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Chapter 31
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 32
Shocked, I pushed open the door and hurriedly exited the car. "Oh God, I'm sorry, Charles! The ride was so comfy I accidentally fell asleep! You should have woken me up...""Not to worry, Miss Jones! Mr. Kenway was the one who told us not to wake you. He thinks you must be too exhausted from work lately," Charles replied cheerfully, motioning for me to enter.As I stepped into the pavilion with my bag, Charles' words replayed in my mind."Um… Mr. Kenway saw me asleep?""Of course. He was on his way out when you arrived. John told him you'd fallen asleep, so he glanced through the window and instructed us not to wake you."Holy shit! This was embarrassing! He even saw me! Aaah!I frantically touched the corner of my lip. I wasn't drooling, was I? Oh my God, I just wanted to disappear…Before I could offer an explanation for my tardiness, Lisbeth gently interrupted, "Now, now. I know how exhausting it can be for young professionals. I think a rest is well-deserved. Besides, I wish
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 33
As though worried Soren might doubt my skills, I added, "I'll plan my time well so her dress will be done before her birthday.""Don't worry. You can just make two sets for the event if you're short on time. Honestly, I'd put your health first. Working too hard is far more damaging to the body than it seems."His words reminded me that he had seen me asleep just this morning. I felt embarrassed again.Soren could tell I was nervous. He stepped forward. "Well, I shouldn't keep you any longer. You have a meal to catch. We'll talk some other time."I snapped out of my thoughts and nodded hurriedly. "Yeap! Goodbye, Mr. Kenway.""Bye."I got into the car. To my surprise, he closed the door for me and waved through the window.I was beginning to wonder if I saw the "really rich guys" through rose-colored glasses.For some reason, anything that should have been ordinary—a smile, a frown, a shrug, a wave, even the way the wind tousled his hair—seemed magical and unique when it was him.
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 34
The next day, I went to Harry's office.The man glared at me coldly. One glance, and he started to scoff. "What are you doing here? Haven't you done enough to ruin our family?"I sat across from his desk. "I'm desperately in need of money. If you're not going to return Mom's shares to me, then give me the equivalent amount in cash."Harry froze. His glare darkened even more. "Are you stupid? I gave you half of your mother's shares, and you're still asking for more?""It was my mom's, so you should have given me all of them. Besides, if you hadn't stolen my grandparents' business, do you really think you'd still be here?"Harry's eyes locked onto mine.The awkward silence stretched for a few seconds until he suddenly pulled me toward the door. "Get out. Don't make me call security.""I'll go if you pay me 1,500,000 dollars," I said."What the hell?!" His voice cracked. "You're kidding me. I'd rather burn it than hand you that much money!""Shut up, Harry. What happens if Maddis
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 35
I turned and watched the woman enter Harry's office.My gut instincts told me she had to be someone special.I got into my car and called Jean right away. "Jeannie, I need your help. Can you send someone to tail a person of interest?"If it weren't for the Kenways' commissions being my number one priority, I would have tailed them myself.-I thought it would take at least two or three more days for this to lead anywhere. But as it turned out, the prize showed up by evening.While I was working hard in the workshop, Jean texted me.Jean: [Yo, your deadbeat father just brought a woman to the Hilton Hotel. Room 8868. Wanna catch 'em in the act?]I set my needles aside and replied: [Nope. It shouldn't be us, Jeannie.]I called Cameron."What the hell do you want?!" Cameron yelled, her trademark impatience evident in her voice."Good evening, ma'am," I replied sweetly. "Is Dad home?""Of course not! I heard you went to his office to ask for money today. Have you no shame?! Madd
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 36
The woman stood naked, her voluptuous body on full display for anyone to admire.The elevator was bustling with guests, and news of the chaos had started to spread.People flooded the corridor, cameras trained on the unfolding drama.When the elevator doors opened, the first officer to step out barked, "Everybody, move aside! The police are here!"The crowd parted, creating a path to the central stage. Yet the police struggled to control the situation.Cameron was relentlessly beating Harry, who, despite wearing nothing but his birthday suit, seemed on the verge of fleeing.Ultimately, the officers had to forcibly restrain Cameron "War Goddess" Thompson to bring the fight to a halt.They arrested everyone involved under suspicion of public disturbance, assault, and prostitution.The accusation only fueled Cameron's fury. "What are you arresting me for? You should arrest these two for having an affair! What's wrong with a wife beating up a homewrecker, huh?""Pipe down and foll
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 37
Heh, a rape allegation. Divine retribution really was a bitch. Harry had finally gotten his comeuppance.My accidental laugh made Edward even angrier. "How could you?! Since when did you become so cruel?!""I learned from the best—you!" He suffered in silence, seething with anger."When you think about it objectively, can't you see I did nothing wrong? He was committing real crimes," I reasoned. "Even if you two are on the same side, I'd advise against being on the wrong side of the law, Ed. It won't end well for you either."He stayed quiet for a long time.I guessed he might have calmed down, realizing he didn't have much ground to stand on.Eventually, he changed the subject. "I heard you've been desperate for money. Why?""None of your business.""How much do you need? I'll give you the amount.""I want 13,000,000 dollars," I replied. "Got that much?""What do you need 13,000,000 dollars for?!" he exclaimed. "Is the company in financial trouble?""Nope."I suddenly ch
