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Chapter 38
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 45
Soren sat high above us all, yet he still nodded and smiled at me.I felt as though I had been pulled back to life. I was in ecstasy.I flashed him my brightest, most grateful smile. I might have not obtained the bracelet, but I was happy that it had ended up with Soren."40,000,000 dollars! Going, going… Gooone!" the auctioneer screamed with such excitement that his voice broke. "The white nephrite bracelet is sold to Mr. Soren Kenway!"The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, turning their gaze toward the VIP box while Soren remained serenely in his seat like a king looking down on his subjects.A man stood next to him.I overheard someone whisper, "That's the boss of Swedbury, right?""Yeah, that's him!""Who is this mysterious man? The boss is standing next to him like a servant!""It's a Kenway, man. Kenways are like… They're like royalty, man! You wouldn't believe me even if I told you…"I returned to my seat as the crowd's chatter continued. Thoughts swirled in my m
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 46
I could not imagine what kind of news this would become on the Internet. I couldn't even tell if it would be a good or bad thing for me.What I did know was that I won. I fucking won. I hadn't lost my dignity in this bidding war, and I had just delivered a metaphorical slap in the face to Edward and Maddison.I would have died for Soren just for the help he had given me. Seriously.Maddison could barely afford to put on airs anymore."When did you become friends with Mr. Kenway, Taylor?" she demanded, envy dripping from her voice.I held the box close to me and smiled smugly. "Why do you care?""You b—"I turned away, ready to leave the auction before it ended.Maddison knew she had lost and turned to Edward in a fit. "We're fucking leaving! What are we still here for?! The thing I wanted is already gone!"Edward just stared ahead, dazed, as though he hadn't recovered from his shock.I wasn't interested in them. Instead, I raced toward the entrance as quickly as I could. Mayb
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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
