The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 45: The Attention It Brings

Morning arrived with a quiet, golden glow.

Soft sunlight slipped through the massive floor to ceiling windows of the penthouse, painting the room in warmth. Below, the city was already buzzing with traffic and noise, but inside the suite, the silence felt sacred.

Avery was the first to wake.

She didn't get up immediately. Instead, she stayed perfectly still watching him. Robert was asleep beside her, his features were completely relaxed. His arm was draped loosely over her waist, his breathing slow and rhythmic. In the morning light, he didn't look like a mysterious man anymore — he just looked peaceful.

She found herself smiling.

The memories of the night before played back like a movie, the shared laughter, the way they leaned into each other on the couch, and the spark of that first kiss. Her cheeks turned a soft pink.

Gently, so she wouldn't wake him, she slipped out of his embrace and headed into the bathroom.

A few minutes later, the silence was broken by a low vibration.

Robert’s phone was buzzing on the bedside table. His eyes snapped open instantly— no grogginess. He glanced at the screen.

Father.

He stared at the word for a heartbeat before answering. "Good morning Father."

"I assume you're alright?" his father’s deep voice echoed through the line.

"I’m fine," Robert replied, his voice calm.

There was a heavy pause on the other end. Then, the question came. "Did you use your powers?"

Robert’s gaze hardened. He sat up, the sheets sliding down his chest. "Yes."

"Explain how it happened." His father said coldly.

"I was cornered," Robert said simply. "My old landlord showed up with about twenty five men. They came to intimidate me and threaten Anna."

"Then?"

"I stopped them, all of them."

The line went quiet again. He could hear his father exhale slowly. "That move has drawn eyes, Robert. Unnecessary attention. People are going to start looking for you. Some will want to test you. Others will want to crush you."

Robert didn't flinch. "I expected as much."

"I am sending protection," his father stated firmly. "A group of top martial artists in the world are on flights now to secure you. I can also send a fleet of Armies, if that’s what it takes. They will stay by your side and prepare you for what’s coming."

"You know I don’t want that," Robert cut in, his voice soft but firm. "I don’t need an army, I’ll be fine father."

"You are underestimating the danger—"

"I’m not," Robert interrupted gently. "But if you're determined to send protection... don't send it to me. Send it to Anna and Avery."

"It should be in secret," Robert added. "They can't know about what's happening. Especially Avery, she deserves to feel safe, not watched."

"So you trust this girl?" his father asked.

Robert’s eyes softened with a small smile. "Yes. I do."

"Very well," his father sighed. "But be careful, Robert. The world is watching now."

The call ended just as the bathroom door clicked open. Avery stepped out, patting her damp hair with a towel.

"I heard something," she said softly, walking toward him. "What are you sending to Anna and me?"

Robert watched her for a second, and a faint, playful smile formed on his lips. "A gift for you both, it's meant to be a surprise, but I guess you heard it all."

Her eyes widened with curiosity. "Is it something crazy?"

"Very." He responded

She laughed, the sound like a melody, and walked over to the bed. "You've surprised me enough Robert," she whispered, leaning down to press a soft kiss to his lips. "Last night was... it was the best. You really made my day."

Robert reached up, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "I’m glad I did."

For a moment, the world felt perfect. But then, the clock on the wall dinged, reminding them of the real world.

"I should probably go," Avery said, her voice full of reluctance. She called her driver and finished getting ready. At the door, she turned back with a playful wink. "Don’t miss me too much, okay?"

Robert smirked. "No promises."

She smiled and disappeared into the hallway. The suite felt suddenly empty. A few seconds later, his phone buzzed again.

It was Anna.

"I hope your little date is over," Anna squeaked the moment he picked up. "I need a ride to school, big brother."

Robert rubbed his temples. "I’m already late for my own classes, Anna. How do you expect me to get you there on time?"

"Then buy me a car," she shot back instantly. "That way I never have to bug you again."

Robert chuckled. "Fine. Get ready, I’m coming to get you."

"Where are you?" She asked

"BGMH. I'm in a different suite, I’ll meet you in the garage."

The engine of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire roared like controlled thunder as they pulled into the school parking lot.

The second the car rolled past the gates, everything seemed to slow down, students froze in their tracks. Conversations stopped and dozens of phones were pulled out.

"Is that...?"

"No way. That’s a Bugatti la voiture noire!"

Robert parked the car smoothly.

At the exact same moment, a bright red Ferrari 458 Italia roared in from the other side. Jane stepped out, looking confident and composed— until she saw the black shadow of the Bugatti. Her smile stiffened.

The passenger door opened, and Anna stepped out, looking like she belonged in a high fashion magazine.

Jane’s eyes went wide with shock for a split second, but she quickly masked it with a forced laugh.

"It’s just a car," Jane said loudly to her group of friends. "It’s nothing special. I’ll have something better before the day runs out. Just watch." She flipped her hair, trying to look bored.

Robert stepped out of the car briefly. He reached into his pocket and handed Anna a sleek, matte black card. "Spend it on whatever you want," he said casually.

Anna stared at the card. "What is this?"

"My card," he teased.

She rolled her eyes. "I can see that, genius."

He leaned in closer, his voice lowered. "It would decline. It can handle anything you throw at it, use it as you please."

Her smile stretched to her ears. "Thank you Robert."

He got back into the driver's seat and zoomed off, leaving a crowd of whispers and jealousy. Anna stood there for a moment, feeling the weight of the card in her hand, before turning toward the school entrance.

She was halfway down the corridor when her path was blocked.

Jane and her three female best friends were standing there, arms folded, blocking the way. Jane’s smile wasn't fake anymore— it was like a predator who had trapped their prey.

"Well," Jane said softly, her eyes narrowing. "It looks like you and I need to have a little talk."