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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 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...
