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Chapter 393
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 400
I bade them farewell and headed out of the corridor.That was when I felt a sharp clap on my shoulder. I turned and stared directly at his face, a blotchy red flag of rage.A bad feeling washed over me. "Edward! Why are y—"Before I could finish, he stepped forward and covered my mouth—not with his hand, but with a handkerchief.A rush of thoughts surged through me: Drugs to knock me out! A rape attempt! Murder!My hatred for Edward had festered to the point where only the most uncharitable, malicious ideas came to mind. They felt right, somehow.Within seconds, everything turned dark. -I opened my eyes.Darkness surrounded me.Where was I?I tried to move, only to realize my limbs were bound."You're up already? That's sooner than I thought."I recognized that voice, and that was enough to make my skin crawl and my hair stand on end. It was right beside me.Had he been there the entire time I was unconscious? Had he done something to me as some twisted form of revenge?
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 401
Soren enunciated slowly and emphatically, but if this was him being sentimental and sincere, I didn't buy it for a second."You can't leave me because you need my blood," I replied."No." Edward shook his head. "My disease is almost cured. A year ago, I went to Rouche for treatment. They invented a new therapy specifically for people with my blood type."That explained why he looked healthy enough to blend in with the average person. Yet, despite being close to recovery, he had come to Medhelanon instead of spending Brigidlia with his family.Seriously, all of this just to get under my skin?Edward leaned closer and took my hands in his. "You and Soren are impossible. It won't work. But you and me? I'm recovering soon. With my feelings for you… Do you understand? We can start over. We can be together again.""Are you insane, Edward? You just blamed me for your family's problems today! And now you want us to be together again?"Melancholy darkened his face, but hate still flicker
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 406
I felt warm water run down my body and shivered despite myself."You can raise your hands to keep the water from touching your wrists," Soren reminded me.His voice was lower than usual.I turned away. It made the situation feel a little less embarrassing.He began scrubbing my back with soap, his warm, thick palms moving slowly and thoroughly. His touch was careful, almost reverent.I could tell Soren was holding himself back. That restraint, paradoxically, made my heart race. For a fleeting moment, desire surged through me. I actually wanted to turn around and press myself against him.I wanted it to happen.But before I could summon the courage, the water stopped. Then I heard him croak, "It's done. I'll wipe you clean with a towel now."I shivered again as a soft towel settled over my body.I turned to face him and whispered, "Thank you.""How are your wrists? Do they hurt?""A little, but I can tolerate it."The pain in my wrists prickled like a comb of fine needles, b
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 405
"Yeah. He was probably worried I could escape as soon as the drug wore off," I replied curtly, not eager to revisit that incident.Jean suddenly paled. She glanced at Soren, then took my arm and pulled me away. "D-Did he… Did he force himself—"I smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. He didn't. He tied me up so tightly that it actually made it harder for him to assault me. Then Soren showed up just in time."She sighed. "Oh God."She studied me again, frowning. "No, no! Your cheek is swollen, too! Your injuries are so obvious, and you're telling me you're fine? Girl, you need to put something on these wounds, okay? They could leave some nasty scars!"Sean appeared just in time with a medical kit for Soren, who said, "Miss Valentine, please rest. I'll take care of her."As worried as she was, Jean knew she should probably leave us alone. "Alright then. Tay, call me if you need anything, please.""Will do.""Sean, please escort her to her room," Soren ordered.The crowd left us alo
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 404
Startled, I sat up from his arms. Soren exchanged a few more words with the caller before hanging up."The embassy asked if we wanted to see and question him. What do you think?" he asked."No!" I shook my head. "There's nothing I want to say to him. Let the process begin already."Everything Edward had said and done back there utterly disgusted me.Soren wrapped his arms around my shoulders and gave a gentle squeeze."What the embassy meant was that, since nothing obviously illegal happened, it's difficult to charge him with a crime. All he needs is a good lawyer to walk free," he explained. "If we prosecute him under local law, you'll have to stay here until the entire process is over."I understood. The issue wasn't how to punish him—it was that we were in a foreign country. Soren, someone vital to our country, couldn't afford to remain abroad for long.I had no such restriction, but there was no way he'd be okay with leaving me here alone. He'd try to find a way to extend hi
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 403
Soren stared at me, his gaze lingering, searching, almost gentle.After a long moment, he exhaled. "I'm so glad… I'm so glad… Did he hurt you?""He almost violated me but didn't get the chance," I replied.A thought flashed in my mind. "Had he succeeded… would you be disgusted by me? Would you want to leave?""I don't care about that!" he said urgently. "That's not why I asked. I was worried about you! About the horrors you might have been forced to endure! I was afraid something might have happened that could scar you forever."I stared at him in disbelief.He misinterpreted my silence. "I've never cared about those things. Whether you've been divorced or had sex with someone else—it doesn't matter to me. I just… I just couldn't bear the thought of you becoming a victim. I don't know how my heart would survive it.""Soren…" Tears welled up in my eyes.I hadn't even been able to cry about what Edward had tried to do, but hearing Soren's words broke something open inside me. My
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 402
My heels were bound with rope, but I still kicked Edward as hard as I could.He hadn't expected the blow to land on his chest. He stumbled backward, thrown off balance.I pulled my legs back in and curled into a defensive fetal position, inching toward the edge of the bed.Edward rubbed his chest, eyes fixed on me. Then, suddenly, he lunged. "You're so disgusted by my touch, I can't help but wonder. Did you ever love me? You didn't, did you? I was just a way out of your miserable life."And now there's Soren Kenway—the glittery, golden ticket—and suddenly I mean nothing. That's why you ran straight into his arms without a second thought!"He started ripping at my dress.I couldn't help but let out a small, bitter laugh. So he'd finally figured it out on his own.It had taken Soren spelling things out for me to realize the truth, but Edward had apparently spent enough time brooding to reach the same conclusion. I almost wanted to applaud the self-reflection."Edward, stop! Think
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 401
Soren enunciated slowly and emphatically, but if this was him being sentimental and sincere, I didn't buy it for a second."You can't leave me because you need my blood," I replied."No." Edward shook his head. "My disease is almost cured. A year ago, I went to Rouche for treatment. They invented a new therapy specifically for people with my blood type."That explained why he looked healthy enough to blend in with the average person. Yet, despite being close to recovery, he had come to Medhelanon instead of spending Brigidlia with his family.Seriously, all of this just to get under my skin?Edward leaned closer and took my hands in his. "You and Soren are impossible. It won't work. But you and me? I'm recovering soon. With my feelings for you… Do you understand? We can start over. We can be together again.""Are you insane, Edward? You just blamed me for your family's problems today! And now you want us to be together again?"Melancholy darkened his face, but hate still flicker
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 400
I bade them farewell and headed out of the corridor.That was when I felt a sharp clap on my shoulder. I turned and stared directly at his face, a blotchy red flag of rage.A bad feeling washed over me. "Edward! Why are y—"Before I could finish, he stepped forward and covered my mouth—not with his hand, but with a handkerchief.A rush of thoughts surged through me: Drugs to knock me out! A rape attempt! Murder!My hatred for Edward had festered to the point where only the most uncharitable, malicious ideas came to mind. They felt right, somehow.Within seconds, everything turned dark. -I opened my eyes.Darkness surrounded me.Where was I?I tried to move, only to realize my limbs were bound."You're up already? That's sooner than I thought."I recognized that voice, and that was enough to make my skin crawl and my hair stand on end. It was right beside me.Had he been there the entire time I was unconscious? Had he done something to me as some twisted form of revenge?
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
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
