[A/N: Happy Thanksgiving!]

Chapter 41 [Luthor Mansion]

Lex disconnected the latest call. He sipped on his mug. Satisfaction warmed his heart in sync with the coffee in his throat. The community embraced their event. The café's sales had boomed that night. His email overflowed with compliments and ideas for future things. His friends had benefitted. His mother's legacy shone overwhelming Lionel's darkness for another day. And there might be an opportunity for the Duboises to stay in town.

All win-wins as far as he was concerned….

This is what we can hope for. Lex leaned back in his seat. The stocks surged ahead. LexCorp's board at least would have something to look at on a positive note. Already his mind contemplated potential strategies to push this initiative forward.

"Still wasting your time on weakness and sentiment?"

Lex rolled his eyes. "You are brazen, Dad." He noted Lionel leaning against the door frame. "Dave showed you what real strength was years ago. He did it again last night. Too bad you missed it."

"And you reward his impertinence yet again. Dubois is a menace," Lionel seethed.

"If I'm a menace, Lie-Boy, guess who's responsible?" Dave glared at his longtime antagonist. "Can't you ever take responsibility for anything?" He shook his head. "I'm controlling myself. Too bad you can't do the same. Take a page from Auntie."

"He has a point, Dad. By the way, Dave, you might want to call Walter Jenkins at the library," Lex suggested.

"He and I have a meeting later today. You don't fool around. Do you?" Dave replied.

"You're in semi-retirement in Wabash versus being needed down here. Angie could be the head of a new oncology unit here. It's a productive use of resources. Something that Dad here might learn," Lex reminded them both.

"I hope you aren't going to bankrupt us with this, Lex. It's foolishness," Lionel disparaged.

"It's investment, Mr. Luthor." Jasmine insinuated from the hall. "My father agrees. He was very pleased about last night. With you here, Mr. Dubois, there are a great many benefits."

"To give benefits, you have to be nurtured and supported, Princess. You are too kind for my part," Dave expressed offering a bow. "I appreciate you all being such great friends and supporting Miri." He turned to Lionel. "We have to stand up to the more odious elements in our midst."

Lex coughed. "Dad, you're badly outnumbered. I'd quit now."

"And where's Arighatto, Lionel? I plan on watching for him too. Even if I'm back in Wabash, a certain someone will be around watching for him," Dave declared.

"He'll heal eventually, Dubois. He wants you dead," Lionel threatened.

"Just tell him to stay away. Miranda doesn't need him around. He's done enough to everyone." Dave glowered even more. "As have you. Last night's wonder was just more of Auntie's foresight with Lex's agency. Clark Kent's idea combined with Lana Lang's dream to spur the rest of us on. No egos just collaboration. Not that you could ever grasp that concept. Don't vapor lock that pea brain of yours, Lionel."

Lex coughed at his friend's art for the finer insult. "Dad, just go. Okay?"

Lionel shook his head. "We will continue this. All of us." He stalked past Jasmine and left the area.

"What is his problem?" Jasmine wondered.

"Same as always. No clue and corporate greed," Dave complained. He poured himself a cup of coffee. Then he considered Clark and Lana who were both looking back down the hall.

"Dad get to you both? Sorry about that," Lex apologized. "What's going on, Guys?"

"Just talked to Chloe. We're going to get a great write up in the Torch. Everyone liked the session. Maybe we can do more of them?" Clark informed them.

"I'd like to hear more local history too. Maybe we can talk about my parents if you stay around?" Lana hoped.

"Typical small town." Dave snorted. "I only got the email twenty minutes ago. Everyone else knows before I do." He sighed. "Even if we don't, Lana, I'd be happy to fill you in. Laura and Lewis were two of our best friends in high school. They'd be proud of you."

"Thanks, Mr. Dubois. That means a lot," Lana expressed.

"My pleasure. Even so, Miri's going to need her visits. Right?" Dave noted. "I stayed away from Smallville too long. Never again."

"Sounds like a plan, Dave." Lex toasted with his own mug. "To new beginnings and affirmations."

"And firming up what we have now," Clark chimed in.

With that, another bridge between past and present had been established.