Suddenly, I Am Rich

The next morning, Gray’s office was unusually quiet.

Gray was seated behind his desk, reviewing documents on his computer with a calm expression. On the other hand, Mara was standing in front of him. Her arms were crossed tightly against her chest while her brows were deeply furrowed.

”What do you mean 10 thousand?” Mara loudly blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer. ”Gray, that’s ridiculous! What adoption fee is that expensive? Adoption is supposed to be free! At most, there should only be minimal processing costs!”

Gray did not even look surprised at that. He sighed and simply lifted his gaze from the computer and looked at her.

”10 thousand?” he repeated calmly. ”That’s what they said?”

”Yes,” Mara said, clearly frustrated at all the things that had been happening. ”And they said it so casually too! Like it was nothing. Like it was normal!” She clenched her fists.

”This is unacceptable! They’re taking advantage of you.”

Gray leaned back slightly in his chair. His expression was composed and almost indifferent when compared to Mara.

”It’s fine, Mara,” he said.

”Huh?” Mara stared at him in disbelief. ”Fine? Gray, that’s not fine. That’s corruption. They’re literally selling a child.”

”I know,” Gray replied quietly.

That made Mara pause for a moment.

Gray exhaled slowly, then continued, ”But this is exactly why we do it.”

”You shouldn’t have to pay them. We should report this. Or at least question it.” She shook her head, refusing to follow.

”And then what?” Gray asked calmly. ”They will stall the process and make Eli stay there longer. Or worse, they push through whatever they were planning and give him to his abusers.”

Mara bit her lip. She wanted to argue about it, but she couldn’t. She hated that he was right at that.

”Right now, the fastest way to get Eli out of there is to play along.” Gray straightened and looked at her directly.

Mara looked away. She couldn’t even look at his eyes because of the frustration that she was feeling.

”I don’t like it...” she muttered in a low voice. That was all she could say.

”I don’t like it to Mara,” Gray said. ”But it’s all we could do right now.” His voice was soft, fully understanding what was going on in Mara’s head right now.

”Now, you need to withdraw the funds,” He tapped the computer lightly. ”Ten thousand for the adoption fee. Fifty thousand as the initial donation. And...” He paused briefly. ”Add a bit more.”

”Huh?” Mara’s eyes snapped back to him. ”More?”

”Yes,” Gray nodded. ”Make it 75k in total.”

”Gray...” Mara’s eyes widened.

”It’s fine, Mara,” he repeated. ”I can lose this much.”

”That’s not the point,” Mara said quietly. ”You’re giving him more when he’s already asking a lot..”

Gray gave a faint smile. ”Exactly.”

She looked at him, trying to read his expression. There was no hesitation in Gray’s face. She couldn’t even see a trace of regret or doubt.

”Alright... but are you really sure?” she asked.

”Yes,” Gray said without missing a beat. ”Withdraw it today then go to the mayor’s office and hand it over personally.”

Mara sighed deeply. She knew there was no chance of changing his mind now.

”Alright,” she said finally. ”But I jist want to remind you that I don’t like this. Not one bit.”

”I know. And I appreciate that you’re still doing it.” Gray nodded and smiled at her.

Mara could only sigh. In the end, she knew she still had to do it. She turned and left the office even if her steps were heavy.

- - -

After walking for a few distance, Mara was able to get to the nearest bank that Gray told her to go. She was surprised to know that Gray was a client of ABC bank. It seemed like she underestimated him when it comes to money.

Mara sat across from the teller, her fingers tapping lightly against her knee as the numbers were processed. Everything was smooth when she told them that her boss was Gray.

’Is Gray a big client here?’ her forehead creased as the teller treat her kindly and without questions.

After just minutes of waiting, the teller told her that it was already done. She signed the forms, accepted the sealed envelope, and left the bank. She booked a cab and an hour later, she was already standing once again inside Mayor Alistair’s office.

She loathed the place.

When the mayor’s assistant saw her, she was immediately guided inside. They were too enthusiastic as if they were waiting for this since earlier.

Alistair immediately looked up when she entered, his face lighting up instantly.

”Miss Mara,” he said cheerfully. ”What a pleasant surprise. Where’s Mr. Gray?”

”My Boss is busy today,” Mara replied politely. ”Just like what you two agreed on, he asked me to deliver the funds personally.”

”Oh,” Alistair said, clearly pleased. ”It’s a pity that Gray was busy. Either way, please, have a seat.”

”No need, Mayor. We’re really busy now, so I can’t afford to stall much time.” Mara smiled kindly. She walked forward and placed the envelope on his desk. ”That’s the donation and the adoption fee from Sir Gray.”

Alistair opened the envelope without hesitation. His eyes scanned the contents. For a brief moment, his expression froze as he counted the money. Then his smile widened.

”This is...” he paused, pretending to recount. ”75k?”

”Yes,” Mara nodded. ”Mr. Gray added a bit extra.”

Alistair leaned back in his chair, laughter bubbling out of him. ”Gray really is a remarkable man. He’s really generous, isn’t he?”

Mara forced a polite smile but said nothing.

Alistair carefully closed the envelope and placed it into a drawer, locking it almost lovingly.

”In my years of public service,” he said with satisfaction, ”it’s rare to meet someone so cooperative.”

In his mind, he was really really pleased. This partnership was better than he expected. Gray was easy. Too easy.

10k for adoption and nd they did not even argue.

Who even cared about the kid anyway?

The adoption was technically free, but Gray did not need to know that.

If this was how things were going to be, then there was so much more he could get out of this arrangement.

He should be extra nice and extra accommodating to Gray now that he knew he could get more money from him. After all, men like Gray were walking wallets.

Alistair looked back up at Mara, his smile was sill warm and friendly. ”Rest assured, Miss Mara. We’ll expedite the adoption process. Everything will be handled properly. And within a week”

”I hope so,” Mara replied quietly.

Alistair chuckled. ”Please thank Mr. Gray for me. Tell him the city is very grateful.”

”I will, Sir,” she said.

Mara bowed his head and big him goodbye. Beofre leaving the door, she glanced at him one last time.

His expression was bright. There was a huge smile on his face that made her irritated.

’I was foolish,’ she thought bitterly. ’I really thought he was decent.’ She stepped out of the office and exhaled slowly.

’I guess this is how it really works with politics,’ she thought.

She clenched her hands at her sides.

’I can’t do anything right now,’ she admitted to herself. ’All I can do is trust Gray.’

And for Eli’s sake, she hoped that trust was enough.