chapter 7

Chapter 7: The First InvestmentLuthor Mansion – A Strategic Proposal

Lazarus Kent sat across from Lex Luthor in the lavish study of the Luthor Mansion. The soft glow of the chandelier cast long shadows, and a decanter of expensive scotch sat untouched on the table between them.

Lex leaned back in his chair, watching Lazarus with the same calculating gaze he reserved for high-stakes negotiations.

"I have to admit, Lazarus, you've impressed me," Lex said. "Most people your age are worrying about high school crushes and football games. You? You're building an empire."

Lazarus smirked. "I don't see the point in waiting. If I want to make something of myself, I have to start now."

Lex nodded, swirling the drink in his hand. "I know that feeling." He set the glass down and leaned forward. "That's why I'm making you an offer."

Lazarus raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

Lex placed a sleek, black folder on the table and slid it toward him. "One hundred million dollars. In exchange for ten percent of Kent Innovations."

Lazarus blinked. He expected an offer, but this? It was beyond what he thought Lex would propose.

"You believe in my company that much?" Lazarus asked, studying Lex.

Lex smirked. "I believe in you. You have vision, Lazarus. But vision alone doesn't build an empire—you need capital, connections, and people who understand the game."

Lazarus flipped through the folder. The terms were surprisingly fair—no hidden traps, no fine print that would screw him over. Just a straight investment.

He looked back at Lex. "And what do you get out of this? Besides ten percent?"

Lex chuckled. "Let's just say I like to bet on rising stars. If you succeed, so do I. If you fail… well, I don't make many bad investments."

Lazarus leaned back, considering. A hundred million dollars would catapult Kent Innovations into another league. He could accelerate production, expand his reach, and cement himself as a major player in the business world before even turning eighteen.

But beyond that, he saw something else in Lex—respect. This wasn't just about money. It was about two people who understood each other in ways few others could.

He extended his hand. "You've got a deal."

Lex grinned and shook it. "Welcome to the big leagues, Lazarus."

The Kent Farm – Breaking the NewsLater that night, Lazarus sat across from Jonathan and Martha Kent at the dinner table. Clark leaned against the counter, arms crossed, already looking uneasy.

"A hundred million dollars?" Jonathan repeated, his expression a mix of shock and concern.

Lazarus nodded. "In exchange for ten percent of the company."

Jonathan sighed, rubbing his temples. "And it's from Lex Luthor."

Martha placed a gentle hand on her husband's arm. "Jonathan, I know you don't trust Lionel, but Lex isn't his father."

Clark finally spoke. "Are you sure this is a good idea? Lex is still a Luthor."

Lazarus met his brother's gaze. "And I'm still a Kent. This isn't about names, Clark. It's about opportunity."

Jonathan sighed. "I just don't want you to owe him anything."

"I don't," Lazarus reassured him. "This was my decision, and I made sure the deal was fair. No strings, no hidden agendas."

Martha smiled warmly. "We trust you, Lazarus. Just… be careful."

Lazarus nodded. "Always."

Luthor Mansion – The Beginning of a BrotherhoodA few days later, Lazarus met Lex again in his study. The paperwork was signed, and the investment had gone through.

Lex handed Lazarus a glass of scotch—something neither of them were technically old enough to drink, but in Lex's world, rules were just suggestions.

"To partnerships," Lex said, raising his glass.

Lazarus smirked and clinked his against Lex's. "To the future."

As they drank, Lex glanced at him. "You know, Lazarus, we're not so different."

Lazarus chuckled. "That's what villains usually say before the hero proves them wrong."

Lex laughed. "Maybe. But I have a feeling this isn't just business. We understand each other."

Lazarus nodded. "Yeah. I think we do."

And for the first time, he realized Lex wasn't just an investor—he was a friend.

A friend who, like him, was destined for greatness.