Night at the Gala [37]

Night had fallen, and the city of Metropolis was aglow with the lights of buildings and the bustle of the streets. Clark and Chloe were ready to go out, both dressed elegantly. Chloe wore a black dress that accentuated her figure, while Clark sported a perfectly fitted suit. They were in a lighthearted mood, ready to celebrate the success of the book and the publishing house.

Clark held Chloe's hand gently as they prepared to leave the hotel room. "Are you ready?" he asked, admiring her. "You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Clark. You're not looking too bad yourself," Chloe replied with a touch of humor as she moved closer to him. "Shall we? I want to savor every second of this night."

The two left the hotel and took a taxi to the restaurant where the gala dinner would be held. The place was sophisticated, with illuminated facades and an elegant ambiance that set the stage for a special occasion. Upon arrival, Clark paid the driver and helped Chloe out of the car. "I'm sure we're going to love this place. Lex personally recommended it," Clark said as he led Chloe to the entrance.

As soon as they entered, they were greeted by a waiter who guided them to a table by the window, offering a privileged view of the city lights. Clark pulled out a chair for Chloe to sit, then took a seat across from her.

"I still can't believe the scale of this book's success," Chloe said, looking around, admiring the surroundings. "It was amazing to see so many people excited about something you created, Clark."

"Who'd have thought a book about an orphaned wizard would be so popular?" Clark gave an ironic smile, resting his elbow on the table and looking at Chloe with a gleam of sarcasm in his eyes.

"Oh, don't be modest. You know you've got talent, even if you don't like to admit it." Chloe gave a soft smile, taking an appetizer from a passing tray, but never breaking her gaze at Clark, as if expecting him to concede.

'If only she knew I copied the entire book, she wouldn't think that way.'

"Maybe I should've written about vampires in love; that might've been even more successful." He chuckled lightly, leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms with a carefree air.

"You know, some people would pay a fortune to read it, no matter the theme. They're interested in who wrote it, Clark." Chloe raised her gaze, blinking at him, trying to bring a bit of humor to the moment.

"Oh, I see. So maybe I should do a dramatic autobiography. *My Life as a Country Boy. Hating the Big City.* What do you think?" He laughed, but the tone was clearly a blend of jest and sarcasm as he looked out the window, the Metropolis lights reflecting in his eyes.

"I think you're more than that, Kent. You're a walking mystery, and people love mysteries." She smiled fondly, holding his hand across the table.

Suddenly, Lex appeared beside them with a friendly smile on his face. "Clark, would you mind joining me for a moment? I'd like to introduce you to some important people." Lex sounded confident, but there was a hint of urgency in his voice.

Clark looked at Chloe and smiled. "I'll be right back, okay?"

Chloe nodded, smiling back. "I'll stay here and enjoy the view. Go on, impress them."

Clark stood up and followed Lex across the room. They walked over to a group of well-dressed people who were chatting animatedly near the bar. Lex approached, drawing the group's attention.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I'd like to introduce you to Clark Kent, the author of the book everyone's been talking about recently," Lex announced, with a confident smile as he placed a hand on Clark's shoulder.

The group turned to face Clark, and he noticed how their expressions changed immediately. Polite smiles appeared on their faces, and handshakes were quickly extended.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Kent. Lex has told us a lot about you," one of the men said, shaking Clark's hand firmly but quickly.

"The book is truly fascinating. Lex mentioned how hard you worked on it," a woman said with a smile that seemed almost rehearsed.

Clark realized that although they were being cordial, their interest wasn't genuine. They were there because of Lex, not because of the book. Nonetheless, Clark didn't mind. He kept his composure, smiling and responding politely, thanking them for their compliments, even knowing they were motivated by Lex's influence.

Lex, on the other hand, seemed pleased with the attention Clark was receiving. He made sure to emphasize LuthorCorp's support for the book and how much he believed in Clark's potential as an author.

After a few minutes of conversation, Lex leaned over to Clark and said, "Thanks for coming, Clark. I think we made a good impression, which is great for all of us."

Clark just nodded, keeping his smile. "Of course, Lex. I'm always happy to help."

Lex gave a light pat on Clark's shoulder before stepping away, returning to mingle with others in the room. Clark, for his part, decided to head back to where Chloe was seated, relieved that the interaction was over.

