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Chapter 105
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 106
Soren pointed toward a direction. "The balcony. There are fewer people there."I looked at him, slightly slack-jawed. "Don't you need to, uh, host the guests?""Aren't you a guest?"My cheeks flushed as I followed him to the first-floor balcony.The night breeze was cool, carrying with it the fresh scent of pines and the forest.The question resurfaced in my mind."Mr. Kenway—""Taylor—"We paused, realizing we had spoken simultaneously, and laughed."You first," he said.I pressed my lips together to steady my quickening heartbeat. "I really want to know: have you known me before this? Have you been trying to approach me?"He seemed to swallow hard. His mesmerizing eyes were fixed on my face.After a moment of silence, he finally said, "Don't you remember me at all, Taylor?"I was stunned. "Er… Have we met before?"I searched my memories as hard as I could, but his face—or anyone who resembled him—didn't appear in any of them.He noticed the confusion on my face and fla
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 107
I looked closely and noticed a small, almost imperceptible scar running across his right forehead."After hearing about our mysterious heroine, I asked the townsfolk who it might be. By the time I identified you and found your house, your grandmother had already taken you back to the city. I was too late," Soren revealed.I was stunned. Our history went back that far? What could I even say to that?If we had missed each other then, though…"What about the second time?" I asked."It was summer the following year. I was swimming in the river with two friends. I'm a strong swimmer, but I had terrible luck that day. Not long after entering the water, my legs cramped. Soon, the current started pulling me downstream."My friends tried to save me at first, but they couldn't keep up. So, they rushed to find help…"My eyes widened. I remembered this!"I was crossing the Schansey Bridge on my way to buy ice cream. I saw someone struggling in the water and called for help, but no one else
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 108
I gesticulated slightly, unable to voice my thoughts aloud.I wanted to ask, "Why didn't you ever show up in my life again, despite wanting to meet me all these years? Why only start now?"He seemed to understand. "I only stayed in Schansey for three years. Grandpa was transferred to another base, so I followed him elsewhere. I didn't even expect us to see each other again someday.""When did we see each other again?" I asked, confused."When you were studying at the university.""Huh?! I was at the National Academy! Were you also a graduate?""Mm-hmm."We were alumni! The National Academy was located right here in Metropolis, one of the top five universities in the country—though its fashion design program was notoriously lackluster. At the time, I had chosen the university for one reason only: Edward. He was a third-year student there.I had liked him for so long. I followed him there, and a year after I enrolled, we were in a relationship.Soren said, "I was doing my re
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 109
It was precisely because Soren was such a promising, exceptionally brilliant young man that he had been allowed to become the leader of a weapons manufacturing company.Silence fell over us, filled with unspoken thoughts.I leaned against the railing, gazing into the night, as memories resurfaced in my mind.Regret washed over me.If we hadn't missed each other back then, at university… would things have been different now?No. Maybe not. I had been too blinded by love to truly see Edward for who he was. I didn't even know why I loved him so much.I discovered his illness when we first started dating. Any other girl with a clear sense of logic would have broken up with him right then.But I wasn't like that—I was optimistic, determined, and spirited.When I learned that our blood types were the same, I thought it must be fate. Everything seemed to tell me that we were meant to fight his illness together—a team, a couple, capable of weathering any storm.This thought made me fe
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 110
"Was that how you learned to cook?" I asked, recalling the food he had made."Think nothing of it," Soren replied quietly.All of my questions had been answered. I felt great—upbeat.Soren noticed, too, because a smile spread across his face. "You don't still think we're being nice to you because we want your blood and organs, do you?"I blushed. "Come on, don't bring that up! Sorry.""Nah, all you needed was some explanation. I didn't say anything back then because I figured you'd forgotten about it. Besides, you were 'married' to someone else. "If we'd suddenly started being overly nice, it might have caused you more trouble than help. Your then-partner and his family could have given you grief," Soren elaborated.Aww! He was as considerate as ever."Who would have expected things to go sideways like that? Your wedding was canceled, and troubles just kept piling up. I told my family we had to help you out in a time like this. Fast forward, and here we are."I was moved beyo
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 111
"Ha, I'm no fan of all that highfalutin commotion either!" Soleil replied, gesturing to the waitresses behind her. "Yeap, just this spot, please!"They promptly set up a coffee table and arranged desserts, dishes, and a bottle of red wine on it. Then, they placed some stools for us.She sat down and beckoned. "Come on, Taylor. You haven't had anything yet, right?"I followed her lead."You really played me, Sol. I didn't even know you were the mastermind behind much of my windfall!" I moaned jokingly."I learned to be a mysterious heroine from the very best, after all: you! Didn't you save Soren twice and disappear without telling anyone your name?"I chuckled. Well, she wasn't technically wrong…"Did you leave your brother at the hospital just to drive me home that day?" I asked between bites."Meh. He's got a driver anyway. He just had to wait for him.""What happened to him that day?""The weather was dry, and his tendency to overwork himself came back to bite him. He star
