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Chapter 36
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 41
I had mulled over these details the previous night as soon as I decided to ask Soren for help. I was willing to use my business as collateral if it meant he would believe my sincerity.Soren didn't even glance at the document. He simply raised his hand, dismissing it."It's okay. You don't need to use your company like that, and we don't need a guarantor, either. Just return the amount at your convenience," he said.My jaw dropped. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "Do you trust me that much? What if I avoid paying you back?"He smiled. "I've never met anyone who doesn't pay me back for something they owe, Miss Jokes. Would you like to be the first?"Of course. I had forgotten this in my haste.Taylor, this was Soren Kenway you were dealing with! No one would ever cross him, let alone not pay their debts—especially not if they still wanted to survive in Metropolis."No! No way, nuh-uh, I mean... I wouldn't dream of it..." I trailed off, my cheeks burning.I withdrew the do
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 42
Edward told me he couldn't afford a 13,000,000-dollar loan, right? That would mean they couldn't possibly bid on the bracelet at a price I couldn't beat.The auction began.Swedbury was one of the most globally recognized auction houses, so every charity auction they hosted attracted the rich, both local and international.I knew some of the attendees—they were part of Metropolis' wealthy class.Every collectible, painting, and more had ended at terrifyingly high prices. Even the least expensive items were sold for millions.These millionaires and billionaires spent their money as though there was no tomorrow!It made my anxiety skyrocket. I was starting to worry I wouldn't be able to buy the bracelet after all.Edward and Maddison spent most of their time whispering to each other as if they were the sweetest couple ever—instead of two idiots who had fought publicly just a few days ago.They bid a few times but never really bought anything. I guess they were just here for the f
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 43
The auctioneer's introduction had all but confirmed the bracelet was my mother's.Apparently, it had passed through the hands of Metropolis' antique and collectible enthusiasts for a fraction of its actual worth, until an expert identified its true value. That was why it was here now."The white nephrite bracelet. Starting price: 2,000,000 dollars."A paddle shot up. "3,000,000 dollars!"Another voice echoed. "4,000,000 dollars!""4,500,000 dollars!"I knew how this would play out. I stayed quiet, watching, waiting.Then, unexpectedly, Maddison called out, "6,000,000 dollars!"The crowd buzzed with murmurs, heads swiveling toward her.That bitch had entered the fray."6,000,000 dollars! Going once, going twice—""7,000,000 dollars!" I shouted.Maddison turned to gape at me, but I ignored her."Where did you get that much money?" Edward asked softly.I ignored him too.The room fell still. Eyes darted between Maddison and me.Maddison's irritation was palpable as she hes
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 44
I had to use all of my strength to force the tears back.It hurt so much because the attack had come from someone I used to love.Despair and hate filled me. My fingers trembled.Then, suddenly, I asked, "Will you keep going as long as I keep raising the price?"Edward looked pained. "Please stop, Tay."I smiled at him and shouted, "20,000,000 dollars!"What was the worst that could happen? I'd become everyone's punchline. My company would be taken from me. I'd be bankrupt.But if this gambit worked out, and he took the bait… he'd be the one losing a ton of money over a bracelet he himself saw as worthless!As far as a consolation prize went, this would do nicely.I knew it. Edward couldn't take my provocation.Maddison, though, had no idea she was reaching the end of her line. She saw the gavel raised and snatched Edward's paddle, shrieking, "27,000,000 dollars!"The crowd gasped. Even the auctioneer slurred his words in excitement. "Oh my God! Will we see anyone top this t
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 446
I had never been hospitalized for being sick in my life! How was this possible?!Jean helped me complete the paperwork and led me to the inpatient wing.Unfortunately, that's where I ran into my ex-rival.Candy had a thermos with her, probably here to deliver some food.She seemed stunned by my appearance. "Taylor? Fancy seeing you here! Aww, you caught a fever from a breakup?"I rolled my eyes and walked past her. Talking to her wasn't worth my energy.However, Candy wasn't about to let it go. She quickly caught up with me and added, "You and Soren were actually serious, weren't you? He's sick, too, but he's staying home."I glanced at her. "He's unwell?""Mm-hmm. He's probably been really stressed out lately. He has some stomach issues, but I checked on him yesterday. He's recovering," she said sweetly, as though she were the one winning.Jean returned after paying for my stay.When she saw Candy, she immediately took my arm protectively. "Oh my God, why are you everywhere?
