"Thank you." Gray smiled politely as if he was thankful for Alistair’s deep understanding.

After Gray’s announcement, the meeting continued as if nothing happened. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

They talked about the adjustments regarding Alistair’s schedule, as well as the chronological order of when and who to visit. The directors of the different institutions looked pleased and delighted throughout.

Well, who wouldn’t?

The directors were sure that they would receive a good amount of donations from Alistair. As long as they make the event successful, they will earn thousands of dollars from it! Money that they can use to upgrade their institution, as well as money to... pocket for themselves.

"Hahahaha! Don’t worry! I’ll make sure to put on a good amount," Alistair laughed with them when one of the directors jokingly told Alistair about it.

Everyone was in all smiles. They were joking around and also kissing Alistair’s ass. Gray was honestly surprised by how good they were at smoothing things over, especially the directors.

"Oh well, Mayor, we’re already expecting you to win."

"Yeah. We even told our employees that we wouldn’t entertain any other candidate if it’s not you."

"I agree. We told our employees to only vote for you!"

"Hahaha! That’s good, that’s good. I’m really thankful," Alistair laughed again. "I am also grateful for my allies like Gray and Victor. They helped me a lot." He looked so happy that it made Gray annoyed inside.

’This man was telling those words while also keeping leverage over what he called ’allies’" Gray shook his head. ’What a hypocrite.’

But still, Gray could only keep those words to himself. Outside, he could only smile and agree to all the words they were saying.

"Oh well, what can I say? Mayor Alistair here is really one of the few people I admire," Gray muttered with a huge smile on his face.

Gray’s words made the room burst into another round of laughter. Alistair looked extremely pleased to because of all the good words he had been hearing for the day.

"You flatter me too much," he said, though his the smile on his face didn’t look humble at all.

"Yeah, Mayor Alistair here is the man. He will make our city more prosperous," Victor added a few smooth remarks. The directors nodded eagerly at that.

"By the way, how many media outlets are confirmed?" Victor asked.

"Six for now," one of the charity directors replied. "Two local news outlets will be covering it, then there are four national."

"Can you make it eight?" Alistair asked immediately. "I want broader coverage. Also social media is a good way to have publicity now, so remember it."

"Sure, Mayor."

"That’s a good idea, Mayor," Gray smiled and nodded too.

"Anyway, ho—"

*Grrrlll.

Just when Gray was about to talk, his stomach suddenly rumbled. The sound was low, but it was loud enough that every single head in the room turned toward him.

"..."

There was a brief silence. Then...

"Hahaha! Looks like someone’s stomach is not that well." Alistair broke the silence. Because of his lead, a few directors also chuckled to make the atmosphere light again.

Gray immediately placed a hand over his stomach, acting embarrassed.

"Sorry," he muttered. "I think I had too much breakfast this morning."

"No worries, no worries. It happens. You can go take care of your business first, Gray." Alistair waved his hand dismissively, still smiling.

Because of it, the room laughed again. Even the other directors encouraged Gray to do his own business. After all, they have been in his position too. They could only relate and sympathize with him.

"I really apologize for it," Gray smiled sheepishly. He could feel his stomach starting to act funny. He didn’t want to embarrass himself more, so he just played it cool.

"But I think, I really have to go do my business. I’ll come back soon." He pushed his chair back slightly. And just as he was about to stand fully, an idea crossed his mind.

’Now...’ His eyes lit up.

This was the perfect opportunity!

With all the people here, as well as Steven who was standing on the side, he will be free from all the eyes!

’Shit. I gotta take this opportunity.’ Gray quickly turned slightly toward Alistair and leaned closer to whisper something private to his ears.

"Mayor," he murmured quietly near his ear, lowering his voice. "I think I might need to go to your office restroom. My stomach is not that well and I don’t want to use the public restrom..."

Alistair barely reacted at that. In fact, he looked even more amused than he was disgusted.

"Sure, sure," he said casually. "Go ahead, Gray."

Alistair didn’t care at all. Either way, why would he?

Gray was someone he trusted, and it’s not like he can do anything in his office.

"Anyway," Alistair turned back to the directors immediately, "Now, where were we?"

"We’re just discussing the media coverage," Victor leaned forward to continue the discussion. He didn’t think much of it.

With the continuation of the discussion, no one paid attention to Gray anymore.

And that was exactly what he wanted.

Gray straightened up and walked out of the conference room calmly. He even waved his hands when Steven was about to follow him.

"I can go on my own," Gray muttered to him.

Steven just nodded and smiled before standing straight and returning back to his original position.

’Good,’ the corner of Gray’s lips curved upwards as he successfully left the room without anyone following him.

’This was it.’ He muttered.

It’s time to bring back all the files he stole. However, just a few steps and his stomach twisted again.

*Grrrlll.

"Not now..." his breathing hitched. He pressed a hand lightly against his abdomen, it was getting really uncomfortable there.

Once he reached the office, he opened the door and stepped inside quickly before closing it behind him.

The office was silent.

*Grrrlll.

"Shit." Gray could only mutter a curse when his stomach made a sound again.

Instead of minding it, he just walked toward the sofa where he had placed his bag earlier. He need to get this quickly so he can take a shit!