The Invisible God-Level Tycoon

Chapter 4

"What did you say?" Jason asked, his voice shaking with rage.

"I said it’s a fake," Alex repeated, walking closer. "The glaze is too thick near the base, and the phoenix’s tail has six feathers. The real one only has five. You got ripped off, Jason."

Jason burst out laughing. "You? You're telling me about Ming Dynasty porcelain? You can't even afford a bowl of noodles! What do you know about art?"

"He's right, Jason," Victoria said, her eyes cold as she looked at Alex. "This boy is just jealous. He's trying to make you look bad because he’s a nobody."

"Alex, be quiet," Chloe hissed, grabbing his arm. "You're making things worse."

"I'm telling the truth, Chloe," Alex said.

Just then, Silas walked into the hall. He wasn't dressed as a butler today. He was wearing a suit that cost ten thousand dollars. He looked like a high-end delivery agent. He was carrying a small, silk-covered box.

"Excuse me," Silas said, his voice commanding the room. "I have a delivery for Mr. Alex Reed."

"For him?" Jason laughed. "What is it? A pizza?"

Silas ignored him and walked straight to Alex. He opened the box. Inside was a vase that looked almost identical to Jason’s, but it had a glow that the other one lacked. The details were much finer.

"This is the authentic Blue Phoenix vase," Silas said. "Direct from the Kensington collection. Mr. Reed purchased it this afternoon."

The room was quiet for a second. Then, everyone started laughing.

"Nice try, Alex!" Jason shouted. "You hired a guy in a suit to bring in another fake? Do you think we’re stupid? You probably found that in a thrift shop for fifty bucks!"

"It’s true," Sarah added. "Alex used to buy me 'designer' bags from the street market all the time. He’s a professional at faking things."

"Alex, where did you get the money for this?" Chloe asked, her voice trembling. She looked surprised and confused.

"You'll find out, Chloe."

"He definitely stole it!" Victoria screamed. "Or he’s trying to scam us! Security, throw this man out! And take his cheap toy with him!"

"Wait," Chloe said, looking at the vase Silas held. "The tail... it does have five feathers."

"It doesn't matter!" Jason yelled. "He's a liar! He probably looked up the five-feather thing online and bought a better fake! There’s no way a guy like him has five million dollars!"

"You're right," Victoria said, calming down. "He's just a pathetic loser trying to play a big man’s game. Jason, your vase is the real one. This one is just a piece of junk from a con artist."

Silas looked at Alex, waiting for a command. Alex just shook his head and smiled.

"Let them keep the fake," Alex said. "It suits them."

"Get out!" Victoria pointed to the door.

Alex turned and walked toward the exit. Silas followed him. Chloe stood there, looking between the two vases. She felt a strange shiver. For a second, she had almost believed him. But Jason was right. Alex was poor. He was a nobody. There was no way he could own something so rare.

As Alex walked out into the night, he heard Sarah laughing inside.

"He really thought he could trick us," she said. "What a loser."

Alex didn't mind. He looked at Silas. "Did you get the recording?"

"Yes, sir," Silas said. "Every word."

"Good. When Jason tries to insure that vase tomorrow, I want the insurance company to release the 'fake' report to the news. Let’s see how his reputation holds up when the world finds out he gave his mother a piece of plastic."

"And Miss Chloe, sir?" Silas asked. "She didn't believe you either."

"She’ll learn," Alex said, looking back at the glowing villa. "She’s the only one in there who didn't laugh at me. She was just scared. I'll show her the truth soon enough, but not before I've cleared the path for her."

"The system is pleased, sir," Silas said. "Your next reward is being prepared."

"Keep it coming," Alex said, stepping into the darkness. "I'm just getting warmed up."