The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 35: The Smile Before the Storm

Across the room, Edward smiled.

It wasn't a big, goofy grin. It was a sharp, steady, and very confident look. Near the stage, a tall man stepped forward, and his presence made the whispers in the room die down instantly.

It was Edward’s father, Morris Emmett.

He adjusted the microphone with calm hands and looked out at the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen," he said, his voice deep and steady. “Thank you for being so patient tonight.”

The ballroom went quiet.

“I believe my son has something he would like to say to all of you.”

A soft wave of curious whispers moved through the guests. Edward didn't rush. He walked toward the stage with slow, measured steps. He looked perfectly in control, maybe even a little too calm.

He took the microphone from his father. For a second, he just stood there in silence. Then, he bowed his head just a little.

“Tonight." Edward began, his voice sounding warm and clear. "did not start the way it should have.”

The room was so still you could hear a pin drop.

“There was some confusion. There was a lot of tension. And for all of that… I am the one who takes responsibility.”

The guests looked at each other, surprised. This didn't sound like the arrogant Edward they all knew.

“I was raised to know the value of respect." he continued. “And tonight isn't just about who has power or status. It’s about unity. It’s about celebrating a great opportunity for all of us.”

His voice got softer, sounding more sincere. “To everyone here… thank you for being patient with us. Thank you for standing by the Emmett family.”

A few people started to clap. Then, the whole room joined in. Edward gave a modest smile.

“But saying sorry is easy." he said with a small laugh. “I should actually do something. I think I accidentally ruined the first welcome dance earlier.”

The crowd let out a ripple of light laughter.

“So, I’d like to fix that. I want to open the floor again. A dance for everyone!”

More applause broke out.

“And." Edward added with a playful sigh. "my best friend Malcolm is definitely going to join me.”

The room burst into real laughter this time. Every eye turned to find Malcolm in the crowd. Edward pointed right at him with a big grin. “You don't get a choice, man!”

The heavy tension finally seemed to melt away. But Malcolm wasn't smiling.

Edward turned slightly toward the VVIP section. “Avery." he said with total respect. "would that be okay with you?”

The room went quiet again as everyone looked at her. Avery sat gracefully at the high status table. She didn't answer right away. Instead, she turned her head slowly.

She looked at Robert.

The move was small, but everyone noticed it. Robert sat there calmly, one hand resting on the table. He met her eyes. He didn't say a word out loud. He just gave a tiny, slow nod.

Avery watched him for a second longer. Then she looked back at the stage. She made a smooth gesture with both hands.

Go ahead.

A wave of relief washed over the crowd. Edward bowed to her. “It’s an honor," he said.

The lights began to dim, and soft, elegant music started to play. Edward stepped back and waved Malcolm toward the stage. “Come on," he called out. “Don't make me beg!”

Malcolm felt like the weight of every eye in the room was crushing him. Tracy grabbed his arm. “You don't have to go up there," she whispered.

Julie looked worried, and Silver was staring at the stage, not even blinking.

“They’re all waiting." Malcolm muttered.

On stage, Edward’s smile was perfect. It looked friendly, but his eyes were as sharp as needles. Malcolm let out a long breath. "Fine," he whispered.

He started walking. One step. Then another. Edward’s smile grew even wider as Malcolm climbed the stairs.

"And," Edward added smoothly. "I think Chloe deserves this dance more than anyone as we are in this together.”

The spotlight moved to the edge of the crowd. Chloe was standing there. Her face was clean now, and she looked perfectly calm. She walked toward the stage like a queen.

The music got louder. Malcolm leaned in close to Edward and whispered. "What are you playing at?”

Edward kept smiling at the crowd. “Just relax," he whispered back.

Back at the tables, Malcolm’s friends weren't sure what to do. Malcolm stepped down for a second and leaned closer to them. “Come with me," he urged. “It’ll look even worse if we refuse.”

Tracy shook her head. “This feels like a trap.”

Silver looked around the room. “He’s setting something up. I can feel it.”

Malcolm’s jaw tightened. “Everyone is watching us. If we say no now, it’ll be a huge scene.”

Edward tapped the mic again. "Malcolm," he chuckled. "Bring one of your friends up. Let’s make this a night to remember!”

The pressure in the ballroom became thick and heavy. People were smiling, but they were also waiting to see what happened next. Tracy looked at Malcolm for a long time. Then she sighed.

"Fine," she said.

Malcolm’s shoulders dropped as he felt a bit of relief.

“But." Tracy added, her voice suddenly very steady. "I’ll only join you… on one condition.”

The music kept playing softly in the background. Edward tilted his head, looking curious. The entire ballroom seemed to pause one more time.

Tracy stepped forward, her eyes locked onto Edward’s.

"I would only join. If Robert isn't going to dance.”