"It's served us well so far." Lex doesn't want to give Lionel too much information, but he's not shying away from what has already happened either. Lionel needs to know that his son has forged a strong alliance. Lex has worked hard to be where he is now and any attempts to take any of that away would be met with much resistance. Jumping ship now is not at all a priority.

A waiter sets down two glasses of water for the both of them and after he leaves, Lex resumes speaking. "Is that what you're here to talk about?" As long as they were being forthright, Lex had no qualms with answering any interrogation of his business practices. He knew how to proceed, and deflect if necessary.