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Chapter 127
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 128
Harbinger Inc.? That was Harry's company!"With all due respect, maybe you guys are confused," Cherry offered helpfully. "We're a luxury fashion house, while Harbinger Inc. is a goods trading company! And also… we always pay our taxes!""No, I think I get it. It's my family," I murmured quietly to her. "I'll be going with them and leaving the Edwardian Tailor to you for the time being. Make sure the office doesn't get overtaken by speculation, got it?""Okay," Cherry replied worriedly, nodding.I smiled. "Don't worry. I know what this is. I won't let it get to me."After leaving some instructions, I went with the IRS agents.I had known Harry was plotting against me the moment he suddenly became so willing—so generous—in returning my mother's company shares and even giving me some of his own.But damn, he'd just lost his daughter. Instead of grieving Maddison's passing, he decided to start framing his surviving daughter.That asshole was no father.But why was the IRS looking
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 129
I was dumbfounded. "Didn't you tell me to wait a little longer?"Before the agent could respond, a low, gentle voice called out from outside, "Hey, Taylor."Oh my God. Soren?!"W-Why are you here?"He beckoned to me. "Over here."Overjoyed, I hurried toward him, grinning like an idiot.As he led me out of the section and through the IRS office, he placed a hand on my shoulder. Before long, the head of the IRS came rushing toward us."Mr. Kenway! Good afternoon! You should have informed us you were coming—we would have welcomed you right at the entrance," he said.Soren offered a faint smile and replied, "I didn't want to trouble the department. This isn't official business. I'm just here to get someone and will be leaving soon.""Will you stay for a chat?""No, thanks. I need to be elsewhere.""Alright. Safe journey, Mr. Kenway. I'll visit you next time," the head said deferentially.I had been silent the whole time, my eyes fixed on the hand he had placed on my shoulder.
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 130
"It's a long story." I sighed, then began to tell him everything from the beginning—starting with how Harry had deceived my mother and taken over my maternal grandparents' business.Soren's frown never faded. At some points, it even deepened. Occasionally, he looked at me with sympathy.When I finished, his first remark was, "Is he really your biological father?"I burst into laughter. "I know, right? No one would believe me if I told them he actually is. But it's the truth. Bro wishes the daughter who died was me instead of Maddison."Soren shook his head, muttering, "He won't escape his just desserts forever.""Oh, he won't. The only question is who will punish him first—God or me," I snarled.He smiled. "I see you already have a plan.""I knew he'd do this to me. From the moment he suddenly became generous enough to return those shares, I knew it was a trap. As such, I prepared a contingency plan," I revealed."Clever girl," Soren replied cheerily. "And here I thought I shou
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 131
That dress was the reason I became so suddenly popular when I reappeared in the hall that night.Soren nodded. "Right. The two of you can discuss it and see what she likes.""Okay!"Soren insisted on sending me back to the company—and that was how I found myself on the road again.Throughout the journey, he talked on the phone nonstop. Even after the calls ended, he pulled out his laptop."I'm really sorry to be working right now," he said."No, it's not a problem at all," I replied quickly, smiling.I should be the one apologizing. He had such a hectic day, yet he left work because of my issue. I couldn't help but feel embarrassed.He could have just called the IRS and asked them to release me, and the head would have complied easily.Yet, he went above and beyond, showing up in person despite his busy schedule just for me.My heart was racing again, damn it!Could this be a blatant display of favoritism? Care? It was already beyond friendship, wasn't it?He finally closed
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 132
To my surprise, I heard the same gentle, crisp voice calling out, "Taylor?"My heart raced. I turned back to him. "Yes?"Soren peeked out of the car, wearing a warm smile. "Don't worry. I'm still as healthy as can be, but… I appreciate that. Thanks."His sincerity eased my nerves, and I felt my entire body relax.I smiled. "I'm glad.""See you," he said.I waved. "See you too."At first, I had planned to run after what had happened in the car, but his response was so warm that I began to think I must not have offended him with my lecture.A wave of relief washed over me, and suddenly, I found myself watching his car drive away.Cherry approached me as soon as I returned. "Are you okay, Miss Jones? Miss Crowe looked for you after you were gone, so I told her you were being taken away by the IRS. She said she's going to ask Mr. Kenway for help…""Yeah. Mr. Kenway drove me back here. Don't worry, I'm fine now," I reassured her.Once she left, my expression darkened.Harry was
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 133
I called Harry as soon as I got into the car. He ignored me once or twice, but by the third attempt, he finally answered."What the hell?! I'm busy!" he snapped."I pray to God you're busy being interrogated by the IRS," I shot back sharply.He feigned shock. "What are you talking about?"I snickered, my doubt clear. "You set me up, Harry fucking Jones. Time for your comeuppance.""How dare you swear at your own father's name like that, you bitch?!" he raged, grasping at straws."Fuck you! You've never treated me like a daughter, and you've never hesitated to hurl abuse at me! Calling you an asshole is an insult to anuses worldwide!""Can it, bitch! I raised you!""Well, as thanks for raising me, I've prepared a gift you've been dying for. Where are you?"Harry was quiet for a moment. He was likely cautious, but in the end, his desire to see me at my most pathetic probably won out. Or maybe he was thirsty for more chances to insult me.Either way, he relented. "Nation Trade C
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 134
"I'm not leaving! I want to be here to see her at her worst! I was on my knees begging her to save Maddison, but she didn't care, did she?!" Cameron growled. "So now, I want her groveling in tears, or she'll be in jail!"I shoved the door open with a shrill snicker. "Groveling in tears? You mean like when someone dies in a movie and someone else falls to their knees, crying? Ooh, you really miss Maddison already!"They jumped at the noise.Cameron's expression twisted when she saw it was me. "You! You just can't stop cursing everyone else to die, can you?!""Just reading between the lines, ma'am."She couldn't find the right retort, so she resorted to an attempt to slap my face. I caught her wrist and swung her aside."I come here bearing gifts, and this is how you people welcome me?" I questioned sharply."Stop your mad antics already, Cameron! Let's listen to what she has to say!" Harry called out.Cameron gritted her teeth, made a spitting sound, and returned to the couch.
