Smallville2001

Clark Kent:
I just found out you fired Chloe's father today.

Lex Luthor:
Yeah, well, uh... apparently, his performance was seriously lacking.

Clark Kent:
Chloe's father has worked for the company for years. This could ruin her family.

Lex Luthor:
Clark, my father suspects Mr. Sullivan was the one spreading the malicious rumors about me. I assume Chloe overheard the gossip and passed it along to you.

Clark Kent:
No, this isn't right.

Lex Luthor:
It's not about being right. It's about positioning. My father won a battle today.

Clark Kent:
And Chloe's father is a casualty.

Lex Luthor:
True. But the war's just starting. And I have the greatest advantage. He thinks I'm weak. Frankly, Clark, I thought you'd be relieved.

Clark Kent:
Why would you think that?

Lex Luthor:
Because at least this way, I was able to keep you out of it.