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Chapter 391
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 392
Soren hugged me tightly and kissed my forehead, his restraint evident.I could tell he was trying to control how much he missed me with all these people around. I felt the same way, too.I wished we didn't have to eat. I just wanted to return to the hotel and do something adults would understand.But with our tagalongs, I had to suppress that impulse as well.During the meal, Soren remarked, "Ugh, the food isn't as good as your cooking. It's so mediocre."He had been complaining nonstop since he started eating. He just wasn't used to foreign cuisine.It reminded me of what my coworkers did whenever they had to travel abroad.I chuckled. "Some of my colleagues bring instant noodles with them.""Did you do that?" Soren asked."No. I don't really care about food. As long as I'm fed, I'm content."I'd gotten used to the neglect in the Jones family. All I ever ate was leftovers, or sometimes nothing at all. I was never given a choice.To me, even though foreign cuisine wasn't wha
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 393
As expected, Soren's lips curled into a knowing smile.I added, "You deliberately refused to accept the handkerchief I returned, didn't you?"He simply smiled shyly—a confession as clear as any."See? That means you've already given me a love token. You don't need to give me another.""A handkerchief isn't worth much.""That's because it's not the handkerchief that matters. It's the heart and the feelings behind it. You've never forgotten me over the years. That determination and faith are priceless. Nothing is more precious than that," I replied.It was the first time I'd ever said something so romantic.Soren let out a long sigh."You're the most stubborn woman I've ever met," he said, both helpless and affectionate."I prefer to call it being principled," I quipped, setting my utensils down and wiping my lips with a napkin. "We can exchange gifts now that we're together, but the debt from before all this started shouldn't just disappear."I had said this before, but I was
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 394
"Where else could I be staying?" Soren asked sweetly, winking. "You don't want me here?"My face flushed. I turned away from him. "I don't care! You can sleep in the barn, and I wouldn't give a damn!"He followed me and grabbed my hand. "I'd sleep on the street if it meant I could have you next to me.""I'm not doing that with you!" I protested, trying to pull my hand free.He pressed closer, wrapping his arms around my waist.We were so close I could smell pine forest and musk, a strong scent of male pheromones that would have made any woman blush.Suddenly, I couldn't summon my usual indignation. It dawned on me just what kind of person he really was.Soren was the type who hid his strength and assertiveness behind the skin of a soft-spoken gentleman. Even the smallest hint of that other side of him was enough to make you cower.At that moment, rejecting him seemed unthinkable.His arm was firmly—forcefully—around my waist, and I felt like my whole life was caught in his gri
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 395
"Just have your meal!" I said frantically to cover my embarrassment, shoving the lunchbox into her hand.Jean found a spot nearby to eat and watched me pack clothes, personal grooming items, my laptop, and documents."So you're not staying here for the rest of the week?" she asked."What? No! I'll come back once you're at your place!" "Excuse me? You'd rather spend the night with Mr. Kenway than with me?" she complained."Jeannie!" I cried in panic.Goddamn it—not in front of him!Soren wore a half-smile that didn't match his awkwardness.Jean, though, had more teasing in store."Taylor will be reeeally busy tomorrow, Mr. Kenway. Please be gentle, mindful, and considerate during exercise, okay?" she quipped."Well, there's more than one room in the presidential suite," Soren said matter-of-factly."Oooooooh. I see," Jean replied, drawing out the "oh" for as long as possible.Then, suddenly, she added, "What's your secret, Mr. Kenway? How do you manage to control your desir
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 396
Hearing Soren say it would happen "sooner or later" only made me more anxious. Did he mean sooner... or later?While my mind was still racing, he had already brought me to the presidential suite. The place was lavish and expansive, complete with a personal butler.I snapped out of my spiraling thoughts. "Which room am I sleeping in?""The master bedroom," he said, pointing.I gathered my clothes and stepped inside. The king-sized bed caught my eye, and a sudden realization hit me. "Wait, if I'm sleeping here... then you—"He followed me into the room and closed the door behind him with a soft thud, using his back. "I'm sleeping here as well."I stared into his smiling eyes, stunned. "B-But t-then...""We're just going to sleep in the same bed. Relax," he said in a low, teasing voice. "Or... were you hoping for something more?"I froze, baffled and jittery. I had a feeling I knew what he meant, and it was sending me into a quiet panic."No! I don't want anything 'more' to happe
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 397
After more than ten days of preparation, the fashion show finally began in earnest.That day, I barely had a moment to sit down and catch my breath. I had several collections lined up: a distinctly Victorian and Edwardian-inspired line, a bridal collection, and a workplace-themed collection.During a short break, while I was busy directing my models on what to do next, Cherry leaned in and whispered, "Tay-Tay? A few of our coworkers said they saw Mr. Kennedy in the VIP section."I was smoothing out creases on a model's dress when I turned, frowning. "Which one? Edward?""Yeah."I froze for a beat. "Ignore him. He's free to go wherever he wants anyway."Soren had come to support me, even with the Brigidlia Festival going on.But Edward? Why the hell would he show up now—when his family was in the middle of a crisis and he was still dealing with his chronic illness?Sure, he had attended some shows back when he was the CEO. However, he had no ties to the company anymore. And I, t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 398
