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Chapter 208
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 213
My face instantly turned bright red as I shot a nervous glance at Soren before saying, "Nothing's happened between us. I said that on purpose to try and get you off my back!"Edward stared at me, probably struggling to figure out whether I was telling the truth.Meanwhile, Soren remained unfazed by Edward's "breaking news," having already heard the details from Richard and me. In fact, he didn't seem affected at all.Instead, he looked at me with a gentle smile and said, "Let's go, Taylor. We're going to be late.""Okay." I smiled and walked past Edward."Taylor!" Edward turned around and yelled, "You'll never be good enough for the Kenways, so wake up! Your father's a criminal in jail, and you've already annulled a civil partnership, practically a divorcee. There's no way they'd accept a woman like you!"I ignored him completely and got into Soren's car, which offered me peace and serenity.After putting on my seatbelt, I glanced at Soren apologetically. "I'm sorry, Soren. I di
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 214
My heart warmed a little, and I couldn't bring myself to reject him again.When we arrived at the academy's entrance, I saw banners and balloons decorating the square, along with beautiful lights that brightened the atmosphere and made everything feel much livelier.A spectacular celebration for the National Academy's 100th anniversary!Traffic wardens were stationed around the area, restricting foreign cars from entering and leaving only a narrow lane, guided by cones, for pedestrians.Staff members were overseeing that lane as well.Soren rolled down his window, and a staff member politely removed the cone blocking his path without Soren needing to say a word.With a huge smile, the staff member said, "Welcome back!"I was so surprised that I asked, "Do they all know who you are?"Soren smiled. "Of course not. I just gave them my car plates beforehand.""I see…" I nodded, scanning the entrance for Amanda.But even after Soren drove further into the academy, she was nowhere
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 215
One of the others asked, "Huh? Isn't Edward's family super rich?"Candy looked at them with disdain and replied, "You people really are so shallow! That was a Rolls Royce Cullinan—a model so rare and luxurious that you can't buy it even if you're rich."She paused for a moment, then added, "To own one, your wealth has to span generations. Even then, you'd still need to be chosen in order to purchase it.""Wow…"Everyone seemed flabbergasted, while Candy turned to me and asked, "Does your husband fit the criteria?"I simply chuckled. "I never said he owned the car, did I? Can't it just be a friend's car?"One of the others was even more stunned and curiously asked, "Taylor, I heard some guy spent 40,000,000 dollars just to buy you a bracelet… Could that be the same friend who owns that Rolls Royce?"I smiled. "Who knows?"Surprised, Candy exclaimed, "40,000,000 dollars for a bracelet? And for you? Are you sure that story's true? No rich man would ever be that stupid.""It's tru
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 216
"Who?" I asked.Jean patted my shoulder excitedly. "Turn around and see for yourself!"I turned around, completely unprepared to see Soren!He was walking into the canteen with several of the academy's faculty deans, drawing all eyes to him.My former coursemates greeted the faculty deans respectfully, and the latter waved back in acknowledgment.At that moment, Soren noticed where I was sitting and curled his lips into a smile.I was so shocked to see him heading in my direction that I quickly waved my hand to stop him.He seemed to understand what I meant, as his smile turned into a helpless expression.Just then, the vice-rector struck up a conversation with him and gestured for him to head up to the second floor.After shooting me another glance, he complied, making me heave a sigh of relief.Canteen No. 5 served slightly higher-quality food at a slightly higher price point than the other cafeterias in the academy. It also had a VIP room on the second floor.That space w
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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.
