Chapter 67: A Shift in Status

The sense of superiority Hailey had always clung to was built on the affluence of her family. It was what gave her the confidence to justify her actions before Jordan, to make him apologize for things he never should have had to.

She had grown up in privilege—attending aristocratic schools, mastering the piano, violin, and dance. She always saw herself as cultured, belonging to a world that Jordan could never truly be a part of.

But now, she understood the truth.

Jordan didn’t belong to a lesser world.

He belonged to a world greater than hers.

Meanwhile, Dustin Wills turned to Evan Cadence with a questioning glance. “Evan, how much did the Collins pay you to be here today? You’ve always refused to perform at weddings. I remember asking you to play at my friend’s son’s wedding, and you turned me down instantly. Do you think I can’t afford your price?”

Among the wealthy elite, hiring top-tier musicians, actors, or performers for weddings was a status symbol, a way to flaunt one’s power.

Evan chuckled. “Mr. Wills, you’ve got it wrong. I’m not here for the Collins. My mentor, Mr. Graffman, reminded me that today is Jordan’s birthday, and he asked me to come and perform a piece for him.”

A hush fell over the hall.

Jordan nodded politely. “Mr. Graffman shouldn’t have gone through the trouble. I know how busy you are preparing for your White House performance next week.”

Evan laughed. “It’s no trouble at all! It’s been years since I last saw you. Tell me, Jordan—what would you like to hear?”

Jordan thought for a moment before replying, “La Campanella.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd. One of the guests, a woman who clearly had some musical background, exclaimed, “That’s one of the most difficult piano pieces in the world!”

Among the upper class, it was common to know how to play basic classics like Canon or A Comme Amour. But La Campanella? That was a level few could even attempt.

Evan nodded. “Good choice. I’ll play it.”

A grand piano stood on the stage, freshly tuned. Evan tested the keys, then turned to the audience with a mic in hand. “I dedicate La Campanella to my senior, Jordan Steele, on his 25th birthday.”

Applause erupted.

As Evan’s fingers danced over the keys, an electrifying energy filled the room. The melody soared, flawless and breathtaking. Those in the crowd who had once attempted to play the piece knew that they could never hope to reach this level.

One woman whispered in awe, “This is incredible. I’ll never attempt this piece again—it would be an insult to the composition itself.”

“Thanks to Mr. Steele, I’m witnessing the performance of a true master,” another murmured.

For the next four and a half minutes, the guests sat entranced, their hearts racing with the intensity of the music. Some even had tears in their eyes.

Then, as Evan struck the final note, silence hung for just a moment before the audience erupted in applause.

But Evan wasn’t finished.

Seamlessly, he transitioned into a familiar tune—Happy Birthday.

The crowd, caught in the moment, joined in, singing along.

“Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…”

Jordan remained composed, though a slight smile played on his lips.

Evan ended his performance with a flourish, then stood up and turned to Jordan. “Happy birthday, Jordan!”

The entire room stood, clapping enthusiastically. Many guests, even those who had never spoken to Jordan before, approached him with raised glasses, eager to toast to his success.

Tyler was frozen in place.

Isn’t this my wedding? he thought, his mind reeling.

Why did the performer play for Jordan? Why are the guests toasting to him?

Isn’t a wedding more important than someone’s birthday?

Adding insult to injury, Tyler had paid for the venue and the piano—and yet, Jordan had stolen the spotlight.

Fuming, he stormed toward Evan. “Master Cadence, can you play Mariage d’amour for Hailey and me?”

Evan checked his watch. “Sorry, I have a flight to catch. I really have to leave now. I’ll make it up to you some other time.”

With that, Evan gave Jordan a brief hug and exited swiftly.

Tyler and Leonard tried to stop him, but there was no convincing him to stay.

Tyler clenched his fists. Evan Cadence didn’t come for me… He came for Jordan Steele!

At a nearby table, Victoria sipped her coffee with a smug expression. She had been waiting for this moment for a long time. Today was about Jordan reclaiming his power, and this was only the beginning.

Just then, a staff member rushed up to Leonard.

“Mr. Collins,” he said breathlessly, “dozens of people have arrived at the entrance. They don’t have invitations, but they insist on coming in.”

Leonard frowned. “The Collins’ wedding isn’t open to just anyone. My guests are dignitaries of Orlando. Tell them to leave.”

The staff hesitated. “Sir, they claim to be company bosses. They’re even offering $1,500 each as a gift to attend the wedding.”

Leonard’s eyes widened.

The other guests murmured in approval.

“Mr. Collins really is an influential figure! Even small business owners are clamoring to attend his son’s wedding.”

Leonard puffed out his chest, basking in the praise. “Very well, let them in. Tell the hotel staff to add more tables.”

“Yes, sir!”

The staff member scurried off.

Tyler turned to Hailey, a triumphant smirk on his face. “See that? That’s how respected my father is in the business world. Everyone wants a piece of him.”

Hailey forced a smile, but her mind was elsewhere.

All she could think about was Jordan.

But just as she tried to collect herself, another unexpected event took the room by storm.