The bouquet remained in front of me, unmoving, as if it would never budge unless I took it.Soren stared at Edward, his gaze dark. With a tilt of his head, he signaled to Sean.Sean understood and stepped forward to retrieve the flowers. But Edward dodged him."Come on, Tay. I'm here, choosing to overlook the fact that you played a part in my family's suffering because I genuinely wish you well. So why can't you accept a simple gesture of kindness from me?" he said.Plenty of people around us knew who we were, including the aforementioned fashion titans. Some journalists and media personnel still lingered nearby.I could tell Edward had timed this perfectly to pull off yet another stunt. If I didn't handle it well, it could easily turn into the next viral story.I finally accepted the bouquet and handed it to Sean. "Thanks for the flowers, but if you've got a whole speech prepared, save it. And for the record, the only reason this brand is still called the 'Edwardian Tailor' is t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 399
My chest tightened in shock.Edward had always seemed mild-mannered and humble. His family had consistently worked to project a positive image as well. They were always at the top of the list of leading philanthropists.The truth, however, was startling—to put it mildly.Soren explained, "This started as a dispute between the workers and their agency, so the Kennedys weren't originally responsible. But to prevent the case from tarnishing the project's reputation, the Kennedys spent a fortune covering it up."He sighed. "I didn't want to bring this up during such a joyous festival as Brigidlia, but Edward keeps showing up to trouble you repeatedly, leaving me no choice. I'm afraid that it's time to rid the city of the Kennedys."I stayed silent for a while. Once my thoughts settled, I nodded. "Anyone who commits a crime has to face the consequences. No exceptions.""It's good to hear that from you," Soren said. "I was actually worried. I don't want you to think I'm doing this just
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 422
My grandmother nodded. "Okay, I won't."Soren turned to me and said softly, "I think it's best if we have two people stand guard downstairs, just in case. We should be extra cautious until the case against the Kennedys is settled.""Do we really need to? I don't want to trouble you," I said."You won't. I'll make the arrangements," Soren reassured me."But I still don't think it's a good idea to have people sit in the car all day. It'll be boring and stuffy.""It's alright. That's what bodyguards are supposed to do," Soren remarked..My grandmother and aunt both opposed the idea, saying it would be too much of a hassle.Still, Soren insisted, "Taylor won't be able to focus on her work if we don't do this, Grandma Edna. She is busy and won't always be able to rush back in time. I think it's best to have two people guard the place for now."Soren was patient in persuading them.The Kennedys were on the verge of being charged for their crimes, and desperation might drive them to
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 421
Soren smiled as he entered the elevator, seeing my gloomy mood."Relax," he said. "I'm good with older people. They'll love me.""I'm not nervous," I replied. "In fact, I can't wait to see how much they despise you."That way, I wouldn't have to pay attention to anyone when I broke up with him.Although I knew I was being ungrateful, there wasn't much I could do with all the obstacles and conflicts we were facing.I stalled deliberately as the elevator doors opened, but Soren dragged me out with his arm around me.Since I had already registered my fingerprint in the door lock my grandmother had installed, we went straight inside.My grandmother and aunt were sitting on the sofa.My aunt was the first to peek her head toward us when she heard the door open. "Taylor, you're here."As expected, my aunt's expression froze when she saw the man behind me.She stood abruptly, looking uncomfortable. "Soren... I didn't know you were coming.""He, um… He heard that Edward's mother was
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 420
I nearly laughed in her face. What crocodile tears she was shedding!Wasn't she acting like some tough Karen when she was fighting an elderly woman? Now, with the cops about to take her away, she was suddenly playing the role of a desperate, helpless mother.She was clearly trying to gain Soren's sympathy. She knew very well that Soren was the one who had caused her family's downfall. The only hope she had for evading punishment or securing a lighter sentence was to appeal to him.Unfortunately, Soren was a far more principled man than I was."Your people brought this on yourselves. You'd trade other people's lives just to line your pockets!" Soren shot back, his tone sharp. "I'm glad your family's falling apart. Just imagine how much more crime and corruption your family would commit if your family kept rising!"Sally stood there, stunned.Then, as though the tears had never existed, she burst out in fury. "How dare you speak to me like that, Soren Kenway?! I'm older than you! Y
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 419
