Suddenly, I Am Rich

”Well, I guess it worked,” Gray tilted his head on the side as he received another can of soda from Alistair’s secretary.

”Please, sir,” the man whispered as he crossed behind him. ”If you need anything else, just let me know.”

”Thank you. I will,” Gray nodded as the secretary quietly stepped away.

With it, he slowly leaned back in his chair. A small laugh escaped his lips.

For the past few hours, his glass had never once been empty. Every time he took a sip, or it became close to being finished, a staff member would immediately refill it. It was just a small act that no one seemed to notice.

But Gray was able to see it clearly. The only time a waiter would come to their table was when his glass was almost empty or if he was asking for something.

He was also observing the other table, especially Victor’s table, so he knew it. He can’t mistake it.

’Hmm... I guess I just need to continue on this path,’ Gray’s lips curved upward faintly. He was now slowly understanding the true character of the secretary.

After a while, Gray’s eyes moved back to the center of the courtyard, where Alistair was currently standing tall. Just like earlier, he was surrounded by cameras, though now, everything was focused on him.

Alistair stepped onto the small platform in the middle. There was a big smile on his face as he looked around. His expression was more friendly and warm than Gray had ever seen. He took the mic and gave a short wave to the crowd.

”Good afternoon, everyone,” Alistair muttered in an enthusiastic voice.

The cameras focused on him immediately.

”Thank you all for being here today. For the past few years, this foundation has worked quietly behind the scenes,” he continued out loud. ”We’ve focused on one simple goal, making sure no one in our city is left behind.”

A few agreeing nods could be seen from the crowd.

”We started by providing a home for the kids because we believe that the youth is our future...”

Alistair paused at just the right moment, letting the cameras masterfully capture the sincerity on his face.

”But today, we’re taking another step forward,” he said. ”We have provided hot meals to everyone earlier. And not only that. We’re distributing groceries to every family who attended, so you can take something home.”

With that announcement, loud claps and cheers from the homeless and less fortunate people filled the whole foundation. The staff even joined in as the cameras panned in their direction.

”After this program, our volunteers will guide everyone to the distribution stations. Please take your time, and don’t rush. There’s enough for everyone.”

Gray watched the scene unfold from where he sat. He had to admit that Alistair’s way of getting the people’s hearts was clean and effective. He knew that it was years’ worth of experience that enabled him to be like this.

”On behalf of the foundation, thank you for trusting us and for allowing us to serve you.” Alistair lifted the microphone one last time.

In an instant, the people started moving.

At first, things were calm. The volunteers were able to guide everyone toward the distribution area, asking them to line up properly. But then the long line made the people impatient.

Some stepped forward too quickly because they were scared that they would run out of food.

”Hey! I lined up first!”

”You fool!” Another voice also sounded right away. ”You just got here! Don’t push me!”

The line began to be out of control as others started pushing others.

”Slow down! There’s enough for everyone!”

”Ha!”

”That’s what they always say!”

With the chaos, some volunteers struggled to keep people in order. Even if they shout, their voices are just getting drowned out by all the shouting.

From his seat, Gray watched quietly. He wanted to see what Alistair would do. And as if it was on cue, Alistair stepped forward again.

”Everyone, please, stay calm,” he calmly said before lifting one hand. The cameras immediately turned toward him. Multiple clicks could be heard as they took a photo of something that would surely be big news.

”There’s no need to rush. We prepared more than enough for everyone. No one here will go home empty-handed.”

The people stared hesitantly at one another. But after a while, they slowly calmed down. It helped that the staff started showing all the stocks they had on the back side.

With it, the people shut their mouths and lined up orderly as the staff began handing them multiple plastic bags.

While that was happening, the cameras were still following Alistair. The man went to the front and helped in distributing the bags. Though it didn’t really last long.

After a few takes of pictures and videos, Alistair excused himself and said he was already tired, so he wanted to rest for now. And since everyone was still enthusiastic about the free things they’re getting, they didn’t realize it at all.

Once he was out of sight from the camera and media team, the friendly smile on Alistair’s face immediately dropped. He went to the table where his staff and close friends were. His secretary immediately greeted him.

”Get me wipes and alcohol quickly,” Alistair whispered in a harsh and irritated tone.

The secretary froze for a second, then nodded and hurried off. He looked quite anxious around Alistair. After a minute, he returned quickly with wet wipes and a small bottle of alcohol.

Alistair quickly took them and turned his back slightly away from the cameras. He wiped his hands once, then again, and again. He wasn’t even satisfied with that. He also poured a lot of alcohol onto his palms and rubbed them hard.

His face twisted in discomfort.

”That was disgusting,” he muttered in a low voice that was barely audible. ”I can’t stand touching them.”

He wiped his fingers carefully, as if trying to remove every trace of dirt that had gotten in his hand.

”I don’t know how they live like that,” Alistair said in a low voice. ”The smell alone was unbearable, and smiling through it was exhausting.”

Instead of reprimanding Alistair for his action, the people at the table just laughed. Victor even threw him a teasing glance.

”At least you look good on camera, Alistair.”