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 38
I snickered. "Did I ask? You should stop thinking so highly of yourself. You could shove that money into my hands, and I'd smack it back in your face."Why? Because I don't want to disgust myself or my mom with the money of a traitor.""How could you say something so heartless?" Edward demanded."Actions are stronger than words, boy. Heartless actions are way worse than heartless words."I ended the call right then and there. I was so mad.But once the anger faded, anxiety crept in.If Edward knew, what were the chances Maddie knew as well? And since that woman was crazy enough to take anything I held dear, she'd definitely try to bid on that bracelet, wouldn't she?No! I wouldn't let that happen!I needed to gather enough money.However, the auction was in just two days. Where could I possibly find the funds?I forced myself to calm down. My mother always said never to give in to panic. Only a calm mind could devise a plan.I stared at the evening suit before me as an idea
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 39
I found it. Despite its austere exterior, it was imposing. Its only design was a line of words engraved on its wall: Serve and protect.Someone was waiting. I had seen him before—the man who had reminded Soren that he had to leave while we were talking at the gate of the Kenway residence.I parked my car and grabbed my bag.The man introduced himself politely, "Good morning, Miss Taylor Jones. I'm Michael Kidd, Mr. Kenway's personal assistant.""Pleased to meet you, Mr. Kidd."He led me into the building, past the security check, and into the lobby."Mr. Kenway is still busy. You'll need to wait for a while," Michael said.I smiled. "That's fine. I'm sorry to have scheduled this meeting on such short notice. It must have disrupted his plans."We reached the top floor, which appeared to be a wide, clean office space.Employees greeted Michael with deference as we passed by.I supposed this came with being their director's personal assistant. He essentially answered to no one b
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 202
"Good evening, Taylor." Soren's voice was low and soft.The way he enunciated his words made him sound so proper and gentlemanly. It was so refreshing that I felt as if the cold had left me.My mind started to blank. I suddenly realized I could not speak. In the end, I could only squeeze out lamely, "So… had your dinner?"He chuckled. "Yes. You?""Me?" I suddenly felt like my soul had snapped back into my body. "You really don't know?""Huh? Is that something I should know?" Soren asked, confused.Wait. So Richard didn't report anything to Soren after all! I had been fooled!"Oh… damn it," I muttered, smacking my forehead. "Mr. Rockefeller played me like a fiddle…""Huh? You mean Ritchie? What did he do?"I sat up straight and forced myself to calm down. Well, I started the conversation, so I had to finish it myself."I had dinner with that colleague after we finished discussing work. We were eating at a seafood hotpot place. Then, when we were about to finish, we saw Mr. Roc
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 201
When we were almost finished, I heard someone call out, "Miss Jones! Fancy seeing you here!"I looked up, stunned. It was Soren's best friend, Richard!"Mr. Rockefeller, hello!" I said, rising to greet him.He nodded. "Hello to you too."Richard then glanced at the man sitting opposite me."This is my newly hired General Manager, Jamie Young," I quickly introduced. "Mr. Young, this is Richard Rockefeller of Rockefeller Media. He's one of the city's elites. Who knows, we might work with him one day."Jamie stood and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Rockefeller!"Richard shook his hand. "Likewise!"He turned back to me. "It's the weekend today, so why aren't you hanging out with Soren? It's the first snow of the year. People are in a pretty festive mood."I knew exactly what he meant. The snow had blanketed the city in white, and people were out enjoying it, taking pictures, playing, and simply reveling in the change of season."We met earlier today, but I have thin
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 200
When someone cared about another person, they were mindful of everything that person possessed. Even the smallest pain was worthy of concern.Real life wasn't like fiction. Most people didn't experience cataclysmic events or life-threatening situations. Thus, where else could we show our care and love, if not through the mundane sufferings of daily life?The more I thought about it, the more I regretted how I'd spoken to Soren. I really needed to apologize."Miss Jones? Miss Jones!"I snapped out of my thoughts. "Oh! Yes?"Jamie fixed me with a questioning look. "Are you alright? We can always talk about this on Monday.""No, let's do it today. I'm free today." I forced myself to sit up, holding the ice pack to my forehead while flipping through the documents with my free hand. "What are your questions? I'll answer them."This company was the culmination of my blood, sweat, and tears. And now, I had found someone just as invested in making it better as I was! How could I be a de
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 199
