The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 26: The Spotlight

Professor Darby moved closer to his daughter, his face glowed with excitement he could barely hide.

“Avery," he whispered, almost laughing under his breath. “You just hit the jackpot.”

She blinked at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Dad, what are you even talking about? What jackpot?"

"Andrew Schmidt doesn't stand for just anyone, especially not students. And Barry Sanders? He sure as hell doesn't wait around for permission. But tonight? They both stood tall." His gaze was directed towards Robert. "For him."

Avery’s throat felt dry.

"I... I don't get it." she muttered, her voice barely audible over the murmur of the crowd.

"You don't need to wrap your head around it all right now." her father replied, his tone firm but encouraging. "Just don't let this slip through your fingers.”

He stepped away before she could ask more.

Avery turned to Robert, her heart pounded a little faster now.

"Do you have any idea why they were still standing?" she asked softly.

Robert stared at her, his expression was calm, almost like he was miles away in his thoughts.

He didn't rush to respond.

Instead, he just glanced over to Andrew and Barry.

Then, without a word, he lifted his hand in a gesture. Nothing flashy, just two fingers dipping downward slightly.

That was all it took.

Andrew dropped into his seat immediately.

Barry followed a heartbeat later.

And just like that, in a ripple effect, the entire crowd sat down with them.

Avery's eyes widened. Was that really it? No grand speech, no announcement, just a simple flick of the wrist?

Robert picked up his glass and took a slow sip, like nothing unusual had happened.

Across the room, Morris saw everything.

And he felt something dangerous. Loss of control.

He forced a smile and stepped onto the center stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen!” he called out.

The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to him.

“What an extraordinary night this has become.”

His eyes locked onto Avery.

“And what better way to honor our distinguished guests than with tradition?”

A low murmur spread through the crowd.

Morris raised his hand dramatically, signaling the start of the performance.

Beneath their feet, the marble floor at the hall's center began to shift.

The amused crowd wowed as a circular platform slowly rose upward.

The overhead chandeliers dimmed, casting long shadows across the room.

Then a single golden spotlight pierced through the darkness, bathing the platform in a warm glow.

Music began to play.

Soft, deep, and elegant.

Morris extended his hand toward Avery in invitation.

“Miss Darby. Would you and your guest do us the honor of performing the welcome dance?”

Every eye in the hall turned to them with expectation.

For a second she looked uncertain, they hadn't mentioned this to her earlier.

But she stayed calm and looked at Robert.

Robert rose to his feet and extended his hand to her confidently.

She placed her hand in his.

Together, they walked onto the platform.

The lights dimmed even more. Now, it was just the two of them isolated in that golden beam.

The music became louder.

Robert placed one hand firmly at her waist, not possessively, but gentlemanly.

Avery rested her hand on his shoulder, feeling the muscle beneath his suit. They began to move, performing slow deliberate steps that synced perfectly with the rhythm.

Avery had danced multiple times before, she knew how to impress a crowd.

But Robert? He didn't perform for anyone. He just danced as if this were second nature, as if the stage had been built for him alone.

They glided into a turn, and the spotlight followed their every move.

Her dress beamed in the light, shimmering like liquid gold.

He guided her into a spin, then caught her effortlessly.

But the tension between them wasn't the stuff of fairy tales, no sweeping romance here. It was just natural and artistic.

Applause started from a few guests, then built up like a wave, until the entire hall was clapping and cheering, and some people even rose to their feet

Robert dipped her low, and his eyes locked onto hers for a moment. Avery held her breath, she focused on his eyes.

For an instant, she forgot the crowd, the drama, and everything else.

Until she saw Chloe puffing at the edge of the crowd.

Her face was twisted in disgust and her jaw clenched furiously as she dug her nails into Edward’s arm.

“That should be me up there” she hissed.

Edward narrowed his eyes at the stage, his pride was hurt within.

Chloe turned to him.

“If you love me, then let's get up there, now.”

He frowned. "Chloe, this isn't the right moment. We'll look desperate.”

“Oh, it is the right moment." she snapped, her voice a harsh whisper.

"He's stealing everything, your night, your father's event. That's your damn stage!"

Her voice lowered.

“You’re Edward Emmett. Or have you forgotten that?”

Jane leaned closer with a smirk. “She’s right. You dance better than him anyway. Go make it interesting Eddie.”

Edward's jaw clenched, his fists curled at his sides.

Across the hall, Julie, Tracy, and Silver rushed toward them.

“You really don't understand what's at stake here." Tracy said.

Silver's tone dropped low, laced with fear. "You have no clue who Robert really is. None."

Chloe laughed dismissively. "Oh, please. He's nobody."

Julie shook her head. "You weren't there at Graham Scholars Academy. You didn't see what we saw."

Edward turned to them, clearly annoyed. "What the hell happened back then? Spill it."

Tracy opened her mouth. "There are things about him... dark things you don't—”

“And didn’t I tell you three to handle him?” Edward cut in, his voice turning cold. “I gave you a task.”

Before they could respond, a guard approached.

He leaned in toward Edward and nodded toward the stage.

Edward followed his gaze.

Morris was watching him.

Then, Morris lifted his chin, just a slight nod.

Edward understood immediately, permission granted, the stage was his.

Morris clapped his hands loudly, drawing the room's attention back to him.

The music faded to a gentle hum, and the spotlight expanded.

“My son!” Morris called proudly. “Edward, why not join our honored guests and show us how we Emmetts do it?”

The crowd reacted instantly with cheers and clapping.

Chloe’s lips curved into a slow smile.

“Go." she whispered. “Your father just gave you the stage.”

Julie clutched at his sleeve desperately. "Edward, please— don't."

"You have no idea what you're walking into." Silver sighed.

But Edward yanked his arm free. He wasn't backing down now.