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Chapter 181
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 182
It was too late. I had passed my phone to Edward.Sally leaned in, curiosity etched on her face.Edward's expression darkened.Sally's shock deepened, and she turned to her daughter, stammering, "You… What did you… What have both of you—""Explain this right now, Edith Kennedy!" Edward bellowed at his sister. "What the hell happened last night?!""I-I…" Edith stammered, tears streaming down her face.Edward had lost it. He stormed toward her, shoving the screen in her face. "Don't look away! You were the one who drugged her! You lied! You fucking lied to everyone!""I didn't! I didn't lie!" Edith wailed. "I didn't say it was her! You're the one who thought so! Don't blame me!"She turned to me, her fury intensifying. "What the hell is wrong with you, bitch?! I've already been punished in the most painful way possible, so why are you doing this?! You want me to kill myself, don't you?!"I frowned and replied innocently, "Your brother was the one who forced me to make a statemen
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 183
"Who told you that?" I replied calmly, grinning. "I didn't know! I just saw how much you liked the drink and let you have mine too. That was me being nice!""Y-You're evil!" Edith stuttered.She turned to Edward and howled, "Is this the kind of woman you like? An evil, heartless bitch?!""Shut up! You started all of this, and now I'm dragged into it because of you! You're a moron!" Edward shot back."I was doing it for you! If it weren't for how obsessed you are with her, would I even have come up with a plan like this?!" Edith shrieked, tears and snot streaming down her face.Edward laughed scornfully. "You stooped so low and committed a crime, and that was somehow for my sake?!""Yes! It was all for you!" Edith snarled."I just wanted her to be with you! Then maybe she wouldn't leave you so easily! Or, better yet, if you got her pregnant, she couldn't leave you because of the baby!"At the very least… the two of you have been together for six years and even registered as civi
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 184
Sally demanded, "Divorce that witch this instant, or don't ever call yourself my son!""You can't abandon your own sister over a woman who doesn't even care about you anymore! At least I did all of that for you! How could you treat me like I mean nothing?!" Edith cried.A barrage of anger rained down on Edward. Even I winced at the relentless noise.At that moment, my phone rang. It was Soren.I turned and headed toward the door."You're not going anywhere, Taylor! Delete the video, or don't even think about leaving!" Sally roared.I couldn't help but feel amused. "You really think I didn't make multiple backup copies? Your son could smash my phone to pieces, and it wouldn't change a thing!"Edward had smashed my phone the other day, hadn't he? Thanks to him, I'd had to buy a new one.Sally was stunned.Before I left, I heard her shout, "If you spread that video, the Kennedys will never let you go! I swear it!"I retorted, "If your son agrees to end this, no one else has to k
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 185
Soren had tossed the ball at me!I should have been mad at him for deflecting the question back at me, but instead, I breathed a sigh of relief and laughed."Ha! I was joking! Did you take it seriously? I know you're the kind of upstanding guy who repays kindness with even more kindness. And let's not forget—I saved your life. Twice!"He chuckled softly before stating plainly, "It's more than just repaying your kindness, Taylor."My mind went blank. Oh God, why did I bring this up?* Regret? I had plenty of it.After a moment of panic, I blurted out, "Er, what did you say? I was in an elevator, and the signal cut out for a second!"He chuckled quietly—as if he could see right through my evasion. But he didn't call me out on it."Nothing urgent, don't worry. Good luck later, alright?" he said.Relieved that he'd chosen to play along, I felt my heart settle. "Thanks! I'll take all the luck I can get!"The call ended as I stepped out of the hospital.I pressed a hand to my chest
