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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 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...
