The first thing Folake noticed about the billionaire was not his watch or the expensive suit that reflected the chandelier light. It was the way he looked through people rather than at them.
On the upper lounge deck of the Golden Crest, music rolled over polished marble, champagne glasses glittered in neat rows, and wealthy guests occupied every velvet chair as though the world had been prepared for their private enjoyment.
Folake was tending the bar for the chartered celebration, wearing the same crisp service uniform as every other member of the hospitality team. Her father had taught her that a person learned the truth about a place by standing where the work was done, and tonight she had intended to listen, observe, and serve without drawing attention to herself.
Kayode Balogun was accustomed to commanding rooms before he entered them. He had paid a spectacular amount to hire the luxury yacht for a celebration, and the payment seemed to have convinced him that he had purchased the obedience of everyone aboard. His friends laughed easily because he was rich, because they expected lavish favors, and because objecting to a man like Kayode required more courage than joining in. At the edge of the gathering, Folake balanced a drinks tray and waited for his request, unaware that his first words would make the entire evening something she could never forget.
Kayode said, "Look around this beautiful lounge, my friends. Tonight, this whole grand ship sails only for my pleasure and money.
You, girl, what is your name? Or do servants on this ship not carry names at all?"
Folake answered, "My name is Folake, sir, and I carry it with pride wherever I serve on this ship."
Kayode said, "Folake—a fine name wasted on a cheap uniform and a pair of tired serving hands."
Lara said, "Kayode, the name is fine. Let the poor girl do her work in peace tonight."
Kayode called out, "Stand there and hold that tray high, girl. A good servant does not rest while I am watching."
Folake murmured, "Yes, sir. I will stand here as long as you wish. The tray will not fall."
Kayode declared, "On your knees, girl, and clean it! That floor is where careless hands belong tonight."
Lara answered, "Kayode, please, let her stand up now. Everyone in this lounge is staring at us tonight."
Folake said softly, "The floor is clean again, sir. I am rising now, if it pleases you."
Ngozi said, "Folake, hold your head high. That man only shouts because his money is louder than his good manners."
Folake said, "Then let his money shout, Ngozi. My silence will still be standing when his voice tires."
Kayode called out, "This drink tastes like plain water. Did you learn your work today, or inside a dream last night?"
Folake said, "Forgive me, sir. I will bring another one at once, colder and stronger for you."
Kayode declared, "Chief, watch this well. I can keep her standing there all night, and she will still thank me."