The guard turned to Olaedo, his gaze cautious but respectful. "Ma'am, may I see your invitation?"
Olaedo exhaled softly, annoyed by the unnecessary commotion. The family's secrecy around her had its drawbacks. Entering through the private family entrance had spared her the usual checks, but now it backfired. She met the guard's gaze, her tone calm but firm.
"I don't have an invitation because I don't need one," she said smoothly. "Call your commander, Williams. He'll confirm who I am."
The guard hesitated at the mention of his commander. Williams, the head of the Arinze household security, was legendary among staff, and not someone a mere door guard interacted with directly. He was torn, but before he could decide, the woman scoffed loudly.
"You actually believe her nonsense? Are you really a guard of the Arinze family? They're known for their intelligence and efficiency, yet here you are, wasting time!"
The guard frowned, his patience wearing thin. Her words struck a nerve, but he replied with measured annoyance. "Ma'am, I have to follow protocol. Every guest deserves respect, and we treat everyone equally until proven otherwise. If the lady here isn't a guest, we will politely escort her out. That's the Arinze family standard."
Olaedo smiled faintly. Impressive. Even their guards uphold the family's dignity. She also noted his discreet hand movements, hinting at martial arts training. Though he was no match for her, he was undoubtedly skilled for a door guard.
The other woman, however, wasn't impressed. "Fine! Let this imposter stay for now. Someone smarter will expose her soon enough!"
Before Olaedo could retort, a voice colder than ice sliced through the air.
"If you knew who you were speaking to, you'd be the one saving face."
The crowd turned to see Chibuzor, his piercing gaze locking onto Amaka. He had appeared as silently as a shadow, yet his presence was thunderous.
"C-CEO Chibuzor!" Amaka stammered, taking a step back instinctively.
"Words have weight. I suggest you think before speaking next time," he said, his tone unreadable but heavy with authority. Then, without sparing her another glance, he turned to Olaedo. His voice softened, but just slightly. "We're ready for you to join us inside."
Olaedo met his eyes, her composure unshaken, and allowed him to lead her away. Their arms hooked together like a declaration of silent authority.
As the pair walked off, the women behind them exchanged confused glances.
"Wait… was that really the Young Madam?"
"No way. She would've said something!"
The guard, however, wasn't confused. His eyes widened in realization as the pieces fell into place. 'Did I just meet the rumoured Young Madam?'
Meanwhile, Chibuzor cast a sidelong glance at Olaedo, his lips curving into a subtle smirk. "Next time, try not to cause such a commotion."
Olaedo tilted her head at him, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Next time, tell your staff to recognize their Young Madam. Might save us both some time."
Chibuzor chuckled lowly, a rare sound, as they disappeared into the ballroom.
Behind them, the guard stood straighter, determined to never make such a mistake again, while the two women fumed quietly, still unsure what had just unfolded.
As the ball officially began, Old Master along with his wife took to the stage to welcome the guests. After a brief speech, he gestured toward Olaedo and Chibuzor.
"Before we continue, I would like to introduce someone very special to our family. Please welcome my grand daughter in law, Mrs. Arinze Olaedo."
The room fell silent. Amaka's face turned pale, her earlier remarks coming back to haunt her.
At another table, the other lady who backed her up sat in a daze before making a quick decision to hide in the restroom lest Olaedo seeks her out.
A cacophony of disbelieved and shocked whispers filled the large hall. Some of their voices standing out from the others.
"That's her?" someone whispered.
"She's the Young Madam?" gasped another.
Olaedo ascended the stage gracefully arms hooked with Chibuzor. On the stage, she unhooked their arms and walked towards the microphone stand.
Immediately Olaedo took the microphone, the ballroom lights seemed to focus solely on her. The chatter died down completely, all eyes on the poised woman at the center of the stage. She took a moment to meet the gaze of the crowd, her serene smile exuding a quiet confidence.
"Good evening, esteemed guests," she began, her voice clear and warm. "It is an absolute honor to stand before you tonight on behalf of the Arinze family, and I want to thank each of you for gracing us with your presence at this year's ball."
A polite round of applause rippled through the room. She paused, letting the moment settle before continuing.
"Tonight, as we celebrate our shared successes and the bonds that connect us, I am reminded of something my mother once told me. He said, 'Family is not just a name; it is a legacy built with every decision, every sacrifice, and every act of love or resilience.'
Her words resonated, drawing nods from some of the older guests.
"The Arinze family has always stood as a beacon of strength, but we are not an island. Our relationships, whether as friends, allies, or partners, are what truly define us. It is through these connections that we leave a mark greater than ourselves."
The room hung on her every word now. Her tone shifted, becoming slightly lighter but still commanding.
"Tonight is not just about celebrating where we have been; it is about looking forward to where we can go together. A legacy isn't built alone, and it doesn't stand still. It grows, evolves, and endures."
She smiled, scanning the room once more. "So, let us enjoy this evening not just as a gathering of individuals, but as a celebration of the partnerships and dreams that will carry us into the future. Thank you."
The room erupted into applause. Even the most skeptical guests couldn't help but acknowledge her grace and eloquence. For a moment, Olaedo allowed herself to bask in the admiration, but her calm demeanor never faltered..