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Chapter 443
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 444
I punched the bed in rage."Who are you swearing at so early in the morning?" a voice called from behind me.Startled, I jumped and turned.Soren sat on the couch in front of the window, sharply dressed in slacks and a button-up shirt, as though he'd been waiting for me to wake.The curtains were still drawn, but it was late enough in the day that sunlight filled the room.His face held none of the sun's warmth. It was a far cry from how he usually looked at me.I sat up slowly as realization sank in. This was it—the farewell.I didn't want it to feel so heavy or final, so I threw on the attitude of a spoiled princess. "Why didn't you say something if you were up? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"He rested his hands on the armrests, one leg crossed over the other. I'd never seen him take such an aloof posture around me. Not since the day we met.He looked like someone who'd decided he was better than me. And suddenly, I felt like I couldn't measure up at all."I've been up
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 445
"Let's take some pictures!" I chirped.That way, I could look at them whenever I missed him.Soren frowned. "Hard pass.""Come on, it's just a few pictures. Before I left for Medhelanon, Candy shoved her phone in my face just to provoke me."Do you know what she had as your lock screen? Your side profile! Tell me why she gets to have pictures of you, and I can't, when I'm your official girlfriend?""I need pictures of you from every angle. That's only fair!" I said angrily, already adjusting my position to find the most flattering shots.Soren leaned in so close I could feel his breath. "You're an ex-girlfriend.""So what if I am? I wanted to take pictures that day when Candy humiliated me, but you weren't there, were you? You owe me this!" I yanked him closer. "Closer! You need to be closer to my face!""Kiss me!""My turn to kiss.""Now, both of us kissing!"I gripped his shirt with my free hand like I was afraid he might run. I made him pose for a dozen shots from every a
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 446
I had never been hospitalized for being sick in my life! How was this possible?!Jean helped me complete the paperwork and led me to the inpatient wing.Unfortunately, that's where I ran into my ex-rival.Candy had a thermos with her, probably here to deliver some food.She seemed stunned by my appearance. "Taylor? Fancy seeing you here! Aww, you caught a fever from a breakup?"I rolled my eyes and walked past her. Talking to her wasn't worth my energy.However, Candy wasn't about to let it go. She quickly caught up with me and added, "You and Soren were actually serious, weren't you? He's sick, too, but he's staying home."I glanced at her. "He's unwell?""Mm-hmm. He's probably been really stressed out lately. He has some stomach issues, but I checked on him yesterday. He's recovering," she said sweetly, as though she were the one winning.Jean returned after paying for my stay.When she saw Candy, she immediately took my arm protectively. "Oh my God, why are you everywhere?
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 447
In my melancholy, I hailed a cab and headed home.Jean called while I was on the way."You're discharged? Girl, you have not even fully recovered yet!" she scolded. "Damn it! I didn't visit today because I was busy, and now you've run off?!""'Running off' is a bit dramatic. I'm fine. I can rest at home. Don't worry about me."I felt guilty for making her check on me so often over the past two days, which was why I decided to go home.Everyone was busy with their own lives—my best friend included.Soren had once taken care of me so attentively. He had made me feel loved, cherished and cared for. It was the happiest I'd ever been.And now he was gone. Loneliness had never felt so crushing.Sitting in my apartment alone, I couldn't hold back my tears.I tried to shake off the sadness and lift my spirits. Then, knowing I had a lot to catch up on, I decided to go back to work the next day.-Jamie was stunned when he saw me. "Oh gosh, Miss Jones, are you… alright? You look hagga
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 448
"Just what are you insinuating?" the woman snapped, rolling her eyes. "I'm self-aware enough to know my place!""Yeah, figures. You're too low to even be on the Kenways' level," I retorted before walking away.The woman, furious, blocked my path in the corridor. "What are you trying to say? Too low? As if you're not just as low and undeserving of the Kenways!"I didn't want to escalate things, so I replied calmly, "You're the one who brought this up in the first place. Now you're acting like your ego's made of glass?"You don't have the right to comment on me. At least I've actually dated Soren Kenway. What about you?""So what? He broke up with you in the end!"I smiled. "That's misinformation. I broke up with him."A woman who had emerged from the bathroom stared at me, eyes wide. "You what? No way. You're bullshitting me.""I can't force anyone to believe me. Suit yourself."I tried to move past, but the woman still blocked my way."Please. We live in a civilized society.