I laughed scornfully as the memory of the drone performance on New Year's Day resurfaced."Hey, I can't make you believe me if you don't want to. Everyone else has already accepted the truth, and I know I haven't done anything wrong," I said.She was about to argue more when my phone rang."Hello? Yeah. Unit 803. She's still here," I answered.Sally's face drained of color. "You called the cops on me?!""You barged into someone's house uninvited, so yeah," I shot back.Just then, a few officers arrived.I exchanged a look with my grandmother, who immediately understood what needed to be done. She clutched her chest, her face contorted in pain."Sirs… Please! This woman intruded into my grandmother's house and caused her to have a heart attack!" I cried out, pointing at Sally."What?! She's faking it! She is faking it!" Sally shrieked."Do you live here, ma'am?" one of the officers asked."No, but I'm here on business! Listen, this woman is Taylor Jones! She's been slandering
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 418
"Do you need me there? I'm free!" Soren offered."No! If you're here, things might escalate!" I replied.The elevator doors opened with a ding just in time, and I added, "I'll be working on this. I'll call you again later. Don't worry about it. My aunt is coming as well.""Okay. Be careful.""Will do."I stepped out of the elevator, and without needing to knock, I walked straight in—the door was already open. Voices clashed from inside."You two should've been teaching her when her mom was still alive! Well, you did a mighty good job, didn't you?""Thanks, I know she turned out amazing. Any kid from our family could easily beat yours!""So, you're an idiot and smug! I've never seen a daughter who sent her own father to prison and ruined her family!" Sally shouted at my aunt. "And now she has to make sure we die too! As if tormenting my daughter wasn't enough! Now she's using her new lapdog to go after us. What's she so jealous of, huh?!"I stepped into the unit. My grandmother
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 417
"Tay. Were you mad?" Soren asked.I sighed and nodded. "Okay, maybe a little. I just didn't expect you to act so juvenile."He looked hurt. "Do you only like me because of my prestige and role?""No. You were already prestigious when I met you. But if you give that up for me, I don't know how to handle it."He lowered his gaze. "I see."That's what he said, but I doubted he meant it. He wasn't the type to change his mind easily."Well, I have to go now," I said softly, dragging my suitcase."I'll escort you.""No. You should be working on your stuff," I declined.To avoid any misunderstanding, I added, "Hey, I'm not mad, okay? And we're not breaking up. I just want our relationship to stay separate from our careers. We don't need to hold one hostage for the other."He pressed his lips together. "You're so composed that it's hard to believe you really love me."I smiled. "I love you. No doubt about that. But we can't let ourselves fall so madly in love that we destroy ourselv
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 416
I stared at Soren, a rush of happiness filling me. He was the first person, besides my family, to care so deeply about me. It was precisely because of his deep care that I was so reluctant to pull him into this mess.Before I could even suggest breaking up, though, he spoke first. "No, please don't say that. If you leave me, I'll abandon everything to get you back. I'll ignore whatever values my family has tried to impose on me. I'll discard the duties and responsibilities they've burdened me with. I will throw all of that away to be with you."His words were as gentle as ever, but their content stunned me.My eyes widened. "Are you crazy? You'd throw away your reputation and future for love?!""I could. I've always obeyed their wishes. I do whatever they want, and I do it to the best of my abilities."You're the exception. You're the only thing I've ever fought for on my own terms. You're something I worked toward because I wanted it."If they can't support that, then this will
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 415
Cameron ranted on and on, delivering a tirade I didn't even want to hear. I pulled the phone away from my ear as her voice continued, relentless and grating.I only brought the phone back to my ear once I sensed she was finally done."The Kennedys are a crime family. They should be prosecuted for their offenses—whoever initiated this investigation did the right thing," I said. "As for Harry… Well, if he colluded with the Kennedys in any of these crimes, he should be brought to justice as well."What baffles me about you people is your ridiculous tendency to spin lies. The real criminals, the ones who should be condemned, somehow get framed as innocent, while the actual victims and righteous agents are treated like criminals. You're all insane, do you know that?""Oh, you're giving me a lecture now because you've got a powerful backer! You want to ruin our lives and take down the Kennedys too! You bitch!" Cameron barked. "God will punish you for your sins!"I'd heard it all before,
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 414
"Of course not!" I cried, suddenly sobering.I loved being with him, but I didn't want to get pregnant now.There were too many things happening, and I wasn't even sure if our love could survive. If we had a child right now, everything would spiral out of control!I shoved him away and wrapped myself in a comforter. "It's getting late. Let's just go to bed. We have things to do tomorrow!"He looked stunned, then suddenly laughed."I can't believe you would..." He trailed off, but I knew what he meant. I was the one to seduce him, and now I was the one stopping him.I actually felt bad seeing him already hard. Now, he had to suffer through it without release? That was cruel of me."I'm sorry. I didn't mean to do this!" I apologized, hiding under the comforter with only my eyes visible.He lay next to me, grinning through clenched teeth. "I'll buy them when morning comes! In bulk!""Are you insane?!""I'm very sane!"Buying condoms in bulk? What would the salesgirl think?I c
