Before he could put distance between himself and Alistair, he had to do one thing first: bring back every single folder he had taken from that cabinet.

"So what do you think about it, Gray?" Alistair's voice sounded amidst the chaos in Gray's mind.

Gray smiled and nodded.

"I think it's a good idea. Victor's plan was well thought out," he muttered as if he actually understood what the two had been talking about for the last few minutes.

However, the reality was that he didn't even fully understand their words. He just had an idea from it.

"Hahaha! I knew it!" Alistair happily laughed as he clapped Victor's shoulder. The two seemed happy that Gray agreed to it. Gray could only laugh with them.

'I don't even know what they're talking about,' Gray muttered to himself. His mind has been clouded by things. The first thing on it was how he would bring the folders back to that vault.

When Alistair and Victor started talking again, Gray couldn't help but glance at his bag that was sitting on the side. He brought the files with him in case he has the opportunity today.

He had already photocopied everything that they needed. They also took digital documentation in case it was needed. He and Mara had thoughtfully done everything they could with the files.

They will also talk to a lawyer in 2 days. Selina helped him with it.

A sly smile appeared on Gray's face when he remembered the exact moment he asked for help. He wouldn't be able to forget it because of Selina's reaction. He would surely relieve those moments in his mind for days.

*Knock *Knock *Knock

Just then, a low knock interrupted their talk. The three men glanced at the side when the door of Alistair's office opened. In there, Steven showed up. He slightly bowed his head as he cleared his throat.

"Mayor, the directors of the different institutions you asked for are already here. We have settled them in the conference room. They're already waiting for you."

With that announcement, Alistair's eyes brightened. He let out a light laughter and turned to his two friends, Gray and Victor.

"Let's go, you two. We have so much to talk to those directors," Alistair gladly told them.

Victor laughed at that, so Gray had no choice but to laugh with them. When Alistair stood up, they followed seconds after. They left his office, and Steven took the initiative to guide them towards the conference room.

They went down a floor and was leaded to one of the rooms in there. When they went in, they saw numerous people. People who were wearing formal clothes were seated inside the conference room. Each one was carrying a folder on their own, and they looked serious.

When Alistair arrived, everyone stood up. The people turned their bodies in the direction of the door and gave a slight bow. After all, Alistair is still currently the Mayor of the city, so everyone still respects him.

"Mayor…" they smiled and greeted as Alistair entered, followed by Gray and Victor from behind.

"Sit down, sit down," Alistair gleefully gestured with his hands.

"We have been waiting for your call. We're glad that it already arrived."

"I apologize. I have gotten busy with recent affairs, but you all knew it. I won't forget all of you, would I?" Alistair smoothly talked over.

The election was just officially a month away. The Election Commission had already visited Alistair a few times to talk about what and what not to do.

Because of the close time and how Alistair's opponent has been rising in the rankings, Alistair finally decided that it was time to move his pieces. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

And that is doing public appearances. More public appearances than he could count.

The directors in front of him were from different institutions in their city. 2 were from a public hospital, there's 1 from a university, and 3 from different public charity organization.

He already contacted them before in his last election, and they greatly helped him. So now, he contacted them again so they could help him. In exchange, he would donate to those institutions.

For him, it's a win-win trade as long as he gains more supporters and wins. Money was not an issue at all because he had already pocketed enough—or maybe more than enough.

The reason why Victor and Gray were here was that they were supposed to accompany Alistair during those upcoming visits. With their presence, it will surely attract more people.

"Next week, we'll start with the northern district hospital," Alistair muttered as he gave a nod to the director of the hospital, "I hope everything has been coordinated already."

"Yes, don't worry. I already told my staff to gather patients who are in pitiful state. They would surely help you gain public sympathy if they see you talking and interacting with them."

"Good… just make sure there'd be a lot of alcohol for me at the end," Alistair raised a brow and looked at the man.

"Oh, don't worry. I will prepare a bath in my office," the director laughed at it.

Alistair laughed with the man before he turned to another.

"I also scheduled a school visit on Thursday," Alistair added.

"Yes, Mayor. Don't worry. However, a lot have requested for Mr. Adams presence during that time. They said that his humble background and his current life will inspire the students."

"Yeah, don't worry about that. Gray will be coming with me," Alistair muttered as he turned to Gray. "Right, Gray?"

All eyes turned to Gray as Alistair asked him a question.

"Uh…" Gray cleared his throat slightly. The truth was, he was planning to distance himself now to Alistair.

"Actually," he muttered calmly as he tried to look problematic. "I'll try, but I'm not sure if I'll be able to join most of the visits."

"Huh?" Victor confusedly blinked.

Alistair's eyes also widened, surprised by the sudden answer of Gray.

"I really apologize, Mayor," Gray kept his expression apologetic.

"I suddenly have important matters in my business that require my attention. T-there's a-a sudden problem in our inventory and finances! And some people have been involved in it. We're planning on talking to a lawyer," He tried to think of a logical reason.

"I'm afraid I won't have the flexibility to travel around the city for the campaign."

"…"

"…"

"…"

Silence surrounded everyone because of what he said. Gray pressed his lips together. He was still acting all apologetic, especially to Alistair, who was staring at him in deep

It seemed like the man was troubled because of his announcement.

But Gray wasn't feeling guilty at all. It was not like they were true friends. And he knew he had no official obligation to him anyway. He was never part of the campaign team so Alistair had no authority to demand his presence.

After a few seconds, Alistair nodded slowly.

"I understand," he said and sighed deeply.

"We'll adjust the schedule accordingly then."

Gray smiled politely.

"Thank you."