The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 69: The Grip from the Shadows

The valet’s arm swung through the air with everything he had, and a collective gasp went up from the crowd gathered at the auction entrance. 

People started whispering to each other, recognizing Robert as the man who had just dominated the auction floor and outbid everyone for the rarest treasures in the room.

 They had seen him acting cold and unshakable inside, so it didn't seem to fit his character that he would be this angry over a simple scratch on his car. They had all heard him snap at the valet, and as the young man swung his fist, the crowd stiffened, expecting a violent collision.

But just before the fist could actually hit Robert’s face, a hand reached out from the shadows of the stone pillars and caught the valet’s wrist mid air with perfect timing. 

The grip was so solid that the valet’s hand stopped as if it had hit a brick wall, and a heavy silence fell over the entire area as everyone turned to see who had stepped in. 

Standing there was a tall man in a sharp black suit with a calm face and eyes that showed absolutely no emotion at all. He tightened his grip just a little bit and looked at the valet with a cold, steady stare.

“Sir,” the man said in a smooth, professional voice, “I don’t think that violence will be necessary.”

The crowd began to murmur in surprise, and Robert slowly turned his head toward the man and let a small smile spread across his face. 

He realized in that moment that his father really had kept his word about sending guards— not just to look after Anna and Avery, but to watch over him as well. The valet’s face went pale as he realized the situation was over, and he immediately dropped to his knees, shaking and apologizing at the top of his lungs.

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry, sir!” the valet shouted toward Robert while everyone watched in shock. “He— he asked me to do it! I didn’t scratch the car! He told me to act! I swear! I was just doing it for the money! Please don’t hurt me!”

The crowd froze in total shock as they realized the whole fight had been a setup. Robert just lifted a hand and said, “Alright. Alright. Relax.” The guard released the valet, and Robert stepped forward, looking down at the shaking man. “You did well,” he said calmly. Robert pulled out his phone and made a quick transfer right there in front of everyone, and when the valet’s phone buzzed, the poor guy’s hands started shaking uncontrollably.

“Five… five million?” the valet’s voice cracked as he stared at the screen. “Sir… you said one…”

Robert slid his phone back into his pocket and shrugged. “You earned a bonus.” The valet’s eyes watered as he kept bowing. “Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you so much. I won’t forget this. I will never forget this.” Robert nodded once and told him, “You can go back to work.”

As the valet hurried away, Robert turned to the man in the black suit. “Let me guess,” Robert said calmly. “You’re from the Graham Empire.” The man bowed slightly and replied, “Yes, Young Master.”

 Robert adjusted his sleeve and admitted, “I didn’t have a problem. I just wanted to check if my father kept his word.” The guard simply replied, “He always does, Young Master.” Robert smirked and hopped into his Ferrari.

A few minutes later, the Ferrari slid into the private underground garage of the BGMH Hotel.

 Robert took the private elevator straight up to his floor, loosening his tie as he went. He was surprised to hear the sound of bright, carefree laughter coming from inside the penthouse.

 He recognized Anna’s voice immediately, but then he heard another laugh— one that was softer and very familiar. He walked toward the living area and saw Anna and Avery sitting together on the massive white couch. 

Avery was the first one to look up, and the second their eyes met, she froze and her face turned bright red.

“Welcome home, big bro!” Anna shouted with a huge grin.

Robert loosened his tie fully now and sighed. “I’m tired. Place an order. I’m hungry. All that bidding made me starve.” He didn't even look at Avery as he walked straight into his room. 

“No problem!” Anna called out behind him. Once the door was closed, Avery turned to Anna, looking completely stressed out.

“Why are you so stiff?” Anna asked softly. Avery shook her head and whispered, “I’m just… surprised. You said this was your place. I thought it was just you and him sometimes. I didn't think he actually lived here.” She paused and bit her lip. “And I like him.” 

Anna just smiled knowingly and said, “Don’t worry.” 

Avery looked at her friend and asked, “How do you intend to deal with it?” Anna just grinned and told her, “Just watch me.”

When the food finally arrived, they all sat down at the large dining table. Robert was acting his usual composed self, but then Anna cleared her throat. “Robert.” He hummed in response while he ate. “Avery will be living with us from now on.”

Robert nearly choked on his food and had to cough a few times to get his breath back. He wiped his mouth and stared at his sister. “…What did you say?” Anna repeated it clearly. “She’s moving in. She’ll live with us.”

Robert leaned back and tried to stay calm. “Well, that’s fine. There’s a spare room.” 

Anna shook her head and told him, “That’s not what we need.” Robert narrowed his eyes and asked, “What do you mean?”

Anna smiled sweetly and said, “We need private space.” Robert sensed the trap. “And?” Anna looked him right in the eye and said calmly, “We want you to leave.” A heavy silence fell over the room as Avery’s heart started pounding.

Anna was kicking him out of his house for a guest.