Suddenly, I Am Rich

The old man motioned for Gray to come closer with both hands. He was practically glowing with delight.

”Come, come, sit down!” he said, pulling out the chair across from him. For a moment, he didn’t seem like an old guy. ”Don’t just stand there, Gray. You’re making me feel old.”

Gray hesitated for a moment. He was still mildly stunned. For a second, he kept glancing between the suited man and the old man, before he cautiously stepped forward until he arrived in front of them.

Even if he was still weirded out, he still took a seat.

The old man smiled warmly at Gray.

”I’m so glad you came, Gray. I’ve been looking forward to this all week.”

Gray adjusted his blazer. His lips curled into a small smile.

”You said you wanted to thank me properly, sir. But I didn’t expect... this.”

Gray gestured vaguely at the elegant setup. With only them on the patio, he knew that it was just reserved for the three of them.

”Ah, yes! Where are my manners?” The old man chuckled as if feeling bad for what he had done. ”This man right here is Edward. He is my assistant. He keeps things running for me.”

Edward bowed his head politely.

”It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Adams.”

Gray offered a nod, still unsure of what this meeting was turning into.

”Likewise...” he answered, his voice momentarily trailing off.

Before there could be silence between them, the old man clapped his hands suddenly. His eyes were still gleaming with adoration.

”Now, Gray. Tell me. Are you single?”

Gray stared at him.

”I—uh... what?”

”Single,” the old man repeated his word very seriously. ”Are you dating anyone?”

Gray blinked. He sat back slightly in the chair and shook his head.

”...No?”

The old man’s grin widened.

”Oh! That’s Perfect! Absolutely perfect.”

Gray frowned.

”Wait—hold on.” He raised a hand, his voice slightly becoming cautious. ”Why are you asking me that, Sir?”

The old man chuckled again. His voice and mood were lighter this time.

”Because I like you, Gray. You’re kind and also good-looking.”

Gray narrowed his eyes slightly, not following. He remained silent as he let the man continue his words.

”I told my granddaughter all about you,” the old man continued, completely unbothered by Gray’s confused face. ”About how you jumped in to help me that day. You didn’t even hesitate. You didn’t ask for anything in return. Do you know how rare that is?”

”No need to thank me for that, Sir. I didn’t do it to impress anyone.”

”I know,” the old man nodded sincerely. ”That’s what makes it even better.”

”So are you be willing to meet her?”

Gray froze.

”Meet... your granddaughter?”

”Yes.” The old man smiled proudly. ”She’s a smart girl. She’s beautiful, too. She knows four languages, manages her own charity, and doesn’t waste time with men who only care about themselves. But you... I think she’d like you.”

Gray opened his mouth, then closed it.

’Don’t tell me...” He cleared his throat and stared at the man.

”Sir,” he began slowly, ”are you... trying to set me up with your granddaughter?”

”I’m not trying, I am,” the man said, beaming. He wasn’t even an ounce embarrassed by it. ”And I’m very serious.”

”Why?” Gray asked, completely in disbelief.

Who in their right mind would set up their granddaughter with someone like him? A stranger? They don’t even know each other personally.

Heck, he didn’t even know the old man’s name.

”Because you saved my life. And I know that’s not enough reason to throw my granddaughter at you—but I’ve met a lot of men in my lifetime, Gray. Most of them are trash, but you’re not like that,” the old man said, his tone softening a little bit as he explained it.

Truth be told, ever since the day he was saved, the old man had done everything he could to find out who his savior was. It hadn’t been easy, as no one in the area seemed to know Gray. He also left without giving his name or contact number.

His men had to ask around the neighborhood and search through dead ends just to track him down.

It took time. But he was determined.

So now that they were finally sitting across from each other, the old man wasn’t about to waste the opportunity.

”Uh....” Gray stared at the old man, trying to find a polite way to say ’what the hell is happening right now.’

The old man leaned back, giving Gray a little space.

”I’m not forcing anything to you, Gray, don’t worry. I just want you two to have lunch sometime. That’s all.”

”Lunch...”

Then, as if suddenly remembering something important, the old man blinked and sat up straighter.

”Ah! That’s right. How rude of me?” He turned slightly toward Gray and chuckled. ”You don’t even know my name, do you? No wonder you’re hesitant! You must think I’m just a weird old man.”

”I mean, it did cross my mind.” Gray raised an eyebrow slightly.

”Forgive me,” the man said, placing a hand over his chest. ”Let me properly introduce myself.”

He extended his other hand across the table.

”My name is Conrad Everett.”

Gray stared at the man for a second.

Then suddenly, his head lit up. He remembered the same familiar name.

”Don’t tell me, you’re...”

”Oh, you know me?” Conrad’s eyes widened in amusement. He was looking at Gray as if he was watching some entertainment show.

”Who wouldn’t?” Gray made a face.

Conrad Everett wasn’t just any name.

It was the name of a known legend in the business world.

Gray had read about him. He also had seen his name in articles, magazines, and business journals. The Everett Group was one of the largest privately owned conglomerates in the country, with holdings in real estate, logistics, energy, and luxury retail.

Their influence couldn’t only be felt domestically, but also globally.

The Lancaster family was already powerful and respected. But Conrad Everett?

That was a different kind of rich.

The kind who can shop for months without getting poor. The kind who didn’t experience any hardship in life. The kind that can buy a whole city if they’re bored. The kind that can buy you if they want.