[Chapter 37: The Dream Estate]
Michael Jackson's ability to rake in cash was undeniable. Frank had mentioned clearly last year that MJ pulled in between $125 and $150 million, and Orlando remembered that well.
Ten years later, MJ's copyrights would make up nearly half of Sony Music's library.
Looking at this dreamlike estate now, Orlando truly grasped the extent of MJ's wealth and his knack for making money.
"The benefit party doesn't start until tomorrow," Frank said. "Tonight, we're performing in the city, then we'll stay here and just join the party tomorrow."
"Does MJ welcome me?" Orlando asked.
"Ha! How could he not? He really likes you. And by the way, this estate is always open to local students, sick kids, and his fans."
Frank laughed heartily. "Not to mention I used to work for him."
The relationship between Orlando's manager, and his former employer was clearly strong.
Maybe it was like Frank said: Michael had a great impression of Orlando, especially after Orlando wrote the hit Old Town Road.
Once the music video came out, many African Americans started to see Orlando as a white artist with a sense of redemption -- and importantly, he had some Black heritage himself, which helped him gain acceptance among more African American fans.
---
When Orlando and Frank arrived, the undisputed King of Pop was actually waiting for them early in the courtyard of the main house.
"Hi, Frank, long time no see."
The pop legend wore a red Polo shirt with khaki pants. The white patches on his skin -- due to vitiligo -- gave him a patchy complexion.
This was 1990, not 1993. This was Michael Jackson at the peak of his career.
He didn't mind his somewhat startling appearance at all. Without any makeup, he greeted Frank and then Orlando with a handshake and a warm embrace.
"Well, and you, dear Orlando -- welcome, welcome to Peter Pan's world, welcome to Neverland."
Michael's estate wasn't named by him directly. The name came from British author J.M. Barrie's novel Peter Pan. In the story, Peter Pan lived on a remote island far from England called Neverland or the Lost Boys' Hideaway -- an imaginary place where people never grow up.
Neverland symbolizes eternal childhood, immortality, and escapism.
"Hi, Michael. This place is amazing -- it really feels like stepping into Peter Pan's world!"
Orlando naturally stepped forward, shook MJ's hand, then hugged him. After pulling back, he suddenly asked, "Michael, it seems like you really love kids, right?"
"Of course! I love kids," Michael answered smoothly with a smile. "They're so pure and beautiful. Their world is untainted, always sunny. I think nobody could ever hate children."
But Michael noticed that after he spoke, Orlando didn't reply right away. For at least four or five seconds, Orlando simply looked at him, quietly.
Then Orlando smiled, a smile that made Michael feel the man was even more genuine than before.
"You're right. I believe you," Orlando said with a smile and reached out his hand again, which left MJ a bit puzzled since they'd already shaken hands moments ago.
Still, Michael took his hand and shook it once more.
What the King of Pop didn't know was that Orlando intentionally asked that question -- so he could read MJ's true thoughts and feelings about children.
The final result?
Orlando now believed that in a parallel timeline, Michael Jackson was truly innocent in the high-profile case that would break out two years later.
---
After some small talk, Michael warmly invited them to tour his grand home and the Dream Estate.
"You brought Black music into the mainstream... That's not easy. None of us have really pulled that off over the years. You're not like other white artists who just pay lip service to equality while secretly dismissing it!"
Behind the scenes, Michael could be a bit talkative.
Maybe it was because Frank, his good friend, was by his side.
But he was busy now -- there were many things he personally had to handle for tomorrow's party, like hosting entertainment industry friends who, like Orlando and Frank, had arrived early at Neverland.
"Oh -- excuse me, here comes Brooke. I have to go greet her, or she'll be upset."
Just as he was showing off his amusement park, a staff member whispered something in MJ's ear.
The King of Pop looked a bit embarrassed.
"Brooke Shields?!" Orlando was curious.
"Yes," Michael smiled and nodded. "She loves your music. She told me maybe I can introduce her to you later?"
"My honor."
Brooke Shields and MJ's romance was known across America.
This actress was seen as a kind of "American angel" who started as a child star. As a kid, she had a certain spark combined with a unique loveliness that made her famous across the US.
She was even called "The Ninth Wonder" and "Beautiful Miracle."
But as she grew up, things went a bit off track.
She never had a signature role that made her a household name like other American stars.
By 1990, she was gradually fading out of the spotlight -- a classic example of a child star whose adult career didn't quite take off.
"So what's next for us?" Orlando looked to Frank.
"Tour the place?"
"Come on, it's not my house. No matter how nice, I can't live here permanently. What good is touring? It just makes you want it more," Orlando shrugged.
"Then maybe we should get ready for the show, and come back afterwards."
"Sounds good."
So they headed over to the mall and cut the ribbon. Although Orlando only performed one song -- Old Town Road -- and took photos and signed autographs for fans, the afternoon flew by quickly.
---
That evening, back at MJ's Dream Estate, many more guests had arrived, making the place even livelier.
Luckily, the property was spacious, so it never felt crowded.
Around 8 p.m., Michael hosted a small, intimate party.
Orlando saw many well-known figures from the entertainment world.
He immediately recognized Sylvester Stallone, Elizabeth Taylor, and Quincy Jones, whom he'd met before.
Frank quietly told him about the others he didn't spot instantly, including the Jackson family, Martin Scorsese, Will Smith, Steven Spielberg, and James Cameron.
Then a middle-aged blonde-haired white man came over, trying to strike up a conversation with Orlando.
"Wow, didn't expect to see you here, dear Orlando!"
He introduced himself, "Hi, Orlando, I'm Donald Trump. By the way, that Manhattan apartment you're looking at is one of my real estate group's projects!"
After his introduction, the older man introduced a visibly excited blonde little girl by his side: "This is my daughter, your little fan -- she really likes you. Her name's Ivana."
*****
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