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Chapter 32
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 40
Had I not seen him just minutes earlier, I would have never guessed this man was some sort of king of the battlefield."No, Mr. Kenway. The pleasure is all mine. Sorry to disturb your work," I replied.I had instinctively addressed him as "Mr. Kenway" again—how could I not when I was reminded of the difference in status between us?Michael swiftly tidied up the table and tucked the documents under his arm before leaving.I feigned ignorance."Have you finished designing my shirt?" he asked, snapping me out of my daze.The words I wanted to say caught in my throat.Soren could tell I was hesitant and asked patiently, "Is my mother giving you trouble?""No!" I replied quickly.I hadn't brought any drafts with me, and I had nothing to discuss regarding his clothes!I had brought only the truth, and that was all I could offer."I… I'm sorry. I didn't come here to talk about your commissions," I admitted regretfully.He didn't seem angry. He beckoned toward the couch. "Take a se
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 440
I inhaled Soren's natural scent, but no amount of it could absolve me of the love and longing I'd felt for him over the past few days.I stood on my tiptoes, initiating a kiss in a daze, with no regard for the fact that we were still outside.Soren, too, seemed to have lost his mind a little. He knew we shouldn't kiss in public, yet he didn't refuse when I made the first move.But then, the honk of my car brought us back to our senses.The driver shot us a strange look. "Um... Could you close the door so I can park your car, please?"He probably thought something was wrong when he saw how hurried I'd been moments earlier.But now that we'd arrived, it became clear—I was in a rush because I missed my "husband."That realization probably left him stunned.Honestly, I was stunned as well.I never thought I'd act that way, but the driver's reminder sparked such embarrassment in me that I buried my face in Soren's arms.Soren laughed, his chest vibrating with the sound.He reache
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 439
"I'm sorry, Alex, but I have to go. It's an emergency," I said to the birthday girl, not even bothering to hang up the phone.Alex must have been startled by the look on my face. She nodded quickly and urged, "You should get someone to drive you. You've had a lot to drink!"But I didn't reply. I bolted out the door, with Jean close behind, already calling someone on her phone."Calm down, Taylor. He's not going anywhere. No matter how long it takes, he'll still be at your house. Let someone else drive, okay?" Jean pleaded, doing her best to stop me from doing something reckless.The cold night air hit me, cutting through my drunken haze and sharpening my focus.I nodded. "Alright, I won't do anything stupid. I… I can't cause him any more trouble than I already have."I mumbled the last part, but Jean heard it anyway.She grabbed my arm, gripping it tightly. Her tone turned serious. "You really need to rethink this breakup. You two are so in love—it'd be such a shame to throw tha
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 438
I couldn't bring myself to turn Alex down after she'd invited me so many times, so I finally agreed to meet up.I stopped by the nearest luxury store and picked out a bracelet for Alex, having it wrapped in a pretty gift box.By the time I arrived at the venue, I was pretty late—the others had already started, and even the candles on the cake had been lit.Alex looked breathtaking that night. She stood at the center of the crowd, cutting the cake amid everyone's well wishes.As for me... I sat off to the side and drowned myself in alcohol.Jean noticed and came over, nudging my arm. "What's wrong? You look so gloomy tonight. You've only been away from your boyfriend for a few days, but you already look half dead."I twirled my wine glass, my gaze gradually losing focus.In a daze, I murmured, "Pretty soon, I'll be well and truly dead."Jean frowned. "What are you talking about?"I downed my drink and said coldly, "I'm breaking up with him.""What?!"Thankfully, the celebrati
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 437
"Alright then. Miles has strongly requested to speak with you. We'll connect you two through the speakerphone." The officer pulled out his cell phone and made the call.After a brief conversation with the person on the other end, he activated the speakerphone and placed the phone on the table.I heard Miles' voice crackle through the speaker. "Taylor? Is that you, Tay?"Hatred surged within me at the sound of his voice, and I replied through gritted teeth, "Yes.""You need to help me, Tay! I've been set up! Edward told me he had a job that would make me a lot of money. He said all I had to do was take some photos and upload them… I thought it was a legitimate gig, so I went for it, but... it's a trap!"As expected, it really was Edward.How many traps has he set just to get back at me?Hearing Miles call me "Tay" after all the years of his disdain made it clear he was in genuine shock.Unfortunately, I felt no sympathy."You're being charged with espionage. There's nothing I c
