’Am I caught?’ Gray couldn’t help but ask that question in his mind.

For a few hours that they were in the school, he could feel the coldness in the way Alistair treated him.

The others might not notice it.

He knew that to everyone else, everything still looked normal. He and Alistair still smiled for the cameras, spoke to students, and they even shared a few talks here and there.

But Gray knew better.

Alistair was putting distance between them. Every interaction that they had so far felt controlled for the people to see.

He was no longer speaking to him the way he used to. There were no casual remarks or even friendly gestures that Alistair used to show him. Even when they stood beside each other during the photo session earlier, Alistair barely glanced at him.

And now, Gray could only be silent as he watched the auditorium be filled with students applauding. Alistair just finished speaking. He talked about encouragement and those basic topics of how to succeed in life.

Despite the simplicity of the topic, the students reacted as if it was mind blowing. They cheered, shouted, and exclaimed. It was evident that they were really idolizing the man.

’Fuck, did he find out about it?’ Gray thought again.

He knew he was careful with it, but he wasn’t that sure if he cleaned up his mess or what because he also had an emergency that time.

’Shit. This is making me overthink,’ he forced himself to calm down. He controlled his expression so that it would stay neutral from the outside. After a second, he smiled and also joined when the people around him applauded again.

Gray slowly exhaled through his nose. He forced himself to think rationally.

’But if Alistair knew it, then why did I receive an invitation here?’ his forehead creased.

If Alistair truly knew everything already, then the situation would not be this quiet. He for sure would confront him... or else he should be ruined by now.

He knew that Alistair was not the type to stay silent if someone betrayed him.

Which meant...

’That means he’s either suspecting me of something and he’s still unsure of it, or he was simply testing me." Gray’s jaw tightened slightly at that.

This place was practically Alistair’s territory today. So if something were to happen here, Gray knew he would have very little room to maneuver, and that was the worst part of it.

’There’s only one way to solve this,’ Gray tilted his head slightly to the side.

The only way to solve this was if he brought up the topic first. He’s gotta have the upper hand on it.

After another round of applause and the giving of certificates, their talk ended shortly after that.

The students did not look pleased by it, but since they still have classes, they had no choice but to leave. Staff members of the school immediately began guiding the students out of the auditorium while some professors tried to keep the crowd organized.

In the middle of it all, several organizers approached Alistair and his team and began escorting him out of the hall. Gray was also escorted out.

The moment they stepped outside the auditorium, the principal quickly appeared again. He was smiling widely as if today had been the greatest success of his career.

"Mayor Alistair, that was wonderful," the man said excitedly. "The students were extremely inspired by your speech. They were saying all sorts of praises while they were watching."

"Hahaha," Alistair smiled sweetly at that. "I’m glad that they enjoyed it. That’s really my goal today. I want the students to be inspired by my words and follow my lead."

"The students really like it. If you don’t mind, Mayor, perhaps we can return to my office first before you leave? We prepared some refreshments there."

"That would be fine," Alistair nodded calmly.

"How about you, Mr. Adams?" The principal happily turned to him.

"Sure," Gray just smiled and nodded.

"Haha! It’s settled then!" The principal clapped his hands.

The group began walking down the hallway again. Staff members stepped aside respectfully as they passed. Some students who were still lingering in the corridor even tried to wave at Alistair and Gray from afar.

The principal proudly led them back to his office.

When they arrived, the door was opened once again, and everyone stepped inside. The principal quickly began giving instructions to some of the school staff who had followed them.

"Oh, Mayor, please excuse me for a moment," the principal said apologetically. "I still need to give some instructions to the teachers and student officers outside. The refreshments are inside already, so you can take your fill."

"Of course," Alistair replied casually.

"I’ll be back soon, Mr. Adams."

"It’s fine. Take your time."

"Thank you, Sir," The principal gave a quick bow before hurrying out of the room.

Steven stepped outside as well after receiving a quiet signal from Alistair. The two campaign staff members followed him too, leaving the two of them alone.

In just a few seconds, the once busy office suddenly became quiet. Only Gray and Alistair now remained inside.

Gray stood near the couch while Alistair slowly walked toward the desk. He casually adjusted the cuff of his sleeve. There was an awkward silence between them.

Gray watched him carefully.

’This is it.’ He muttered to himself. If he waited any longer, he would only look more suspicious.

So with the little courage in his heart, Gray took a small step forward.

"Mayor Alistair," he called out calmly.

Alistair paused slightly but did not turn around to meet him.

"Is there a problem?" Gray continued.

That question made Alistair glance at him. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, the polite expression that Alistair had been wearing the entire day slowly disappeared.

What replaced it was something colder. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Gray," Alistair said slowly. "You know I hate being betrayed."

For a split second, Gray felt his chest tighten.

’Shit.’ But none of that appeared on his face. Instead, Gray frowned slightly as if confused by the statement.

"Of course," he replied steadily. "Who wouldn’t?" He kept his posture relaxed. His gaze stayed directly on Alistair’s.

"But what makes you bring that up, Mayor? Did something happen? I’m worried."