Reincarnation In Smallville

Chapter 72: The End of Manipulation [72]



Clark's House

Clark observed the serenity around him, fully aware that it was merely a fleeting façade. Taking a deep breath, he activated the Speed Force.

Vibrant energy surged through his body, freezing the world around him in absolute stillness. The wind stopped, sounds disappeared, and time turned into a static photograph. In the blink of an eye, Clark departed, leaving only a trail of electricity behind.

---

Luthor Mansion

Clark stopped in front of the imposing doors of the Luthor Mansion. He could feel the tension in the air, like a harbinger of what was to come. Pushing the doors open effortlessly, he advanced through the vast hall into the grand sitting room, where a disturbing scene awaited him. Lex stood, gun pointed directly at Lionel, while Desirée observed with a seductive and dangerous smile of satisfaction.

"You're lucky I activated the Speed Force on Lionel," Clark remarked, analyzing the frozen scene before him. His tone was serene but carried a sense of purpose. He looked at Desirée, perceiving the extent of her manipulation.

"Jor-El, I need your help now," Clark instructed, keeping his eyes fixed on Desirée. "Neutralize her powers."

[Command received, Kal-El. Initiating procedure.]

An intense white light emanated from Clark, enveloping Desirée in a radiant energy field. The woman tried to resist, but Jor-El's power was absolute. Within seconds, the light subsided, leaving Desirée devoid of any trace of her abilities. Her smile vanished, replaced by a silent void.

Clark seized the frozen moment to approach Lionel. He studied the man for a moment, noting the determination and hardness etched into his face. Calmly, Clark extended his hand, lightly touching Lionel's forehead.

"Lionel, it's time to change," Clark murmured as he channeled subtle energy, precisely adjusting memories and intentions. "You will no longer interfere in my life or my family's. Furthermore, you will strive to build a genuine relationship with Lex. He deserves that chance."

Lionel remained motionless, unable to resist the adjustments Clark made to his mind. When he finished, Clark stepped back, observing the subtle shift in the man's expression.

Turning to Lex, Clark saw the confusion and internal struggle reflected in his eyes, even in the frozen instant. 

"Lex, you still have the chance to choose the right path," Clark said, his tone calm and firm. "The freedom you seek isn't in Desirée or anyone else. It's in your choices. Make the right ones."

Clark left the sitting room and headed to the security room. There, he found monitors recording all the mansion's events. Placing his hand on the main panel, he commanded, "Jor-El, erase all recordings from tonight."

[Command executed, Kal-El. All evidence has been erased.]

Clark watched as the monitors turned off, one by one. With the situation resolved, he left the mansion as swiftly as he had arrived, returning home.

---

Clark's House

Clark entered his home and deactivated the Speed Force. The world around him resumed its normal flow. Diana and Tina, who were in the living room, immediately turned their attention to him.

---

Luthor Mansion

Lex opened his eyes slowly, as if awakening from a long nightmare. His fingers still gripped the pistol, but he seemed disoriented. Observing his surroundings, he finally lowered the weapon.

"What... what was I doing?" Lex murmured, his voice filled with confusion and regret.

Desirée, who had maintained a confident smile, stepped forward, surprised by Lex's change in demeanor. "Lex, you're making a mistake! Think about what you're doing. I'm the only one who truly cares about you."

Lionel, visibly shaken, sighed in relief upon seeing Lex lower the gun. "Finally, Lex. It seems you're thinking clearly. Perhaps there's hope for you yet."

Lex looked at Desirée, his expression becoming firmer. "No, Desirée. The mistake was trusting you. All of this was manipulation. And now it's over."

Desirée narrowed her eyes, her voice rising. "You can't do this to me, Lex. We're perfect together. You know that."

Lionel stepped forward, a mix of pride and sarcasm on his face. "Well done, my son. You've finally made a sensible decision. Now, I suggest you annul any contracts you've made with her."

Lex nodded, moving to the desk where the contract papers and marriage license lay. "You're right, Dad. This ends now." Tearing the documents into pieces, he threw them to the floor, his determination evident.

"I won't fall for your games anymore, Desirée."

In a desperate gesture, Desirée pointed at Lionel. "Lionel, you can't allow this! Tell him to reconsider! He needs me!"

Lionel raised an eyebrow, his tone dripping with disdain. "Who do you think you are to give me orders?" Turning to the intercom on the desk, he said, "Security, come to the main sitting room. We have a trespasser who needs to be escorted out."

