THe ride up to Barnie's office was long since it was on the top floor. Of course, it was. Power demanded the best view.
Karen, Barnie's personal assistant, barely glanced at Lex as he approached the reception desk.
"You're early," she said, tapping on the keyboard.
Lex smiled faintly. "Figured Barnie could use the company."
She snorted, nodding toward the door. "He's not expecting you."
Lex stepped inside with a knock.
Barnie sat at the head of a sprawling desk, scrolling through documents.
"Twice in two weeks," Barnie said without looking up. "You must be desperate for my attention."
Lex let the door close behind him with a soft click. He didn't sit. Instead, he lingered near the window, gazing down at the streets below.
"Maybe I just missed the view," Lex replied, his voice casual but measured.
Barnie finally looked up, his pale blue eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned back in his chair. He always had a way of making silence feel heavier than it needed to be.
"Cut it," Barnie said, folding his hands across his chest. "What do you want?"
Lex turned, meeting his uncle's gaze directly. No hesitation.
"I'm selling the penthouse," Lex said calmly. "I thought you should know."
Barnie arched a brow, clearly caught off guard. "Selling it? Why?"
Lex shrugged, moving toward the desk but still refusing to sit.
"It's just sitting there, collecting dust," Lex said smoothly. "I'd rather reinvest somewhere useful."
Barnie watched him carefully, fingers drumming lightly against the armrest. There it was—the calculation. Lex could almost see the gears turning behind his uncle's eyes.
"You're sentimental," Barnie said after a pause. "That place belonged to your father."
Lex smiled faintly. "I guess I'm full of surprises these days."
Barnie's lips curled into something that wasn't quite a smile. More like amusement with an edge.
"You've been busy," Barnie said, sliding a thin folder across the desk. Lex's name, Latham Ventures, was printed across the top in bold lettering.
Lex glanced at the folder but didn't reach for it.
"You're already watching me," Lex said, tilting his head slightly. "I'd be offended if you weren't."
Barnie chuckled under his breath, but his eyes never left Lex's.
"Entertainment investments? Startups? Toys, really," Barnie said, gesturing lazily toward the papers. "You're wasting time."
Lex's smirk didn't waver. "Funny. I thought you'd be happy I'm staying away from finance and real estate. Wouldn't want to step on your toes."
Barnie leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening.
"Is that what you think?" Barnie's voice dipped lower, smoother. "That I care what you do with your pocket change?"
Lex finally sat, one leg crossing over the other as he relaxed into the chair opposite Barnie's desk.
"I think you care more than you let on," Lex replied coolly. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have pulled this report."
Barnie didn't answer right away. His eyes lingered on Lex, searching for cracks that weren't there.
Finally, he leaned back, a slow grin spreading across his face.
"You're playing a long game," Barnie said quietly. "I respect that. But be careful, Lex. You start building too much, and people might start wondering where you're getting your ambition."
Lex's smile didn't break.
"I guess we'll find out," Lex said, standing up.
Barnie watched him rise, but something flickered behind his eyes—something darker, more curious.
As Lex reached the door, Barnie's voice stopped him.
"One more thing," Barnie said.
Lex paused, glancing back.
"Don't forget," Barnie said with a faint smirk. "Your father was good at playing small games, too. It didn't end well for him."
Lex met his gaze for a long moment.
"Thanks for the advice," Lex replied smoothly. "I'll be sure not to play small for long."
Without waiting for a response, Lex stepped out, the door closing softly behind him.
Barnie thought he was winning.
Let him think that.