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Chapter 300
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 301
"That's not it!" I replied quickly."You keep saying you're too busy," Soren grumbled. "I was worried you'd decided to retreat back into your shell again."What? Why did he always think I would regret agreeing to spend time with him?"No, I really am busy these days. I thought I told you that," I said, feeling a twinge of guilt."You still need to eat. How about no overtime tonight and dinner with me instead?"I felt a bit cornered. I hadn't finished as much work as I'd planned."Can you wait at least an hour? Let me finish some of these things!" I said, giving him my best puppy-dog eyes.He smiled and leaned toward me. "First, how about a little fanservice for your boyfriend?"He was tall enough that his whole body cast a shadow over my desk.I blushed and glanced around my office."No one's here. It's just your office," he said.I pointed at the surveillance camera. "There's that.""It's just a—"Before he could finish, I quickly pressed my lips to his, pulling away almo
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 302
To be honest, there was nothing wrong with what he said. You could even call it bootlicking in front of your boss.But that wasn't how Soren saw it. Once we entered the elevator, he turned to me with one eyebrow raised. "Oh, you treated him really well, didn't you? How exactly?"I shot him a look. "Well! I pay him generously! I'm a very, very generous boss.""That's it?""That's it!"He narrowed his eyes. "Why did you swing my hand away from you?"I smiled helplessly at him."Are you jealous?" I asked pointedly.Soren was just as blunt. "A little, yes. You admire him. And he doesn't seem to see you as just his superior."I laughed and raised my hand. "I solemnly swear that I admire him only for his competence. As for what he thinks of me in return? That's pretty much out of my control," I said."Besides, Lord Soren, aren't you supposed to be at the pinnacle of power and prestige? How is it that you're showing such low confidence? That's just insane.""I'm confident in myself
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 303
I smiled. "Why are you surprised? You've visited my place before.""It's different now."Soren was right. This was the first time I had invited him over since we started dating. It felt like a subtle acknowledgment, a quiet form of approval.My voice was barely a whisper. "Are you coming or not?"He followed me, smiling. We didn't speak during the elevator ride. When our hands brushed, we both quickly pulled them back.As I fumbled to open the door to my unit, I felt his warm breath on the crown of my head, sending goosebumps skittering across my scalp.I stepped inside and set my bag down.Soren grabbed my shoulders, turned me toward him, and kissed me.I knew he'd been holding back all night. That was why I'd invited him.It felt as if we instinctively knew how to respond to each other. I slid my arms around his neck. He lifted me into his arms and set me on the shoe rack.We kissed our way from the entryway to the dining table, then to the couch. When his hands moved to my
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 304
I didn't see Soren off. I only called out from my room, "Okay!"After he left, I stepped into the now-empty living room. In my mind, I watched the scene unfold from a third-person perspective. I could see how hard it had been for us to part.Oh God, that was so embarrassing!I had never felt that passionate with Edward, not even once. Never!With Soren, though… He usually appeared so gentlemanly, controlled, and mild when we were together. He looked like a straight-laced, polite young man. Who would have thought he had a different, hungrier side to him?This should teach me never to judge a book by its cover.-The next morning, while I was in a meeting, my phone beeped. The message I received surprised me.Soren: [I'm on a business trip, Tay.]Huh?! Since when did he suddenly have a business trip to take?!I remembered how close we had come to being intimate the night before, and it hit me. Something felt off.Almost sleeping with me and then vanishing the next day? That
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 305
I had to tilt my chin up because Soren was hugging me so tightly."Alright! Michael's watching you," I teased.Soren finally released me, pinching my cheek before getting into the car.I watched him drive off, smiling to myself. I couldn't wait to see him later.I turned to head toward my car but then saw someone I least wanted to encounter—Edward Kennedy. He sat in his wheelchair, his assistant pushing him toward me.My expression darkened, and my mind raced, trying to predict his motive.Edith's case was going to trial the day after tomorrow, so he had to be here for that.The evening air grew colder as dusk settled. The winter wind bit through the streets, but nothing felt as dark or cold as Edward's expression.He sneered from a couple of paces away. "Have you no shame, Taylor? The Internet's already against you, yet here you are, acting all sweet and sappy in public."I had heard far worse on the Internet than that. Hell, I was already known for fighting back against my o
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 306
I was stunned. This news was hard for me to even comprehend.After recovering from the shock, I asked, "Do you know… who the father is?"Edward's expression could have reduced a child to tears. It made me realize how insensitive my question had been. "I… I didn't mean to—"The words had just slipped out!More than one person could have abused Edith. She wouldn't know who the father was—unless the child was old enough for a paternity test.But who would want to keep a baby born of such brutality?That child would be a permanent reminder of her nightmare, a symbol of pain that would haunt her for the rest of her life.Edith had really trapped herself in this situation. Even if she had an abortion, the trauma would remain, now embodied in a pregnancy that would linger for months. It would hurt more than any punishment the law or the prisons could impose.She must have regretted what she did that night. And she must truly hate me now.Edward glared at me. He blamed me for it all.
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 307
I was reminded of Edward's presence from earlier and turned to her. "Girl, you just reminded me.""What?""Edith's pregnant.""Whaaat?!"I expected her to have the same reaction I did."She got pregnant from that… And there were two of them! Then… who?""There's no way she'd keep the child, so it doesn't matter. Edward hoped I'd let the case go, but I've already asked my lawyer about this. There's no point in settling outside of court.""And why should you?" Jean croaked angrily. "She brought this on herself. It was either you or her!""Do you think I might be too… cold-hearted?" I asked hesitantly."Being kind to them is like casting pearls before swine!" she pointed out. "So why bother?"Jean was right. Even if I agreed to settle outside of court, the Kennedys wouldn't stop. They might even twist my generosity into an admission of guilt.With my best friend's support, I felt better and more confident in my decision.Situations like this made me grateful for Jean. I couldn
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 308
"No!" I screamed, covering my mouth as I dodged his kiss."What's wrong?""I haven't brushed my teeth—and I look like a slob!"I bolted back inside to the bathroom to freshen up.Soren set the breakfast on the table and leaned against the doorframe, watching me.I stared at him, my mouth full of foam.He smiled."Canf youf notf lookf atf mfe?!" I protested.He didn't budge.Growing more self-conscious, I shoved him out of my room.By the time I finished, he had unpacked the tiffin carrier, laying out an inviting spread of continental breakfast."This is quite the feast. Please tell me you're eating with me," I said, smiling as I took my seat.I could get used to having such a boyfriend. In over six years of dating Edward, I'd never experienced anything like this."I already ate, thanks. You should enjoy it while it's hot.""This is too much for one person!" I said, grabbing an extra set of utensils. "Join me, at least!"I sat down and started eating. "So, how's your gran
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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...
