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Chapter 42
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 47
Edward glowered at me before running off, Maddison in his arms.I froze, confused. What had just happened?It seemed like he resented me—why? Was it because he failed to spend 27,000,000 dollars?I had no idea what happened to Maddison afterward. I returned to Metropolis, happy to have my mother's bracelet, and went straight to her grave. I told her everything.It wasn't until late at night that I realized I had a new problem: how was I supposed to repay Soren for this?!I had to find time to talk to him. I needed to repay him, or this would haunt me forever!-Unfortunately, trouble arrived before I could do anything.When I walked into the office the next day, everyone was knee-deep in gossip.They tried to act serious and politely greeted me when they saw me. I even thought their smiles seemed a bit too buttery.I summoned Cherry into my office to ask what was going on. "You went viral, Tay-Tay!" she exclaimed."What? Why?""The auction! Mr. Kenway spent 40,000,000 dol
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 48
To Soren, it was probably as easy as taking candy from a baby.I hesitated. Should I contact him to express my gratitude?I thought about it for a while and decided to stick to my usual principle: a little gratitude could never hurt. Whether he accepted it or not was up to him.I sifted through the stack of business cards I had collected and found the one Michael had given me.Michael answered the phone. "Miss Jones, hello."This must be Soren's PR office's number. Someone like him wouldn't hand out his personal contact details so casually."Hi, Mr. Kidd. I'd like to thank Mr. Kenway for his help yesterday. Is this a good time?" I asked, getting straight to the point."Of course, Miss Jones. Just a moment," he replied."Got it."I remembered how he had addressed me—Fair Miss Taylor Jones.It sounded like something a lord's retainer might say to a lady in a medieval tale. I had a feeling Michael had used that formality because Maddison was there.Now that it was just the two
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 49
How could someone so perfect exist?Soren was such a gentleman—a truly stand-up guy.He was supposed to be way too busy for me, and yet he didn't look down on a girl from a lower social status inviting him to dinner. He didn't even reject me.He agreed with his characteristic courtesy.Okay, back to reality. Where should we dine?He was a very important person, and I was sure he had high standards for everything, including food. I doubted the usual upscale restaurants would be good enough for him.Luckily, Jeannie's family operated upscale restaurants, so I had help.Me: [Jeannie, I've invited a super important VIP to dinner to thank him for a big favor. Any recommendations? I need a place that's super sophisticated and classy.]Jean: [?? When?]Me: [Tomorrow night.]Jean: [Come to the Oriole. The Pride Room!]I knew I could rely on her!The Oriole was the finest, most upscale restaurant her family owned. The Pride Room was reserved exclusively for VVIPs.Naturally, it was
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 50
I could not believe this woman. She wasn't going to leave my office unscathed!I grabbed my phone to call the cops. Maybe my father needed his wife to keep him company in his cell!Cameron heard me addressing the police and went wild. She circled the desk and grabbed another folder. She began launching attacks on me."How dare you call the cops again, you bitch?! You've already locked your dad up! They charged him with prostitution! He has to be inside for 10 days!"You blackhearted bitch! You're worse than even your mother! You've torn our family apart! How could you still be alive?!"How could God let you live like this? Why aren't you the one with cancer? Why aren't you the one dying? I bet your bitch-ass mom is waiting for you!"Why is my precious darling… the one who has to die so soon? She's so young…"She was hysterical, hitting me and shouting until, somehow, she started crying too.I protected my head as best as I could. I needed to make sure my face was at least fine, but she
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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...
