Wow. It looks like everyone who commented - Bakasi, Blueowl, Supesfan, and Cuidadora - all think that Clark has had enough and shouldn't take it any more. And Perry is getting some love, too, for which he and I both thank you. I wanted him to be the voice of reason in this tale, and he seems to be coming across as I intended.
The "Taming of the Shrew?" In that play, the hero pursued and conquered the heroine because of a bet (and her father's wealth). Not sure that applies, although the turning point several have indicated is indeed a turning point and things will change going forward. We'll see how that works itself out in the next few chapters. True, Lois has done nothing up to now to induce Clark to trust her, and in typical Lois dive-in-without-checking-the-water-level fashion, she'll do something that will be both in and out of character. You'll see it when it happens.
Right now we have the next chapter to peruse. Onward and upward! Wait, no, it's Up, Up, and Away!
