Outside business, as any Luthor knows, is never frowned upon but is always taken under the careful consideration. One should never become too comfortable with their bedfellows. He has seen his son come to these realizations agonizingly slow time and time again. Assets were meant to be protected and carefully monitored. Whatever was brewing from the corporate partnership would not be the undoing of so many years of his own blood and sweat. Here LuthorCorp was still a fledgling. Lex would be needed whether he volunteered or not.

After all, he finds nothing wrong with a little competitive spirit.

"From what I've heard, he is quite practical with his business-- maybe a bit bold with his speech, but that trait may serve its purposes."

Casually he waves down the waiter for a glass of water, anticipating his swift return.