"He's good at doing that, making the things he does make sense." Clark frowned. "He's had a lifetime to learn how to be brilliant at manipulation, and ... he's also learned how to use it against you. And I'm so sorry for that, honey."
When she faced him, his embrace became stronger, trying to shelter her from becoming any sadder. But he frowned more when she spoke. "Again ... he's using manipulation, we both know that, Lois. And it got to you, and I wish I had been there, just for support. He took advantage of the ..." his jaw set slightly, "relationship you two used to have and used it to his advantage."
A little smile formed. "You know my powers? You have some too, love. You have the uncanny ability to see through any haze of deception someone tries to hit you with. I've seen you take on bigger lies than this, and shake them off, going straight for the truth. Maybe he meant it, that isn't the point. There's something much larger here going on, and that's what's important." Clark leaned down to kiss her, gently. "And I've seen the Pulitzers with your name on them to know that you can best Luthor at his own game."