Bruce Wayne always hated these functions, but Alfred insisted because it was necessary to keep up his cover more now that Batman was wanted by police. More time as Bruce Wayne meant that the Bat was less likely to be spotted and apprehended. It was another charity dinner, and while the meal was all right, drinks and mingling was always interesting and the only thing that kept him from falling asleep. This dinner was even more intriguing because there were financial super powers from all over the country present to show their love and open their pockets for a good cause and the tax write off.

Bruce was standing there and listening to a few people talk about the housing market in Gotham when someone tapped him on the shoulder, "Mr. Wayne, so nice to see you again. I'm not sure you remember me but..."

"I always remember the names of the men who attempt hostile takeovers of my company, Mr. Luthor." Bruce quickly replied.

"Please," the man said with a cocky grin. "Call me Lionel."

"Pleasure to meet you, Lionel." Bruce said as he shook his hand.

Lionel responded with a small smirk. "And don't take it personally because I was a little 'aggressive' in my pursuit of your holdings in Wayne Enterprises. I hold nothing but the highest respect for your father so you should consider it a compliment that I wanted to bring your company into the Luthor fold."

"Like we don't have enough sheep already." Someone said from behind them both with a snide hint of sarcasm. The young man was completely bald but was only a few years older than Bruce.

"I'm sorry... I don't believe we've met." Bruce said.

"No, you haven't." Lionel confirmed. "I'd like you to meet my son Lex. Lex, this is Bruce Wayne of Wayne Enterprises."

"I've heard of you but never had the honor." Lex said as he extended his hand, "Nice to meet you."

Bruce shook Lex's hand. "The pleasure is mine."

"If you'll excuse me. Mr. Mayor..." As quickly as he had started the conversation, Lionel parted and started rubbing elbows with Gotham's political elite.

"You'll have to excuse my father. He's like a shark and politics draws him like blood in the water." Lex coldly chided.

"The man knows how to get around a room. I usually just make an appearance and bolt for the door." Bruce replied.

"I hear you. What a waste of work time. Just take the cheque and see you next year." Lex concurred, "Nice work fending off the take over bid by the way. It's been a very long time since someone stood to Lionel like that. It made my decade."

"Thanks but it was really nothing."

"Don't be so modest! I actually enjoyed watching Lionel's reaction when he realized the takeover had failed. A true Kodak moment." They both had a good laugh at Lionel's expense.

"How long do you plan to stay in Gotham?" Bruce asked.

"We're in town for about a week." Lex answered.

"We should do lunch. Talk business."

"I'd like that. I'll have our people set something up."

"Just do me a favor." Bruce said as he polished off his drink. "Leave the old man behind."

"Amen to that."

They both tapped glassed and toasted to their future encounter