The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 40: The Beginning of the discovery

The heavy doors closed behind them with a thud.

To them, the music was a muffled beat, and out here, the night was quiet. 

The chilling air had the faint, bitter scent of expensive champagne and cigarette smoke.

Anna turned to Robert instantly. Her eyes weren't red from crying, they were burning with pure rage.

“You promised me." she said, her voice trembling. “You gave me your word that you wouldn’t sign a single thing with the Emmetts.”

Robert stood there, perfectly still. He was calm.

“They signed the deal, Robert." Anna continued, her voice rising. “Look at them. They’re in there celebrating. They even insulted Miss Avery and they treated us like dirt. Is this really what you wanted?”

Avery stood quietly by Robert’s side. She didn’t say a word, she just watched them.

Robert looked at his sister. His voice was a soft murmur. “Anna. Breathe in slowly.”

She stared at him, her chest heaving.

“You have to trust me." he said.

Anna let out a short, bitter laugh. “Trust you? They’re throwing a party in there like they own the world, they think they’ve won everything.”

Robert’s eyes remained as he smiled. “They haven’t won.”

Anna crossed her arms tightly. “I hope you’re right. Because right now? It feels like we’ve already lost.”

Robert took a step toward her, his shadow stretching long across the pavement. “Tonight." he said, his voice dropping to a whisper, “is the last night any of them will ever feel happy.”

Anna searched his face, looking for a lie, but she found nothing.

“No matter what you saw in that room." he continued, “I kept my promise.”

The anger in her eyes slowly turned into confusion.

“I told you." Robert said, looking back at the closed doors. “I would make the Emmetts suffer, and this joy they’re feeling? It’s all fake and temporary.”

Anna followed his gaze. From behind the walls, she could hear the muffled sound of people cheering and glasses clinking.

Robert’s voice got even lower, sending a shiver down her spine. “Watch closely. The fall is coming and they will bow to you.”

Then, just as quickly as the tension had arrived, it vanished. A smile appeared on Robert’s face. He shrugged his shoulders casually. “Anyway." he said, as if they were talking about the weather, “Avery and I still have a date tonight.”

Anna blinked, caught off guard. “A date? Now?”

Robert nodded seriously. “Yes right now.”

For a second, Anna just stared at him in total shock. Then, she burst out laughing. “In a mess like this? You’re so unbelievable brother.”

Even Avery looked surprised, a small blush creeping up her cheek. Anna turned to her and gave her a warm, genuine smile. “And you look beautiful tonight, Miss Avery.”

Avery smiled, then held her chest lightly.

“I mean it." Anna added. “You stood up for us in there. That took real guts and It’s hard to find people with hearts like yours.”

“Thank you…” Avery whispered, looking down at her shoes.

Anna turned back to her brother. “Take good care of her tonight.”

Robert raised an eyebrow. “Of course I will.”

Avery pulled out her phone and dialed a number, after two rings it connected.

“Bring the car to the front entrance now.”

A few minutes later, two bright beams of light cut through the darkness at the end of the driveway. A low, powerful growl echoed into the night. A sleek, pitch black Ferrari 812 Competizione drove forward and came to a stop in front of them. The engine sounded like a caged beast.

The driver stepped out, wearing a bright red suit and white gloves. He stood tall and gave a deep, respectful bow. “Miss Avery.”

Avery gestured toward Anna. “Please take Miss Anna home. Make sure she gets there safely.”

The driver nodded. Anna looked at the car, her eyes wide. “Wow." she muttered. She looked at Robert one last time. “Don’t be late for your date.”

Robert gave her a faint smirk. Anna climbed into the Ferrari, the door shut with a low, expensive thud. The engine roared, and within seconds, the car was nothing but two red taillights disappearing into the night.

Inside the Ferrari, the city lights blurred past the windows as he drove. 

After a few minutes of silence, the driver spoke up.

“Miss Anna, where are we heading?”

“BGMH Hotel." she replied calmly, leaning back into the leather seat.

The driver paused. He glanced at her through the mirror. “I’m sorry, Miss… did you say BGMH?”

“Yes.”

The driver hesitated, his brow furrowing. “Are you sure that’s correct?”

“Yes." she said firmly. “Bertha Graham Memorial Hotel.”

The driver’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't argue. He turned the wheel, and the car changed direction. Ten minutes later, the massive, glowing towers of the BGMH Hotel rose above them. It looked like a palace made of glass and gold.

The Ferrari pulled up into the main driveway.

“Take us to the underground garage." Anna instructed.

The driver blinked. “Miss, the main entrance is right here. The staff will—”

“The underground garage." she repeated. There was a cold authority in her voice that shut him up instantly.

The driver obeyed. The car descended into the private underground level. It was silent, spotless, and filled with security. 

He parked the car and shut off the engine.

Anna stepped out of the car. Instead of going toward the normal elevators, she walked straight towards the gold reflective doors. The driver hopped out and hurried after her.

“Miss Anna… wait, are you sure about this?”

She didn't answer. She walked with total confidence. The security guards at the door didn't move an inch to stop her. In fact, they stepped aside and bowed their heads as she passed.

The driver’s jaw dropped.

The driver followed her as she stepped into the VIP elevator — the one that only goes to the very top. The doors slid shut and the numbers on the screen counted fast.

30.

31.

32.

The doors opened to a hallway lined with thick, plush carpet and soft golden lights. It felt like a different world. Anna walked forward like she owned every inch of the floor. She stopped at the largest door at the end of the hall, it was The Presidential Penthouse.

She placed her hand on the electronic scanner.

Beep.

The lock clicked open. The driver felt his heart skip a beat. Anna pushed the door open and walked inside. The lights turned on automatically, revealing floor to ceiling windows that showed the entire city sparkling below. It was luxury beyond imagination.

The driver stood frozen in the doorway, afraid to even step on the carpet. “Miss… this room… it costs more for one night than most people make in years.”

Anna turned around slowly. Her face was calm, and her expression remained unreadable.

“This is my room." she said.

The driver’s mouth hung open. He couldn't find a single word to say.