The meeting was set surprisingly fast.
By the next afternoon, Gray and Mara were already seated inside the Mayor’s private office. The room was spacious and decorated with countless framed photos of ribbon cuttings, handshakes, and his own photos.
It was their first time seeing Alistair’s office. Mayor Alistair greeted them with a warm smile on his face as if nothing was wrong.
"Mr. Gray," he said as he extended his hand. "It’s good to see you again. And Miss Mara, too. Thank you for coming to my office. We weren’t able to reserve anything because I got busy with some work."
"It should be us who should apologize, Mayor," Gray stood and shook his hand firmly. "Despite the urgent meeting, thank you for meeting us.
"Oh, no worries. Please, sit comfortably," Alistair said as he gestured toward the chairs. "I heard there was some concern regarding the foundation."
Mara felt her shoulders tense slightly. Gray, on the other hand, looked calm. It made Mara a little confused.
"Oh yes," Gray replied casually as he sat down. "I wanted to clarify a few things, especially the incident with one of the children."
Alistair’s expression softened instantly. He sighed and shook his head. "Yes. I was deeply disappointed when I heard about that. I want to apologize personally. If I had known something like that was happening under my watch, I would have intervened immediately."
Gray nodded slowly, as if understanding the sincerity in Alistair’s voice.
"I truly had no idea," Alistair continued, followed by a loud sigh. "The foundation has always reported clean records to me. I also witnessed their proper procedures and how they handle everything. So that incident really made me mad. We took full accountability for it. That is on us."
"Don’t worry, Mayor. I fully understand it. I’m also a businessman. I know that things like that sometimes really get missed." Gray smiled kindly.
Mara glanced at him. She knew this tone so well. It was polite, agreeable, non-confrontational, and full of acting. She raised a brown, slowly starting to understand what Gray was doing now.
Alistair looked relieved when he heard that. "I’m glad you see it that way, too, Gray. Don’t worry, we are already conducting internal reviews. The staff involved were removed, of course."
"I’m happy to hear that, Mayor," Gray said with a small smile on his face. "That’s reassuring."
Despite acting all fine and reassured, Gray was watching everything.
"Right, I actually wanted to discuss something else as well," Gray continued. "Despite the incident, I still believe the foundation plays an important role in the city."
Alistair straightened a little. "I’m glad to hear that." His voice suddenly became more hopeful.
"I was already thinking of sending my first donation," Gray said. "I know that that’s what you initially asked me."
Mara’s eyes widened just a fraction. ’Huh? What is he doing?’
Alistair blinked. "You’re giving the donation now?"
"Yes," Gray nodded. "An initial donation of fifty thousand dollars."
The room went very still for a moment.
Then Alistair laughed warmly. "Fifty thousand? That’s incredibly generous, Mr. Gray."
"I see it as an investment, Mayor," Gray replied calmly. "I know that my money will be protected and put to good use under you."
Alistair nodded eagerly. "Of course. Of course. We would also be very grateful with that. I assure you the funds will be used properly."
"I’m sure," Gray said, the corner of his lips rising to a smile.
He paused for a second, then added, "If things go well, I might consider a second round. Perhaps then I can donate more. 100k or 200k..."
Alistair’s eyes visibly brightened. "That would be remarkable."
"And a third round," Gray continued, "but of course, it would depend on how the foundation performs in the future." He laughed lightly.
"Of course, of course, that’s more than reasonable," Alistair said quickly, now blinded by the sound of money. "We would welcome that kind of partnership."
Gray smiled faintly, "I’m happy at that."
Alistair leaned back in his chair, his earlier concern completely washed away now. The excitement was no longer subtle now. It was completely all over his face.
"That’s wonderful news," Alistair said, clasping his hands together. "So how would you like to donate the funds, Mr. Gray? Bank transfer? Check? We can arrange everything immediately."
Gray tilted his head slightly, as if thinking about it. He looked relaxed and unbothered.
"Don’t worry, my assistant will handle it," he replied smoothly. "She’ll send the money tomorrow."
"Oh?" Alistair perked up even more. "Through the city’s donation account?"
"In cash," Gray added casually.
The reaction was immediate from Alistair. His eyes widened for a split second before he broke into an even broader smile. It was the perfect kind of donation for him. Cash means it’s easier to spend!
"Cash," he repeated, almost tasting the word. "That’s... very convenient." He fought the urge to smile even more.
Seeing that Alistair was still in air, Gray found it a perfect opportunity to do what he was planning since the beginning.
"Actually, Mayor," Gray said after a brief pause, "there was one more thing I wanted to ask from you."
Alistair gestured openly. "Anything." He was too happy to say no.
"I’ve grown rather fond of one of the children," Gray said in a light tone "I was thinking of adopting that boy."
Mara stiffened.
"Sure, sure," Alistair laughed again. "That’s wonderful. Truly wonderful. We always encourage capable individuals to provide loving homes."
"That’s good to hear." Gray nodded.
"Which child were you thinking of?" Alistair asked casually.
"Eli," Gray replied.
Hearing that, Alistair’s expression changed. His smile faltered, and his eyes narrowed. He quickly calmed himself when he realized the change in his emotions. Still, Gray noticed it.
"Oh?" Alistair said, recovering quickly. "That boy."
"Yes," Gray said easily. "He really grew on me."
Alistair chuckled but he seemed unsure all of a sudden. "Children have that effect."
"It should be possible for me to adopt him, right?" Gray leaned forward slightly.
"Of course..." Alistair replied, though his voice was a bit slower now. "As long as the paperwork is in order."
"I’m sure it can be arranged," Gray said. "If there are fees involved, I don’t mind covering them. Just say the price."
With those words, Alistair’s eyes brightened again.
"Haha. I’m sure you can."
"Then I’ll leave it in your hands, Mayor. Just contact my assistant," Gray said. "I trust the process."
"Absolutely," Alistair nodded. "We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly."