youngest of the Luhtors. " Is anything the matter with the contracts I've left on your desk ? "he asked nervously.

" No, no. It isn't about business, my friend. Have you talked to your brother lately ? "

" I've tried to reach him several times after the funeral but he won't answer my calls. I talked with dad last week, but he couldn't tell me much . "

" I assume they're not on good terms as usual. "

" Worse than ever. Dad's tried to shake him and has only succeeded in alienating him even more. "

" I imagine... I saw him last Friday when I went to Metropolis to close the deal with Octagon. "

" Did you see dad ? "

" No. Lex. Well, in fact, I caught a glimpse of him, but what I saw unsettled me, Lucas. I know that look on his face; it's the same one I saw in my mirror when the man that killed my parents got away with murder. He must be obsessed with hunting down whoever's responsible for Lana's death.But if we don't help him, he'll finish himself. I've been thinking... would you mind if I invited him over ? "

" You could try but I don't see what difference it would make. I'm not sure he'd answer your call. He's kind of a hermit nowadays. "

" Lex has never been one to turn down a profitable business proposition, Lucas. If I were to disguise the invitation as business, do you think he'd come ? "

" What exactly do you have in mind ? " asked a puzzled Lucas.

"I'm thinking of proposing him a partnership. "

" Are you planning on bringing him into the new project ? " he asked with a frown. " Do you think it'd be wise ? "

" I've known your brother since childhood, Lucas. He's never more driven than when he's hurting. I remember what he was like when his mum passed away. "

" You're the boss, Bruce. I'm aware you've asked out of politeness but your mind's already made up. Go ahead, then. I'll talk with Chloe. "

" Does he know you're married to her ? "

" We didn't speak about that at the funeral, Bruce. "

Wayne contacted Lex not by phone but by courier. Gotham's billionaire was aware that Lex would only consider being part of the Terra Project if he saw all the details on paper- written dossiers were the safest way to his agile business mind. Bruce was convinced that the potential of developing avant-garde satellites to locate sought-after exhaustible mineral resources, such as oil, coal and water, would prove irresistible to the other most elegible bachelor in America. And he was right. Two days later, Bruce's secretary put Lex's call through.

The installment isn't over yet. Keep reading !