The Graham Heir—I Am Not An Adopted Nobody

Chapter 9: The Fall of Pride

Anna’s eyes sparkled the moment Avery offered to take Robert as her date. Such a beautiful, powerful girl—campus queen, billionaire heiress, fourth most-followed young woman in the country—actually showing interest in her brother? For a second, Anna forgot everything else. She pictured them walking into some glamorous place together, Robert finally getting the respect he deserved.

Then Avery mentioned the Emmett event.

Anna’s face fell like someone had flipped a switch. “We… we can’t go there. Morris and his kids—they’ll turn us into a public joke. They’ll humiliate us in front of everyone.”

Avery tilted her head, soft smile still in place. “Okay. Then we’ll go somewhere else. There are a hundred better places than that circus.”

Prof. Darby stepped forward, voice low and dangerous. “You will do no such thing, Avery. I forbid you from going anywhere with this… trash. Besides, you cannot miss the Emmett event. They’ve made you Special Guest of Honor. It’s already announced. Everyone expects you there.”

Avery turned on her father, eyes blazing. “I don’t care about any announcement. And you don’t get to forbid my decisions anymore. Not until you start acting like a decent human being. Start by apologizing to Robert and Anna. Right now.”

The reception area went dead silent.

Prof. Darby’s mouth opened, then closed. For the second time in minutes, he looked genuinely speechless. His own daughter—his pride, his legacy—challenging him openly. For them. For the “adopted bastard” and the little girl everyone said wasn’t even real family.

Anna watched the frustration twist across his face and couldn’t help it—she burst out laughing. A bright, genuine sound that echoed off the marble walls.

Prof. Darby recovered, jaw tight. “I am your father, Avery. I still have rights over you.”

Avery crossed her arms. “You have responsibilities. Not rights to bully people.”

He let out a short, humorless laugh. “We’ll see about that.”

He raised a hand.

A moment later, the elevator doors slid open.

A giant of a man stepped out—six-foot-seven, late thirties, shoulders like walls, face carved from stone. Military haircut, combat boots, eyes that had seen things most people never would. Dracko. Head of Avery’s personal security detail. A walking legend in protection circles.

Avery’s face paled. “Dad, no—”

Prof. Darby didn’t even look at her. “Dracko. Take my daughter home. Keep her there until I return. We will attend the Emmett event together.”

Dracko didn’t hesitate. He moved like liquid steel—gentle but unstoppable. One arm looped around Avery’s waist, the other blocked her flailing hands. She kicked, shouted, cursed, but against him it was like fighting a mountain.

“Dad! Let me go! This is insane!”

The doors closed behind them.

Anna pinched Robert’s arm—hard. “Do something!”

Robert shook his head slowly. “Not yet.”

Anna pushed him again. “Robert—”

“Relax,” he said quietly. “I have unfinished business with the professor.”

Prof. Darby turned back to the receptionist. “Call security. Get this trash out of the building. Now.”

The woman nodded so fast her head might have fallen off. She grabbed the phone.

Two security guards appeared within seconds—big, uniformed, expressions blank.

“Sir, ma’am,” one said politely. “You need to come with us.”

Anna glanced at Robert, grinning despite everything. “So… are you gonna beat them up like last night? Or pull out the golden card again?”

Robert smiled, seeing her excitement. “Watch closely,” he said. “This one’s a bit different.”

He pulled out his phone and made a call. His voice was calm, commanding—no trace of panic or urgency. Seconds later, Anna could feel the tension around them shift. Whoever he had called would change everything.

The receptionist, recognizing the shift, laughed. “The only person who can save you here is the director. He’s the only one who can override Professor Darby’s orders.”

Anna’s eyes sparkled. She retrieved her golden iPhone and began recording, capturing every moment for posterity. “This is going to be interesting,” she whispered.

The receptionist leaned in, incredulous. “That phone… how did you even get your hands on it? There are only nine in the entire world! Not even your uncle—Morris Emmett—or Professor Darby, nor the director, could have one. This is impossible.”

Anna giggled. “Impressed? You should be. But this… this will shock you even more when you find out who my brother really is.”

The receptionist rolled her eyes. “Nice try, kid. That phone’s fake. There are only nine in the entire world. Sold out in seconds. Keep dreaming.”

She waved at security. “Grab them. Toss them out.”

