A love to remember

CHAPTER NINE - THE BALL 2

Akaninyene didn't grasp the significance of the lady's introduction at first. But as the words "Elizabeth Everhigh" hung in the air, a shiver ran down his spine. He repeated her name, his voice barely above a whisper. "Elizabeth Everhigh..."

Akaninyene's mind reeled as he struggled to process the coincidence. Everhigh, the same name as the lady he had encountered in the carriage. What were the chances that Elizabeth wasn't connected to her? The possibility sent a thrill through him, and he felt his curiosity piqued.

Akaninyene's curiosity got the better of him. "I assume you're related to the Duke?" he asked, his eyes locked onto Elizabeth's.

"Yes, he's my father," she replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

Akaninyene was interested in finding out more. "You're not an only child, I hope?" he asked, his tone light and conversational.

Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with amusement. "No, I'm not," she said. "But why do you ask?"

Akaninyene shrugged, his smile enigmatic. "Just curiosity," he said.

Elizabeth's expression turned thoughtful, and she began to elaborate. "I'm the second child," she said. "I have an older brother, Richard, and a younger sister, Noel. And of course, there's my mother. Just the five of us."

Akaninyene's smile broadened, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Wow, it sounds like you have a wonderful family," he said. "Trust me, you have everything you need right there."

Akaninyene's engaging conversation with the lady was interrupted by Akpan's discreet summons. He excused himself and followed Akpan out of the party to a secluded area of the mansion.

Akpan's expression was grave. "My lord, we have a situation that requires your attention," he said, his voice low and urgent.

Akaninyene's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" he asked, his eyes locked onto Akpan's.

"We've received an update from our spies in London," Akpan explained. "It's about the people who captured our ship last month."

Akaninyene's interest turned to concern. "Do we know who they are?" he asked, his voice firm.

Akpan hesitated before responding. "Not all of them, no. But one name has surfaced, Baron Oscar Maximilian. He's rumored to have played a key role in the events surrounding the capture of our ship."

Akaninyene's eyes narrowed, his gaze piercing as he processed the information. "Where can we find this Baron Oscar Maximilian?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Akpan's expression turned grim, his face set in a serious mask. "My lord, he's here, at the party," he revealed, his words dropping like a bombshell.

Akaninyene's face remained a picture of calm, but his mind was racing with thoughts of retribution. He turned to Akpan, his voice dripping with quiet intensity. "Take care of him, Akpan. Make it clean, make it quiet. I don't want any scenes or complications."

Akpan nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "Yes, my lord," he replied.

Akaninyene swiftly returned to the party, his tension radiating like an aura around him. His eyes scanned the room, locking onto Akpan as he discreetly whispered something to one of the waiters.

Akaninyene's gaze followed the waiter's subtle movements, and a hint of a smile played on his lips. He realized that the waiter was likely one of their undercover operatives, blending in seamlessly with the other staff. The game was afoot, and Akaninyene's anticipation grew, his senses heightened as he waited for the next move.

The waiter's seemingly accidental collision with a guest sent a splash of liquid flying, drenching the man's expensive suit. Akaninyene's eyes locked onto the scene, his gaze recognizing the irate man as none other than Baron Oscar Maximilian.