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 186
When it was time for debates, Edward's lawyer focused solely on refuting every point Ash made. There was no sign of cooperation whatsoever."I thought the defendant would be more cooperative," Ash muttered under his breath to me. "But right now, their strategy seems to hinge on emphasizing how happy your relationship was. The judge might be swayed to their side this time. If that happens, we might need a second trial…"A second trial? That would mean at least three more months! No—I couldn't bear to wait even one more day.I raised my hand, interrupting Edward's lawyer. "Sir, I'm not feeling well. May I request a short break?""The court approves a ten-minute recess.""Thank you."As I passed by the defendant's seat, I leaned in and whispered, "We need to talk."Edward scowled but followed me out.Once outside, I showed him the video again. "Are you really willing to risk me showing this to the police? Do you want your sister to go to prison?"Edward stared at my phone, his li
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 187
Sally grabbed Edward's wrist and wailed, "What more do you want from me, Edward? Do I have to beg you on my knees to get you to leave her right now? Do it, or I disown you!"The women were still trying to pry any information they could. Even those who seemed to comfort her were secretly hoping for more clues.Edward still looked like he was debating with himself.I shook my phone and warned, "I'm calling 911 unless you cooperate!"I pressed 9 on my phone.Sally fell to her knees in front of Edward so suddenly that even I jumped.The women lived for moments like these."Mr. Kennedy, how low can you go? What kind of son makes his mother beg him?!""What did Taylor do to make you hate her so much, Mrs. Kennedy? Why do you insist on their divorce?!""I seriously don't get the Kennedys. Are you folks, I don't know, maybe a little blind? A daughter-in-law like Taylor is the biggest blessing my son could ever get!""I know, right? You folks should hav—"Edward erupted in rage. "Shu
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 188
The court's verdict was clear: our partnership had been annulled. Edward would also bear the cost of the court proceedings.The official verdict would be sent to us within ten business days.I listened to the sound of the gavel and knew that this was it. Tears almost burst from my eyes.I was free! I was finally free!Unlike me, Edward sank into his seat at the defendant's side. Dark clouds loomed over him.I didn't feel like comforting him at all. Instead, I left the courtroom with Ash, a big smile on my face."Thank you, thank you all! Thanks to all of you, we are now divorced!" I proclaimed to the cheering crowd."Congratulations on your freedom, Miss Jones! My nephew is a 28-year-old up-and-comer who graduated from an Ivy League school and currently works as an executive at a publicly traded company! Here's his picture...""28 is too old for you, Miss Jones! It's better when they are young, don't you think? My son is 23, currently doing his PhD! He's handsome, cheerful, and
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 189
I returned to my car after bidding Ash goodbye.I was stewing in a swirl of emotions—happy, but also uneasy. I felt both relieved and worried.I decided to call my grandmother to share the news. But as the call connected, I noticed an ambulance hurrying toward the building."Yeah. The court case… Edward at least knew when to let go. We're divorced," I muttered.My grandmother let out a sigh of relief and launched into a long-winded speech that I barely registered. My attention had drifted outside the window.Paramedics were carrying Edward on a stretcher.Sally trailed behind them, but as she descended the stairs, she lost her footing and stumbled forward. A paramedic quickly helped her up.I recoiled, startled by the sight of her fall."I got it, Granny. Anyway, I gotta go. I have some things to work on, but I promise I'll tell you more over the weekend when I visit," I said quickly.I hung up and returned my focus to the window.Edward was hooked to an oxygen tank. As soon
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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...
