#Chapter 54: My Own Benefit

Nicholas The winter sun was even more blinding from the snow outside as it streamed through the enormous floor-to-ceiling windows and reflected off the polished floors of the country club’s indoor courts. I tugged at the collar of my polo, the fabric suddenly feeling too tight and too warm, and glanced toward the far court where Mr. Gray was leisurely volleying balls with another member. Every muscle in my body tensed, not from nerves—I didn’t do nerves—but from the calculated focus I always reserved for moments like this. I had to do this right. Noah, standing at my side, crossed his arms. “Are you sure about this, Nicholas? Mr. Gray isn’t exactly the generous type.” I gave my friend a nonchalant shrug in response. “I have to try. You know what this means to me.” I turned to him. “Thanks for being willing to help me, by the way.” Noah sighed heavily, dragging a hand down his face. Mr. Gray was Noah’s boss, a high-level financial officer of the guild. If