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 445
"Let's take some pictures!" I chirped.That way, I could look at them whenever I missed him.Soren frowned. "Hard pass.""Come on, it's just a few pictures. Before I left for Medhelanon, Candy shoved her phone in my face just to provoke me."Do you know what she had as your lock screen? Your side profile! Tell me why she gets to have pictures of you, and I can't, when I'm your official girlfriend?""I need pictures of you from every angle. That's only fair!" I said angrily, already adjusting my position to find the most flattering shots.Soren leaned in so close I could feel his breath. "You're an ex-girlfriend.""So what if I am? I wanted to take pictures that day when Candy humiliated me, but you weren't there, were you? You owe me this!" I yanked him closer. "Closer! You need to be closer to my face!""Kiss me!""My turn to kiss.""Now, both of us kissing!"I gripped his shirt with my free hand like I was afraid he might run. I made him pose for a dozen shots from every a
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 444
I punched the bed in rage."Who are you swearing at so early in the morning?" a voice called from behind me.Startled, I jumped and turned.Soren sat on the couch in front of the window, sharply dressed in slacks and a button-up shirt, as though he'd been waiting for me to wake.The curtains were still drawn, but it was late enough in the day that sunlight filled the room.His face held none of the sun's warmth. It was a far cry from how he usually looked at me.I sat up slowly as realization sank in. This was it—the farewell.I didn't want it to feel so heavy or final, so I threw on the attitude of a spoiled princess. "Why didn't you say something if you were up? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"He rested his hands on the armrests, one leg crossed over the other. I'd never seen him take such an aloof posture around me. Not since the day we met.He looked like someone who'd decided he was better than me. And suddenly, I felt like I couldn't measure up at all."I've been up
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 443
Soren was genuinely upset now. No matter how hard I tried to soften his mood, he refused to answer me.He climbed out of bed, started pulling on his clothes, and said he was leaving right away. But there was no way I would let that happen.I wrapped my arms around him from behind. "Think this through, Soren! If you walk out now, we'll never see each other again. Just think it through!"We hurled threats at each other like it was second nature—because we both knew how much we meant to each other. We knew how painful even one step apart could be.I knew he was angry. He didn't mean what he said.His body trembled. His breath came in heavy, uneven bursts. I could feel the rise and fall of his chest.A pang struck my own chest. Without letting go, I moved around to face him. Lifting my head, I met his eyes."Can we at least leave each other with the best memories before we say goodbye?" I pleaded.I knew he couldn't resist me when I looked at him like that.As expected, something
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 442
"Then you're just coercing me under the guise of loving me!" I shot back.I knew it would upset Soren, but I had to say it. "Being with you was the best time of my life, but it was also incredibly stressful."Those days when you were taken in for questioning—I was constantly on edge. I could barely sleep. I lost hair. It was torture. Every single day felt like an ordeal."Miles was arrested for espionage, and it was Edward who set him up. Did you know that?"He fed Miles both the initial intel and money, taking advantage of the fact that he was broke and desperate. He tricked him into taking classified photos near your base and then leaked them!"Soren froze, his face darkening."Homeland Security is still investigating him. I've already been called in to give statements, and I'm sure there's more to come. If we don't break up, you'll be implicated too."I took a deep breath and tried to soften my voice. "Think about it. You would've done the same if you were in my place.""No,
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 441
I shot a glare at Soren, but I knew none of my displeasure showed. The hunger in my eyes would have neutralized any threat my expression could have conveyed.I scoffed. "Pot calling the kettle black, aren't we? You're the one who called me twice!"He reached for the remote, turned on the AC, and crawled back into bed beside me."I was just as hungry as you were. Probably even hungrier…" he whispered, his face only inches from mine.I smiled and kissed him."How much did you drink?" he asked between kisses. "I thought I told you never to drink without me. What if you're drunk?"I stopped kissing him. "Oh god. I smell, don't I?""I don't mind," he replied softly, kissing me again as he pressed his forehead to mine.My senses returned."No, no. I need a shower and mouthwash!" I insisted, suddenly feeling self-conscious.He circled his arm around my waist and pulled me back against him. "No rush. You should shower only once the room warms up. Don't freeze now."We lay in silence
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