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 436
Finally, I felt a sense of relief after that phone call.For the first time in a while, I was even free from insomnia that night.I still had two more fashion shows to attend after the one in Medhelanon, which kept me incredibly busy. Sometimes, I wished I could clone myself.The silver lining was that with my mind so occupied by work, I didn't miss Soren as much, and time passed faster than before.Just as I was about to leave for the day, my office phone rang."Hello?""Hello, is this Taylor Jones?" a polite yet stern voice asked."Yes, this is she. May I ask who's calling?""Miss Jones, we're from the Department of Homeland Security. Is Miles Jones your brother?" "Miles?" I froze. "Yes, he's my brother. Why?""We've arrested him on suspicion of espionage. We'd like a family member to assist with the investigation. Can you visit the nearest police station?"The shock hit me like a wave.Miles? A spy?He had been a total deadbeat for as long as I could remember, living o
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 435
"Yeah, I've been really busy these past few days. There's a special project I've been working on that requires me to hand over my cell phone. That's why I haven't been able to stay in touch."Soren was telling a white lie, likely to keep me from worrying about him."So… are you mad at me?" he asked with a soft chuckle."No, I'm not." Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision so much that I could barely drive.I maneuvered through the traffic and pulled over by the bus station.After wiping my tears and forcing myself to calm down, I spoke again. "I'm not mad at you, Soren. Don't worry about me—just focus on taking care of yourself.""Okay. I'm doing alright, though my hours have been long. But I can manage." His voice remained gentle, and I decided not to call him out on his lie.If he didn't want me to know the truth, I'd pretend not to notice. It was the least I could do to preserve his dignity."How much longer do you have to be away?" That was all I cared about. I just
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 434
I didn't know what else to do except apologize.Lisbeth sighed faintly. "I don't blame you. Soren would never change his mind unless he talked himself out of it."He went overseas because he couldn't bear listening to us rant, begging him to leave you. He thought hiding abroad would solve everything, but it only gave others the perfect excuse to accuse him."I looked at her, grateful she knew her son so well.Still, I blamed myself and regretted my actionsIf I'd known Edward would be in Medhelanon, I would've stopped Soren from going. But from Soren's perspective, he would've gone regardless, even if the world had crumbled around him. Lisbeth said, "I believe he's innocent. I'm sure he'll be proven innocent and home in a few days. But this has been a warning to us all."His grandfather's health has always been fragile, and his blood pressure spiked when he heard what happened yesterday. He made several calls to figure out how the investigation is progressing."I asked urgentl
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 433
My mind was in chaos, thoughts scattering in every direction. "Where is he? Will he be convicted?" My eyes were red, my voice hoarse without my realizing it. "I'm not sure," Lisbeth replied. "His father wouldn't have told me any of this if I hadn't pressed him. Before that, we all thought he was away on a business trip." Throughout our conversation, Lisbeth stared at me without looking away, her expression grave.Although she remained composed, I sensed her deep unease. She wouldn't have come all the way to my studio if she weren't deeply troubled. "I know he's innocent, Ms. Lisbeth. Soren is innocent. He'll be fine, even if he's under investigation," I said, trying to reassure both her and myself. "Yes, I hope so too." She nodded, her demeanor softening slightly. "To be honest, Taylor, I like you very much. Setting aside how you saved Soren's life, I admire you greatly. You're beautiful, well-educated, capable, and self-taught. You've also avoided the vices that pla
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 432
Cherry had been to the Kenway residence before and had met Lisbeth, so she immediately escorted her to my studio, even though Lisbeth hadn't made an appointment.I was shocked by her unexpected visit but greeted her with a friendly, respectful demeanor."Ms. Lisbeth! Why didn't you let me know you were coming? I would've gone downstairs to greet you if I'd known."I had learned a thing or two from Candy, so I did my best to sound as pleasant as possible.Lisbeth simply smiled, removing her goatskin gloves and scarf.Her personal assistant, who had been behind her, took her things before leaving the studio.I hurried over to help as Lisbeth began to remove her coat, then hung it up nearby."This is a lovely place," Lisbeth said after casually scanning the room. "Sol's been talking about it non-stop ever since she came here."I couldn't understand why she was visiting, and I wasn't brave enough to ask, so I played along. "It's a little messy. I haven't had time to clean up after
