Adrian feels a strong sensation of satisfaction, at being right about his assessment of Lex, even from their very first meeting, and at his decision to make a rare move in allowing someone else to walk shoulder to shoulder with him on his path to greatness. There's never been a single doubt in his mind that he would achieve everything he's ever planned for, but now there's an unexpected rush of renewed excitement about those plans.

He takes the full weight of the circlet in his grasp but doesn't pull it away, instead accepting the grip of Lex's hand over his, something more intimate and more significant than a mere handshake. "I look as much forward the day when you stand triumphant before the world, Alexander, as I do to the moment when I can finally reveal my great gift for mankind."