Before Anatoly let him go, Lex tried to give him as much comfort and confidence as he could. He knew this was hard for the Russian but Lex was so very proud of how he was facing this. Head on, completely out of character expect for rare occasions...like punching out farmboys who weren't acting like themselves.

As Anatoly faced her, Lex stood up and moved to stand beside his chair, showing his support. And his brain tried to salvage the situation. While Lex didn't think they needed her...they could use all the allies they could get. "Please, Ms Vassey. We've explained the situation as best we can. And Anatoly never had the opportunity to be up front with you. He didn't know I was here until the incident at the studio. If he knew otherwise, I know he would have told you." He defended Anatoly firmly, in his best business tone, urging her to believe him. "I assure you...I'm only here to help. I have intimate knowledge of how men like De Courcey and Molokov work and I'd rather not see you and Anatoly as their pawns."