MasukShare
Chapter 204
Bab terkait
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 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 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 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 209
I didn't say anything in response. Maybe it was true—maybe they were more than just "siblings" or friends. I certainly thought it was possible.But it didn't matter anymore."The food's here. Let's dig in," I said, determined to change the subject.As we were eating, two people passed by us.Then, a loud, sharp voice called out, sweetly but sharply, "Oh my God, is that you, Taylor Jones? And Amanda Collins, too! I guess it's for the centennial, huh?"We both turned at the same time to see a young woman draped in jewelry and heavy makeup.It took me a moment to finally call out, tentatively, "Is that you, Candy Frieze?"Amanda, ever bold, added, "Who the hell operated on your face? I didn't even recognize you!"Candy's expression faltered."Your mom never taught you how to speak?" she snapped.Amanda pursed her lips. "She taught me honesty, at least."I was determined not to let this escalate into an argument. This was my best friend's restaurant, and I didn't want anything t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 210
Candy paid for our meal generously, slapping the receipt into my hand as though she were giving me alms. "There. Paid for you. Enjoy your meal."She thought I would be humiliated, but honestly, I welcomed it.I glanced at the receipt and raised an eyebrow. She had paid 850 dollars! Now, that was what I called a win!"Thank you for your generosity," I said, turning to Amanda. "Yo, if I'd known we were gonna have a schmuck paying for our food, I would've ordered the most expensive thing on the menu!"Amanda snickered to herself.Candy glared at me. "Taylor!""Hey now, it was just a friendly ribbing. You're a beautiful, generous soul. That makes you a beautiful, generous schmuck, at worst," I said.Amanda laughed so hard she nearly slapped the table.Candy gritted her teeth and stomped her foot. "Don't get too smug, Taylor. We'll be seeing each other a lot more from now on… You won't get to feel superior for long, mark my word."With that, she stormed off with her friend.I snee
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 211
My joy suddenly evaporated when my phone rang, displaying Edward's name. He hadn't called in days, so it was likely he had received his copy of the judge's verdict.I picked up the phone and muttered to myself, wondering if he would try to appeal.What was I supposed to do if that were the case? Should I really send Edith to prison? After all, she had already suffered so much.No. I wasn't going to play the saint now. Her imprisonment was part of my terms, and I would follow through if Edward decided to back out.With that, I steadied myself and answered the call. "Yes?""Taylor…" Edward's voice was heavy, almost lifeless. "Did you receive the verdict?"I kept my tone cold and detached. "I just got home and saw it in my mailbox.""Are you sure it's all over between us?"I frowned, my voice sharp. "What do you mean? Are you planning to appeal?"Edward chuckled, though it sounded hollow as if he still hadn't accepted reality. "I've been thinking about it ever since I got the ver
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 212
"Do you care what others think of us?" Edward asked."I'm not as shameless as you, so of course I care. Anyway, we shouldn't meet tomorrow. I wish you all the best," I retorted.I set my arm down and ended the call, which had completely ruined my mood.However, it only affected me for a moment. Soon, I began checking the weather forecast for tomorrow's centennial and started deciding what I would wear.Of course, I was going to take my outfit choice seriously since it was the anniversary of my old academy.-I woke up early the next morning and spent over an hour getting myself ready.That was when my phone rang. My lips curled when I saw who it was. "Hello there, you're up early."Soren replied, "It's already 8:30 a.m. It's going to be 10:00 a.m. by the time we get there."The National Academy was in another district of Metropolis, which usually took about an hour to reach. However, heavy traffic could easily throw off that timing."Okay, I'll be right down."I was about to
Bab terbaru
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.