Desirée took a step toward Lex, her tone desperate. "Lex, they don't understand. Only I can help you. Please, think carefully!"

Lex averted his gaze, ignoring her completely. His silence was more deafening than any response.

Security guards entered the room quickly, their posture firm and professional. Lionel pointed to Desirée, his voice full of authority. "Escort this woman to the exit. She is no longer welcome here."

Desirée raised her hands, her voice now filled with anger. "Don't touch me! I'll leave on my own!" She stormed toward the door, but not before casting a final look at Lex. "You'll regret this, Lex. You'll realize no one will ever love you like I do."

The guards followed her to the exit, ensuring she left the property. Lionel, observing everything, turned to Lex. "I hope you've learned a valuable lesson, my son. Trust is something that must be given sparingly."

Lex nodded slowly, still processing the events. "I've learned, Dad. And this time, I won't forget."

---

Kent Farm

The soft morning light streamed through the windows of the Kent kitchen, illuminating the domestic scene. Jonathan sat at the table, holding a folded newspaper, while Martha slowly stirred a pot on the stove. The comforting smell of fresh coffee filled the air, reflecting the tranquility of the moment.

---

Chloe in the Car

The rhythmic hum of the engine echoed inside the car as Chloe drove down the dirt road toward the farm. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, betraying her nervousness. It was the first time she would see the Kents since her breakup with Clark, and the thought of seeing him again was both exciting and unsettling.

VRUUUM! VRUUUM!

She adjusted the rearview mirror, glancing at her reflection. "You can do this, Chloe. Just congratulate Mrs. Kent on the pregnancy and act normal." Trying to calm herself, she took a deep breath and parked in the farm's driveway. The crunching sound of tires on gravel interrupted the morning calm.

---

Farm Entrance

Chloe stepped out of the car, adjusting her jacket as she walked toward the door. She knocked a few times, her heart beating in sync with her anticipation. The door slowly opened, revealing Martha with a warm smile on her face.

"Chloe! What a pleasant surprise! Come in, dear."

Chloe smiled, trying to hide her anxiety. "Hi, Mrs. Kent. I hope I'm not interrupting. I wanted to congratulate you personally on the pregnancy. I was so happy when I heard!"

Martha placed a caring hand on Chloe's shoulder, guiding her inside. "You're never interrupting. It's so good to see you! Come, sit down. I'll prepare a cup of tea for us. Jonathan, look who's here!"

Jonathan lowered the newspaper, rising to greet Chloe. "Chloe, great to see you! How have you been?"

Chloe smiled as she sat at the table. "I'm good, Mr. Kent. But I'll admit, I was a little nervous about coming here. It's been a while since I've seen you all and... Clark."

Hearing Clark's name, Martha and Jonathan exchanged discreet but noticeable glances. Chloe picked up on the subtle shift in atmosphere. Martha's warm smile hesitated for a moment before she refocused on the tea.

"Mrs. Kent? Is everything alright?" Chloe asked, leaning forward slightly. "Clark's okay, isn't he?"

Martha sighed, placing a cup in front of Chloe. "Yes, Chloe, Clark's fine. He's... going through a time of change. He decided it was time to move out and have his own space."

Chloe blinked, clearly surprised. "Clark moved out? Really? Where did he go? Why?"

Jonathan intervened, trying to soften the impact. "He felt it was time to be more independent, Chloe. You know how he is—always thinking about doing the right thing." He chuckled lightly, though there was a hint of hesitation in his voice.

Chloe frowned, concerned. "I just... didn't expect that. He never mentioned anything about leaving the farm. Do you know how he's doing? I mean, is he happy?"

Martha nodded, her smile returning, though tinged with underlying melancholy. "He's fine, Chloe. He made it clear this was something he needed to do. But I'll call him if you'd like to talk to him."

Chloe hesitated before responding, processing the information. "I'd love to talk to him, Mrs. Kent. Just to make sure he's okay."

Martha placed a gentle hand on Chloe's. "I'll call him later and ask him to get in touch with you. I'm sure he'll be glad to know you care."

Chloe smiled faintly, though concern lingered in her eyes. "Thank you, Mrs. Kent. I really do care about him."

Jonathan gave Chloe's shoulder a light pat. "And he knows that, Chloe. Clark has always valued your friendship."

Chloe nodded, deciding to wait for Clark's call, though she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than the Kents were willing to share at that moment.

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