When he returned to the table, Chloe looked at him curiously. "So, how was it?"

Clark shrugged, a faint smile on his lips. "It was… interesting. I think they were more impressed that I know Lex than with the book itself."

Chloe smiled, shaking her head. "Well, they don't know what they're missing. To me, you're the real star of the night."

Clark sat back down, taking Chloe's hand across the table. "Thank you, Chloe. That's all I needed to hear."

They shared a tender look as soft music played in the background, and the rest of the evening continued peacefully until an unexpected figure appeared at the restaurant door.

Lionel Luthor entered, his piercing gaze sweeping the room until it landed on Lex and Clark. Lex immediately noticed his father's presence and didn't look pleased at all.

"What are you doing here, Dad?" Lex muttered through gritted teeth, keeping a forced smile for the guests around him.

Unfazed, Lionel walked over to Lex, stopping beside the group. "I couldn't miss the chance to congratulate the publisher and, of course, young author Clark Kent," he said, with a tone that seemed to mix sincerity and sarcasm.

Lex kept his smile, but his expression clearly indicated his discomfort with his father's presence. "Everything is going as planned, Dad. You didn't need to worry."

Lionel gave Lex a light pat on the shoulder, keeping his sharp gaze fixed. "I'm sure it is, son. I'm very proud of what you've achieved here. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to congratulate a certain young writer."

Lionel stepped away from Lex, who continued to watch with a look of disdain as his father walked toward Clark's table.

Lionel arrived at Clark and Chloe's table, a warm smile on his face but with a calculating gleam in his eyes. "Clark Kent, it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person," Lionel said, extending his hand to Clark. "I must say, the book is impressive. You did an incredible job."

Clark stood up and shook Lionel's hand, trying to hide his surprise. "Thank you, Mr. Luthor. I'm glad you enjoyed it."

Lionel nodded, then looked at Chloe and greeted her with a slight nod. "And who is this charming companion?"

Chloe forced a smile. "Chloe Sullivan, I'm a journalist with *The Torch.*"

Lionel smiled, clearly interested. "A journalist and a writer. What an interesting pair. I'm sure you two make a great team."

Clark kept a polite smile, trying to keep the conversation brief. "We're just enjoying the night, Mr. Luthor."

Lionel nodded, but before leaving, he made one last remark. "You know, Clark, I know your father, Jonathan Kent. A man of principles, very different from most people I know. I hope you've inherited that strength from him."

'My father wouldn't say the same about you.'

Clark just nodded, feeling a slight discomfort with the mention of his father. "I try, Mr. Luthor."

Lionel smiled, as if satisfied with the response. "I'm glad to hear that. Enjoy your evening, Clark. Chloe." He bid them farewell with a nod and walked away, leaving Clark and Chloe relieved to finally be alone again.

Clark sat back down with a sigh. Chloe looked at him curiously. "That was… strange."

Clark smiled at Chloe, trying to lighten the tension. "It's always like that with the Luthors. But now, let's forget about it and enjoy our night."

Chloe nodded, still a bit suspicious, but decided to let it go. "You're right. Let's focus on us."

As the evening continued, Clark and Chloe enjoyed dinner, with soft music in the background creating a relaxing atmosphere. They talked about light topics, laughing at the little jokes that came up between them.

Lex appeared again at their table just before dinner ended. He looked at Clark and Chloe, appearing calmer after Lionel's appearance.

"I hope you're enjoying the night. You both deserve it," Lex said, with a sincere smile. "Clark, if you need anything, just let me know. Chloe, it was a pleasure seeing you again."

"Thank you, Lex. It's been a wonderful evening," Clark replied, standing up to shake Lex's hand, which he accepted with a smile.

"Thank you, Lex. And thanks for everything," Chloe said, smiling and giving a slight nod.

Lex nodded, and after saying goodbye, he walked away, leaving Clark and Chloe alone again. Clark turned to Chloe with a calm smile.

"I think it's time we go," he said, offering his hand to her.

Chloe took Clark's hand, standing up smoothly. "Yes, it's been an eventful night. Let's head back to the hotel and get some rest."

They walked out of the restaurant, crossing the hall slowly, as the city lights twinkled in the distance through the large windows.

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