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 489
I glanced away and stared out the window.Soren chuckled and said, "So, what do you think of my proposal? Your time's up now."Startled, I turned back to his side profile."It's too early in the morning! My brain is still, uh, starting up!" I protested.Soren smiled and, to my surprise, continued driving without pressing me for an answer.When we reached the hospital, I carried Silas in my arms.Soren suddenly produced a basket of health supplements and fresh fruit."You don't have to give her these. She… can't eat solid food or take supplements anymore," I said sheepishly."It's a token of goodwill," he replied as we walked inside. "My parents told me last night. They're happy to help with your grandmother's care. Even with intensive treatment, there are many ways to ease her pain."Gratitude filled me. Lisbeth had mentioned this to me, but it turned out she'd also spoken to Soren. They must have really accepted me to consider this kind of help."I don't think it's necessary
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 488
"Nah. With Soren here, no one would dare," Jean remarked.I thought of his marriage proposal. "Soren talked to me about getting married.""What?! He proposed to you?!" Jean exclaimed."I wouldn't call it a 'proposal' in the traditional sense. But he was serious about it. He said we should marry to fulfill our grandparents' wishes and remind them of life's joys or something."God, it sounded more like some speech meant to sound profound than a real proposal. Apparently, Amanda thought so too."He didn't sound serious enough to me. He didn't confess his feelings or say he loved you, did he? There's a gap between the two of you. If love isn't enough, you won't last."I lowered my gaze. "I know. I've been thinking about it too. That's why I didn't accept his proposal. I told him I needed to think and would give him my decision tomorrow."Jean, however, was insistent. "Say yes! What's there to overthink? Carpe diem, Tay-Tay! Don't tie yourself down with all sorts of considerations—th
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 487
Soren smiled. "You don't believe in your son's charisma?""They like me now... because they love my son.""You can call it that."I felt embarrassed. This wasn't what I meant. "Did they also think I had Hale to use him as a ticket into the family?"Soren shook his head and sighed. "You've assumed the worst, Taylor. If that were your intention, you could have demanded to join the Kenways when you were pregnant or after he was born. You wouldn't have spent a year or more raising him on your own in secrecy."I relaxed. Soren understood my way of thinking.He noticed the smile on my face and took my hand."Will you marry me?" he asked.Back to this again?!I averted my gaze, looking for anything to focus on. "This isn't a good time!"My grandmother and his grandfather were sick. Wouldn't getting married now seem tone-deaf?"Why not?" Soren asked. "Our grandparents might not have much time left. They'd want to see us happy—to see us reach one of life's most important milestones—w
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 486
I stiffened.Soren had changed. He was different from how I remembered him, and that was why he felt so unpredictable to me now.I composed myself and looked back. Silas was still asleep.I straightened my clothes and stepped outside.Soren stood on the balcony, maybe hoping the cool breeze would calm him. Bullet circled his legs, tail wagging.I approached him hesitantly. He didn't turn around. Instead, he said, "Let's get married, Taylor."I was stunned. My mind went blank.What the hell?! Just like that? He decided to throw this at me, all of a sudden?Soren turned to face my bewilderment with calmness. "This is the best arrangement moving forward.""Because of Hale?""Why else?" He smiled. "I wouldn't mind if it were for love too.""You… still love me after all these years?""Don't you?"This wasn't how we used to talk. I was struggling to adjust.Soren had once been mild-mannered, gentle, and patient. Now, every conversation felt like a quiet battle of wits, where he
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 485
I was amused. "What do you want for compensation? It's not like we didn't have a good time back then."It took Soren raising his eyebrows for me to realize I might have sounded more suggestive than I intended."Wait, hold on. I didn't mean—""I want those good times again," Soren interrupted, his voice firm.I couldn't believe my ears. "You what?!"Did he have no sense of decency or control? It was still broad daylight! Silas was sleeping right nearby!"I said," Soren suddenly loomed closer, his gaze turning lascivious, "I want those good times again, mm."My hair stood on end. I tensed and shrank into the wall. "Soren, we are st— Mmm."I knew exactly what he meant, but before I could even finish warning him, he closed the remaining distance and pressed his lips against mine. He pulled my wrists forward, circling them around his waist.It felt like we were cuddling. I couldn't fight him—I was trapped between him and the wall.Soren's kiss started soft and curious, as though h
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 484
"W-What are you doing?" I stammered, my voice trembling.He stayed silent, his tall, imposing figure advancing and forcing me into a corner.I couldn't retreat any further. His grip on my arm held me in place."What are you doing? Can you not grab me like that?" I tried to sound firm, though my voice betrayed me.Soren didn't respond, merely looking down at me with a near-indifferent expression. Beneath his calm demeanor, though, I sensed a flicker of anger—something unsettling in his eyes.We moved like this—me backing away, him pressing forward—until I was cornered, my back against the wall.I frowned, my heart pounding in my chest."Why did you stop? Aren't you going to back off anymore?" he finally asked, his voice dripping with an almost smug satisfaction, like a cat that had finally cornered its prey.Humiliation burned my cheeks, the sting of his teasing cutting deeper than I wanted to admit.Even a mouse would bite when cornered, and I was no meek, helpless creature.
