Suddenly, I Am Rich

When Chloe's gaze landed on them, she visibly relaxed. The tightness in her expression visibly relaxed. Her lips curved into a small smile as she excused herself from the waiter and walked toward their table.

"Hello, Lily," Chloe greeted warmly as she arrived near their table. The little girl was already half-standing from her chair to reach over her. Chloe leaned down and gave her a gentle pat on the head.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

"We didn't expect to see you here either, Sister Chloe!" Lily excitedly exclaimed out loud as she tugged on her hand. "Come and eat with us!"

Gray raised an eyebrow. He was afraid that it would put Chloe under pressure, so he thought he had to stop her.

"Lily…" he called out for her name in a serious tone. However, before he could say more, Selina had already shifted in her seat, smiling politely at Chloe.

"Right. You're more than welcome to join us, Chloe," Selina said smoothly. She smiled at her and even encouraged her to sit beside her.

Chloe glanced at Gray. She hesitated for just a second, as if she was waiting for his input on the invitation. Gray smiled at her and nodded.

"You can sit with us, Chloe. If you want." "

"Thank you," Chloe replied softly before sitting down. She placed her branded handbag neatly by her side.

Almost immediately, the waiter returned to their side, noticing the new addition. He took Chloe's order, and she ordered immediately as if she already knew their menu.

Chloe ordered lightly. Afterward, the waiter left again, assuring them that their food would soon be out.

Selina leaned her chin slightly into her palm, her eyes softening as she turned to Chloe. It has been weeks since she last saw the woman.

"It's been a while. How have you been, Chloe?" she asked with a warm tone. It carried genuine interest.

Lily quickly joined in, nodding vigorously as her ponytail bounced.

"Yeah! Sister Chloe, you didn't come visit us anymore! Were you busy?"

Chloe smiled at the little girl's eagerness. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before answering.

"I'm sorry, Lily. I have been busy. Work piled up, and I've been taking on more responsibility in our company." Her voice carried a small trace of weariness. It was obvious that she had been really tired these past few days.

"On top of that, I'm still studying, so… I don't really have much time."

Gray's hand paused on the glass of water he was about to sip.

Study…

The word made him remember the time when he was still tutoring Chloe.

It was the reason and the start of his success.

"But you still have to take breaks, Sister Chloe. If you don't, you'll get sick." Lily pouted, resting her chin on the table.

Chloe chuckled softly and reached over to ruffle Lily's hair.

"You sound just like a little adult. Don't worry, I'll take care of myself."

Selina's lips curved into a smile as she watched the exchange.

"Balancing both work and study isn't easy… but it suits you. You seem more confident now."

Gray set his glass down and leaned back slightly in his chair. His eyes lingered on Chloe for a moment, noticing the faint eye bags under her eyes.

"She's right, Chloe," he said calmly. He looked at her with a smile on his face.

"You do look different now, Chloe. Stronger… and more sure of yourself." His gaze softened just slightly. "It suits you."

He could remember the past Chloe. The Chloe who doesn't even want to work on their family's business. A Chloe who was playful and seemed not to have any problem at all.

Chloe blinked. She was caught off guard.

For a second, she didn't know how to respond to Gray's words. Her lips parted, but no words came out right away.

Instead, her eyes lit up, the fatigue she carried seeming to melt away after hearing those words. It wasn't just Selina's compliment. It was Gray's voice, Gray's acknowledgment.

"I…" She smiled faintly, her eyes lowering as she calmed herself. "Thank you, Gray. That means more than you think."

Lily grinned, glancing between the two like she noticed something that made her proud.

"See? Brother thinks Sister Chloe looks strong, too! So Sister Chloe should take care of herself more!"

Selina chuckled softly, her gaze warming. She genuinely liked Chloe, thinking of her as a good person. They have met each other once or twice because of business functions, but they have never talked that much.

It was only when they were with Gray that they could have this conversation.

Chloe chuckled before shifting slightly in her seat. She brushed a hand against her lap before looking back at Gray.

"It's been a while since we talked, hasn't it? Honestly… I missed that. I missed…" She caught herself before finishing, "I mean, I missed having a conversation with you guys."

"Really, Sister Chloe? I missed talking to you, too!" Lily muttered, which made all of them laugh.

Gray gave her a small smile.

"We missed you, too, Chloe." He muttered.

Gray's words sent something to Chloe. Her cheeks reddened a little bit as she became flustered.

"Anyway, I haven't visited you in your office. I should treat you to a meal next time."

Gray smiled faintly at Chloe's offer. He leaned back on his chair, his hand brushing lightly across the edge of his glass.

"Sure. Who am I to say no to that?" he replied casually.

Before Chloe could even say anything, Lily suddenly puffed her cheeks and leaned forward on the table.

"Eh? Why only my brother, Sister Chloe? What about me?"

Her exaggerated pout made Selina giggle, and even Gray's lips curved into a helpless smile.

Chloe covered her mouth with her hand, stifling a laugh. Her eyes softened as she reached over to poke Lily's cheek gently.

"Of course, you too, Lily. I'll treat you as well. How could I ever forget you?"

"Yay!" Lily cheered, raising her little arms up.

Selina shook her head, amused, and said, "Looks like Chloe just got herself another responsibility."

"I know, right?" Chloe answered.

The table warmed with laughter again.

But in the middle of all this, Gray's eyes shifted subtly to the side. His laughter faded just a little as he noticed Mara.

Mara wasn't laughing. She wasn't even smiling the way she usually did when Lily was being her energetic self.

Instead, Mara sat there quietly, her shoulders slightly slouched. Her gaze was lowered to her lap, almost as if she was staring at something only she could see.

Gray narrowed his eyes slightly, a flicker of concern passing through him. Something wasn't right with Mara.