Suddenly, I Am Rich-Chapter 32: First Payment

Gray spent the whole day being happy about the result of his investment. When school ended and he picked up Lily from the gates, she ran into his arms as usual, but this time Gray swept her up and spun her around playfully.

"Whoa! What's gotten into you, Brother?" Lily giggled, surprised by the sudden energy of his older brother.

"Just feeling good today," Gray said with a grin as he set her down and ruffled her hair. "So, what do you want to eat tonight? Your pick."

Lily's eyes widened. "Really? You're not gonna say we should just eat at home again?"

"Nope. Anything you want."

Her face lit up like a light bulb.

"Then... fried chicken! With cheese powder! Lots of it!" Lily giggled as she raised her hand in excitement.

"Alright then," Gray said, already pulling out his phone to find the nearest location of Lily's favorite chicken fast food.

After their meal, they stopped by a nearby convenience store. Gray had told her to pick out a few snacks she liked, and she took it like a mini shopping spree.

Lily picked out all kinds of snacks, from candies, chips, and flavored juices. Gray just smiled and paid for it without a second thought.

He was in a good mood, so whatever Lily wished to buy, he bought it for her. As a result, Lily was also in a good mood.

By the time they went home, Lily just changed clothes and was already fast asleep on the couch. Gray sighed and carried her to bed without any worries. He tucked her in her bed and stood by the door, watching her closely for a moment.

"Don't worry, Lily," he whispered with a faint smile. "Big bro's gonna make things better."

- - -

The next day arrived quickly. Because of the events from yesterday, Gray's mood was noticeably lighter.

[Emily: Gray, can you meet me first before meeting Chloe later on? I have something to discuss with you.]

Gray immediately read the message he received.

[Gray: Sure. I'll be there early, Emily.]

Because of it, Gray quickly showered and prepared himself.

Within minutes, he left their apartment.

It was already the second week of his tutoring session with Chloe. Just 3 more weeks for the duration of the mission. He hoped that time could go fast. Though he first hoped that Chloe's grades would rise, so he could accomplish it.

When Gray arrived at the Lancasters' estate, he was immediately guided to the garden.

The Lancaster estate's garden was nothing but breathtaking. As Gray stepped out through the glass doors that led from the hallway into the backyard, he was met by a burst of fresh floral air.

The garden was elegant, grand, and meticulously designed.

A stone path lined up against the grass field. On the side were rows of well-trimmed hedges and flower beds bursting with vibrant colors of flowers—roses, tulips, and seasonal flowers that looked like they were taken straight out of a magazine.

Gentle wind brushed through the tall trees, its leaves dancing with the wind.

At the heart of the garden was a large fountain shaped like a crescent moon. Soft streams of water cascaded down it, creating a rhythmic sound.

On the side, there was a roofed deck where people could relax. The chairs were cushioned, and most of them were vacant except for one seating area in the middle.

There, Emily sat gracefully at a round marble table with matching cushioned rattan chairs. A pot of steaming tea rested beside a porcelain cup in her hand, and a small tray of neatly arranged fruit slices and tea cookies was placed at the center.

Emily wore a simple cream blouse and high-waisted trousers. She looked formal as if she was going somewhere after thing. Her long hair was pinned loosely, with strands of it swaying as the wind passed through. The morning light gave her skin a soft glow.

Emily looked up just as Gray stepped onto the stone path.

"Good morning, Gray," she greeted with a warm smile. "You've arrived at the perfect time."

She gently motioned toward the chair across from her.

"Come, sit. I thought we could talk out here today. The weather's too lovely and I wanted to show you, our garden."

Gray nodded as a small smile appeared on his lips. He made his way to the garden. As he walked, he couldn't help but glance around again at the scenery. It was like something out of a movie set.

When he arrived in front of Emily, he pulled out the chair and sat down.

"Thanks for the invite," he said, his voice relaxed. "This place looks amazing."

"I know, right..." Emily poured him a cup of tea as she let out a small laugh. "It's a favorite spot of mine. And a perfect place for a conversation that's a little less formal." She looked at him thoughtfully for a second.

"I just wanted to talk before your session with Chloe. Something important, but not something I wanted to say over text."

Emily leaned back slightly in her chair, taking a slow sip on her tea as her eyes drifted toward the fountain in the distance.

"I've been observing Chloe this past week," she began casually. "And I have to say is that I've noticed a change in her."

Gray gazed at her curiously as he took a sip from his cup.

"She's been more focused and less distracted. Her notes are also more detailed, and she's actually asking business questions now." Emily smiled.

"Really?" he said, setting his cup down. "That's good. She's been putting in more effort during our sessions, too."

"I think she's starting to enjoy learning again," Emily nodded. "And I believe a lot of that has to do with how you're teaching her, Gray."

There was sincerity in Emily's tone.

"Thank you," she said, her gaze locking onto his.

"As you know, we've hired tutors before. Expensive ones, famous ones. But you're the only one who got through to her. In just a week."

Gray wasn't quite sure how to respond to that. He just gave a soft nod and rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I'm just doing what I can."

"And you're doing it well," Emily said warmly. Then, she reached into her bag, which sat just beside her chair, and pulled out a white envelope sealed with a silver Lancaster emblem.

She slid it across the table toward him.

"This is your first payment. One week's worth. It's been processed as agreed with our staff."

Gray blinked. He slowly reached out and opened the envelope. The moment his eyes landed on the amount written on the check inside, he froze.

$3,500.

"What the fuck?" he muttered under his breath, unable to stop himself.

Emily's eyes widened slightly.

"Oh, was it not enough?" she asked immediately, deeply concerned about it. "I thought that's the standard that you were talking about. I can speak with my father if you—"

"No, no, no," Gray cut in, waving his hands quickly.

"That's not it. This is... this is too much." He looked at the check again, still in disbelief.

"Are you sure this isn't, like... a monthly rate or something? I'm just a tutor. I only work 4 times a day in your family, 3 hours each day."

Emily smiled, but her voice remained firm.

"You're a private tutor for the Lancaster family," she said as if that was all that matters. "That payment is more than fair, Gray."