The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 36: The second dance

The music didn't stop. It just dipped low, becoming a soft hum in the background. Every eye in the hall was still pinned on Tracy.

“I’ll only join in,” she said, her voice clear and steady, “if Robert doesn’t dance.”

The words hit the room hard. There was no shaking in her voice, and no fear. For a split second, Edward just stared at her. Then, a smile spread across his lips, but it wasn't the friendly one he had been wearing all night.

“Ah,” Edward said smoothly into the microphone. “Do you mean the opposite? Are you asking Robert to come join us instead?”

A few people in the crowd laughed nervously. Tracy didn't join them. Her face stayed serious.

“No,” she said. “I spoke clearly. I meant exactly what I said.”

The room went quiet again. Edward tilted his head, his eyes narrowed. “And may I ask why?”

Tracy didn't blink. “If we really want to fix the mistakes of tonight,” she said, “then we should make sure there isn't another accident.”

That word, accident hung in the air like a threat.

She kept going before anyone could cut her off. “Robert and Avery should stay in their seats. Let them watch. Let them judge the rest of us. That way, everyone is safe, everyone is happy, and there would be no more misunderstandings.”

For the first time all night, Edward’s fake smile vanished. It was only gone for a second, but it was enough. It looked like Tracy had seen right through him, like she had stepped over a trap he hadn't even set off yet.

His jaw tightened, but he recovered fast. He let out a dry laugh. “That’s… an interesting idea.” He turned politely toward the high status VVIP table. “Robert. Avery. Does that sound okay to you?”

The attention of the room shifted upward. Robert didn't answer right away. He leaned back in his chair, looking as calm as a summer lake. His eyes were impossible to read. Then, he looked at Avery. She met his gaze.

“Well,” she whispered softly, “this took a different turn than I expected.”

Robert gave a tiny nod. “Yeah. He definitely had a plan.”

Avery’s lips curved into a small smile. “It looks like someone else didn't want his plan to happen.” She glanced toward Tracy, then back to Robert. “So,” she asked quietly, “are we acting as judges now?”

Avery smiled. “Why not?”

Robert looked back at the stage. “We agree,” he said clearly.

A quiet exhale of relief moved through the guests. Edward gave a respectful bow. “Then let’s make this a dance to remember.”

The music turned up, becoming rich and full. This time, nobody hesitated. Edward held out his hand to Chloe, and she placed hers in his without a word. Across the stage, Malcolm looked at Tracy. She stepped forward.

“Don’t make me regret this,” she muttered under her breath.

Malcolm managed a small, nervous smile. “I’ll try not to.”

They moved into position. The lights dimmed, casting a warm gold glow across the polished marble floor.

And then it began.

Edward and Chloe moved first. They were slow and perfectly controlled. Every step was measured and Chloe matched him perfectly, her posture elegant and her face calm. They looked like two people who had practiced this in secret for weeks.

Across from them, Malcolm and Tracy started. Malcolm was stiff at first, his movements were jerky. But Tracy wasn't. She flowed with the music, her grace forcing him to find his own rhythm. Slowly, he began to relax.

Other wealthy students joined in, one by one. Pairs formed and shoes glided across the marble platform.

 The music grew even richer, with the sound of strings layering over the piano. Soon, even the older guests stepped forward. Laughter returned to the room, and the whispers turned into applause. The dance floor was full.

From the VVIP section, Avery watched with interest. A soft smile appeared on her lips. “They’re actually doing a good job,” she said.

Robert’s eyes scanned the floor like a predator. “They’re being careful,” he replied.

Below, Edward twirled Chloe smoothly. They moved in slow, perfect circles across the floor. But Edward’s eyes weren't on his partner. He was searching and calculating. Looking through the crowd for one specific person.

Meanwhile, something else was happening. From the far end of the hall, a small figure slipped past the guests. She moved toward the guarded stairs leading up to the VVIP area.

Anna.

She was only thirteen, but she walked with a commanding confidence. The security at the stairs recognized her and stepped aside immediately. She climbed the steps quickly.

Avery noticed her first. “Anna?” she said softly.

Anna stopped in front of Robert. “Let me go,” she said.

Robert raised an eyebrow. “Go where?”

“To dance.”

Robert blinked. “Are you sure? You remember what happened the last time I was on that floor.”

Anna nodded. “It looked like he was really apologizing,” she said, her voice soft. “And I liked the last dance. You never got to finish it. This would be perfect.”

Robert studied her face. She wasn't scared or nervous, she was hopeful. He stayed quiet for a moment.

Anna folded her arms. “You wouldn't dare say no to such a beautiful girl,” she teased him. “I’ve seen the way you’ve been looking at Avery. I'm sure you want to dance with her again, but you should dance with me Brother.”

Avery’s cheeks turned a soft pink. Robert let out a slow breath. “A test, huh?”

Anna nodded confidently. Robert glanced down at the dance floor. Edward and Chloe were moving closer to their side of the room. They were drifting slowly, very slowly.

Robert stood up. The move alone made a few heads turn.

Anna’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious?”

He held out his hand to her. “Stay close to me,” he said.

She grinned and took his hand. They walked down the stairs together. When they stepped onto the dance floor, the crowd parted for them, not because someone yelled, but because it felt natural to move out of their way.

Space opened up around them. Some guests kept dancing, while others slowed down just to watch. The music shifted, becoming softer and more intimate. Robert placed one hand gently on Anna’s back and held her hand steady with the other.

They began to move. It was smooth, measured, and incredibly graceful. He led her effortlessly, and she followed with light, happy steps.

Up in the VVIP section, Avery leaned forward. She wasn't jealous, she looked impressed.

Across the floor, Edward saw them.

His eyes narrowed. For a split second, he stopped moving. Chloe felt the change instantly. “What is it?” she whispered.

Edward’s lips curved into a slow, dark smile. It wasn't warm or charming, it was cold. “He finally stepped in," Edward murmured.