Suddenly, I Am Rich

The following days passed with Gray not hearing anything from the two men. He didn’t receive any messages, calls, or even an update.

He was starting to get worried about it, but he couldn’t do anything. Mara tried messaging them, but they haven’t received any response so far. They thought that maybe it was just their way, but the hidden anxiousness in their heart still wouldn’t suffice.

The only thing they were holding on to right now was the fact that it was Selina’s lawyer who introduced the man to them. He surely wouldn’t mess anything up.

So, he just conditioned his mind to think that if those men truly worked the best, then the job would be done properly. People like them wouldn’t rush things, especially when secrecy was involved.

And while he was waiting for that, Gray still continued to interact with Alistair. Just like right now, when Gray found himself walking beside Alistair inside one of the largest malls in the city.

It was a luxurious man. It was the kind of mall where almost every store was branded. One that would make an average man cry because of how ridiculously expensive everything was.

Alistair walked a few steps ahead of him. He was walking with so much confidence. Every here and now, he would occasionally stop in front of a shop.

”This one looks good,” he said as he pointed toward a clothing store. ”Let’s go here.”

Gray simply nodded and followed him inside. They were being followed by Steven and a few bodyguards, who were carrying a few paper bags with them.

They have been in the mall for nearly 3 hours.

Recently, the polling numbers had come out again. And this time, the public’s favorability toward Alistair had risen significantly, so he now has more than a 20% lead over the 2nd place.

And with less than a month left before the election, that was a huge deal. Because of it, Alistair was practically glowing with confidence.

”You know,” the man said while browsing through a rack of jackets, ”I always do this before an election.”

”Do what?” Gray raised a brow slightly. The tone of his voice had become curious due to the sudden change.

”Buying new clothes.” Alistair grinned faintly. ”It’s a tradition of mine.”

”Oh...” Gray nodded slowly. ”I see.”

So that was the reason why they had been browsing clothes from different luxury brands for the last few hours. He couldn’t help but comment on him, though, since the clothes they bought looked decent and without logos on them.

Inside, however, he couldn’t help but think it was a ridiculous waste of money. The man was grabbing expensive suits and shirts. Each one probably costs more than what some families spend in a month.

But Gray kept those thoughts to himself, of course. On the outside, he simply just smiled.

”That’s a nice tradition,” he said.

Alistair chuckled and continued browsing.

”And don’t worry, you’re not leaving empty-handed either,” he suddenly added.

”Mayor, that’s not necessary.” Gray blinked and waved his hands off immediately.

”Nonsense.” Alistair waved his hand dismissively. ”You’ve been working and accompanying me nonstop. It’s the least I can do.”

Before Gray could even protest again, the man had already grabbed two shirts and handed them to a staff member.

”These too. The size for him,” he said to the attendant before pointing at Gray.

Gray could only sigh softly.

He had already tried refusing earlier in the day, but Alistair was surprisingly persistent about it. Every shop they entered ended with the same result of him getting a thing or two.

He already got another shirt, another jacket, and another pair of shoes. Soon enough, Gray knew he would also be holding several shopping bags by himself.

He looked slightly embarrassed, but inside, his thoughts were completely different.

’Well... If he insists, then.’ After all, in Gray’s mind, it wasn’t really Alistair’s money.

Most likely, it came from the city’s funds. Money that had been quietly diverted and turned into his own personal fortune. Gray was still thinking about that when the attendant turned to them with a polite smile.

”Sure, sir, we’re just preparing the bill.”

”Alright.”Alistair nodded casually.

They stepped aside and waited near the counter while the staff took out some boxes for each item. Behind them, Steven and the bodyguards stood quietly.

While waiting, Alistair suddenly sighed. Gray glanced at him.

”Is there something wrong, Mayor?”

Alistair rubbed his chin slowly, his eyes drifting toward the glass window of the store.

”You know... Everyone’s been acting a little weird lately.”

”Weird?” Gray frowned slightly. ”What do you mean?”

Alistair shrugged his shoulders as if he was not entirely sure himself.

”I don’t know,” he said slowly. ”People have just been... unresponsive these past few days. I tried messaging everyone, but only a few had replied. ”

”Unresponsive?”

”Yeah.” Alistair nodded lightly. ”You know Victor and the others. I regularly keep in communication with them.” He gave a small, puzzled chuckle.

”At first I thought they were just busy.”

Gray’s eyes slowly widened after hearing those words. His breathing hitched as he tried to listen for more. He needed to know more!

”But it’s starting to get weird,” Alistair continued. ”My calls take longer to return, and some of my messages get ignored. Even some meetings with them for the next few weeks have been pushed back.” Alistair crossed his arms slightly.

”And it all started just a few days ago.”

Gray’s heart suddenly thumped loudly inside his chest. His fingers twitched slightly at his side.

’Does that mean...’

For a brief second, his mind immediately jumped to the envelopes.

’Did they already receive it?’

Gray forced himself to stay calm, keeping his expression neutral as he looked at Alistair.

”Well... the election is coming,” he said after a moment. ”Everyone must be busy preparing.”

”Maybe,” Alistair muttered, but he didn’t look convinced by it. If ever, he had just gotten more confused by it.

Gray, however, could already feel the excitement quietly rising inside him.

If Alistair was already noticing the change, then that only means one thing...

The men have started to move.