For a mont, no one spoke. Everyone just stared at each other. After a passing second, they all laughed as if they had just understood what Alistair said.
"You’re straight to the point, as always," Leonard muttered as he shook his head. "So it really is about your election."
Ramon lifted his glass slightly. "You should have known our friend, Leonard. Election costs a lot of money. Public appearances, charity events, campaigns, connections, all of that costs a lot."
"Yeah," Jas nodded. "Especially if Alistair plans to be more visible to the public. The more people see you, the more expensive it becos."
Alistair did not deny it. Instead, he smiled calmly and nodded to his friends.
"You already know that politics is not cheap," he said. "But you also know the benefits you’d get if I win." He smiled sheepishly.
"So how much are we talking about this ti?" Benedict leaned forward a little. He raised his brows, intrigued by the number that Alistair would say.
Alistair set his glass down gently.
"That depends," he replied. "On how far you want to go." He didn’t want to give any specific numbers.
In Alistair’s mind, it’s better not say any numbers. He wanted to know how much his friends actually value him.
"You really know how to say dangerous things." Leonard raised an eyebrow.
A few of them laughed quietly at that. After all, they were already used to each other’s tactics. For them, their friendship isn’t just any friendship. It’s business and profits. They invest in one another to gain mutual benefits.
While that was happening, Gray just stayed silent on the side. He would laugh with them if they laughed, but he didn’t engage in any talk.
He already knew that these things happen. However, it still made him uneasy.
’So this is what they ant,’ he thought as he sighed in his mind.
"You want us to back you again." Jas crossed his arms before smiling playfully at Alistair.
"Yes," Alistair answered without hesitation. "And more than before."
Leonard leaned back and took a sip from his wine.
"Alright," he said. "If it is charity events, public projects, and image building, then I can help with sponsorships."
" too." Benedict nodded.
Jas glanced at Alistair. "And the dia side will not be a problem either. My brother owes a few favors. Though we just had to be careful, since it’s still the public. We can’t sell you hard. We need to do it subtly."
At that, Alistair’s smile widened.
"That’s already fine for . I know your brother still had to do his job. He should do it as he sees fit. After all, we don’t want your brother to be implicated in such issues."
"Yeah, don’t worry."
"I can also help with locations," Ramon spoke next. "If you need venues for events, fundraisers, or gatherings, just let know. I can make things easier for you." He said calmly.
Victor nodded in agreent at that.
"I’ll coordinate with so of my trusted partners," he added. "If you need sponsors, logistics, or even manpower, just contact my secretary. She’ll handle the arrangents for you."
Alistair listened to all of their offers, clearly satisfied with them. They might not say the monetary amount, but he knew their offers were more valuable than money.
"That’s more than enough," he said. "I knew I could rely on you."
Truth to be told, he wasn’t really talking about money. He already has saved up enough from his years in office. That he can do alone.
For a brief mont, the atmosphere felt almost light. Then, slowly, Alistair’s gaze moved, landing on Gray. Others followed too.
And in just a second, all eyes were on Gray now.
"You’ve been quiet this whole ti while we were talking," Ramon muttered. "What about you, Gray?"
Gray blinked and straightened up.
"Ah... right," he said quietly. "Sorry. I’m not really used to this kind of talk yet."
A few of them laughed at that.
"It’s fine. We understand." Leonard waved a hand.
"We were like that the first ti, too," Jas added with a light smile. "You’ll get used to it, especially now that you’re here."
Gray let out a small breath and smiled.
"Yeah," he said. "You’re right."
He straightened his back slightly before continuing.
"My business isn’t as big as everyone else’s. I can’t offer properties or dia influence. But I can offer my good image to the public."
The n listened to Gray’s words. They were curious on what Gray was about to offer. It was not new to them to know that Gray wasn’t as big as anyone else at the table.
They weren’t expecting much, to be honest. Even Alistair. But they wanted to know the sincerity that Gray could provide to be part of this group. For them, that’s what matters the most.
"And I can help with charities too," Gray added. "I have a few grocery stores. I can provide food, daily supplies, and support for community programs. I apologize if it’s too little."
His voice sounded sincere, which caught everyone’s attention. His words slowly amused the n around him
"That’s fine, Gray. Nothing is small when it cos to supporting," Ramon nodded slowly. "What you muttered is already a good contribution."
"It also fits you," Benedict said. "It’s quite clean and practical."
Gray gave a faint smile.
"It’s the most I can do for now."
Alistair suddenly laughed in the middle of the serious talk. He leaned back in his chair and looked at the others. There was a hint of amusent in his eyes.
"You see," he continued, "this is exactly why I invited him."
The n glanced at one another.
"Among all of us here," Alistair said calmly, "Gray is the one with the cleanest hands."
Leonard snorted softly.
"That’s one way to put it."
"Are you saying we all have dirty hands here?" Ramon jokingly muttered.
The table burst into light laughter at that. However, inside, Gray’s thoughts were already circling around. The thing he was about to do with them is dangerous. He knew it.
’This won’t be cheap,’ he thought. ’I need to be careful with this one so I won’t lose that much.’
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