Suddenly, I Am Rich-Chapter 42: Jonathan Lancaster (2)

Chloe glanced between the two, then turned toward her father.

"I’ll leave you two alone. Try not to scare him too much, Dad."

"No promises, little one." Jonathan showed a slight smile to Chloe before his full attention shifted to Gray.

Chloe winked at Gray. "You’ll be fine, Gray."

Gray just looked at her in disbelief.

’Really?’ he thought and sighed.

With a playful smirk on her face, Chloe walked past her father. She gave Gray a big thumbs up as if encouraging him before gently closing the door behind her.

When Chloe left, the study room became quiet. So quiet that Gray could hear his own breathing.

’Oh, fuck.’ Gray silently cursed in his mind. This wasn’t the interaction that he was hoping to have with the head of the Lancaster family.

Gray sat unmoving. His back was straight, his posture looked so tight and formal. He could feel the air growing heavy despite how calm the room was.

Jonathan stepped further into the room, his strides were slow and small. He made his way to the seat in front of Gray. It was Chloe’s seat earlier. He slowly sat there, clasping his hands on the table as if he was in a meeting.

There was only pure silence between them.

"Are you nervous?" Jonathan asked, breaking the silence between them. His voice was calm, almost too calm.

Gray swallowed and nodded once, choosing honesty over pretending to be tough.

"A little. It’s not every day I get summoned by someone like you, Sir."

Jonathan chuckled faintly at the word summoned, though his expression remained unreadable.

"That’s understandable," he uttered, followed by a short nod.

Another moment of silence fell between them. Then, Jonathan leaned in slightly, studying Gray subtly.

"So, tell me more about yourself," he said. "Your life. Your family. What do you do outside of tutoring my daughter?"

Gray took a breath, squaring his shoulders. He continued to held unto Jonathan’s gaze. It was a conversation that he knew he wouldn’t be able to dodge or sugarcoat. They must have run a background check on him already.

The only thing he could do now was answer plainly and honestly.

"My name’s Gray. I quit school years ago and mostly work now," he slowly began, his voice steady, though a touch of caution lingered in his tone. "I used to do physical work... anything that you could think of. Dishwashing, waiter, cleaner, factory worker."

Gray held his head up high. There was no embarrassment on his voice as he named the jobs he had taken over the years.

On the other hand, Jonathan remained silent. He just nodded slowly, as if encouraging him to continue.

"I don’t have parents," Gray said. "They passed away a few years ago. It was an accident."

There was a brief pause in his voice. He didn’t elaborate on how or when. He didn’t need to.

"I have a younger sister. She’ ten. Her name’s Lily," Gray added, his voice softening a little at the mention of his little sir.

"I’ve been taking care of her ever since. She depends on me now, that’s why I’m working for us."

Jonathan’s eyes narrowed slightly—not in judgment, but with a deeper level of attention when Gray talked about his only remaining family.

"So, it’s just the two of you?"

Gray nodded.

"Yes, sir. I work part-time, and study on my own when I can. I used to do 3 jobs in the past, but shit happened, that’s why I’m here. I’m really thankful to your eldest daughter for giving me this opportunity."

There was no pity in Jonathan’s gaze. Only a quiet evaluation. He didn’t speak immediately, which made Gray instinctively straighten up even more.

’Is he satisfied with my answer now?’ he frowned, but still continue to put a neutral expression on his face,

"I see," Jonathan said eventually, leaning back a bit in his seat. He looked a little satisfied with the answer.

"That’s a lot of weight for someone your age." He pointed out, noting the hardship that Gray experienced.

For a moment, it reminded him of his younger days. He also used to work a lot of jobs just to be able to afford to live. That was also the reason why he couldn’t feel pity for the man. Instead, he liked how courageous he was. He commends his hard work.

Gray didn’t deny it. He simply nodded once.

"Yes, Sir. It is. But I’ve got no choice. I want her to have better."

For a few seconds, Jonathan said nothing. The silence wasn’t cold anymore. It was just heavy and thoughtful. Then, without warning, Jonathan’s expression changed.

The sharp line of his mouth softened. His shoulders relaxed. And then... he smiled.

Jonathan Lancaster just smiled.

’Huh?’

Before Gray could even react, Jonathan reached out and gave him a solid pat on the arm.

"You’re a good man, Gray," he said with unexpected warmth. "I didn’t expect this, but I’m glad I asked."

Gray blinked, stunned at the shift of personality.

"Uh... thank you, sir?"

Jonathan chuckled out loud, finding Gray’s expression funny. He knew that some finds him scary, but honestly, he couldn’t understand those. As far as he knows, he was kind!

"Don’t look so confused, Gray. I’m not as terrifying as the people make me out to be. I’m kind and chill, you know." Jonathan uttered with a smile still lingering on his face.

Gray didn’t quite believe that, but he stayed quiet.

"I’m just... happy," Jonathan continued. "Chloe told me it was you who made her start thinking seriously about her role in the company. That kind of influence... It’s rare. She’s finally stepping up. And that means everything to me."

The smile on Jonathan’s face widened even more.

"I didn’t do anything special, Sir. She made those choices on her own." Gray scratched the back of his head, a little awkward.

"No," Jonathan said firmly as if he wanted Gray to believe him instead.

"She had people talk to her all her life. Business partners. Her mom. Her sister. Me. But none of us ever got through to her the way you did! Do you know how big that was?"

Jonathan leaned forward, clasping his hands again as if he was looking at an angel in front of him. And that angel seemed to be Gray.

"I’m grateful, Gray. Sincerely."

Gray didn’t quite know what to say. He nodded again, quietly overwhelmed.

"What do you want in return, Gray?" Jonathan’s eyes glinted with amusement.

"Money? Land? A business of your own?" he said casually, like offering lunch options. "Just name it, and I’ll give it to you!"