Suddenly, I Am Rich

Gray slowly flipped open the folder in front of him. The crisp sound of paper against paper filled his ears.

Inside the folder lay the official contract.

His eyes trailed down to the first page. He had already read this yesterday night, to make sure they agree to every term. After all, they don't have the luxury of time to read every line in the contract.

Still, seeing it here, with the eyes of so many people watching, made it feel different.

He skimmed through them just to see if what he read yesterday and what was written were the same.

He looked through the partnership terms first. It was clear and straightforward. The contract stated the equity distribution, profit sharing, and responsibilities. It was just like they reviewed.

Gray's thumb tapped lightly on the corner of the page as he turned it.

The second section outlined Operational Agreements. Everett Holdings would support the funding and construction for the second branch, while Gray's management team retained control of daily operations. His authority over staffing and the store was preserved.

Page after page, the words filled Gray's head, but he forced himself to stay focused. It wasn't that he didn't trust Conrad, that was why he was still skimming at them. He just wanted to make sure.

Then, for the most important clause in the contract. Termination and Protection of Rights. If Everett Holdings pulled out, Gray's store would remain his.

His shoulders relaxed slightly as he read that line again.

After skimming for minutes, he finally reached the last page. It was the page that carried their names, printed neatly above the signature lines.

Beside him, Conrad had already skimmed through. He was calm as ever. He glanced toward Gray with a patient expression, as if giving him time to catch up.

Gray put down the folder and rested his hand over it.

'This is it. No turning back after this.'

"I'm done skimming," he informed Conrad.

With it, Conrad gave a single nod to the host.

The host quickly caught it. He cleared his throat and smiled at the press before continuing.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we will now witness the formal signing of the partnership agreement between the two parties."

The flashes of cameras intensified. Reporters leaned forward, too, with their pens ready.

Gray inhaled slowly. His pen felt heavier than it should have. He steadied his hand and placed the tip against the paper, and wrote his name in bold, deliberate strokes and signed on it.

Gray Adams.

When the last stroke was done, he set the pen down with care.

Conrad, in his usual effortless manner, signed his name right after. His pen glided across the page as though he had done it a thousand times before.

The moment both signatures were complete, the host's voice rang out again.

"And with that, the partnership agreement has been signed. Please give a round of applause."

The hall erupted in applause. Cameras flashed endlessly, capturing the handshake that followed. Conrad reached out first, firm and confident. Gray met it with equal firmness, despite the racing of his heart.

As their hands clasped above the signed contract, the press surged forward, flashes exploding in a storm of light.

Gray kept his composure. He smiled sweetly and appeared calm and dignified.

Inside, though, he exhaled deeply.

'It's done.'

The applause didn't stop right away. It carried on for more seconds, echoing through the room.

Conrad kept his hand firmly clasped with Gray's, lifting it slightly for the cameras. Gray followed his lead, raising the corner of his lips into a polished smile.

'They'll probably use this photo everywhere tomorrow on front pages, headlines, blogs. I need to make sure I look good.'

Flash after flash blinded him. It felt like standing under a lightning storm with no clouds in sight.

When the cameras finally lowered a little, Conrad leaned closer, speaking in a tone that was just loud enough for the microphones to catch.

"Today is not only a promise of growth but proof that unity between vision and discipline can achieve something remarkable. Mr. Adams has shown grit and leadership. I believe this partnership will only push us all forward."

Following that was more applause.

"Mr. Adams, if you'd like to share your thoughts." The host gestured toward Gray next.

Gray stood once more.

He leaned toward the mic that was in front of him.

"Thank you. I said this earlier, but I'll say it again. This still feels surreal. I started small, with no big expectations. And yet here we are, standing in front of all of you, talking about expansion and partnerships. That's not something I take lightly. I hope you look forward to the opening of the second branch."

He paused, allowing his words to breathe. The silence in between felt just as loud as the cameras.

"This partnership represents something bigger than just numbers and agreements on paper. It's about trust, accountability, and a belief that the work we do in our stores matters to the people we serve. That's what I'll carry with me as we move forward."

There was a hum of approval in the room. A few nods from the front row, and even a few claps.

But of course, the questions came back pouring to him.

"Mr. Adams, how soon will the second branch begin construction?"

"Will this partnership expand beyond Arcadia?"

"Mr. Adams, do you foresee challenges with scaling operations?"

"Do you plan to maintain hands-on management as the business grows?"

The questions rained in rapid succession. Gray answered them one by one, careful not to overpromise.

"Construction will begin once the groundwork is finalized."

"Our focus is on this city first before anywhere else."

"Challenges are inevitable, but that's what planning is for."

"Yes, I'll continue to stay closely involved. That won't change."

He kept his tone low and measured. He didn't want to sound too excited or defensive. He knew the reporters were watching not only for what he said, but how he said it.

The photo ops resumed after that. They held the contract up for the cameras, standing side by side with Conrad in front of the company logo. The photographers even asked for a few solo shots of Gray.

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A/N: Please check my new novel, "I Got Rich Through My Gambling System"