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Chapter 234
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 235
Holy shit! My face burned with shock, and I couldn't finish my original message.Soren had seen the previous message—even though I'd deleted it the moment it was sent!I was so stunned that my mind went blank as I stared at my phone.Suddenly, my phone rang, and Soren's name flashed on the screen… He was calling me!My hands were trembling so violently that I hung up in a panic.That's right, I chickened out again… I didn't have the guts to answer his call.Regret flooded me.Why had I sent that message? Why had I been so impulsive?My cheeks were still burning as I threw my phone onto the sofa, my heart pounding in my chest. I stood up as soon as a new message came through.Soren: [I'll swing by your house if you don't pick up.]Huh?! Was he joking? He wasn't actually going to come to my house, was he?My hands clenched into fists as I groaned in frustration.And then, Soren called again.I was a mess of emotions—flustered, nervous, restless, expectant, embarrassed, and
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 236
It was 5:00 p.m., and I finally had a moment to check the message Jean had sent me.I was pleasantly surprised to see it was a video of Soleil. She and her musicians were flash-busking on the streets of Berrada—first playing lively fiddles on a violin before sitting down to perform the harp with flawless elegance.I was stunned—she transitioned so effortlessly from the folksy, merry playfulness of the violin to the refined, evocative, almost heavenly bliss of the harp. But one of the reasons it worked so well was the dress I made for her.Yes, the fusion dress blending Rococo and modern elements perfectly suited her performances. Crowds gathered around, drawn not only by her musical talent but also by the dress.The video had gone viral. Compliments flooded every comment section, regardless of the platform. People praised Soleil and her dress in equal measure.I had already watched the video at least five times, and each time, I became more and more moved.Without thinking, I imm
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 237
"I'm really sorry. My grandmother's at the hospital. I guess I have to sit this one out," I replied in dismay, glancing at the receipt."Oh God! Is she okay? Would you like me to refer any doctor?" Soren offered."No, it's alright. The doctor told us it was a heart attack. For now, she'll be undergoing thrombolysis.""Which hospital are you at?" he asked.I hesitated before answering, "Metropolitan Health Central.""I see. Well, in that case, I better not distract you from what you need to do. Contact me if you need anything.""Thanks."After the call ended, I went to my grandmother's ward. She had woken up while the doctor and nurses were checking on her.I watched as she answered their questions and knew she was conscious and awake.The realization eased my worry.The dusk darkened into night.My grandmother, hooked to the IV drip, fell asleep."Tay?" my aunt said, approaching me. "You should go home and rest. You still have work tomorrow."I frowned. "No, Aunt Sarah, I
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 238
Soren still remembered that? Uh-oh… Was he really that jealous of it?Soren seemed to have read my mind because he flashed me a knowing grin. "Oh, you bet I remember you praising that man to high heavens."My cheeks turned red, and I looked away.He didn't press the issue. "So, whose car? I'm fine with either."It took me a moment, but then I recalled the problem."My car… Uh, it's… busted," I explained, feeling embarrassed. "It won't start. I was about to call a repair shop when you called.""Oh? So I swooped in at just the right time!" he replied with a smile.He did.Soren waved at his driver, who immediately got out of the car. "Miss Jones' car is having some issues. Please help her with it."He tilted his chin toward me. "Keys, please.""Um, you don't have to—" I began hesitantly."It's alright, Miss Jones. I'll wait for the repair shop with your car," the driver said kindly, extending his hand.I dropped my keys into his palm.Soren put his arm around my shoulder and
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 239
I froze. Did he mean... adding the word "boy" in front of "friend"? He wanted that title already?I studied his breathtaking profile, my heart pounding, and asked, "Is that what you're trying to do now? Take the 100th step at this moment?"His smile deepened as he shot me a side glance. "How many steps do you secretly hope I'm at?"My throat went dry. I licked my lips and gulped. "Can you stop at the 99th step and wait for me to take that last step?"My heart was racing, and my mind buzzed. Soren looked a little surprised. He stopped as the traffic light turned red.He turned to face me, his gaze as piercing as his smile was warm. "Well, well. The turtle has come out of its shell a little."I was already flustered. I did not need his teasing!"Fine! Pretend I didn't say that! Just drive already—I'm hungry!"I turned away from him, staring out the window. I couldn't bear to meet his gaze.Soren laughed softly. "The answer is 'yes.' I'll make it to the 99th step and wait for y
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 240
I had no time to hide.Soleil spotted me and shouted, "I see you, Taylor! O-M-G, you guys are dating! I gotcha red-handed!"I was speechless.Soren must've realized there was no reason to keep me hidden anymore. He aimed the camera at me.I waved at Soleil. "Yo, Sol. Do you have any idea just how viral you've gone? You've got mad skills on the violin and harp!"Sure, my real intention was to change the subject, but Soleil wasn't about to let that slide."So, the two of you decided to get together as soon as I wasn't around! What did he do to make you say yes?" she questioned."No, this isn't what you think!" I protested awkwardly. "We're just having dinner together!""As if I'll believe you!""Ask your brother, then!" I replied."Ren, is she telling the truth, or is this a lie?! Are the two of you still stuck in the hell of ambiguity?!" she demanded.Soren smiled and sighed loudly. "Well, I don't think so, but it really depends on what Taylor thinks. If she says it's not, so
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 241
I eyed the food he left on my plate and thanked Soren before adding impishly, "So… everything?""Everything."I suppressed an evil grin. "How much do you have in your savings? What about your pin number? Tell me about your property and cars. How many girlfriends have you ever had? Who did you have a crush on before? Has anyone ever had a crush on you? Do you have 'a girl that got away?'"I immediately dropped a list. "Tell me—everything!" He laughed, shaking his head. He placed his utensils down and looked at me. "Alright, let me answer them one by one, okay?"Well, to be honest? I've never paid attention to how much money I have in my savings. Probably a few hundreds of millions, maybe. The password is my birthday if translated to a lunar calendar."I don't own a lot of properties if I'm being honest. One is a condominium unit near my office. Sometimes, when I am so inundated by work that I have no time to go home, I'll stay there. Another is a vacation villa—it's a pretty quie
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 242
I had been lowering my head to avoid Soren's gaze, but he tried to meet me exactly by looking down at me. I couldn't avoid him.I feigned calmness and decided to play the fool. "I was just telling a joke, man. Why so serious?""But I wasn't joking. This is why you've been revoked the right to joke about it. Equivalent exchange," he replied patiently, as though he hadn't just said the most absurd thing. "It's your turn to introduce yourself now."I froze. "What am I supposed to say?!""Hmmm… I'm not interested in your earnings and savings. Those are yours. But I'm interested in your relationships. What did you like about Edward? Do you still love him? Who else is vying for your attention right now?"What?! What were we doing—playing Truth or Dare?!My jaw hung slack. I couldn't even make a sound.Soren studied my shock and smiled encouragingly.Finally, I found my voice. "I decline to play!"Soren was hellbent on strong-arming me. "No can do. I've answered your questions honest
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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...
