Gray sat up straighter in his chair. His eyes were tired. His back ached a little from leaning over his laptop all evening, but he finally felt like he was making progress.After hours of reading through financial articles, business reports, and stock history charts, he had narrowed his list down to four companies. Each one had its own strengths and risks. Each one, if he was right, could help him reach that hundred-thousand-dollar goal.He took a breath and clicked into the first tab.NexGene DiagnosticsThis one was a gamble but a smart one.NexGene Diagnostics was a small biotech company in the southern provinces. Their focus? Portable medical devices that could quickly detect diseases like infections or viruses. These devices were affordable, fast, and easy to use—even in small, rural towns with little access to hospitals.Gray had read an article earlier that week. NexGene had already tested their product in three remote towns, and the results were promising. So promising, in fac

"Good morning, everyone," Gray began, his voice steady but not loud as he walked into the middle of the room. All eyes were on him. Curious gazes. Wondering looks. Questioning stares."I'm Gray Adams, and starting today, I'll be in charge of this branch."A few people exchanged glances. Some gave polite nods. Others leaned in, getting more curious."I won't take up too much of your time," he continued with a kind smile. "I know you all have a lot to do this morning before the store opens."Gray paused for a moment, letting his eyes scan the room. He met their eyes, looking at them directly. He knew that in their minds, they had a lot of questions. One of them, most probably, was what to expect from him."I'm not here to change things up overnight," Gray said. "This branch has been running long before I came along. You all know how this place works better than I do."A whisper of agreement moved through the room. He could feel some of the tension beginning to ease."With that being sai

By ten in the morning, Marcus had to excuse himself. He still had duties to attend to at the main office, so he couldn't stay longer. However, before he left, he assured Gray he'd start quietly planning those small meetings with the staff, and send updates by the end of the day. Just like that, Gray was left alone in the office. He didn't mind it at all. In fact, it was better this way. Fortunately, Will hadn't returned since he left earlier. Gray considered it a blessing. He didn't have the energy to deal with more fake flattery and those awkward teeth he could see whenever the guy smiled. Finally, he had the time to breathe. Time to think. The office was quiet. All he could hear now were the muffled hums of customers moving through the aisles and the occasional ding of the cash registers. It was the usual sound you'd hear in a grocery store. Gray sat alone at the desk, his eyes looking at the clutter around him. A stale bag of chips. Stacks of unfiled paperwork. Some promotional

Even if Gray was now the CEO, that didn't mean he could forget his other responsibilities. The moment the clock hit noon, he left the grocery store as he intended. He didn't bother saying goodbye to anyone except to the janitor he'd been talking to for the last fifteen minutes."I'll get going now, then, Henry.""No problem, sir. Please visit us again soon."Gray smiled kindly at the man before he quietly exited the store through the main entrance. The guard who was standing at the front entrance also waved goodbye.Outside, the sun had already climbed higher into the sky. Gray covered his forehead with his hand as he tried to remember where the car was parked. After searching for a few seconds, he finally saw it.However, what surprised him was when he realized that Daniel was standing beside the car as if waiting for him. He quickly sighed and walked over to him."Don't tell me you've been waiting here for hours." He frowned as he mentally counted how many hours he'd spent inside.D

"Well. This is more than I expected." Gray blinked in disbelief."Welcome to your office, sir." Daniel smiled lightly.Gray paused at the doorway for a second, quietly taking it in.The frosted glass had a clean, professional finish. His name was etched in silver lettering that caught the light just slightly when he moved. It was surreal. Just a few months ago, he was juggling jobs just to pay rent.Now? He had a door with his name on it.Daniel stepped aside, giving him the space to enter first.Gray continued and pushed the door open.The office was sleek and modest, just the way he liked it. The walls were painted in soft gray, with one large window along the far side, letting in plenty of natural light. A thick set of blinds was tucked neatly above, ready to be pulled down if he wanted privacy.The floor was tiled. In the middle of it, there was a long wooden desk sitting near the window. It looked new and clean. There was nothing on it except for a new laptop, a desktop monitor,