The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 28: The Handkerchief

Edward staggered back, his hand pressed against his aching face.

The crack of that slap was still ringing through the hall. It was louder than the music had ever been. For a heartbeat, the entire crowd was still. Nobody breathed.

Then, Morris Emmett slowly stood up from his seat.

His wine glass tilted in his shaking hand, nearly spilling. The color drained from his face so fast he looked physically ill.

He hadn't expected this, not here and not in front of the most powerful people in the country.

“Andrew… Barry…” Morris started to speak, but his voice was barely above a whisper. It didn't have that booming authority anymore.

Edward touched his lip. His fingers came off with a red stain, and this time, it wasn't the wine. He looked up at the two men standing over him. He was drowning in confusion, shock, and a sudden cold fear.

But Andrew Schmidt didn’t even look at him. He didn't acknowledge Edward existed. He looked right past him at Robert.

The entire hall followed his gaze.

Robert was standing exactly where he had been. The red wine was soaking deep into his expensive sleeve, staining the cuff, a dark bloody crimson. His expression hadn't changed a bit. He was calm and he looked completely unbothered by the chaos.

Andrew reached slowly into his suit pocket.

The guests watched closely, wondering if he was reaching for a phone or a weapon.

He pulled out a white silk handkerchief.

He stepped forward. And then in front of everyone, Andrew Schmidt began to wipe the wine from Robert’s sleeve.

He did it gently and carefully. He treated the stain like it was a crime that should never have touched Robert’s skin.

A gasp of pure disbelief moved through the crowd. It wasn't even a whisper, it was the sound of a hundred people losing their minds at once.

Barry Sanders stepped forward too. Without saying a word, he pulled out his own handkerchief and bowed slightly toward Avery.

“I deeply apologize, Miss Avery." Barry said. His voice was steady and full of respect. “This disgraceful behavior should never have happened tonight.”

Avery froze. Barry Sanders, the man who controlled the city’s muscle, was apologizing to her.

Meanwhile, Andrew kept cleaning Robert’s cuff. His movements were slow and controlled.

“I am truly sorry, Sir Robert." Andrew said quietly. “You should never have been insulted under this roof.”

Sir.

He said Sir.

That one word hit the hall harder than the slaps. It was like a lightning bolt. The crowd erupted into terrified whispers.

"Did he just call him Sir?"

"To that kid? The student?"

Chloe’s hands dropped from her mouth. Her fake tears were gone, replaced by eyes that were wide with genuine terror.

Edward stared at them like they were speaking a language he didn't understand.

Across the hall, Silver grabbed Tracy’s arm so hard it left a mark.

“I told her." Silver hissed. “I told her not to push them!”

Tracy swallowed hard. “She never listens. He’s messed up and now it affects all of us.”

The crowd’s reality was shifting in real time. Avery wasn't just a beautiful girl anymore. She was someone two of the most powerful men in the nation were publicly lowering themselves for. Or so they thought.

Near the back, Malcolm stepped forward with Azeez and Julie. They were staring at the stage like they were watching a ghost. Malcolm narrowed his eyes. Barry was still dabbing at Avery’s dress, and Andrew was standing at Robert’s side like a bodyguard.

Malcolm’s mind was racing. Is this because of Avery? Or is it because of the boy? He remembered the incidents from the Academy.

It didn't make sense. Robert came from nothing and now he's being respected and making grand entries with one of the most beautiful girls in the state. Power doesn't just appear like that. And yet, there it was, standing right in front of him.

Morris finally forced his legs to move. He walked down from his seat, his polished shoes echoing like hammer strikes on the marble floor. He climbed onto the stage, but he didn't look at Robert. He went straight to Avery.

“Miss Avery." Morris said, forcing a stiff, fake smile onto his face. “On behalf of the Emmett family, I sincerely apologize for my son’s reckless and unacceptable behavior.” He put a hand over his heart. “He spoke out of ignorance. He was disrespectful. I am deeply ashamed.”

The hall was silent. Morris was trying to take the wheel again. “You are a valued guest, Avery. Please, do not let this unfortunate moment ruin our relationship.” He bowed to her.

Every eye in the room was watching. This wasn't normal.

Then, Andrew’s calm voice cut through the air. “I believe." he said gently. “you are forgetting someone, Mr. Emmett.”

The tone was polite, but it felt like a threat.

Morris turned slowly. Andrew’s gaze shifted to Robert. The hall followed, and for a split second, Morris’s mask slipped. He had heard the word "Sir.”

He knew something was wrong. But his pride was too big. He buried his shock under a cold smile.

“Ah." Morris said, waving his hand as if Robert were a fly. “That young man.” His tone turned cold. “He wasn't on the guest list. He’s only here because of Miss Avery’s kindness.”

“He doesn't belong in our circle." Morris added. “However, because I respect Miss Avery, I will overlook his presence.”

Morris didn’t even look at him when he said it.

Andrew’s face didn't change, but Barry’s eyes turned red. Before they could speak, Professor Darby stepped forward.

“Mr. Emmett.”

The Professor's voice was quiet, but it carried an old, dangerous authority. He stepped fully onto the stage.

“If you value our relationship." the Professor continued.“You will apologize immediately.”

Morris’s jaw tightened. “Professor, surely you’re joking. The boy is—”

“I am not joking." Professor Darby interrupted. His eyes were steady and serious. “If you want to keep standing where you are today." he said quietly. “This is the only thing you can do.”

Morris looked at Robert for the first time that night.

And for the first time in years, Morris Emmett hesitated, and in that single heartbeat, the entire hall realized the balance of power had shifted.