It's finally the day.
Gray stood outside the grand entrance of a private subdivision, his hands was tucked into the pockets of his pants. He dressed more nicely than usual, ensuring he presented himself well.
Today, he wouldn't only be meeting a normal person, but also the members of the Lancaster family. If he was lucky enough, then he might have the chance to meet the head of the family, but he wasn't expecting that much.
'So this is it, huh…' Minjae thought as his head slowly tilted upward to take a look at the tall iron gate in front of him.
He was stopped at the side of the gate. The guards were strict with people entering the subdivision.
"Your name?" one of them asked as he stepped forward. He was holding a clipboard, containing the names of the expected visitors for the day.
"Gray Adams," Gray answered calmly as he showed an id card to verify his identity.
The guard squinted slightly at the clipboard, then gave a small nod.
"Please wait here for a moment. Someone from the Lancaster residence will come to escort you."
"Alright." Gray nodded before he was left alone, standing on the side of the gate. He waited there patiently. He was asked to arrive by 1 in the afternoon, but he went extra early today, just because he didn't want to be extra late.
With his experience working in different fields, Gray realized how important time is for the rich. They don't want to waste unnecessary time, especially time that they can use to earn extra money.
A few minutes passed before a sleek black car pulled up in front of the gate. It was spotless, sleek, and clearly custom-made. One look and you could tell it costs a lot.
The window rolled down, revealing a neatly dressed middle-aged man in a black suit.
"Are you Mr. Adams?" the man asked politely.
"Yes."
"I'm from the Lancaster household. Please, get in. Miss Emily sent me to pick you up."
"Thank you," Gray nodded again and got into the back seat without wasting any time. The car started moving almost silently.
The road inside the subdivision was long and winding. It was lined with tall trees, trimmed hedges, and flowerbeds that looked like they were professionally maintained every day.
The houses in the subdivision weren't just any large houses. There were mansions, each one more private and massive than the last.
Eventually, the car turned onto a narrower road with high walls covered in vines and rose bushes, and at the end of it, there it was.
The Lancaster estate.
The car went through a massive gate that opened automatically as soon as the car approached.
The house was a modern mansion, standing on private land filled with greenery.
The house used light materials, with a contrast of dark details. There were a lot of glass window panels, letting in a lot of natural light from the outside. It was quiet and intimidating in how effortlessly elegant it was.
Gray stepped out of the car and stared at the structure for a few seconds. There was a fountain near the entrance. The driveway was also so big that it could fit fifteen cars, and there would still be room to spare.
Gray let out a quiet breath.
'I forgot that this is how the rich live...'
The front doors opened before they could even announce their arrival. In there, a woman, dressed in a uniform stepped out.
"Mr. Gray." The woman greeted him politely with a slight bow. "Welcome. Miss Emily and Miss Chloe are waiting for you inside. Please, follow me."
"Thank you." Gray gave a small nod.
As he stepped into the house, his footsteps were nearly silent against the polished floors. The hallway stretched long and wide, decorated with subtle but expensive artwork, fresh flowers, and gold-trimmed picture frames.
Everything here was simple, but it screamed money.
Lots and lots of money.
Gray was overwhelmed, but he didn't let it show on his face. He just walked with steady and confident steps.
Eventually, the maid stopped in front of a set of large glass doors.
"Mr. Gray, the ladies are in the study room. You may enter now. They're already waiting for you." The maid said softly before giving one last bow and walking off.
"This is it…"
Gray let out a sigh and pushed the door open.
The moment he opened the door, he was greeted by a large room.
It was a study room, but calling it that almost felt insulting.
The space was massive, like something out of a modern palace. It was 10 times larger than their apartment.
The floor was polished wood, gleaming under the soft glow of a chandelier hanging from the center of the ceiling.
To the left side of the room, there was a fireplace built into a marble wall. In front of it, plush cream-colored sofas were arranged neatly around a coffee table made of glass and steel.
On the right side of the room, there were a couple of work desks. One had an open laptop, a pile of neatly arranged books, and a glass cup filled with fine pens. Beside it, there was a long table with two chairs on opposite ends, probably for tutoring or studying
The shelves that were filled with books lined the wall from floor to ceiling.
Gray also noticed a grand piano placed into the far corner, gleaming black under the lights. Near it, a guitar rested on a stand, and a violin case lay open on a side table nearby. There were even a few other string instruments mounted on the wall as decor.
The room wasn't just any room.
And in the middle of it all, were two women.
Emily stood by the window, talking quietly to someone seated at the desk.
That someone must be Chloe.
Gray took a step forward.
'Okay… let's meet them again'
"Good afternoon, Emily, Chloe." He cleared his throat lightly and put on a smile on his face.
Emily turned first, her expression immediately lighting up.
"Gray, there you are!" she smiled, clearly enthusiastic. Her sweet voice echoed in the room. "You're early once again," she chuckled lightly.
At her words, the girl at the desk slowly looked up.
It was Chloe Lancaster.