The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 29: The Public Apology

Morris’s eyes widened in total shock. For a second, he thought he had actually misheard.

The entire hall felt distorted, like he was trapped inside a bad dream. The lights seemed too bright, and the silence was so loud it made his ears ring. Professor Darby was more than just an associate, he was a friend. They had shared expensive dinners, closed massive deals, and laughed over private jokes for years.

And now, there he was, standing on the stage, siding with a boy.

First, the Professor had forced Morris to let the boy stay when he was uninvited. Then, he demanded an apology. Morris blinked slowly, trying to stop his hands from shaking.

“Professor Darby…” His voice came out low and strained. “What are you doing right now? You’re already ruining our friendship.”

A murmur moved through the guests like a cold wind. Professor Darby didn't even blink.

“This is not personal, Morris." the Professor said calmly. “This is necessary.”

Morris’s jaw clenched. “Personal?” He gave a hollow, bitter laugh. “You think I would bring personal drama into my own event? I would never disrespect you like that. But this… this is going way too far.”

Robert still hadn’t said a word. He just stood there, watching the chaos with a calm expression. That stillness made Morris even more uneasy. It wasn't the look of a scared student, it was the look of a judge waiting for a sentence.

Andrew Schmidt slowly adjusted his suit cuff. That tiny movement felt louder than Darby's command. Morris looked at Robert again, and something inside him twisted with fear. He didn't understand why the most powerful men in the room were protecting this kid, but the truth was staring him in the face.

If he refused to back down, this night would end him. His pride told him to fight, but his brain showed him the reality of deals falling apart, invitations being canceled, and every important door in the city slamming shut on his family.

Morris took a deep breath and stepped forward. He forced himself to look at Robert, though his voice sounded mechanical and dry.

“Mr. Robert, I apologize for my earlier remarks. They were inappropriate.”

The words were empty. Everyone knew it. Edward stood stiffly beside his father, and Jane twisted her fingers nervously.

Robert didn’t respond. He didn't even nod.

Andrew’s eyes narrowed. “That apology." Andrew said, his voice becoming deep. "is not accepted.”

Whispering started among the guests.

“Why is Andrew Schmidt supporting the kid, could Avery’s influence be this powerful?”

 Morris froze. “What?”

“You insulted him in front of everyone." Andrew said coldly. “You tried to erase his existence. That apology was just to save yourself. It wasn't for him.”

Barry stepped forward, his voice firm. “If you truly want to fix this, you and your family will kneel and apologize properly.”

The air felt like it had been sucked out of the room.

Kneel?

Edward snapped. “This is insane! We are the Emmetts! You can't talk to us like —”

Andrew shifted his gaze to the boy. Edward stopped mid sentence, his throat closing up in fear. Jane whispered sharply. "Edward, that's enough!”

Morris’s face turned ghostly pale. “Kneel?” he repeated in a whisper.

Professor Darby’s voice cut through the air again. “If you want this event to continue… if you want your family to have a future… this is the only thing you can do.”

Morris looked at the crowd.

Hundreds of phones were raised, their cameras recording every second of his downfall.

He saw Silver cover her face in shame.

“I told them." she muttered under her breath.

And Julie looked like she wanted to melt into the floor.

Malcolm stood perfectly still, his mind racing. Who is Robert? What kind of background forces men like Andrew and Barry to go this far? What kind of power tells a family like the Emmetts to get on their knees?

Morris’s heart pounded against his ribs. He looked at his children, Edward and Jane, then at the stage. If they refused, everything they had built would crumble by morning. But if they did it, their pride would be destroyed forever.

 Morris knew that pride doesn't pay the bills and sustain companies however power does. And they had none left.

“What lies ahead." Morris murmured, almost to himself. "is much greater than what stands in front of us now.”

Edward stared at his father in total disbelief. “Father—”

“Kneel.”

The word came out heavy and final. Slowly, painfully, Morris lowered himself. The marble floor felt like ice against his knees.

Edward hesitated, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles were white. Jane followed her father, her head hanging low. Andrew didn't blink. Barry crossed his arms, and Professor Darby watched in a cold, judging silence.

Finally, under the burning gaze of every person in the room, Edward sank to the floor.

A wave of gasps spread through the hall. The cameras zoomed in. Someone whispered. "I can’t believe this is real.”

Morris lowered his head. “We apologize." he said, his voice trembling. “We deeply apologize to you, Mr. Robert, and to your family… for our total disrespect.”

Edward repeated the words through gritted teeth and Jane followed, her voice was barely above a whisper. The hall felt frozen in time. Robert still didn't speak. He just looked down at them, not with anger, but with a terrifying calmness.

Silver turned away, unable to watch. Julie’s face was burning with embarrassment. Malcolm felt a chill settle in his chest. He realized this wasn't just about money or influence anymore. This was something much bigger.

Robert tilted his head to the side, giving a small nod.

Andrew finally spoke. “Now." he said quietly. "you may continue your event.”

Morris slowly lifted his head and stood up. But everything had changed. The Emmetts were still the hosts, but they were no longer the kings of the event.

When Morris looked around, no one met his eyes.