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Chapter 318
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 319
"I can only do a quick, emergency fix, but you'll still need to take it to a repair shop to replace the broken wires. Otherwise, the car might not start again."I was overjoyed and thanked him repeatedly. I noticed how dirty his hands had gotten and brought him a bottle of water to help him wash.As Jamie wiped his hands, he said, "It's pretty cold today, huh? Reminds me of the hotpot we had last time."That was hardly a hintโmore like a thinly veiled request. "Shall I treat you again? As thanks for fixing my car?"If it weren't for him, I would have had to wait in an empty, cold garage for one or two hours for the repairmen to arrive!He laughed. "Okay! I hope you don't mind my boldness."How could I possibly refuse to eat with him now?-We drove to the same hotpot shop as before.It reminded me of when Soren had been jealous of us sharing that mealโand how he made sure to dine there too.The more I thought about it, the queasier I felt.What if my luck continued to spiral
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 320
It was an eyeroll of happiness. "Fine. I can't stop you, can I?"I returned to my seat. Jamie was already cooking, and he placed some freshly cooked seafood on my plate. "Here. These are just made. Very fresh!""Ah, I can do it myself. Thanks!" I said, declining.He smiled and continued placing food on my plate as though he hadn't heard me.I remembered what Cherry had said: Jamie seemed to harbor feelings for me.It made me appreciate Soren's planned arrival. It could serve as a reminder to Jamie that I was already taken.-We finished our dinner by 9:00 p.m.I was starting to worry that we'd finished earlier than Soren had expected when his call came. It turned out he was already at the entrance."Looks like my guy is here. Please excuse me, and good night!" I said, ready to leave."What about your car?" Jamie asked, curious."Let it stay there for now. We'll have a repairman drive it to the shop tomorrow."I bade him farewell again and quickly headed to the entrance.To
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 321
I was speechless.Thankfully, Soren hadn't actually done that. If he had, I wouldn't have been able to face Jamie when I returned to the officeโunless, of course, I found myself a new manager.At that thought, I muttered regretfully, "I shouldn't have told you that if I'd known how you'd react. It's not like there's a big chance I'll run into your friend again, and you wouldn't have known about it anyway...""Excuse me? Were you saying something?""I said I finally found one of your flawsโฆ You're petty and jealous!" I turned to face Soren, enunciating each word deliberately just to provoke him.Instead of getting angry, he simply smiled and said, "I'm sure I have plenty more flaws. You'll discover them sooner or later.""Why not just tell me now so I can avoid them?""Nope, not a chance."Our childish banter continued until even we couldn't take ourselves seriously anymore."Alright, enough of that. Time to take you home." Soren changed the subject effortlessly, planning my sc
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 322
"That's not urgent. What's urgent is Edith's case," Edward said. "You said you'd agree to settle if she apologized to you. Does that still stand?"I frowned, staring at him. "You came all this way in the freezing night, sick as you are, just to ask me that?""How else was I supposed to? You've blocked my number and changed yours, after all."Edward's tone was calm but laced with sarcasm as he added, "As if you'd die from answering my callโฆ"I paused, realizing I'd indeed received two calls from an unknown number earlier today. I'd silenced them both."So? Does it still stand?" he pressed.I took a breath. Honestly, I didn't want to let it standโEdith's attitude in court had infuriated me.But with Harry about to be released, I had no idea what kind of trouble he'd stir up next.To avoid dealing with everything at once, especially with my Fashion Week showcase coming up, I decided to let this one go."Fine. Have her apologize publicly, and I'll accept an out-of-court settlement
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 323
Cherry called before I could finish."Tay-Tay, Ms. Thompson is here to see you.""Tell her I'm occupied today and won't be returning to the office," I replied calmly. "She should leave.""She's refusing and is sitting in your office. Should I call security to escort her out?""That won't be necessary. Let her stay." I doubted the guards could handle Cameron. If things escalated, they'd only disrupt the company's operations."Okayโฆ" Cherry sighed before hanging up.I didn't dwell on it. Cameron only ever came for money, and I had no intention of giving her anyโit would only lead to endless demands.As I turned to leave, I unexpectedly ran into someone familiarโฆ an enemy, in fact.Candy stood arm in arm with an older woman who bore a striking resemblance to herโlikely her mother.Two sharply dressed car salesmen flanked them, enthusiastically showcasing the various models on offer.So, they were here to buy a car too. What a coincidence."Taylor?" Candy's surprise was evident
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 324
But the very next second, Eliza Frieze turned her gaze toward me.With a blatantly rude tone, she said, "Is this your friend, Mr. Kenway? She comes from such an unremarkable background and has such unorthodox manners, a far cry from the company your family usually keeps. I'm sure your grandfather has neverโ""Madam Frieze," Soren smoothly interrupted before she could finish.His expression remained pleasant, but his tone carried firm authority. "Taylor is my girlfriend, and it's not your place to lecture her since we share no familial ties."I raised an eyebrow slightly, not expecting him to be so rude to an older woman by cutting her off like that.Eliza's face darkened immediately."My mother means well, Soren! Just look at Taylor! She was so aggressive she kicked my leg! It's all bruised now!" Candy jumped in to defend her mother, even lifting the hem of her dress to reveal her calf.I was about to explain myself, but Soren beat me to it. "Taylor wouldn't harm anyone for no r
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 325
Soren remained calm, showing no hint of guilt as he explained, "There's nothing between us. It's our grandfathers who are friends."Noticing my confusion, he continued, "Commander Frieze was one of my grandfather's most trusted subordinates back in the day. That's why my grandfather recommended him for promotion to military district commander."Remember when I mentioned my older brother? He's the orphan of my father's comrade and has been in the military ever since. For years, he served under Commander Frieze, who mentored him."My brother is highly capable, earning two first-class meritsโthough one nearly cost him his life. Two months ago, Commander Frieze retired and has been visiting my grandfather frequently. They play chess and reminisce about the past."I listened intently, my curiosity about Soren's older brother growing stronger after hearing about him again.At the same time, learning about Candy's family background left me uneasy. Her grandfather had once been a military
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย Chapter 326
Soren understood my meaning before I even finished speaking."That's not going to happen," he said firmly. "My family already knows I have a girlfriend."I smiled. "It's just a girlfriend, though."Candy had once told me that even marriages could end in divorce, let alone a mere relationship. She'd also claimed William would never approve of Soren being with me, which made me wonder if she knew something I didn't.Upon noticing my hesitation, Soren's expression turned serious. "I've told you beforeโI don't take relationships lightly."His gaze deepened as he paused, then added, "Actually, if you're willing, we could get married right now."What?!I stared at him, stunned.Waving my hand quickly, I let out an awkward laugh. "Marriage is a lifelong commitment. You can't be reckless about these things. You really shouldn't joke like that."Despite my words, joy bubbled inside me.Logically, I knew too many obstacles stood in our way, making marriage seem unlikely. Yet in that mo
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer!ย ย ย 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!ย ย ย 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 drinkโ""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!ย ย ย 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."Iโฆ 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!ย ย ย 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!ย ย ย 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 againโthis 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!ย ย ย 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!ย ย ย 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 himโhe 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 nowโno 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!ย ย ย 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 officeโthe 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!ย ย ย 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 disrespectfulโhe 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 tellโฆ Ren really loves youโฆ You have a child nowโฆ It's good for you two to just get married."She paused, then added, "That way, Iโฆ can finally let go...