The guards moved in.

Just as the first one reached for Robert’s arm, the elevator dinged.

Doors opened.

Steve Marcus—the director of Graham Scholars Academy—stepped out, moving fast, face flushed.

“What the hell is going on here?” he barked.

The receptionist rushed forward. “Sir, these two peasants tried to enroll. Prof. Darby ordered them removed—”

Steve’s eyes locked on Robert.

He froze.

Then he dropped to one knee.

“Young Master Robert,” he said, voice shaking with respect. “Welcome to our humble institution.”

The security guards froze mid-step.

The receptionist’s mouth fell open.

Anna’s phone kept recording.

Steve stood quickly. “All of you—apologize. Right now. Or you’re fired. Starting with you.” He pointed at the guard who had almost touched Robert.

The man stammered. “But—”

“You’re done,” Steve snapped. “Out. Now.”

The guard’s face went white. He turned and walked away, head down.

The rest—receptionist included—dropped to their knees.

“We’re so sorry,” they chorused. “Please forgive our foolishness, Young Master. Miss Anna.”

Anna’s eyes sparkled with awe. Another trick, another demonstration of her brother’s influence. She tugged at Robert’s sleeve. “Why are they treating you like this? Who are you really? You don’t look like the nobody my father adopted…”

Robert smiled faintly. “You’ll see soon enough. For now, we have business to attend to.”

Steve rose. “Young Master, please. Allow me to escort you to my office.”

Anna froze, stunned. The title… it had always surrounded Graham entities. Could it be that Robert was a Graham? She looked at him, curiosity burning in her eyes.

Unable to resist, she asked, “Robert… are you a Graham?”

Robert only smiled, calm and composed. “Not now,” he said. Then he introduced her. “Steve, this is my baby sister, Anna Emmett.”

Steve’s face brightened. “Ah, cousin of Jane Emmett, right?”

“Yes,” Anna admitted softly, “but we… fell from grace.”

Steve laughed warmly. “Impossible. You cannot fall from grace—not when you are the young master’s sister.”

Anna, emboldened by his words, asked again, “But Robert… why is everyone calling you Young Master Robert? What’s your connection to the Grahams?”

Robert’s smile deepened. “I’ll make sure you understand soon. For now, let’s focus on giving you the place you deserve—as head of the Emmett family.”

Anna felt a rush of trust and admiration. She had witnessed Robert’s miraculous acts, seen him command respect, and now she believed him without question.

Steve led them down the hall, bowing slightly every few steps.

Anna whispered, “This is getting crazy.”

They stepped into the director’s office.

Prof. Darby sat in one of the guest chairs, legs crossed, scrolling on his phone. He looked up casually.

“Steve, good. Did you handle the special guest you rushed out for? I need your help currying favor. The Senate vote for Secretary of Education is close. Graham’s endorsement would—”

He saw Robert and Anna.

He shot to his feet. “What the hell are you doing bringing peasants into your office?”

Steve’s voice was ice. “Sit down, Darby. And shut your mouth. Who I bring into my office is none of your concern.”

Prof. Darby blinked. Slowly, he sat.

Steve turned to Robert. “These are the special guests.”

Prof. Darby laughed—short, disbelieving. “You’re joking.”

Anna pulled out her phone again, snapped a quick picture of his stunned face, and grinned. “Checkmate.”

Prof. Darby glared at her. “What do you mean by that?”

Anna leaned forward. “You thought you could talk down to us and walk away clean? My brother has unfinished business with you.”

Robert looked at Steve. “Why is he here?”

Steve’s tone was flat. “Prof. Darby came to secure Graham’s vote. Without it, the Senate will never approve him as Secretary of Education—no matter how qualified he thinks he is or who’s backing him.”

Prof. Darby smirked. “Exactly. So let’s cut the games, Steve. You know how important this is.”

Robert laughed—quiet, cold. “The vote is a big fat no.”

Prof. Darby threw his head back and laughed louder. “You? Telling Steve Marcus what to do? That’s rich, boy. You’re nothing.”

Robert didn’t blink. He looked at Steve.

Steve turned to Prof. Darby. “You’re not getting Graham’s vote. Leave my office. Now.”

The room went still.

Prof. Darby stared at Steve like he’d grown a second head. “You can’t be serious.”

Steve pointed at the door. “Out.”