Disclaimer: see Chapter 1 for a complete disclaimer.

A/N: Here's the last part of this new installment. Don't forget to review once you're done.

CHAPTER 8: Welcome to Gotham

Six months have gone by since that fatal evening. Six months during which Lex had concentrated his money and efforts on tracing the murderer of both his unborn baby and bride-to-be to no avail. Lexcorp had become a means to an end, and he wouldn't give up until he had the culprit's head on a platter.

Still, he realised that his obsession had depleted a sizeable portion of his assets and that, sooner or later, he'd have to come crawling to Lionel's doorstep to beg him to take him back. Losing his self-esteem would be a small price to pay in exchange for the life of the person that had taken his future family away from him.

Bruce Wayne's proposal had been completely unexpected and presented him with a solution that could salvage what remained of his pride. He grabbed it with both hands and flew to Gotham in his jet three days later.

" Hello, bro'. I hope you don't mind my coming to pick you up in my car. Bruce wanted to send you his limo, but I told him you should be welcomed by your own family and not by some strange chauffeur, " said Lucas, embracing his elder brother.

" Hi, Lucas. It's been a long time, " he said with misty eyes. " Thanks for coming yourself. "

" Hop in. We'll put your luggage in the trunk. Bruce's waiting for us at his office. How was the flight, by the way ? "

" Uneventful.In my life's that's a blessing, " he said with a smirk.

" I've tried to reach you, Lex, " murmured Lucas, switching on the ignition.

" I know. I listened to your messages. I'm sorry but I didn't feel like talking... How's your married life ? "

" Fine, " he answered after a split-second hesitation.

" You don't seem sure, Lucas. What's up ? "

" We had our first fight last night. I think I've made a big mistake, Lex. "

" What was the fight about ? "

" It's my fault, Lex. I've been keeping secrets from her and she knows it. My only intention was to protect her, but I can't tell her the truth. "

" Secrets are our surname, Lucas. Have you cheated on her, bro' ? " asked Lex gravely.

" No ! I've never looked at another woman, Lex. "

" Talk to her, then. You can't give up on your marriage because of your Luthor pride, Lucas. "

" Our marriage's just part of what I'm worried about, Lex. I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention to burden you with my problems. I have no right. "

" I hope I could help you, Lucas, but ... "

" I've made my bed and I must lie on it, Lex., " Lucas interrupted him. " Well, here we are. Wayne Enterprises. I'll show you to Bruce's office and I'll leave you to talk. I've got a couple of phone calls to make, " said Lucas, parking the car in the space reserved in his name.

Lex studied his brother's profile out of the corner of his eye while they were going up to Wayne's private office. He looked tense and strained. He had rings under his eyes and seemed to be carrying the world on his shoulders. Although Lex had more than enough on his plate, he promised himself he'd see into the matter. After all, Lucas was the only family he had left besides his father.

Well, how did you like it ? Are you intrigued or have you already guessed what's going on with Lucas ? Leave your feedback and you'll find out soon enough.