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 112
"Your dressmaking skill is so impressive, Miss Jones! You've got a workshop, right? May I know where it is?""Miss Jones, is the commission period open? My daughter will be competing in a piano recital abroad, and I was wondering if you could make her a dress.""Miss Jones, how about a collaboration? I'm thinking about becoming your brand's authorized seller. I'd love to discuss the details with you."The ladies surrounded me, bombarding me with requests.Soren was right—I had gained a lot of new clients from high places!When I finally managed to address all of their requests and had a moment to myself, I turned and saw Sally and Edith watching me from afar.Edith was pouting in indignation, while Sally's expression was more… complicated. It was as if regret, envy, and resentment had converged in her gaze.I straightened my back and beamed at them before leaving.The party was over, and I bade Madame Kenway goodbye.Soren was there to see me off at the gate, where the Bentley
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 113
My grandmother was just as stunned. "That was more than a decade ago! They remember that?""Did you know the man who showed up at our door was the current Kenway patriarch himself, Grandma?" I asked. "He's retired now, though.""No way! How could I possibly know? I saw his title and figured he was at least some Lieutenant General.""But he later became the General! God, these are the kind of people we wouldn't dream of marrying," my aunt exclaimed."What are you saying, Aunt Sarah? He's just trying to repay me for saving his life. He's not interested that way," I clarified, giving myself a subtle reminder as well."Shh. We can fantasize a bit when it's just between us, right?""If Taylor hadn't gotten tangled up with that Kennedy boy, just this act of heroism could have been the start of something real. But… Well, the Kennedy situation got too messy and out of hand, and now you can't even annul your civil partnership immediately…"My mood darkened. I had about a dozen days left
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 498
"So what? It's always couples' intimacy hour everywhere," Soren replied with a grin, leaning in for a kiss.I turned away. "You reek of alcohol!"He sniffed himself, clearly thinking he smelled bad, too. I expected him to ignore it and keep going, but instead, he pulled me upright. "Let's go. To the showers!"I guessed he was worried that our first time after two years would be ruined by bad breath and stench.He tried to lift me into his arms, but I was concerned he might be too tipsy. We had a playful struggle before he finally scooped me up in a bridal carry."I told you. I'm not drunk!" he insisted.I realized there was no escaping him today, so I reminded him, "Our son is still at the hospital, Soren. With Aunt Sarah.""Mm-hmm. Once his mommy and daddy love each other very much, he'll see us.""Soren! Be serious!""Loving my wife is the most serious thing there is."-Two months later, my grandmother passed away peacefully in her sleep. Soren and I had only just woken u
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 497
I got up and shot Soren a glance. "You guys must have been worried about him over these two years. Thank you for taking care of him.""Why, you're welcome," Richard replied with exaggerated pomp. "He didn't torment us, actually. He took it out on his subordinates. He worked like a machine, and everyone under him had to do the same. You should really thank his employees the most!"A pang shot through me as I looked at Soren. I'd heard about this from Jean, but hearing it again from his close friends only deepened that painful regret.I thought I'd been kind, but it was likely the cruelest thing I'd ever done to him. And yet, he held no blame against me and still loved me.It moved me. I filled both our glasses to the brim.Soren looked baffled. "What are you doing? They didn't specifically want to make you drink—""A toast to our relationship, my love," I said, passing him his glass.Soren froze, clearly not expecting this from me.The crowd, though, had already erupted into che
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 496
Being with Soren felt like a walk in the sunniest, coolest spring. He told me he loved me, and that made me his equal.Know what? It made me feel confident all of a sudden.We locked eyes for a long time before I pulled away."I… I'm basically unemployed right now," I muttered.I was about to launch a new business, but my grandmother's illness and my son's age forced me to set everything aside again."It wasn't easy raising a child alone, Tay, so don't put so much pressure on yourself. Besides, with your skills, it's only a matter of time before your career takes off again."I beamed. "You really think so? That's a lot of confidence, dude.""Of course I do." He held my hands. "Starting a business takes time and energy, so how about you move in with me? I'll raise our son while you focus on what you want to do."I laughed. "Oh God, was that the whole point of this talk from the start?"Soren laughed as well, his handsome face relaxing. "Well, now that we're getting married, whe
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 495
