The Invisible God-Level Tycoon

Chapter 6

Alex was almost at the glass revolving doors when he heard the frantic click of heels behind him. He didn't have to turn around to know it was Chloe. She was breathing hard, her face flushed with a mix of shock and confusion.

"Alex! Stop right there!" she shouted, ignoring the stares of the lobby security guards.

Alex turned around, his hands still tucked into his denim pockets. "Hey, Chloe. That was a short meeting. Did everything go okay?"

"Did everything go okay? You know exactly what happened!" Chloe stepped closer, her eyes searching his face. "The lawyers from Star-Core... they just handed me the keys to the kingdom. They said a mystery owner bought the whole company and gave me an exclusive deal. And then I see you standing in the hallway, acting like you're on a Sunday stroll. Alex, talk to me. Did you have something to do with this?"

Alex tilted his head and gave her a small smile. "I told you this morning I'd handle it. I don't like seeing my wife stressed out."

Chloe shook her head, her voice trembling. "No. That’s not an answer. We’re talking about billions of dollars, Alex. You’re a guy who didn't have a cent to his name two days ago. How could you possibly influence a massive tech acquisition? Who are you really?"

"I told you, I'm just a guy who’s lucky to be married to you," Alex said. "Maybe I've got some old friends from my warehouse days who moved up in the world. Maybe I just have a knack for timing."

"Friends? Timing?" Chloe stepped even closer, her perfume faint and sweet. "Don't treat me like I'm stupid. People don't just buy companies because a 'friend' asked them to. Did you borrow money? Are you in trouble with some dangerous people? If you took a loan from the wrong crowd to help me, I'll never forgive myself."

"I'm not in debt, Chloe. I promise," Alex said. "Just take the win. You're the CEO. You've got the chips. You've got the power. Isn't that what you wanted?"

Before she could respond, the elevator doors nearby hissed open. Jason Miller and Sarah Jenkins stepped out. Jason looked like he wanted to punch a hole through the wall. His face was twisted with pure, ugly rage. Sarah was right behind him, looking confused and annoyed.

"You!" Jason screamed, pointing a finger at Alex. "You think you're clever, don't you? You think this little stunt is going to work?"

Alex didn't blink. "I don't know what you're talking about, Jason. I'm just waiting for my wife."

"Don't play dumb with me, you piece of trash!" Jason marched over, stopping just inches from Alex. "I talked to my father. He’s already figured it out. You’re just a front, aren't you? Some big investment firm is using you as a puppet to mess with the Miller family. They probably saw you in the gutter and offered you a few grand to act like a big shot."

Sarah stepped forward, her lip curling in a sneer. "That makes so much sense. I knew there was no way Alex could actually do anything. He was always good at doing what he was told. He’s probably just a messenger boy for the real owner of Star-Core. Alex, did they promise you a nice tip if you delivered the papers on time?"

"Is that what you think?" Alex asked, his voice calm.

"It’s the only thing that makes sense!" Jason laughed harshly, though he still looked shaken. "You probably met some rich guy while you were cleaning toilets and begged him for a favor. Or maybe you’re just a lucky mascot for some hedge fund that wants to take over Miller Tech. But don't get cocky. Once they’re done using you, they'll throw you back in the trash. And when they do, I'll be there to make sure you never find another job in this city."

"Jason, that's enough," Chloe snapped. "He’s my husband. Whether he helped or not, he’s part of this family now."

"He’s a tick, Chloe! A parasite!" Jason yelled. "And you're a fool for thinking he’s anything else. Come on, Sarah. We’ve got to go meet the board. My father isn't done with her yet. This Star-Core thing is just a bump in the road. We’ll find a way to crush your little 'savior' too."

Jason and Sarah stormed out of the building. Sarah didn't even look back at Alex. She was too busy whispering something into Jason’s ear, probably another lie to make him feel better.

Chloe stood there for a long moment, watching them leave. Then she turned back to Alex. "They don't believe it’s you. To be honest, I don't know if I believe it either. It’s just... too much."

"It doesn't matter what they believe," Alex said. "It matters that you're safe. Let’s go home, Chloe. You’ve had a long day."

They walked out to the car. This time, Chloe didn't drive like she was in a race. She drove slowly, looking out the window at the city lights. When they reached the villa, the house was quiet. Martha had already gone to bed.

Alex started toward his room in the east wing, but Chloe called out to him.

"Alex? Wait."

He stopped and turned. She was standing by the large marble staircase. She looked smaller than usual, less like a CEO and more like a woman who was just tired of fighting.

"Why are you doing all this for me?" she asked softly. "The contract... the money... it was supposed to be fake. But you’re actually helping me. Why?"

Alex walked back toward her. He stopped a few feet away. "I told you before. When everyone else saw a loser, you saw a person. You gave me a chance when you didn't have to. You're fighting a war against your own family, and you're doing it with your head held high. I admire that, Chloe. I don't care about the money or the contract. I just want to be the person who has your back when no one else does."

Chloe looked down at her hands. Her voice was barely a whisper. "I've spent my whole life being used by people. My aunt, my cousins... even my parents before they passed. Everyone wants something from me. It’s hard to believe someone would just... help."

"I don't want anything from you," Alex said. "Well, maybe one thing."

She looked up, her guard going back up for a split second. "What?"

"I'd like to have dinner with you," Alex said. "Not a 'family dinner' where everyone is screaming. Just a quiet meal. No business. No contracts. Just us."

Chloe blinked. A small, genuine smile touched her lips. It was the first time Alex had seen her look truly happy. "I think I can manage that. But I’m not eating any of Martha’s diet salads. I want real food."

"I'll cook," Alex said. "I make a mean grilled cheese."

"A billionaire-level grilled cheese?" Chloe joked, her eyes twinkling.

"The best you've ever had," Alex promised.

She laughed, and for a moment, the tension between them vanished. "Okay, Alex. It’s a deal. But tomorrow, we’re going to have a real talk about how you’re making these things happen. I’m not letting you off the hook that easily."

"I wouldn't expect anything less,"

He watched her walk up the stairs. As she reached the top, she looked back one more time. "Goodnight, Alex."

"Goodnight, Chloe."

Alex went back to his room. He sat on the edge of his bed and pulled out his phone. The system interface popped up in the air before him, glowing blue.

*Ding!*

[Relationship Progress: Chloe Miller’s trust has reached 20%. New hidden trait unlocked: Protective Instinct.]

[System Alert: The Miller family has contacted a private investigator to look into your past. They’re looking for anything to prove you’re a criminal.]

Alex leaned back against the wall. "Let them look," he whispered to the empty room. "They won't find anything but what I want them to see. If they want to play detective, I'll give them a mystery they'll never solve."

He closed his eyes, already planning his next move. He had the money, he had the skills, and now, he was starting to have the girl.

Jason and Sarah thought they were winning because they had a loud voice, but Alex knew the truth. The loudest person in the room is usually the weakest. He was the silent storm, and he was just getting started.

He’d wait until they thought they had him trapped, and then he’d show them exactly how it felt to lose everything. But for now, he had to think about the perfect cheese for that sandwich. After all, he had a date to prepare for.