Chapter 69: Wedding Woes

Leonard arrived at the hotel entrance to see Pablo, Salvatore, and a few underlings standing outside.

He hurried toward them. “Mr. Dalton, Salvatore, why aren’t you going in?”

Pablo gazed into the distance. “I’m waiting for someone.”

Leonard frowned. Pablo was a notorious triad boss—he never waited for anyone. Just who was powerful enough to make him wait?

His answer came in less than two minutes when a Rolls-Royce glided to a stop.

Leonard’s eyes widened as he recognized the license plate. Only the most elite figures had plates like this.

Pablo rushed forward, bowing as he opened the rear door. “Mr. Reyes, you’re here.”

Salvatore bent at a ninety-degree angle. “Greetings, Mr. Reyes!”

A dignified man stepped out of the car, exuding authority. Leonard immediately knew he was dealing with someone extraordinary.

“Butler Frank,” Pablo introduced with reverence, “this is my benefactor. Without him, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Leonard extended a respectful hand. “Mr. Reyes, it’s an honor. I’ve known Mr. Dalton for years. What brings you here today?”

Butler Frank chuckled. “I’m here for the wedding, but forgive me for arriving uninvited.”

Leonard was taken aback. “Not at all! It’s our privilege to have you.”

Inside, Leonard was gloating. Haha, Jordan Steele, you may have money, but I have the backing of the underworld!

Pleased, he led them into the ballroom. “Jordan, let me introduce you to…”

Before he could finish, Salvatore darted forward and dropped to one knee. “Mr. Steele! Happy Birthday!”

Pablo stepped forward and handed Jordan a gift. “Happy birthday, Mr. Jordan. Mr. Reyes and I have come to honor your day.”

Leonard’s face paled.

Even Butler Frank bowed respectfully. “Mr. Jordan, happy birthday.”

Gasps rippled through the room.

Jordan rose and shook Butler Frank’s hand. “No need for formalities, Butler Frank. You’re like family.”

He then turned to Leonard. “Were these the ‘triad bosses’ you were referring to?”

Salvatore’s eyes flared with fury. “Damn it, you dared to go against Mr. Jordan? Are your brains fried?!”

Leonard, usually so full of bravado, remained silent, sweat beading on his forehead.

Jordan sighed. “I came to attend a wedding, not to cause trouble. Let’s not make a scene. Salvatore, Pablo, Butler Frank—you may leave.”

The three men obeyed immediately, but before departing, Pablo whispered to Leonard, “If anything happens to Mr. Jordan, your entire family will be buried with you.”

Leonard’s hands trembled.

The other guests, meanwhile, were left in awe.

“Mr. Steele controls the business world and the underworld!” one muttered.

“He’s unstoppable. No one should dare cross him.”

Seeing the shift in power, many of the guests—formerly allies of the Collins—hurried to toast Jordan.

“I heard today is your birthday, Mr. Steele. Even though this is our first meeting, let’s raise a glass to celebrate!”

“Yes!” the crowd echoed.

Jordan smirked.

How quickly people changed sides.

He recalled Diana Camden’s 80th birthday banquet, where guests had turned against him. But now that he had humbled the Collins, those same types of people were desperate to win his favor.

Raising his teacup, he said, “Thank you all, but I’ll toast with water. Someone here is afraid I’ll drink too much and embarrass them.”

Hailey’s face burned red. She had once warned Jordan not to drink excessively at the wedding.

But now, the entire event had shifted in his favor.

After taking a sip of water, Jordan turned to Leonard. “It’s getting late. Shouldn’t the wedding begin? I still have work to do after witnessing this top-tier wedding.”

Leonard forced a smile. “Yes… Let’s proceed.”

Tyler and Hailey took the stage, but Hailey’s mind was elsewhere.

The emcee cleared his throat. “Mr. Tyler Collins, do you take Miss Hailey Camden to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love and cherish her for the rest of your life?”

Tyler, though shaken, responded, “I do.”

The emcee then turned to Hailey. “Miss Hailey Camden, do you take Mr. Tyler Collins as your lawfully wedded husband, to love and cherish him until death do you part?”

Hailey’s lips trembled.

She took a deep breath and blurted out, “I do not!”