"Propose what?" Gray tilted his head to the side a little. Curiosity was evident in his voice as he asked the question.
Alistair's smile widened at that. He looked as if he had been waiting for the right moment since earlier to share this.
"Actually, I recently established a foundation," he began with his words. His voice grew a little softer, as if saying that this was such a proud moment for him. "This foundation is focused on helping less fortunate kids here in West Arcadia."
"A foundation?" he repeated. He wasn't expecting that answer at all.
Gray thought that Alistair would propose business ideas or maybe ventures that seem sketchy. But a foundation? He wasn't expecting that.
"Yes," Alistair nodded, clearly excited to talk about it. "It's still new, but we're hoping to grow it by the end of the year. We wanted to help children who don't have the resources to continue school. We want to provide food, proper shelter, medical checkups, and even basic necessities. We want to give them a chance to start again."
"I… didn't know you were doing something like that." Gray stared at him for a moment, surprised.
"Well, we kept it quiet, you know," Alistair admitted, followed by a gentle laugh. "There's no need to announce everything right away. What matters is that we're already moving."
He leaned forward and became more passionate with his explanations. His eyes gleamed with something that looked like genuine passion.
"I really want this foundation to grow into something bigger," Alistair muttered. "Not just a small project. I want it to become a long-term support project for children who were born into situations they didn't choose. I believe that kids deserve a chance, no matter where they come from."
Mara also moved beside Gray. She leaned forward in much seriousness, also listening. Even she was caught off guard by how serious Alistair sounded while explaining things.
Gray kept his eyes on the mayor. There was something in the way the man spoke. His tone, his expression, his excitement looked so real.
"And right now," Alistair added, "we're in the stage where we're looking for partners and future supporters. People who I think believe have the same vision as us."
"I see…" Gray muttered. His curiosity grew deeper with each passing moment. "So you're talking to potential donors."
"Yes, but not just donors," Alistair corrected gently. "I want genuine people who want to actually help our city." He smiled again, soft and almost father-like.
"Young individuals like you make a big impact, Gray. Just like they say, I believe that young people like you are our future."
Gray fell silent at that.
"I'm not saying this to pressure you," Alistair said calmly. "I'm only sharing it because… well, I want you to know what we're building. And if you ever feel you want to join it, even in the smallest way, the door is open."
Gray breathed out slowly. He didn't answer right away. He didn't know if he should feel honored or wary. The idea sounded good. Alistair also looked passionate about it. He looked sincere.
Alistair's eyes shone with enthusiasm as he spoke about the children, the programs, and the future plans that he wanted to have.
And Gray couldn't deny it… he was actually curious about that proposal.
As someone who was born into poverty, he couldn't deny how close to his heart this program was. After all, he only got to this stage in life because someone helped him. It was thanks to the system and, of course, Jonathan Lancaster.
"Well, first, I want to say that I didn't expect you'd be doing something like that," Gray muttered honestly.
"I know. People only see my politician side and also the negative connotation it has," Alistair laughed softly. "They don't know everything that happens behind the scenes."
"I guess so."
"So," Alistair said, tilting his head with interest, "what do you think?"
Gray hesitated. Then he gave a small smile.
"I think… I want to hear more about it."
Alistair's smile widened at that. He looked pleased and almost relieved.
"That's nice to hear," he said, clearly excited now. "I'll send the whole plan to your office first thing tomorrow. I'll send you everything we're hoping to build. I want you to see it clearly."
"That's fast. I appreciate that." Gray let out a bright laugh.
"Of course," Alistair chuckled back. "We can't keep you waiting for too long."
The two exchanged a look, then laughed once again. They may have just met today, but they were starting to be familiar with one another because of this. For a moment, it almost felt like they were just normal people having a simple lunch instead of sitting with the mayor of West Arcadia.
"I guess," Alistair said, raising his brows slightly, "it's time to eat then."
"Yeah, before we forget about it." Gray nodded.
Mara, who had been quietly observing the whole talk since earlier, finally sat up straighter. She smiled, "Alright," she said with a small grin, "I'll call the waiter now."
She lifted her hand, signaling the staff outside the private room, who were waiting for them to order since earlier.
As she handled everything, Gray leaned back in his seat. He let out a deep breath and put on a satisfied smile on his face.
Alistair also became more comfortable in his chair. Just like Gray, he had a satisfied smile on his face. With their reactions, the heavy and awkward feeling from earlier had now completely disappeared.
Gray glanced at the mayor once more. Gray didn't know better. At first, he thought that the man was just any other politician. That he was greedy for money and power, like anyone other one.
It didn't help that Mara told him that the man must have just wanted to meet him because he wanted publicity.
'This is why it's really bad to judge someone without really knowing them.' He muttered to himself, feeling almost ashamed.