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 135
I nodded and took the documents, then addressed the rest of the room, "Okay, enough already. Settle down!"I raised the document in the air. "You wanted proof, right? Here's—"Before I could finish, Harry snatched the papers, barely glancing at them, still fueled by the anger he'd stirred up while shouting at his old partners.Without hesitation, he tore the papers into pieces, shouting, "I don't know what the fuck these are supposed to be, but I know I ain't done nothing wrong, and none of you can slander me!"I shrugged, took another copy from Megyn, and handed it to him. "Here. There's more where that came from. Go ahead and tear this one to pieces again. When you're finally tired and satisfied, we'll talk about the details."Harry glared at me, his cheeks quivering. "How dare you do this to your own father, you ungrateful bitch?!"I raised an eyebrow. "You make me sound so heartless, Harry. But am I? I'm not the one discussing how to kill their daughter to make her company th
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 208
"Oh, you're changing jobs?" I asked."Aye. I think I've done all that's worthwhile in my current position. I want a change of environment and platform," Amanda replied."I get it. Honestly, it's impressive that you've worked at the same company for years."We went to have dinner at the Oriole. There, I told her everything I'd been through.There was never a dull moment on Amanda's face. The expressions she made in quick succession were a show of their own."I did not imagine Ed to be this kind of asshole at all! You two were like a perfect match back then! You were the academy's most famous couple!"Her words pulled me into old memories for a moment."So, what's next?" she asked. "I bet you already have suitors, right? That coat is proof!"She pointed at the trench coat on the chair next to me with her chin.Since the parking lot of the Oriole was a short distance away, I had put it on again to brace against the cold."Yeah. You could say that. But I'm not interested for now.
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 207
"How long till your friend is here?" Soren asked.I checked my phone. "About half an hour from now."Without warning, he slipped off his trench coat and draped it over me, pulling it down over my head."The temperature is below zero, and you're still wearing so little. Ladies really do endure the cold for the sake of fashion," he remarked."Ah, I'm fine!" I quickly protested, startled. "I'm not even cold! And if I take this, you'll freeze once you step outside.""The car is right outside—I'll be fine. But you'll be here for another thirty minutes. I don't want you freezing," he insisted.Worried that I might take it off, he grabbed the sleeves and tied them securely around my arms."Now you're warm," he said with satisfaction."Dude, I look like a prisoner tied up."He patted my head. "Never seen a prisoner this beautiful."My cheeks burned. My heart swelled with joy."I'll be off now. See you tomorrow.""Right. Bye-bye."I watched his tall, gallant figure disappear throug
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 206
The centennial was happening soon. I had sent the dresses I designed to the faculty a day before the event and was now heading to the airport—Amanda was arriving today.What I didn't expect was seeing Soren at the airport!He was wearing a large black trench coat, making him look even more refined. As he strode gallantly through the arrival gate, several young women stopped in their tracks, staring at him like a pack of fangirls.Unfortunately, I was one of them too.I even blinked a few times to make sure I wasn't hallucinating.Soren seemed surprised to see me as well. His solemn, serious expression melted away into gentleness as soon as he noticed me.Michael—who was pushing the luggage trolley beside him—spoke up in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here, Miss Jones! Did you come because you knew Mr. Kenway was returning to the city today?"I opened my mouth—then immediately realized I had no idea how to answer.If I said no, it would be embarrassing for Soren. But if I
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 205
Jean asked, "So, how did he take it? It must have been pretty embarrassing to be rejected."I shook my head. "I had lunch at the estate. Uh, they invited your head chef just for that."Jean tsked. "Dude, he goes above and beyond for you, and yet you rejected him. Amazing."I ignored her and continued. "Madame Kenway kept dropping hints during lunch, and I told her… I'm not in the mood to be in a relationship. I just wanna focus on my career.""Right. If you start dating so soon after your annulment, everyone will start thinking you've been planning this from the start."God, it really took a best friend to understand you."I know, right?! That's what I told Soren too! I don't want people to think he got in the middle of my relationship with Edward!"And I already have a bad reputation—I destroyed my own family and all that! If they start making up rumors about him having an affair with me, and that somehow being the reason I got divorce… A stain like that could ruin his family's
