The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 30: The Sound of the Fall

Morris slowly lifted his head.

He forced his spine to go straight, trying to reclaim some shred of his dignity. But as he looked around the grand hall, he realized the world had changed. No one would meet his eyes. The powerful men and women who had begged for his favor minutes ago were now looking at the floor or whispering behind their hands.

Except for one person. Noah.

For a split second, their eyes locked. Morris saw something in Noah’s gaze that felt like a needle to the chest. And then, a strange sound broke the heavy silence.

It was a soft crack. It sounded like someone trying, and failing, to hold in a laugh.

Morris went stiff, then another sound followed, another person made the same short, muffled sound. The room became more quiet as the whispering stopped. And then, someone finally lost it.

A laugh burst out, it was loud, ugly, and completely uncontrolled.

The entire hall froze for half a second, shocked by the noise. But then, like a dam breaking, another person started laughing. Then five more. Then fifty. Within seconds, the hall was echoing with the sound of a hundred people mocking one of the most powerful families in the city.

This wasn't polite or awkward laughter. It was cruel, people were doubling over, covering their mouths, and some didn't even try to hide their faces.

They were laughing at the Emmetts. They were laughing at the mighty Morris, the untouchable Edward, and the perfect Jane, the family that had just crawled on the floor for a scholarship student.

Edward’s face turned a violent shade of red before going deathly pale. Jane looked like she was about to pass out from the shame. Morris stood like a statue, his hands trembling at his sides.

The laughter only got louder. Phones were still held high, recording the humiliation. Someone even replayed the video of them kneeling, and the sound of Morris’s shaky apology echoed through the speakers for a second before a technician cut it off.

Suddenly, Chloe covered her face and began to sob.

“It’s all my fault…” she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I pushed him… I told Edward to do it…”

Her voice broke into a wail. She couldn't take the pressure. She turned and bolted, her heels clicking loudly against the marble as she fled the hall. Julie hesitated for a second, then hurried after her friend, disappearing into the dark corridor.

The laughter didn't stop. Edward clenched his fists so hard his nails drew blood. He looked like he wanted to kill someone, but he knew he couldn't. Not tonight and not after this.

Morris felt the humiliation burning in his chest like a fever. This was worse than kneeling. Kneeling was a deal, but being mocked was a death sentence for his reputation. He closed his eyes for exactly one second.

In that second, he made a cold, hard choice. This wouldn't break him. It would turn him into stone. He would grow richer, meaner, and more powerful than anyone in this room. He was willing to swallow this poison if it meant he could destroy them all later.

He opened his eyes. They were cold and focused.

Near the stage, Barry stepped toward Robert and Avery. Andrew followed close behind.

“Sir,” Barry said respectfully, keeping his voice low. “Please, let us escort you so you can clean up properly. We sincerely hope you weren't too offended by the Emmetts’ behavior.”

Andrew nodded in agreement. “We apologize for the mess.”

Robert looked at them. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, a small, calm smile appeared on his lips.

“It’s fine, we'll go clean up, you can stay.” he said simply.

He held out his hand to Avery. She looked at him, then gently placed her hand in his. The laughter in the hall softened as people realized they were moving. Robert and Avery began walking towards the private corridor.

As they walked, one guard detached himself from the shadows of the wall. He wore a sharp black suit and a dark Oni face mask. He didn't say a word, he just followed a few paces behind them like a ghost.

Morris watched them leave. His eye brow raised in confusion. Why does a student need a masked guard?

Something was wrong. Deeply, dangerously wrong. He quickly turned to Andrew and Barry, trying to force his voice to sound normal.

“Gentlemen,” Morris said, His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s not let this little incident delay our business. We should continue. Sign the papers and finalize the deal.”

Andrew looked at Barry. Then he looked back at Morris. “I’m afraid we cannot proceed yet.”

Morris’s fake smile froze. “And why is that?”

This time, Barry spoke. “Our boss hasn't arrived.”

Morris blinked, confused. “Your boss?”

Andrew’s face was a mask of professional calm. “Yes. The Graham heir.”

The noise in the hall died away instantly. For the first time since the laughter started, Morris’s eyes lit up. A slow, greedy smile spread across his face.

“I see.” He straightened his suit, feeling his confidence return. “I have been anticipating the arrival of the Graham heir as well. They are legendary figures.”

Andrew looked at him and said nothing, same with Barry. The air between them felt thick.

The laughter in the room was gone, and now. Everyone was waiting, they were anticipating someone even more powerful to walk through those doors.

And down the quiet corridor, Robert walked calmly toward the private rooms. He seemed totally unaware, or perhaps he knew that if they found out he was the Graham heir, it would turn the building upside down.