Conner Kent stood on the rooftop, the city spread out beneath him, as Lex Luthor spoke beside him, his words calculated and persuasive.

"You’ve always had the potential, Conner," Lex said. "Superman’s ideals are a weakness. You’re stronger than that."

Conner’s eyes hardened. "Clark never saw me as his son. Just a problem to solve. But you… you showed me what real strength is."

Before Lex could reply, Superman arrived, his cape billowing in the wind. "Conner, step away from him. It’s not too late."

Conner looked at Clark, his voice filled with years of pent-up frustration. "Don’t pretend you care now, Clark. You never wanted me."

"That’s not true," Clark responded, descending to the rooftop. "You’re my son. And I’m sorry I failed you. But this path you’re on… it’s not going to lead anywhere good."

Conner’s resolve wavered, but Lex interjected sharply, "Don’t listen to him, Conner. He’s using your pain against you."

Conner glanced between them, then turned his back on Superman. "I’m done being your shadow, Clark. I’m forging my own path."

As Conner walked away with Lex, Clark stood alone on the rooftop, realizing that he had truly lost his son.