The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 59: The Second Round

The lights didn't just dim, they sank into a deep, moody gold walls. The whole energy in the room shifted instantly. If Round One had been an impressive display of wealth, Round Two felt like stepping onto a literal battlefield.

The host took a moment to adjust his bow tie, and a sharp, professional smile appeared on his face. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, his voice echoing off the velvet walls, “we are now moving into the premium tier. The items you are about to see are no longer just collectibles. They are legacy pieces.”

A heavy platform began to rumble as it rose up from beneath the stage floor, the mechanical sound vibrating through the soles of everyone's expensive shoes.

Lot One — The Sovereign Eclipse

A velvet-lined case opened slowly under a sharp white spotlight. Inside sat a watch, but calling it a watch felt like an insult.

“This,” the host began, his voice full of respect, “is the Sovereign Eclipse. It was crafted in 1721 as a tribute to the Valorian royals. It features twelve black diamonds and a mechanical movement so complex that no modern watchmaker can replicate it today.”

The room went dead silent. You could hear the collective intake of breath as the starting bid hit the air. “Starting bid— 150 million dollars.”

Before anyone could even process that number, Robert’s paddle went up. It was immediate. It was calm. “170 million.”

Edward’s jaw tightened. He felt the challenge. “180 million.”

Robert didn't even blink. He didn't need to check his bank balance to keep bidding or seek permission from anyone, he just raised his paddle again. “360 million.”

The room gasped. He hadn't just outbid Edward, he had doubled the price in one move. Edward leaned so far forward in his chair that he was almost standing. “400 million!”

Robert’s eyes stayed calm and locked on the stage. “800 million.”

A ripple of genuine shock spread across the hall. Even the oldest, richest billionaires in the back were turning in their seats to stare at the back of Robert's head. Edward’s pride was screaming now. He couldn't let "the scholarship kid" win this. “850!”

Robert raised his paddle again without a single second of hesitation. “1.7 billion.”

The silence that followed was suffocating. It was so quiet you could hear the blood pumping in your ears. The host looked like he’d forgotten how to speak. Edward just stared at Robert, his mind unable to keep up with the math.

A small smirk appeared on Robert's lips and he leaned into his chair.

The host cleared his throat, his hand shaking slightly. “1.7 billion going once… going twice… Sold. To Mr. Robert.”

The room exploded into noise—half awe, half total disbelief. Edward didn't clap. His knuckles were so dry they looked like bone as he gripped his paddle.

Lot Two — The Atlas Codex

The next platform brought up a massive, leather-bound book sitting under protective glass.

“The Atlas Codex,” the host announced. “A 400-year-old navigation manuscript used by the early explorers. Lost for centuries, found only last year.”

“Starting bid: 140 million.”

Robert was on it instantly. “150.”

Edward forced himself to keep up, his voice sounding a bit strained. “165.”

Robert’s paddle lifted smoothly. “330 million.”

He’d done it again. Doubled the price without a care in the world. Edward’s heart was hammering against his ribs now. “350!”

Robert didn't even look in his direction. “700 million.”

Someone in the row behind them actually whispered, “This is insane. This isn't even bidding anymore.”

Edward swallowed hard. He felt like he was drowning, but he couldn't stop. “720 million!”

Robert raised his paddle casually “1.44 billion.”

More gasps came from the guests. The host’s voice was actually trembling now. “1.44 billion going once… twice… Sold to Mr. Robert.”

Robert folded his paddle neatly. Edward was staring at him now, his eyes wide. What are you doing? he thought. But Robert didn't even glance at him.

Lot Three — The Celestial Symphony

This lot was a collection of six ancient instruments, including Stradivarius violins. They looked beautiful under the lights, but all Edward saw was another chance to win.

“The starting bid is 200 million.” The host announced.

The bidding was fierce. Other billionaires were actually jumping in now, desperate to own a piece of the set. “300 million!” “330million!”

Edward finally raised his paddle. “350 million.”

Robert stayed still for a moment, and Edward felt a tiny spark of control return. But then Robert’s paddle went up. “500 million.”

Edward’s pride was shattered. He wanted to crush Robert once and for all. “1.2 billion!”

He doubled it, he did the same move Robert had been doing. The room was a mess of hushed whispers. Robert watched Edward carefully this time, then slowly, very slowly, he lowered his paddle.

“1.2 billion going once… twice… Sold! To Mr. Edward Emmett!”

Thundering applause filled the room. Edward leaned back, a huge, relieved smile on his face. He’d won a big one. He looked over at Robert and smirked. Across the aisle, Robert just gave him a small, polite nod.

Lot Four — Apollo IE Twelve Sovereigns Edition

The curtains parted to reveal a car that looked like it had been carved out of a red diamond and matte obsidian with gold tracing.

“One of one,” the host said. “The Twelve Sovereigns Edition Apollo IE.”

The engine roared to life for a second, and the floor actually vibrated.

“Starting bid is 350 million.” The host announced.

“400 million,” Edward called out, trying to keep his momentum.

Robert raised his paddle. “850 million.”

Another wave of shock hit the room. This wasn't just bidding, it was annihilation. Nobody dared to raise a hand against that number.

“850 million… sold to Mr. Robert.”

Edward felt a cold knot form in his stomach. Was Robert actually spending this money, or was he just making numbers up?

Lot Five — The Aurelian Archipelago

The final item was an entire chain of private islands in the Mediterranean. The screen showed crystal blue water and luxury villas.

“The Starting bid is 400 million.” The host announced.

The bids climbed quickly to 470 million. Robert lifted his paddle. “500 million.”

Edward took a deep breath. He’d already spent a fortune, but he couldn't end the round on a loss, his ego wouldn't let him. “600 million.”

Robert paused, studying Edward’s face for a long time. Then, casually he lifted his paddle “610 million.”

Edward’s jaw was set. He was going to win this no matter what. “630 million!”

He waited for Robert to double it. He waited for the 1.2 billion to come out of Robert's mouth. But Robert just leaned back and looked away.

“630 million going once… twice… Sold! To Mr. Edward Emmett.”

Applause broke out, but it felt different this time. It wasn't one of cheer but respect. Edward sat there, frozen. He had won the islands, but he felt like he’d been led into a trap. Robert looked way too relaxed.

Suddenly, Edward stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor.

“Pause the auction!” he shouted.

The room became quiet and all heads turned to Edward. The host blinked in confusion. “Excuse me?”

Edward’s voice was sharp. “Before we go any further, I want immediate verification of payment for everything bought in Round Two. We’re talking about billions of dollars now. Let’s see who’s actually got the money… and who’s just a scholarship kid telling lies.”

Every eye in the room turned toward Robert. Robert didn't move. He didn't smile. He just met Edward’s gaze with an absolutely terrifying calm.

The host swallowed— a lump formed in his throat. Everything was about to come crashing down.