The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 64 The unseen limit

The platform kept rising, making a low humming sound that filled the room, but Anna didn't even look at the stage. She was staring down at her own hands, which were resting in her lap.

Four million dollars.

She had just spent four million dollars in a single breath. There was no shaking in her fingers, no panic in her chest, and most importantly, no phone call from a bank asking her what she was doing. Everything happened instantly. It was the smoothest thing she had ever experienced.

That wasn’t my money, she thought, a strange thrill running through her.

Then it clicked. She thought about the black card tucked inside her small purse and remembered exactly where it came from Robert. Then she remembered what he told her when he dropped her off at school. He had looked her in the eyes and said, "Spend it on anything. It won't decline."

Her fingers tightened around her bag. She finally understood. Robert hadn't just given her a gift, he had given her a weapon. A warm feeling of pure confidence started to spread through her chest. It wasn't the kind of confidence you get from pretending to be rich, it was the kind you get when you know for a fact that you are the most powerful person in the room.

She looked across the aisle at Jane, who was taking deep breaths, trying to look ready for the next round. Anna let out a soft, quiet breath.

Fine, she thought. Let’s see how deep this rabbit hole really goes.

The host’s voice boomed through the hall, breaking the silence. “Ladies and gentlemen, the Second Round of our Private Duel begins now!”

The energy in the room had shifted. The billionaires in the back rows weren't laughing or chatting anymore. They were leaning forward, their eyes darting between the two girls. This wasn't a game for fun anymore. This was about pride, and pride was a very expensive thing to lose.

The First Item for this round.

The platform stopped, revealing a tall crystal case. Inside was a necklace that looked like it belonged to a queen. It was made of platinum and deep purple amethysts, with a centerpiece shaped like a phoenix with wings made of tiny diamonds. It was beautiful, but it looked heavy with history.

“The Phoenix Empress Regalia,” the host announced. “Found in a sealed royal treasury. Starting bid is two hundred and ten million dollars.”

A ripple went through the crowd. Two hundred million? That was a massive jump from the first round.

Jane didn't hesitate. She raised her paddle high. “Two hundred and fifteen million.” Her voice was controlled, but you could see the tension in her neck.

Anna didn't even blink. She didn't look at the price on the screen. She just lifted her paddle like she was ordering a coffee.

“Four hundred and thirty million.”

The silence that followed was so loud it felt like it was ringing in everyone's ears. She had doubled the bid. Just like that.

Jane froze. The color started to drain from her face, and her hand started to tremble as she lowered her paddle. The host swallowed hard, his eyes wide.

“Four hundred and thirty million… going once… twice… sold to Miss Anna!”

The gavel hit the wood with a loud crack. The room erupted into applause, but Anna didn't smile. She just sat there, perfectly calm. Inside, her heart was racing with a different kind of excitement. The card really won’t decline.

The Second Item

Another glass vault rose from the stage. Inside was a ceremonial crown sitting on a bed of black velvet, covered in rare blue sapphires.

“The Sovereign Aurora Circlet,” the host declared. “The starting bid is two hundred and fifty million dollars.”

Jane felt a hand on her arm. It was Chloe, leaning in with a quick wink and a whisper. It was a silent promise, I’ll back you. Use my money if you have to.

Jane straightened her back, her eyes flashing with a bit of hope. “Three hundred million!” she called out.

Anna didn't even wait for the host to breathe. “Five hundred million.”

Jane’s jaw clenched so hard a muscle jumped in her cheek. “Six hundred million!”

Anna’s eyes never left the stage. Her voice was flat and steady. “One billion.”

The number hit the room like a meteor. A man in the front row actually stood up in shock. Someone dropped a wine glass, and the sound of breaking crystal was the only thing heard in the silence.

“One… billion?” the host repeated, his voice cracking.

Jane’s breathing was fast and shallow now. Chloe, who had promised to help, looked like she wanted to disappear into her seat. One billion dollars was a line they weren't prepared to cross.

“Sold to Miss Anna!”

The gavel struck. Anna had just become a billionaire buyer in the blink of an eye. She did it without fear and without asking for permission.

The Third Item on the auction 

The final object was a gold-trimmed portfolio. Inside were the legal papers for a private island in the Mediterranean—complete with a luxury mansion and its own dock.

“The Aurelian Private Isle,” the host said quietly. “Starting bid is five hundred million dollars.”

Jane didn't even touch her paddle. She just stared at the stage, her eyes hollow. Half a billion dollars for a starting bid. Her pride was screaming at her to fight, but her head was telling her she was out of her league. She stayed perfectly still.

The host started the countdown. “Five hundred million going once—”

Anna lifted her paddle. “Five hundred million.”

The room went crazy. She wasn't even bidding against anyone anymore. She was just taking what she wanted.

“Sold! To miss Anna”

It was time for the settlement.

The men in the black suits returned with their silver cases. Everyone in the room turned to watch the math display on the screen.

Anna’s Total was one point nine three billion ($1.93 Billion.)

The number echoed through the hall like a death sentence for the Emmetts and Jane had zero wins this round.

Edward stood up suddenly, his face twisted with anger and confusion. “Let’s see the payment,” he barked. “Process it right now.” He needed to see her fail. He needed the card to decline.

The attendant walked to Anna first. The whole room held its breath as she slid the black card into the machine.

Processing.

One second.

Two.

Three.

APPROVED.

One point nine three billion dollars. Gone. Just like that.

The room went deathly silent. Jane’s face was as white as a sheet, and Edward looked like he was actually afraid for the first time in his life. This wasn't just about Robert anymore. This was Anna. And she had crushed them without breaking a sweat.

Jane looked at her brother, her voice a tiny whisper. “Edward… we lost everything.”

Edward couldn't even find his voice. Across the aisle, Robert leaned back, watching them with a calm, cold expression.

The host raised his hands to quiet the crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen… the Private Duel is over. Miss Anna is the winner.”

The applause was respectful, but also a bit cautious. People were realizing that the power in the city had just shifted.

“By tradition,” the host continued, looking at Anna, “the winner may ask for one thing from the losing side.”

Every eye in the room turned to Anna. Jane tried to stand tall and keep her dignity, while Edward sat there with his jaw clenched.

Anna looked at them for a long time. Then she looked at Robert, who gave her a tiny nod. She turned back to the room, a slow, calm smile spreading across her face.

“I do have a request,” she said, her voice clear and easy.

The billionaires leaned in, not wanting to miss a single word. Anna looked directly at Jane.

“Here is what I want.”