Jamie started toward the pantry. "What would you like to have, Miss Jones? Tea? Coffee? Or perhaps milk and juice?""Coffee will be good.""Got it."As he prepared my drink, I rubbed my forehead.To my dismay, I could feel the swelling! I quickly tried to cover it with my bangs.Jamie brought two cups of coffee over. "These coffee beans were gifts from a friend from Oz. Have a taste.""Thanks!"I took a sip.Before I could even savor it, Jamie suddenly asked, "Miss Jones, is your forehead alright? I think it's… swollen…"I gulped down the coffee and tried to cover my forehead with my hair. "Oh! It's, uh, nothing! I just bumped into something, haha.""It'll recover faster if you put some ice on it," he said, heading toward the fridge.This office used to belong to Edward. He rarely stayed in his office for long, but it was well-equipped regardless. The pantry, fridge, lounge, and bathroom were all included.Jamie found an ice pack and started looking for a clean towel to wra
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 198
The loud "thud" I made nonetheless startled both the people inside the escalator and Soren."Taylor?" he called out suddenly.But I was so embarrassed that I quickened my pace.As people entered the escalator, I pressed my forehead and called out to them, "Hold the door!"I dove into the escalator, and the doors closed.I breathed a sigh of relief. My heart was pounding, and my mind was still reeling from the shock.I couldn't imagine Soren's reaction to my "near-miss." He must think I was the clumsiest woman on Earth. Or perhaps he thought I was so taken by his confession that it had broken me, leaving me incapable of functioning properly.-I entered my office, and as I passed by the General Manager's room, I was surprised to see someone inside.I peeked through the window. It was my new recruit. He was working overtime today.He noticed me too and looked up in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here today, Miss Jones!"I smiled. "That's my line! It's the weekend, and y
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 197
Soren's gaze was soft and calm. After a while, he finally said, "I can wait. It doesn't matter how long you'll need. I can wait."I felt a bolt course straight through my veins. I could faint.Just like that—without warning or any plan—he tore down the wall between us and spoke his mind candidly!I had no idea what expression I might have been wearing, but I could tell my heart was beating at warp speed.How the hell was I supposed to respond to this? Reject him again or say, "Well, I hope you like waiting!"?"Look, M-Mr. K-Kenway—""Don't call me Mr. Kenway."I froze, my mouth still open. Just that interruption alone made my mind go blank.Soren got out of the car, circled it, and came to me.I turned mechanically toward him, my eyes wide enough to fall out of their sockets. I stared at him helplessly."I couldn't bring it up before because, firstly, you were still legally tied to someone else. Secondly, I couldn't tell if you liked me. If I made my feelings known too soon,
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 196
I froze. "Oh, I'm not sleepy!"And then I cracked a yawn.Soren laughed. "Just take a nap. It'll take an hour to reach your office anyway."Well, here were my options. If I chose not to sleep, this silence between us would feel awkward. If I chose to talk, what happened when our topics veered into certain territories, and we're back to being awkward again?You know what? A nap was the best choice after all. Even if I had to pretend to be asleep."Sounds good," I replied.I intended to pretend to sleep. I thought I could close my eyes and imagine some designs and arrangements for the fashion show in Medhelanon next year.What I didn't expect was Soren pressing a button and adjusting my seat to the most ergonomic position. I was reclining way too comfortably!I stared at him. He flashed a smile. "It's more comfortable this way.""Ha, okay… Thanks…"God, the embarrassment was killing me. Could you imagine what this felt like?It felt like we were a couple. A married one, even!
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 195
Lisbeth rose and simply said, "I've finished my meal and would like to rest in my room. Please, enjoy your meal. Taylor, please visit me from time to time."I thought for sure I must have offended her enough that this would be the last time I'd sit here. But instead, she extended an invitation for the next time!I was moved. I rose from my seat politely and replied, "It'd be my pleasure, Madame Kenway.""The pleasure is all mine," she replied, smiling faintly, before heading toward the stairs.Soren noticed I continued to stand and called out, "You can sit down now, Taylor."I looked at him with downcast eyes. "I'm fine. I need to get back to my office.""Hey now. Did what my mom said startle you?" he asked gently. "She didn't mean any malice. It was her way of expressing sympathy—she seems to think you've always been alone in everything, and she hopes you can find a reliable partner to weather the storm with you soon.""I know she means well.""Phew, that's a relief to hear!"
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 194
I breathed a sigh of relief. My eyes met Soren's, and he offered a faint smile, as if reassuring me not to be nervous.But how could I not be? The ambiguous tension between us—were we or weren't we?—had only grown more intense.I shouldn't even be this close to a family of such blue-blooded stature. I was no match for them. Yet, as the owner of my own company, I couldn't afford to turn away a valuable client like Soren. Social connections had become more crucial than ever.Having a powerful and elite friend like Soren was undeniably beneficial—not just for me, but for my company and the people who relied on it. This connection could open doors to endless opportunities and revenue.Some might see my actions as undignified, as if I were constantly accepting handouts. But this was simply how the world worked.It wasn't as though I was leeching off him—he was the one offering his generosity. And who could fault me for accepting it?Finally, I managed to calm myself down, at least a
