The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 24: A crack in the Crown

Silver was the first one to move.

She had been holding her glass in the air when Andrew bowed, and she stayed frozen like that for a long time. Her hand started to tremble, so she slowly lowered the drink to the table as if she didn't trust her own body anymore.

“Did… did that actually just happen?” she whispered, her voice shaking.

Julie didn’t answer right away. Her eyes were glued to Robert. She watched him take his seat like he owned the entire building. He looked so comfortable, as if having the world's richest men bow to him was just a normal Tuesday.

“That wasn’t normal respect, or a polite hello.” Julie finally said, her voice low. “That was complete submission.”

Malcolm leaned back in his chair. The cool, arrogant look he usually wore was starting to fade. His fingers tapped a nervous rhythm against the tabletop.

“You saw Andrew’s face." Malcolm said quietly. “He wasn't pretending, he was showing real honor.”

Azeez swallowed hard, his throat feeling dry. “No one makes Andrew Schmidt bow. No one.”

Silver shook her head slowly. “But Robert is just… a student. That’s what everyone said. He’s a nobody.”

Julie let out a short, cold laugh. “Yeah. And Morris Emmett was supposed to be the king of the night. Look how that turned out.”

They all went quiet as they watched Barry take his seat. He sat right next to Robert, but positioned himself half a step behind him. It was a small detail, but it sent a massive message, Protection, loyalty and rank.

Malcolm let out a sharp breath through his nose. “Do you guys know what people say about Andrew?”

Silver turned to him. “What are the rumors?”

Malcolm didn't look at her, he kept his eyes on the VVIP section. “They say he could buy every single person in this room twice over and not even notice the money was gone.”

Julie’s eyebrows shot up. “That has to be a lie. That’s too much money.”

Malcolm finally looked at her, his expression dead serious. “No. It’s the truth. Andrew is the CEO of Bullion Corporation. He deals in gold, global reserves, and private vaults.”

“He controls trillions. He’s not just rich, he’s powerful and untouchable.”

Silver’s mouth went dry. “And he bowed.”

A chill ran up Julie’s spine. “He bowed to Robert.”

The weight of that truth hit the table like a block of ice. They sat there for a few seconds, unable to process it. Finally, Silver whispered the question they were all thinking, “So, who is Robert, really?”

Before anyone could say a word, a shadow fell over their table.

Julie looked up and gasped. Chloe was standing there. She had her usual perfect posture and a polite smile that felt forced. Edward stood beside her, his hand in his pocket and his eyes scanning the group like a predator looking for a weak spot.

“Well." Chloe said lightly, “you all look like you're having a very intense conversation.”

Silver stiffened in her seat. “Chloe.”

Julie looked between the two newcomers. “What are you doing here?”

Edward didn't even look at her. His gaze went past the table, straight toward Robert. “So." Edward said calmly, “why did he make it here?”

Malcolm let out a bitter laugh. “That’s what you’re worried about? Kicking him out?”

Chloe frowned. “Malcolm, stop acting like this is a joke. This is serious.”

Malcolm leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His smile was ugly and didn't reach his eyes. “Serious? You’re right. It’s beyond serious.” He pointed a thumb toward the VVIP section. “That guy is a monster. Look at the people he’s collected. Barry. Andrew. Even Professor Darby is on his side now.”

Julie added in a quiet voice, “And don't forget the guards.”

Chloe’s jaw tightened. “That doesn’t explain who he is.”

Malcolm chuckled, but it sounded like he was in pain. “It explains everything. Look at Avery.”

Silver blinked. “What about her?”

Malcolm shook his head in disbelief. “Avery is like a red diamond. She’s rare. She’s turned down princes and billionaire heirs who tried to buy her islands just to get a date. She’s famous for being impossible to impress.”

Julie followed his gaze to where Avery was standing. “And now she’s standing right next to him.”

“Exactly." Malcolm said. “She chose him without even thinking about it. She’s looking at him like he’s the only person in the world.” He let out a soft, weird laugh. “That should make some people very, very jealous.”

He laughed again, louder this time, but the sound was hollow. No one else joined in. Azeez frowned, looking worried.

“That’s not funny, Malcolm." Julie said flatly.

Malcolm’s laughter stopped instantly. He shrugged and leaned back, acting like he didn't care.

But Edward had reached his limit. “Enough!” he snapped.

The word cut through the conversation like a knife. Everyone at the table turned to look at him. Edward’s face was cold now, the polite mask he usually wore had fallen off.

“If you don’t want to be thrown out of this party and ruined forever." Edward said, “then we need to move. Now.”

Chloe’s eyes went wide. “Edward, wait—”

“We don’t have time!” Edward cut her off. “You think Morris backing down means this is over? No. It means the entire balance of power just shifted. If we don't act, we lose everything.”

Julie frowned. “What are you saying?”

Edward leaned in close, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Robert needs to leave. Right now. By any means necessary.”

Azeez jumped. “Are you crazy? Look who he’s sitting with!”

Edward didn't flinch. “We only have minutes. Once Barry finishes the deal he’s here for, it’s over. If Robert is still sitting in that chair when the night ends, this city belongs to him.”

Malcolm stared at Edward. The reality of the situation finally started to sink in. “And how exactly." Malcolm asked slowly, “do you plan to remove a man that even Andrew Schmidt bowed to?”

Edward’s lips curled into a thin, evil smile.

“That." he said, “is why we have to move right now, while there's still a chance.”

The music in the background got a little louder. People in the other parts of the hall were laughing and drinking, having no idea that a war was starting in the corner of the room.

Edward stood up straight. “Decide." he said, looking at each of them. “Either help me get rid of him, or prepare to be dragged down with him.”