After hanging up, Mike quickly knocked on Alexander and Austin's bedroom doors, urging them to come out. "She wants the invisibility potion formula," he announced.

The other two exchanged glances and said in unison, "Fat chance."

Alexander nodded. "She's pretty greedy, huh?"

"What should we do?" Mike asked.

"There's no invisibility potion to begin with. We can't give Rhea a fake formula, can we?" Austin shrugged.

Alexander, however, said thoughtfully, "Perhaps... we can."

Austin was baffled.

"Well, can you tell if a formula is fake right away?" Alexander asked.

Austin shook his head. "No, I can only tell after I experiment with it." He grasped Alexander's intentions but remained skeptical. "Even so, it wouldn't work. I'll find out the formula is fake in the end."

"But you'll have to experiment with it first," Alexander countered. "Besides, she'll assume it's based on their research. There's no guarantee it would work."

Austin rubbed his chin pensively. "You're right." After all, not every study was accurate.

Still confused, Mike asked, "What's the point of giving her a fake formula?"

Alexander looked at him. "It's the process that matters."

"Are you suggesting I find out what's going on in the embassy when I give her the formula?" Mike asked. The idea sounded appealing, but he harbored doubts. "I don't think it'll work. Even Prince Ross failed and was forced to leave. Fred seems to know everything."

"Things are different now, and Dominic is still there," Alexander countered. "Besides, time is running out. The duke must be getting anxious, and I bet he's going to make mistakes."

Austin added, "That's right. It'll be great if you can find out how my granduncle is doing."

"All right then," Mike agreed. "When should I go? Tomorrow?"

"No, the day after tomorrow."

"Why?"

Alexander explained, "Since you told Rhea you didn't know where the researchers were, she'll get suspicious if you give it to her too soon. Also, you must tell her you can't guarantee the formula will work."

Mike understood. "I see."

"Alex is right," Austin agreed. "Should we tell Dr. Blanc about this?"

"It won't be necessary. Dr. Blanc was just doing us a favor," Alexander said, looking at Mike. "He doesn't need to know."

Glancing at the others, Austin sighed and sat down. "I wonder how Uncle Dom is doing now."

"They must have abducted him to get him to cooperate. He'll be fine until they no longer need him," Alexander said.