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 204
"No way!" I retorted reflexively.Jean had known me for years, though. She smiled, her eyes narrowing. "Spill the beans, girl. Seeing someone new, haven't you?"I bit my lip. My cheeks were warming up again. Was it the bonfire or…"Come on, just say it! It's just the two of us here! Oh, I know… Is it 'Mr. Kenway'? I've seen both of you together twice, and honestly, the way y'all look at each other? I smell a situation."Honestly? The real reason I wanted to be here was so I could talk about my drama to my best friend instead of bottling it up. Naturally, I was easily coaxed into opening up.A smug grin appeared on my face before I knew it. "Girl, he confessed to me! But I—""He what?!" Jean cried out in shock, staring at me. "The hell is with this speed?! You've just ended things with Edward, and now he's already confessed? Could it be that he had been…"She lowered her voice and finished, "Thirsting for you?"I was speechless."Can you not? I haven't even received the legal d
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 203
Was it just me, or did he sound a little jealous? Something felt off, but luckily, it was still easy to feign ignorance.I coughed quietly. "Well, it's getting late. I should drive home. Please tell Mr. Rockefeller my thanks."I was about to hang up when Soren suddenly called out, "Taylor."I froze and brought the phone closer. "Yes?""I get jealous when you praise other guys in front of me. Please remember that I'm the first one to tell you how I feel, so you better be fair and just in the process. Otherwise…"His gentlemanly voice had taken on a new, mesmerizing quality. It was low, soft, yet brimming with assertiveness and authority.It felt as though my soul had been petrified by some kind of charming magic."Otherwise… what?" I whispered, my heart racing."You'll know when it happens," he replied cryptically. "Though I'd rather you never find out."I couldn't understand what he meant at first."The roads will be slippery because of the snow, so please drive safely," he s
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 202
"Good evening, Taylor." Soren's voice was low and soft.The way he enunciated his words made him sound so proper and gentlemanly. It was so refreshing that I felt as if the cold had left me.My mind started to blank. I suddenly realized I could not speak. In the end, I could only squeeze out lamely, "So… had your dinner?"He chuckled. "Yes. You?""Me?" I suddenly felt like my soul had snapped back into my body. "You really don't know?""Huh? Is that something I should know?" Soren asked, confused.Wait. So Richard didn't report anything to Soren after all! I had been fooled!"Oh… damn it," I muttered, smacking my forehead. "Mr. Rockefeller played me like a fiddle…""Huh? You mean Ritchie? What did he do?"I sat up straight and forced myself to calm down. Well, I started the conversation, so I had to finish it myself."I had dinner with that colleague after we finished discussing work. We were eating at a seafood hotpot place. Then, when we were about to finish, we saw Mr. Roc
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 201
When we were almost finished, I heard someone call out, "Miss Jones! Fancy seeing you here!"I looked up, stunned. It was Soren's best friend, Richard!"Mr. Rockefeller, hello!" I said, rising to greet him.He nodded. "Hello to you too."Richard then glanced at the man sitting opposite me."This is my newly hired General Manager, Jamie Young," I quickly introduced. "Mr. Young, this is Richard Rockefeller of Rockefeller Media. He's one of the city's elites. Who knows, we might work with him one day."Jamie stood and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Rockefeller!"Richard shook his hand. "Likewise!"He turned back to me. "It's the weekend today, so why aren't you hanging out with Soren? It's the first snow of the year. People are in a pretty festive mood."I knew exactly what he meant. The snow had blanketed the city in white, and people were out enjoying it, taking pictures, playing, and simply reveling in the change of season."We met earlier today, but I have thin
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 200
When someone cared about another person, they were mindful of everything that person possessed. Even the smallest pain was worthy of concern.Real life wasn't like fiction. Most people didn't experience cataclysmic events or life-threatening situations. Thus, where else could we show our care and love, if not through the mundane sufferings of daily life?The more I thought about it, the more I regretted how I'd spoken to Soren. I really needed to apologize."Miss Jones? Miss Jones!"I snapped out of my thoughts. "Oh! Yes?"Jamie fixed me with a questioning look. "Are you alright? We can always talk about this on Monday.""No, let's do it today. I'm free today." I forced myself to sit up, holding the ice pack to my forehead while flipping through the documents with my free hand. "What are your questions? I'll answer them."This company was the culmination of my blood, sweat, and tears. And now, I had found someone just as invested in making it better as I was! How could I be a de
