The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 72: The Bet

The salon felt warm and bright, with soft gold lighting reflecting off the tall mirrors and the sweet, expensive scent of vanilla polish and hair products drifting through the air.

 Anna stretched her fingers out as the nail technician carefully applied a glossy nude finish to her nails, looking completely relaxed, as if she didn't have a single worry in the world.

 Beside her, Avery sat laughing softly while her stylist worked on curling the ends of her hair into perfect, bouncy waves.

“This is way better than school,” Avery said under her breath, a small, rebellious smile playing on her lips. Anna just smirked and looked at her through the mirror, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Obviously,” she replied.

 They spent the time talking about random things— the teachers they didn’t like, the powerful way the Bugatti engine sounded on the highway, and how Avery’s mother would react when she finally saw them looking this good.

 It felt normal and peaceful, a rare moment of calm for both of them, but across the upper level balcony of the mall, someone was watching their every move.

Tristan stood behind a thick marble pillar, his hands shoved deep into his jacket pockets and his jaw clamped tight with frustration. He wasn't making it obvious, every time Avery slightly turned her head in his direction, he shifted his position or looked away. 

He was watching, studying her every laugh, and waiting for the exact right moment to step out from the shadows.

Once their hair was done and their nails were perfect, the two girls stepped out of the beauty lounge practically glowing under the mall's skylights. 

Avery reached up to touch her new curls, feeling a bit self conscious about how much attention they were getting. “Do I look okay?” she asked. Anna rolled her eyes and gave her a playful shove. “You look dangerous. Stop pretending,” she told her.

They continued walking past the prestigious designer boutiques and glittering jewelry stores, but suddenly, Anna felt the energy in the air shift.

 Avery’s steps slowed down and her hand tightened around the strap of her designer purse until her knuckles were white. Anna glanced at her, concerned. “What’s wrong?” she asked. Avery’s voice dropped to a terrified whisper. 

“That guy…”

Before Avery could even finish her sentence or explain who she saw, Tristan stepped directly into their path, blocking them from moving forward. He looked calm— way too calm for someone who had been lurking in the shadows.

 Anna’s expression hardened instantly, her protective instincts kicking in. Avery instinctively turned her body slightly as if she wanted to walk away, but Tristan moved fast and grabbed her wrist. 

He wasn't being aggressive yet, but his grip was firm and he wouldn't let go. “What are you doing here?” he asked quietly, his eyes searching hers.

Avery pulled slightly at her arm, her face turning pale. “Let go,” she told him, her voice trembling. He didn't budge an inch. “I asked you a question,” he repeated, his voice getting deeper. 

Her voice sharpened as she snapped back, finally finding her courage. “Isn’t it obvious? I came to do some shopping. What’s your problem? Why are you stalking me?”

That word— stalking— seemed to hit him hard. His jaw flexed and his eyes widened for a split second. “I’m not stalking you,” he said, sounding almost offended. “Yes, you are,” Avery shot back, not backing down. 

Silence hung between them for a long, heavy second before his grip finally loosened and he let go of her arm. “I’m sorry,” he said, his shoulders dropping. Anna watched the whole thing carefully now, her eyes narrowed. “I messed up. I know I did. But I’ve changed. I swear I’ve changed.”

Avery shook her head slowly, looking at him with a mix of sadness and exhaustion. “It’s over, Tristan.” He stepped closer again, invading her personal space. “I’ll do anything. Tell me what you want and I’ll fix it.” Avery didn't blink or move. 

“There’s nothing to fix.” His eyes darkened with a sudden flash of jealousy. “Is it because of that guy?”

Avery froze, and Anna’s eyes narrowed into slits. “The guy you were with on a date that night,” Tristan continued, his voice dripping with bitterness. “The one you were smiling with.” 

Avery looked straight at him, her gaze steady. “Yes,” she said. The word landed heavily and finally between them. “Yes. It’s because of him. I don’t want anything to do with you anymore.”

Tristan’s expression cracked for a second, a look of pure pain crossing his face, but then it turned hard and angry again. “I’ll deal with him,” he growled, his hands balling into fists. Anna raised an eyebrow, looking completely unimpressed. 

“He’s not worth your time. He’s a nobody,” Tristan continued, his voice low and dangerous. Anna blinked and slowly turned to Avery with a confused look. “Wait,” she said calmly. “Is he talking about Robert?”

Avery hesitated, her heart pounding. “...Yes.” Anna stared at Tristan for two full seconds, just taking him in, and then she just started laughing. 

It wasn't a loud laugh, but it was full of so much confidence and mockery that it was actually scarier. Tristan frowned, his face turning red. “What’s funny?” he asked. 

Anna stepped forward slightly, putting herself between him and Avery. “You’re making a huge mistake.” He scoffed at her, looking her up and down. “You think I’m scared?”

Avery quickly grabbed Anna’s arm, trying to pull her back. “Don’t drag Robert into this,” she pleaded, looking genuinely worried for everyone involved. “Tristan is the number one boxer in the world. If they fight… it would be bad. Robert could get hurt,” Avery said softly, her voice shaking. 

Anna looked at her like she had just said the most ridiculous thing in the world. “You don’t know Robert at all, this guy is nothing before him.”

Tristan smirked, feeling his confidence return. “Oh? And what can he do?” Anna stepped even closer now, her voice steady and cold. “If you challenge Robert… I’ll honestly pity you.” 

Tristan’s eyes flashed with pure rage. “I don’t care,” he said, his voice rising. “If beating him is what it takes to get you back, I’ll do it.”

Avery’s eyes widened in horror. “Tristan, stop— ” but Anna lifted a hand gently, silencing her. “No. Let him talk.” Tristan’s chest rose slowly as he took a deep, shaky breath. “I’ll crush him.” Anna tilted her head slightly, then she gave him a very dark smile. “All right.”

The air around them changed instantly, feeling colder and thinner. Tristan narrowed his eyes, sensing a trap. “All right what?” Anna crossed her arms over her chest. “Let’s make a bet.” Avery immediately looked at her, her face full of panic. 

“Anna, don’t— ” but Anna ignored her completely. “If you win,” she said calmly, looking Tristan dead in the eye with a gaze that didn't blink, “you can have Avery back.”

Complete and total silence followed. 

It was so quiet you could hear the distant mall music. Avery’s heart nearly stopped, her breath catching in her throat. “Anna!” she shouted, but Anna’s gaze never left Tristan’s. “And if you lose…” she continued slowly, her voice raised a bit as she made the dangerous promise.