Suddenly, I Am Rich

Gray stepped away from the table immediately. He moved toward the hallway before accepting the call. Since it was from an unknown number, he didn’t know what to expect.

”Hello?” Gray spoke first as he put the phone to his ear.

A small silence occurred before the other end said something.

”Good morning, I apologize for the sudden call, but am I speaking with Mr. Gray?” The voice sounded formal

Gray’s forehead creased at that.

”Yes,” he replied simply. He was wondering why someone was looking for him.

”Good. This is Attorney Velasco,” the man continued by introducing himself. ”I am currently representing Mayor Alistair regarding his current case.”

”...”

’Why are they calling me?’ he asked himself curiously, his grip on his phone tightening. He didn’t want to be involved more in this one, but it seemed like Alistair wouldn’t just let him be.

”I see,” was the only thing he could say out loud.

After his answer, the lawyer continued speaking without wasting any more time.

”I’m calling on behalf of my client. Before being taken into custody, Mayor Alistair made a specific request to me.”

”What is it? Gray’s eyes narrowed slightly. Somehow, he didn’t feel like this was about a good thing.

”He asked me to contact you,” the lawyer said. ”He mentioned that you are... the only person he can still reach out to and that he trusts you deeply.”

”Hah...” Gray let out a deep sigh at that. He knew that Alistair trusted him, but he didn’t realize it to this extent.

”That’s unexpected,” he just said flatly.

”I understand your reaction, Sir,” the lawyer replied calmly. ”However, he was quite insistent. He specifically requested a meeting with you today.”

”A meeting?” he repeated, his forehead creasing when he heard that. He didn’t know what Alistair wanted with this one, but it must not be good.

”Yes,” the lawyer confirmed. ”He is currently being held under custody. Arrangements can be made for a visitor.”

”...”

”He said you’re his only friend left, Mr. Gray.”

”...” That made Gray a little speechless. He winced at it. Fortunately, the other person couldn’t see his expression. Instead of being happy that someone trusts him that much, he was actually disgusted.

”And?” Gray asked calmly.

”He wishes to speak with you in person,” the lawyer continued. ”As soon as possible, if you are willing.”

That made Gray think. He glanced at the dining area, and in there, he saw Lily and the others. For a moment, he became silent. He didn’t know if he should accept it or decline it.

”I see...” In the end, Gray could only sigh about it. He swallowed hard and looked away.

”Send me the details about it.”

As soon as the lawyer heard that, he didn’t hesitate

”Of course. I’ll have everything forwarded to you shortly.”

”Alright. I’ll wait for it.” That was the end of their conversation before the call ended.

Gray lowered the phone slowly. He pressed his lips together and sighed. He didn’t know if it was a good thing that he had said yes. Either way, he will find out about it later on.

”Hays,” for a moment, he simply stood in silence in the hallway.

”This is quite troublesome, isn’t it?” He muttered under his breath.

He thought that with that arrest, Alistair would finally be silent.

’I guess there’s no stopping him,’ he just shook his head at that. He calmed himself down and slipped his phone back into his pocket. Afterward, he turned around and walked back toward the dining area.

The moment he stepped in, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The call was tense and formal, but with his family, it was light and warm.

”Brother!” she called out the moment she saw him. ”Do you know what Eli said just now?” Lily’s voice filled the room again, lively and energetic as ever. She has already forgotten the news by now.

Eli stiffened slightly beside her, clearly not expecting to be exposed so quickly.

”Hey!! I didn’t—” he tried to defend himself from what she was about to say, but Lily cut him off immediately.

”He said he wants to try baking next time!” she said excitedly, turning fully toward Gray. ”Can we let him? I want to help too!”

Gray paused for a brief second, then let out a small chuckle as he returned to his seat.

”Is that so?” he said, glancing at Eli.

Eli scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. ”I just... wanted to try it,” he admitted quietly.

”Then we’ll let you try,” he replied simply, followed by a nod.

Lily beamed at that, clearly satisfied with her brother’s answer.

”See! I told you he’d say yes!” she said proudly before going back to her food.

The conversation flowed again easily after that. Lily continued talking about random things, dragging Eli along with her questions and ideas. Neither of them showed even the slightest awareness of what had just happened.

But beside him was different. Since he went back, Mara became a little silent. She kept glancing at him from time to time. He could feel it since earlier. And so, when the two kids were busy talking among themselves, he glanced back at her.

The moment he did that, their eyes met.

Mara’s brows furrowed just slightly. Then, without making it obvious, she mouthed the words she had been meaning to say since earlier.

’What happened?’

There was a hint of concern in her eyes.

She had noticed that Gray was a little out of mood when he arrived. It was subtle, but after years of knowing him, she knew better than anyone.

Gray almost found it unbelievable. He just stared at her for a couple of seconds, before slowly, a small smile formed on his lips. He gave a slight shake of his head before mouthing back his answer.

’I’ll tell you later.’

Mara studied him for a brief moment longer. Then she exhaled softly and leaned back in her seat. She just nodded to him, signaling that she already understood what he meant.

’Something really happened.’’ she thought.