Chapter 4 [Luthor Mansion—Fifteen Minutes Later]

Lex stalked back into the library. Frustration burned at him. Tension kept him on edge. He brooded over a great many details. The transition between LuthorCorp and LexCorp met with resistance. Despite his lawyers' promises to the contrary, the annulment from Desiree proved anything but cut and dry. Jasmine's presence required more security. Her father, Sultan Mahmud, constantly checked to make sure that everything was in order. And then Lionel's choice of Martha as his new assistant floored him. He shook his head.

His glass dove into an ice bucket. Bourbon flowed from the bottle into the chilled vessel. I can't believe he did it! What did Dad offer her? Why didn't Mr. and Mrs. Kent take my offers? I would've given them anything! He sighed and headed back to his desk.

Unfortunately the world refused to wait no matter what. Markets fluctuated. Investors clamored. His father lurked in the background. Always a challenge no matter what….

Another sip of bourbon calmed his sensibilities and renewed his focus.

At that moment, a knock jarred him back to the world. He glanced up. "Come in."

"Alex?" Jasmine stuck her head through the door. "Pardon me. Clark Kent and I wanted a minute. Is that all right?"

He smirked. Imagine a Crown Princess asking for a minute from a common person. He marveled at her humility. "Of course, Jasmine, please come in. How was your day?"

"It went well. I enjoyed English. We read poetry. Shakespeare's syntax though can be challenging," she informed him. Her eyes looked about the area. As always, she couldn't help but be impressed by her host's private collection.

"He can be. I'm more into Tennyson myself." Lex noticed Clark standing in the hall. "Clark Kent waiting patiently in the hall? Jasmine, what is your secret?" The Smirk grew with each nuance of his barb.

Clark exhaled sharply. He rolled his eyes. "I'm trying to respect Jasmine and let her go first."

Lex nodded. He downed that notion along with the rest of the bourbon. "Relax, Clark. It's okay. Shows insight. You know the way in. Come on. She doesn't bite. I promise."

"Alex, you shouldn't be such a tease." Jasmine shook her head. "Clark did exactly what you said. He reached out across new horizons."

"Really?" Lex nodded. "Regale me with your insight, Clark."

Clark squirmed. He glanced at her. Getting a nod, he pressed on. "I asked about how Shakespeare's sonnets can relate…to love." He rubbed the back of his neck. "I've been reading them but can't really make heads or tails of them. Byron traded me Thoreau for that one. It makes more sense." He shrugged. "The others laughed at me."

Lex shrugged. "Their loss, Clark. Coming from someone who didn't care for poetry a couple of weeks ago, that's great. Don't worry about it. Never heard of trading one poet for another but it works."

"The other students do not understand, Clark. Chloe and I did not laugh," she added. "Lana appreciated it."

Lex coughed. "And that might be the deciding vote, Jasmine."

Clark glared at him. Embarrassment shaded his cheeks in deepest crimson. "There is more to the world than her, you know."

"Really, Clark? You could have fooled me," Lex gibed. His eyebrow raised. He stifled a cough with his hand.

"Love is a noble pursuit, Clark. I would not worry," she assured him. "You are trying. I am sure she will appreciate it." She nudged him on. "Tell Alex about your idea."

"Idea?" Lex rubbed his chin. He noted Approval's radiance in her eyes. "This must be something special. Jasmine's a tough judge on such things, Clark. Can't wait to hear this."

Clark exhaled deeply. He squirmed.

"It's all right, Clark. Mr. Reynolds supports you," she reminded him.

Lex stared at the Farm Boy. "And Reynolds supports this? This has to be some idea."

"Lex, it isn't that big of a deal. I mean... " Clark glanced toward the ceiling.

"Now I'm intrigued. Clark, you will tell me. It can't be that bad." Lex finished the bourbon and set it on the desk. "Come on, Atticus. Fortune favors the brave."

"Atticus?" She looked at Lex and then Clark. "As in The Catcher in the Rye?"

"The same. Clark's our resident crusader. Especially when it comes to a certain barista fair," Lex pointed out. "I don't see the harm in telling me. Have I been supportive?"

Clark nodded. "You have."

"Then what is it? Astound me," Lex urged.

Clark looked to Jasmine. Getting her nod, he continued, "I suggested we have people reading different kinds of poems. Maybe we can hear from different places? Jasmine was reading some medieval poet."

"Rumi?" Lex supposed. "Yes she likes his work. An international poetry reading? I like it. Byron would like it. He really needs an opportunity like this. I'm sure Chloe would do publicity in the Torch. I know a couple of scholars who'll contribute. They'd be happy to fly in for this."

"Lex, I don't want to drag anyone…." Clark started to protest.

"Let me worry about that. They're familiar with Smallville. Besides Lana's birthday is coming up, right?" Lex typed a few keys on his keyboard. He skimmed the screen.

"It's in a couple of weeks. She's not going to want anything from me after the you know what." Clark ground his teeth.

"Clark, she's still cares for you. You want to learn more about her interests. She was looking toward you in the Talon. You are proposing a wonderful cultural event. I am willing to read some of my culture's works," she disagreed and volunteered.

"Besides, Clark, she'll really enjoy it. So will a lot of other folks. Have some faith in yourself," Lex pointed out.

Faith in myself? Wish I could. Clark gulped. He hoped that the idea wouldn't completely crash and burn.

Still one never knew about such things…..