Even if Gray was now the CEO, that didn’t mean he could forget his other responsibilities. The moment the clock hit noon, he left the grocery store as he intended. He didn’t bother saying goodbye to anyone, except to the janitor that he had been talking to for the last 15 minutes.
"I’ll get going now, then, Henry."
"No problem, Sir. Please visit us again soon."
Gray smiled kindly at the man before he quietly exited the store through the main entrance. The guard who was guarding the front entrance also greeted him goodbye.
Outside, the sun had already climbed up higher into the sky. Gray covered his forehead with his hands as he tried to remember where the car was parked. After searching for a few seconds, he finally saw it.
However, what surprised him was when he realized that Daniel was standing beside the car as if waiting for him. He quickly sighed and walked over to him.
"Don’t tell me you’ve been waiting here for hours." He frowned as he mentally counted how many hours he’d spent inside.
Daniel smiled slightly and shook his head.
"No, Sir. I returned to the company after I dropped you off this morning. I only just arrived again about ten minutes ago."
"Oh." Gray nodded, becoming relieved. "Good. That would’ve made me feel guilty."
Daniel walked over and opened the door for him.
"Where are we going, Sir?"
"The Lancaster estate," Gray replied, rubbing his temple. "I’ve still got tutoring to do."
"Of course, Sir."
With that, Daniel quickly hopped into the driver’s seat and started the car’s engine. After waiting for a few seconds, he pulled away from the grocery lot smoothly and drove off to the Lancaster Estate.
The afternoon at the Lancaster estate passed like a breeze.
For a few hours, Gray switched roles. He was no longer the CEO of the grocery, instead he was Gray again, Chloe’s private tutor. They reviewed her previous tests, tackled a few new math problems, and went over the materials Gray had left her with over the weekend.
To his relief, Chloe had studied more than expected. Her answers were quicker. Her focus was also better. It also surprised Gray. Chloe was never as serious as this in their previous sessions.
’Maybe she wants to ace this exam, huh?’ That put an ease on Gray’s mind. At this rate, he knew for sure that Chloe would be able to do it.
After all, Chloe was smart. She just needs a little push. And that push comes from him.
By 4 p.m., the session ended. Gray gave final reminders to Chloe. For the rest of the week, they wouldn’t be meeting since that was Chloe’s exam days. Still, he gave her the reviewers that she would need and repeatedly told her that if she had questions, then don’t hesitate to call him.
Chloe looked like he was listening to him, so that was hopefully a good sign.
Daniel patiently waited for him at the estate. The maids provided him with tea and snacks to relieve himself.
"Are you done now, Sir?"
Gray nodded and smiled.
"Yup. Let’s go back now."
Daniel quickly stood up and nodded. Just like earlier, he led the way for the two of them. When they were out, they gave a simple thank you to the maid who made sure they were safe outside.
And just like that, they drove to Gray’s apartment. It took them half an hour before the car parked just right outside the building.
"Thanks again, Daniel," Gray said as he stepped out of the car. The afternoon sun was now slowly disappearing into the sky.
"No problem at all, Sir." Daniel nodded from behind the wheel. "Have a good rest."
"I’ll try," Gray muttered and smiled before turning around and walking inside.
When Gray stepped into their apartment, he was immediately greeted by Lily who looked as if she was waiting for him since earlier.
Lily’s eyes brightened when he saw Gray by the door
"Brother!" she exclaimed out loud before running into him. "Why do you look tired, brother."
Gray dropped his bag by the door and exhaled deeply.
"I am, Lily" he said, kicking off his shoes. "Don’t ask why."
"Okay." Lily blinked, then grinned as she chuckled.
"Good."
Lily followed Gray as he stepped further into their apartment, her eyes trailing over his outfit with a puzzled look.
"Why are you wearing a suit, brother?" she asked, tilting her head to the side as she continued to follow Gray from behing. "Shouldn’t you be wearing, like, a uniform or something? Like a name tag?"
Gray chuckled as he slumped onto the edge of the couch, loosening the top button of his shirt and removing his vest.
"It’s because your brother isn’t a regular employee, Lily."
"Ohhh," Lily said, her eyes widening in realization. She clapped her hands together like she had just cracked a code. "I get it now! You’re a manager!"
Gray laughed softly and nodded. "Close enough."
Lily grinned proudly at herself, then plopped down beside him. "Congrats brother."
"Thanks little one." Gray glanced at the clock on the wall and rubbed his eyes.
"Hey... wake me up in two hours, alright? Our dinner might be a little late today."
"It’s fine, brother," Lily replied, already reaching for the TV remote to watch a movie. She doesn’t have any homework to do today, so she was free all day.
"I also just ate a sandwich anyway. Don’t worry."
Gray leaned over and patted her head gently. "Good girl. Now let your older brother rest, okay? Don’t be too loud when you’re watching comedy."
Lily pouted but still nodded. "Yes, brother. I understand."
"Good." Gray stood up slowly and started walking toward his room.
The moment he turned his back to her, the smile slipped from his face like a mask falling away.
"Damn," he muttered under his breath, his shoulders drooping. "I’m tired."
He didn’t even need dinner right now. He just needed to close his eyes and let his body stop moving.