Soren smiled. "No need to doubt. That was one of my ulterior motives."So he wanted me to agree to our marriage because he wanted sex?!I stared at him, unmoving."Come on, I'm sending you both up," he said, his driver's presence making things awkward.Soren took the baby from my arms and strode inside.In the elevator, he stared at me without blinking.I grew self-conscious. "What?""Nothing. I just wanted to look at you, not missing a single detail," Soren replied matter-of-factly. "I hadn't dared do that before we started talking again because I was afraid you might be upset."I felt even more embarrassed.He set Silas in the cot, then turned to me and walked away.It was too late. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me into his chest. I saw his face loom over mine and cried out, "Don't do this, Soren! This is Amanda's place!"His reason and restraint were still functioning, turning his kiss into a brief peck."When will you move to my villa?" he breathed."N
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 494
I knew what had happened to me. I knew what two years had done to my face. A woman aged much faster when she had a child, after all.Celebrities looked the way they did because they didn't bear the weight of child-rearing. They had the money to pamper their faces and dedicate themselves to rigorous exercise routines.I had raised my son on my own. I had help when I needed it most, but most of the time, it was just me."So, you don't think I've grown older and uglier?" I muttered.Soren laughed."Oh, I do!" he teased. "But you're the mother of my son.""What does that mean?! And you said you weren't pitying me!"He laughed again—this time, affectionately. "I was joking. I don't think you're any less than who you were back then. I actually wish you'd grow older, too. That way, only I remain by your side."I couldn't come up with a response to something so ridiculous."Do you need me to throw a grand, elaborate proposal to finally convince you I'm serious about wanting to spend t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 493
"It's the way he looks at you. His eyes look suspicious!"Suspicious, my ass. Jamie was so far away from him by now that there was no way Soren could see anything in Jamie's "eyes."I sneered. "Don't be daft. He's got a girlfriend now." "Oh, really?""Yes, really. Can we go now?"My old colleagues had been staring at us, and I really didn't want to become the subject of their gossip. I just wanted to leave.Soren finally told the driver to go.Silas had probably exhausted himself from crying. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep in my arms.Soren stretched his arms out. "Let me.""I'm fine. It's okay for him to sleep like this. My arms are fine," I replied.I didn't want to give him an excuse to enter Amanda's residence with me again. I was only here temporarily, and I certainly didn't want things to get... steamy and intimate at her place. Besides, I didn't want to be steamy with him, period.Soren withdrew his arms sheepishly and snickered to himself.Annoyed, and
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 492
"Hello?""When are you coming back?" Soren asked in a low voice.I stood and left the lively private room. "I'm having lunch with some old colleagues. What's up?""Wow. So while I was trying to handle our son, you went out to have fun," he whined.Please. He wanted Silas with him—he was just being dramatic.The wine gave me enough courage to respond, "Weren't you the one complaining about missing out on your son's childhood? I'm just being considerate.""Fine. Where are you? I'll bring Silas to you. He wants his mom now—no one here can calm him down," he replied.Just as I had expected.I figured lunch was nearing its end anyway, so I gave him the address. "Call me when you arrive. I'll meet you at the entrance.""Got it."I returned to the room and quietly told Amanda, "I have to leave soon. You guys go ahead."She checked her phone. "Nah, we should all start packing up. We still have to work this afternoon!""Oh, right."I paid for our meal while the others chatted.Whe
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 491
The company had seen some new hires, but many were familiar faces.Case in point: Cherry Birkin. Now Amanda's assistant and principal secretary, she was ecstatic to see me."Tay-Tay! You're back!" she cried, rushing over to grab my arms. "It really is you! I'm so glad you came to see us. After disappearing for two years, I honestly thought you'd never come back!"Amanda, who had been the one to welcome me, stood beside me, smiling. "See? Your old colleagues have been complaining about you being heartless.""Aww, I'm sorry for being gone so long! How about this? Lunch is on me! Cherry, gather the old crew and invite them over!""You got it!" she replied eagerly.I stepped into Amanda's office—the same one where I used to work.A lot had changed in the interior, but everything felt warm and welcoming. The company was thriving under her and Jamie's leadership.There was a knock at the door. I turned to see the man himself."So, you really are back, Taylor," he said with a grin. "
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 490
I was irritated. If I were being generous, I'd say Soren was being proactive. If I were being honest, though, I'd call it disrespectful—he was undermining my agency!"I haven't even agreed to this yet!" I snapped, straightening my back and glaring at him as the seniors watched. "Who gave you the right to make decisions for me?!"Soren barely reacted. "You overthink everything. You hesitate more than you need to, so I thought... why not just ask your grandmother and aunt?"Turning to Sarah, he added, "What do you think, Aunt Sarah? Do you approve of us being together?"Sarah blinked, stunned, then shot a quick glance at my grandmother. My grandmother raised her hand, as though she had something to say. I leaned in immediately. "I'm listening, Grandma..."She took a deep breath, grasped my hand, and said, her voice raspy, "I can tell… Ren really loves you… You have a child now… It's good for you two to just get married."She paused, then added, "That way, I… can finally let go...
