Page 78 of Ruthless Legacy

“You knew my dad?” Kit asks, shaking his hand.

“I sure did. We used to play cricket together. We were in the same form at school.”

“Eliza, it’s lovely to meet you.” The blonde lady I recognise as Georgie’s mother steps forward and kisses my cheeks. “I’m Felicity Hamilton. I imagine you know my daughter Georgie? She is in your year at school.”

I keep the smile on my face and nod my head. “Yes, I’ve met Georgie. We don’t socialise in the same circles, but we have met.”

Callum clears his throat, a frown marring his features. “Well, we need to change that. I shall insist Georgie invites you to dinner one evening.”

“That would be lovely,” I reply. It will be a cold day in hell before I accept that invite.

“Where is your daughter?” Wilbur asks. “I was hoping she’d take Eliza under her wing tonight.”

Callum searches the room. “Lord knows, she’ll be off gossiping somewhere with her girlfriends or planning how to spend more of my money.” He laughs and everyone joins in with him.

I place my hand on Wilbur’s arm to get his attention. “I’m going to take Kit and see if we can find Verity.” I return my attention to the Hamilton’s. “It was lovely to meet you both.”

As we make our escape, I hear Callum tell my grandfather what a lovely young woman I am. Job done. I’ve played my part as Wilbur’s doting granddaughter.

“Come on, let’s make our escape,” I tell my brother as I guide us through the crowded room. Kit pulls me to a stop half-way across the floor and gestures to two boys standing over by two open glass doors.

“Leon and Hugh are there. I’ll catch you later, sis.”

And just like that, I’m dumped and left to my own devices. I scan the room looking for Verity when from behind me a hand cups my elbow, startling me. “I was hoping to meet you tonight, Eliza.”

I turn to find a raven-haired man with tanned skin and dark eyes, and I instantly know this is Archer’s father. “Mr Savage,” I say with a polite smile, offering my hand. He surprises me by taking it in his and raises it to his lips.

“We meet at last. How did you know who I am?”

“You and Archer have the same eyes and that same dimple in your left cheek when you smile,” I explain, then I become flushed when I realise that I’ve revealed I have studied Archer’s features in far too much detail.

“And you are the image of your grandmother. Minus the coloured hair, of course.” He smiles, and it sends a shiver down my spine. Now I know where Archer gets his cold demeanour from. “I hear my son has been making you feel welcome in the Bay.” The look in his eye suggests he means more than just as an acquaintance, and I can’t help but wonder if he’s seen the video. The thought of this man seeing me in that way makes me want to vomit.

“Father. I hope you’re not interrogating poor Eliza.” Archer comes up beside me and places an arm around my waist and smiles down at me. I can’t help but feel relieved he is here despite my earlier decision to stay the hell away from him.

His father smiles over at us, lifting his champagne glass to his lips. “Not at all. I’m just getting to know the belle of the ball that has captured everyone’s attention.”

I shrug off his comment and flush. “I think you flatter me. There are many beautiful women in this room tonight.”

He nods. “There are, but none of them hold the allure you do. It’s been the talk of the Bay, the return of Wilbur’s long-lost granddaughter.”

“Come, Eliza, Vee has been looking for you,” Archer says, and even though I want to tell him he can get his arm from around my waist and leave me the hell alone, I take my opportunity to escape his father.

Archer’s hand at my waist heats through my dress as if branding me. He looks sinfully good tonight. Archer Savage in a tux is every girl’s deepest desire. As we cross the room, I watch all the females, young and old, ogle him with desire in their eyes.

“You look beautiful,” he tells me as we move across the room.

“Thank you,” I reply politely. “So, where’s Verity?” I ask.

Archer shrugs his shoulders. “I’ve no idea. I could just see you weren’t comfortable under my father’s scrutiny, so I thought I would rescue you.”

I snigger. “My hero.” I hate it when he can read me so well. I always thought I was a closed book, that no one knew what I’m really thinking inside, but somehow Archer sees past the façade, like my soul is laid bare to him. “You can go now; I’ll find her myself.”

He snickers. “And let the vultures descend. Even I’m not that cruel, Scarlet. Trust me, I’m doing you a favour.”

I scowl at him as we come to a stop in the alcove of two of the large Georgian glass doors. “You know, before you came along, I had to handle my fair share of vultures and I did just fine on my own. Now, run along and find Georgie. I’m sure she’d love to stroke your ego and much more tonight.”

He shakes his head and a half-smile dances on his lips. “I think we both know you don’t mean that. You don’t strike me as someone who likes to share.”

---