The Invisible God-Level Tycoon

Chapter 7

Alex was already in the kitchen when the clock struck seven. He’d found some high-quality sourdough and three types of expensive cheese in the back of the giant fridge.

The butter was sizzling in the pan, filling the room with a warm, salty smell. He heard the light patter of feet on the tile and knew Chloe was there. She wasn't wearing her business suit anymore. She had on a simple grey hoodie and leggings.

"You're actually doing it," Chloe said, hopping onto a tall stool at the kitchen island. "I thought you were joking about the grilled cheese."

"I don't joke about food, Chloe," Alex said, carefully flipping the sandwich with a spatula. "I've spent too many years eating ramen in a cup. When I get a chance to cook something real, I take it seriously."

"It smells amazing," she admitted, resting her chin on her hand. "I can't remember the last time someone cooked for me. Usually, I just order takeout or Martha leaves a salad in the fridge that tastes like grass."

"Well, tonight’s a grass-free zone," Alex said. He slid the golden-brown sandwich onto a plate and cut it diagonally. He pushed it toward her. "Careful, it's hot."

Chloe took a bite and her eyes widened. "Oh my god. What did you put in this? It’s... It’s incredible."

"It’s a secret," Alex teased, leaning against the counter with his own plate. "Actually, it’s just about the heat. You can't rush it. If you rush it, the bread burns and the cheese doesn't melt. It’s a lot like business, I guess."

Chloe slowed down, her expression turning thoughtful. "You keep saying things like that. You talk like you’ve run a hundred companies, but your resume says you’ve only worked in shipping docks and warehouses. How do you know so much about 'rushing the process'?"

"I've watched people," Alex said. "When you're at the bottom, you see everything. You see the managers making mistakes because they're greedy. You see the bosses failing because they don't respect the people doing the work. I just paid attention."

"I wish more people in my family paid attention," Chloe sighed. "All they care about is the Miller name and how much money they can squeeze out of the company. They don't care about the workers. They don't even care about the products. They just want to be 'rich'."

"And what do you want, Chloe?"

"I want to build something that lasts," she said. "My dad started Miller Tech because he loved gadgets. He wanted to make life easier for people. After he died, the rest of the family just saw it as a gold mine. I'm trying to protect his dream, but it’s like fighting a fire with a water pistol."

"You're not alone anymore," Alex said. "I told you, I've got your back."

Chloe looked like she wanted to say something, maybe thank him or ask another question, but the front door chimes suddenly rang out. It wasn't the soft chime for guests. It was the loud, repeated ring of someone angry.

"Who’s that at this hour?" Chloe frowned, standing up.

"I'll get it," Alex said, his mood instantly cooling. "Stay here and finish your sandwich."

"No, if it’s my aunt, I should be there," Chloe said, following him to the front hall.

Alex opened the door. It wasn't Victoria. It was Jason Miller, and he wasn't alone. Standing next to him was a thin man in a cheap suit with a greasy ponytail and a briefcase. Jason had a huge, ugly grin on his face, like he’d just won the lottery.

"Surprise!" Jason shouted, stepping into the foyer without being invited. "I told you we’d be back, Chloe. And look what I brought. This is Mr. Sharp. He’s the best private investigator in the city."

Chloe crossed her arms. "Jason, it’s eight p.m. Get out of my house. I don't care about your investigator."

"Oh, you will," Jason said, pointing at Alex. "We did a deep dive on your 'husband' here. We went through every record, every school, every job. And guess what we found?"

"I'm sure it’s fascinating."

"It’s more than fascinating, it’s a crime!" Jason yelled. Mr. Sharp stepped forward and opened his briefcase, pulling out a thick folder.

"Mr. Reed," the investigator said in a raspy voice. "Or should I say, 'John Doe'? We tracked your social security number. It was flagged three years ago for identity theft in another state. And your employment records? They’re all faked. There’s no record of you ever working at that warehouse in the south side."

Chloe looked at Alex, her face turning pale. "Alex? What is he talking about?"

"He’s talking about lies, Chloe," Alex said. "He’s a paid liar."

"Lies?" Jason laughed so hard he almost choked. "The documents don't lie! You’re a fraud, Alex! You probably stole some poor guy’s name just to get close to a rich woman. You're a professional con artist. That’s how you got the vase, and that’s how you 'helped' with Star-Core. You’re part of a criminal ring!"

"Is that so?" Alex asked. He walked over to Mr. Sharp and took the folder out of his hands. He flipped through the pages quickly. "This is interesting. The social security number you have listed here... it ends in 4432. My number ends in 8891. And this photo of 'Alex Reed' at a crime scene? That guy has a tattoo on his neck. Do I look like I have a tattoo?"

Alex pulled his collar down, showing his clear skin.

Mr. Sharp blinked, looking confused. "The... the records said..."

"The records said what Jason told you to find," Alex snapped. He threw the folder back at the investigator’s chest. "You’re so desperate to find dirt that you didn't even check the basic facts. You found a guy with a similar name and tried to pin it on me. It’s pathetic."

"You’re lying!" Jason screamed. "You probably hid the tattoo with makeup! Chloe, don't listen to him! He’s a snake!"