The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 58: The First Round

The inside of the auction hall was exactly what you’d expect for a room full of billionaires. High ceilings were covered in soft gold lights, and massive crystal chandeliers hung down like frozen fireworks, making every diamond ring and polished watch in the room sparkle.

The walls were lined with heavy velvet to keep the sound in, and the floors were so clean you could see your own reflection as you walked.

This wasn't just a fancy party, it was a battlefield where everyone was wearing a tuxedo. You could feel the weight of the money in the room— it was thick, like the air right before a thunderstorm.

Edward walked in with Chloe and Jane by his side. He tried his best to look like he’d already forgotten about the embarrassment at the front gate, but his jaw was still tight. He was looking for a win to save his reputation.

They took their seats in the front executive row, just a few spots away from where Robert and Avery were sitting. Anna had picked out the best seats in the house— right in the center with a perfect, clear view of the stage.

Edward noticed Robert sitting there, looking completely relaxed, and it clearly annoyed him. He didn't say a word, though. He just stared straight ahead as the rest of the guests— royalty, business moguls, and heirs to massive fortunes— filled the remaining seats. The room was buzzing with quiet, nervous chatter until the lights finally started to dim.

A tall man with silver hair and a sharp black suit stepped onto the stage. He had a smooth, confident voice that immediately silenced the entire room.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said with a wide smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. “The moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Welcome to tonight’s Grand Auction.”

A polite wave of applause went around the hall. Behind the man, a heavy glass platform slowly started to rise from underneath the stage floor, making a low mechanical hum that made everyone lean forward.

“Item One— The Fallen Seraph”

The spotlight hit a beautiful marble statue. It looked almost alive under the bright white light.

“Our first item,” the host announced, gesturing toward the stage. “‘The Fallen Seraph.’ This is a 17th century marble sculpture from the master Lorenzo Valenti. It’s been hidden away in a private collection near the Vatican for years. It is, quite literally, one of a kind.”

A low murmur went through the crowd. You could hear the rustle of papers as people checked their notes.

“Starting bid— six million dollars.”

A paddle went up in the middle of the room almost immediately. “Six!”

Edward didn't hesitate for a second. He raised his paddle high. “Eight.”

Another bidder jumped in quickly. “Eight and a half.”

Robert casually lifted his paddle, not even looking away from the stage. “Eight and a half.”

Edward didn't even glance in Robert's direction, but his grip on his paddle tightened. “Nine million.”

“Ten!” a voice called out from the left.

Edward’s voice was cold as he cut through the bidding. “Fifteen million.”

The room went quiet. That was a huge jump, and nobody wanted to go higher than that for the very first item. It was a clear stay away move.

“Fifteen million going once… going twice… Sold to Mr. Edward Emmett.”

There was a round of applause. Edward leaned back in his chair, a small, smug smile on his face. Robert didn't react at all, he just watched the stage as if he were at a movie.

“Item Two — The Midnight Sun”

The platform lowered and a new one rose up, carrying three framed canvases.

“Item Two: ‘The Midnight Sun Collection.’ These are three original oil paintings that were lost for over a hundred years before being rediscovered and restored to their original glory.”

There were a few audible gasps from the art lovers in the room. This was a piece of history.

“Starting at ten million.”

The bidding moved fast this time, the numbers flying through the air.

“Twelve!”

“Fifteen!”

“Eighteen!”

Robert raised his paddle calmly, his voice steady. “Twenty.”

Edward was right on his heels, not letting Robert have a second of breathing room. “Twenty eight.”

The mood in the room shifted. You could feel the heat rising as the numbers climbed. People were whispering, wondering how far this would go.

“Thirty two,” another bidder called out.

Edward didn't even blink. “Forty.”

There was a short, heavy pause. Robert looked toward the stage, tilted his head, and said, “Forty two.”

Edward snapped back instantly, his voice getting louder. “Fifty.”

The room started whispering. Fifty million dollars for three paintings was a massive statement of power. It was way more than the paintings were actually worth.

“Sold at fifty million dollars… to Edward Emmett.”

There was more applause. Robert simply folded his paddle and rested it on his lap, looking perfectly fine with losing. He almost looked bored.

“Item Three— the Crown of Helios”

The lights got even dimmer, and the room got even quieter. Everyone knew the big items were coming.

“Item Three,” the host said, his voice dropping to a low, dramatic whisper. “The Crown of Helios.”

It was a gold crown from the 16th century, covered in massive, uncut emeralds and rubies. It looked like something stolen from a museum. You could feel the air in the room get tight, like everyone was holding their breath at the same time.

“Starting bid— twenty million.”

Hands went up everywhere. The room was a blur of movement.

“Thirty!”

“Forty five!”

“Sixty!”

Robert finally raised his paddle again, his eyes locked on Edward. “Sixty five.”

Edward glanced over at him for a split second, his eyes narrowing into slits. “Seventy.”

A billionaire in the third row tried to stay in, but he sounded nervous. “Seventy two.”

Robert paused for a long second, making everyone in the room wait. The silence was deafening. Finally, he spoke. “Seventy five.”

Edward didn't wait even a heartbeat. He wanted to show Robert who the boss was. “Eighty.”

The room went completely still. Eighty million dollars. It was the highest bid of the night so far. The host’s voice rang out through the silence, sounding almost shocked.

“Eighty million going once… going twice… Sold. To Edward Emmett.”

The applause was much louder this time. Edward had bought the first three items, spending a total of a hundred and forty five million dollars in less than an hour. He sat back, his pride finally returning. He felt like the king of the room again, and he shot a quick, arrogant look toward Robert.

Across the aisle, Robert just watched him. He looked calm, unbothered, almost like he was enjoying a show he’d already seen before. Avery leaned in and whispered something to him, and he just gave a small nod.

The host raised his hand to quiet the crowd. “That was an incredible opening round. Mr. Emmett has secured most of our premier artifacts so far.”

Edward took in the praise, soaking it up. But the host wasn't finished.

“And now, ladies and gentlemen…” The lights went even lower until the room was almost dark. “It’s time for Round Two. And this time… we’re moving into the hundreds of millions.”

A much larger, heavier platform started to rise from the floor with a deep rumble. The room buzzed with a mix of excitement and fear. Edward’s eyes sharpened— he was ready to dominate the whole night. Robert’s expression didn't change at all.

The real war was finally starting.