Suddenly, I Am Rich

The interview wrapped up smoothly after a few more questions. Karina thanked Gray after the interview. They did a few photo ops before the cameras were lowered. After a while, the crew began packing up.

”That should do it,” Karina said with a small smile on her face. ”The segment will air tomorrow morning.”

”That fast?” Gray asked with a slight widened eyes.

”Yes,” she confirmed. ”Expect a lot of eyes on it.”

Gray just nodded at it. He wasn’t sure how to feel about that.

- - -

The next day, his portion of the interview really showed. It was early in the morning when he learned of it.

However, instead of watching it, he decided to just let it be. He didn’t want to see his face on TV.

Though of course, he wouldn’t be able to get away from it quickly. Because as Daniel drove him to his office, his phone was getting notifications after notifications.

Joel (7:12 AM): Sir are you seeing this????

Mara (7:13 AM): GRAY OMG! THE INTERVIEEW IS NOW LIVE!

Gray’s heartbeat stalled for a second. He made a face and shook his head.

”Ah. So it aired.”

Before he could respond, another notification came. This time it was from the store’s group chat. They were congratulating Gray nonstop. It made Gray a little bit embarrassed.

When he couldn’t take it anymore, he turned off his phone and sighed.

”Daniel...”

”Yes, Sir?”

”Lead me straight to the office. I’ll skip the grocery store today.”

Daniel looked at the mirror and nodded.

”Alright, Sir.”

Daniel doesn’t seem to know about it. Gray was a little thankful for that. At least there’s one person who wouldn’t talk to him about that.

Gray’s phone might be turned off, but it still couldn’t stop the people from reacting to it. The interview wasn’t even five minutes, yet the media exploded already.

People praised how he addressed the issue and protected the victim over it.

Clips of the interview were already spreading online, and people had a lot to say about the incident from before.

”THIS was the moment!!! Look at how fast the owner stepped in???” Someone reposted the old clip with the caption.

Another person commented under it.

”Imagine being abused in public AND the store owner is the only one who helped. Respect.”

Other comments followed too.

”The guy was literally screaming at her. She looked terrified. Gray didn’t even hesitate.”

”He deserved that punch I’m sorry 😭😭😭”

”The way Mr. Gray said ’If no one helped him, who would?’ in the interview??? Sir I am FERAL.”

There were also longer posts circulating, mostly people recounting their own experiences in public places.

”I’ve seen scenes like this. Most people just watch so I’m thankful that someone actually stepping in. You don’t know how scary this might be.”

”He didn’t punch the husband for no reason. He also didn’t blame the girl for causing this mess. What a good man.”

”Nationwide crush: officially Mr. Gray.”

”Sir, with all due respect, why are you built like that and emotionally stable?”

”Did he really punch the guy?”

”YES AND IT WAS DESERVED.”

”The way he punched him was so satisfying.”

”Man thought he was cool for abusing his wife lol.”

- - -

Inside a high-rise building several districts away, the atmosphere was the complete opposite of Gray’s quiet car ride.

An office in a large building could be seen. The office was large enough, as half a floor on its own was modern, expensive, and almost painfully chic. Everything was polished from its floors, walls, and the big window that was overlooking the cityscape below.

Soft music played in the background as if giving a sense that in this place, there were no problems at all.

A man leaned back in his swivel chair, one arm resting casually on the armrest. His expression was unreadable. He was not bored, but also not interested in things.

In front of the man was a woman. It was his own secretary who had served him for years.

”Sir,” she began carefully as she looked over the reports in her hand, ”regarding the rising businesses this month... there’s one that has been catching unusual traction.”

”Which one?” He raised an eyebrow.

She took a deep breath. ”Have you heard of Gray Adams?”

The man didn’t react at first. Instead, he just placed his fingers together as if saying that she should proceed as he was listening.

”He’s the owner of a few grocery stores,” she continued. ”His first store has been doing good, and now he just recently opened the 2nd branch of it. The store also recently went viral because of an incident, and now his interview is trending nationwide.”

She turned the tablet around and showed him the replay of the broadcast. It was just the thumbnail with Gray standing at the store entrance with the GNN logo beside him.

”He might be a good prospect for what you’re planning,” she added. ”The public response to him has been overwhelmingly positive so far. It seems like people are trusting him. And... he’s gaining influence fast.”

The man looked visibly interested now by what he had just heard.

He glanced at the side and saw his reflection on the window. He has a sharp jawline, cold eyes, and a business aura that could not be mistaken. He was someone who wasn’t used to looking up to others because he was the one on top.

”Gray Adams...” he murmured under his breath. ”Hmm...” He leaned forward and placed his jaw on his palms. He appeared to be thinking out of boredom.

Then, slowly, his lips curved upward into a mischievous smile.

”Keep an eye on him,” he ordered. ”If he’s really rising that fast... then he might not be a bad choice.”

”Yes, Sir.” The secretary bowed slightly.

The man’s eyes lingered on her for a moment.

”...Now, is that all?” he asked.

The secretary lowered her tablet and straightened. ”Yes, Sir. Those are all the highlights for today’s report.”

He nodded once, leaning back into his chair again. A long and deep sigh left his chest.

”Alright,” he muttered, rubbing his thumb against his jaw in thought. ”Then call my friend.”

The secretary blinked. ”Sir?”

”We have to plan something for the upcoming election campaign.”