The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 53: The Request Before the Auction

"That’s the one."

Anna sat up straight on the couch, every bit of her earlier frustration vanishing in an instant. Her eyes, which had been tired and dull just minutes ago, were now wide with excitement. 

"Are you serious? We’re actually going to that? I thought the guest list was locked weeks ago."

Robert unbuttoned his cuffs, his movements slow and deliberate. "I want you to come with me. It’s time you saw how this world actually works behind the scenes."

A slow, mischievous smile spread across Anna’s face. It was the kind of look that promised trouble, the kind of look they both used to share when they were kids planning a prank— only this time, the stakes were millions of dollars.

 "To watch you humiliate Edward and his whole family in front of the entire city?"

"And Chloe," Robert added, his voice dropping to a cool, steady murmur.

"And Jane?"

"Yes. Every single one of them." There wasn't a hint of anger in his voice —just a flat certainty that was far scarier than shouting. "They’re going to walk into that room tonight thinking they own the place. They think they’ve climbed to the top. I want them to see us walk in right behind them and realize they haven't even reached the base of the mountain yet."

Anna stood up immediately, smoothing out her clothes as if she were stepping into a suit of armor. She looked energized, ready for whatever was coming.

 "Oh, I am absolutely going. I wouldn’t miss this for the world. I’m going to wear the most expensive thing I own. If we're going to crash their party, we’re going to do it in style."

Robert stood and extended his hand toward her formally, a small glint of pride in his eyes. Anna stared at his hand for a second, then took it and shook it with a look of mock seriousness. "Deal," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Let’s go ruin some lives."

They both shared a small, quiet laugh, a moment of sibling bonding in the middle of the chaos. But the moment was cut short by a vibration. 

Robert’s phone buzzed against the glass coffee table— once, then twice. The harsh sound seemed to echo in the suddenly quiet room, cutting through the mood.

He picked it up— No name. Private ID. No profile picture. He tapped the message open, and for a split second— so fast most people wouldn't have caught it— his eyes widened. 

Then, his face went back to a perfect, unreadable mask.

The message was short and jagged, written like a threat from someone who was an amateur:

I know who you are, Robert. Don’t show up tonight if you want to keep your sister safe.

The temperature in the room felt like it dropped ten degrees. Anna noticed immediately. She was his sister, she could read the slight shift in his shoulders and the way his jaw set, even if his face remained calm.

"What’s wrong?" she asked. Her voice was light, but her eyes were searching his face, looking for the crack in the armor.

Robert locked the screen and set the phone face down on the table. "Nothing," he said smoothly, his voice showing zero emotion. "Just a work thing. A minor issue with a shipment related to the company. Nothing I can't handle with a few calls."

Anna studied him for a few seconds. She felt the change in him— something dangerous had just woken up behind his eyes. 

She didn't believe for a second it was just a shipment, but she didn't push. She knew that if Robert said it was business, it was serious. And if he said it was fine, she trusted him to handle it.

"Okay," she said slowly, though she didn't look entirely convinced. "I'll go get my things ready."

Robert’s mind was already racing through a list of names. Who sent it? Edward? He’d seen the Koenigsegg Jesko earlier, maybe he’d finally realized he was outclassed. Maybe he was trying to play dirty to shake Robert's confidence before the auction started.

Threatening Anna just to get to me? Robert thought. Pathetic.

If Edward or whoever sent that really thought a text message was going to stop him, they had no idea what kind of storm they were actually trying to poke. It didn't make him want to stay home, it made him want to burn their whole world down.

"I’m going to go jump in the shower," Robert said, his voice perfectly calm, as if he hadn't just been threatened. "We'll grab some food after."

Anna nodded. By the time Robert came back out, food had already arrived and was spread out neatly on the table. 

Anna was sprawled back on the couch, her earlier worry seemingly gone, scrolling through her phone and laughing to herself.

He sat down next to her and started to eat, but his mind was still miles away, calculating his next move. Suddenly, Anna froze. Then, she burst out laughing, nearly dropping her phone. "Robert— you have to see this. It's all over the net."

She turned the screen toward him. It was a video clip from the signing event. It showed the Emmetts, Edward, Jane, and their father, Morris. All of them were on their knees, looking small and defeated, apologizing publicly to Robert and Avery. Someone had edited it with dramatic, mocking music, and the comments section was a bloodbath of people making fun of their fall from grace.

Robert allowed himself a small, cold smile as he watched his enemies grovel on the small screen.

"They really shouldn't have underestimated you," Anna said, still chuckling. "They look so pathetic."

Before he could answer, his phone rang again. This time, the caller ID showed a name, Avery.

He picked it up, his voice softening just a bit. "Hey."

"Hey," Avery’s voice came through, sounding warm but clearly carrying excited energy. "Are you free tonight? I know it's last minute."

Robert glanced over at Anna, who was leaning in so far she was practically falling off the couch to eavesdrop. "Why?"

"There’s an event," Avery said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "A huge one. It’s strictly invite only, and people have been trying to bribe their way onto the list for months. I managed to get a spot for you."

He already knew exactly what she was talking about, but he played along. He wanted to hear it from her. "An event?"

"It’s a private Grand Auction. Everyone who matters in this city is going to be there, Robert. The Emmetts, the Grahams— everyone. It's the biggest night of the year."

Anna’s eyes went wide as she realized Avery was talking about the same thing. Robert looked toward the window. The sun had completely disappeared now, leaving the city lights to sparkle like diamonds against the black sky.

Two invitations. One threat. One stage. Tonight, every enemy he had was going to be in the exact same room, tucked away behind velvet curtains and security guards. He could feel the pulse of the city, and it felt like it was waiting for him.

He smiled, a dark, quiet look in his eyes. "I'll be there," he said into the phone, his voice steady. "But there's something I want you to do for me first.”

Avery paused on the other end, sensing the shift in his tone. “Sure, Robert. What is it?”

Robert leaned back, and lowered his voice so even Anna had to strain to hear.