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 449
The other woman stepped forward quickly. "We deeply regret offending you, Mr. Kenway! We went overboard with our jokes, I promise!"Soren motioned toward me with a slight tilt of his chin. "Apologize to her."The woman turned to me immediately. "I'm very sorry, Miss Jones! It was really just a misunderstanding. Truly!"She elbowed her friend, who reluctantly muttered, "Sorry."Soren finally released them, and they left in a hurry.It was just the two of us now.I felt a shiver crawl up my spine. My mind was buzzing. I had no idea what to say. It took me a few moments to compose myself enough to say, "Tha—"I realized he had already turned and left. He hadn't looked at me or acknowledged my presence.I felt slapped in the face, but this time, it was my heart that ached. Tears welled in my eyes.I remembered how distant and cold he had been at the hospital, treating me as if I were a complete stranger.If he hated me so much, why had he even shown up on my behalf? Was he testin
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 450
"Didn't drink just now?" Soren asked."No." I was stunned. "Did you come here at this hour because you were worried I would be drunk?"That meant Soren hadn't stayed at the restaurant for long either. Or maybe he had, but not to spy on me. It was just a coincidence. Still, showing up here now couldn't possibly be a coincidence. He was worried about me.We locked eyes for a long time. I waited for him to say something—anything—but his lips remained pressed shut.It was cold outside, and I was starting to feel painfully underdressed. Just as I was about to invite him upstairs, he turned away and headed for his car."Wait!" I blurted out before I could stop myself.What reason did I have to make him stay? And what would happen if he did?It would just be the two of us alone in my unit—two recently broken-up partners in the middle of the night. The perfect recipe for disaster. It could only complicate things further.I forced myself to look away and headed for my unit. Once there
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 451
Cameron's whining assaulted my ear from the other side. I immediately grew wary."Where are you people? I thought the cops had taken him away to look into the Kennedys' case," I said flatly."He's so sick even the cops sent him back here after they were done.""Then he's in the hospital. So what? Why is he suddenly in a coma or whatever?""Because of Miles!" Cameron sobbed. "That piece of shit Edward set Miles up! My son is doomed!"By then, the Joneses only had Miles. They had to bail him out and save him, but there was one problem—an espionage charge was one of the hardest to clear, even in the shortest amount of time. One would need powerful friends to speed up the process.Who would stick their neck out for a bankrupt family with filth all over their name?Things were going so badly for them that Harry's stress must have worsened his condition."I told you. You can only get my money by exchanging it for your sincerity. Repent at my mom's grav—""Fuck you, Taylor! Your dad
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 462
Jean was efficient. She convinced her family to buy the Edwardian Taylor in record time. When the news broke, my colleagues were alarmed, thinking something bad had happened.I sent out a notice telling everyone not to panic. No one would be fired after the change of ownership. I also told them to keep the news under wraps.I worried that Soren was still watching my business and me. Maybe he'd notice something was off.The acquisition process went smoothly. I lowballed my company's price as a quiet thank-you for all the help I'd received along the way.Jean's father signed the contract and paid me immediately.Seeing the sudden swell in my bank account was dizzying. This company represented years of effort, bearing witness to my first relationship and even my civil partnership.And now, it was sold. The man who had started this with me was in prison, while I was preparing to leave.Everything is impermanent.I took some time to collect myself before paying off the remaining deb
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 461
"Cause' I miss you?" I replied.We went to the Oriole. Amanda and I had been there once before—back when we met Candy and tricked her into paying for our food.This time, I swapped wine for a fruit punch and thanked Amanda for coming. While we waited for our food, I got straight to the point.Amanda looked stunned. "Is… today supposed to be April first?"I laughed. "Ha! No. This isn't a joke. I'm going to sell the company and make you my COO. If you agree, then Jeannie will be your boss, not me."Jamie's contract hadn't matured yet, so he was still the manager instead of the COO. That's why I had so much work—covering that empty position, too.Amanda stared at me, confused. "But… why? Why sell your company? Are you… in trouble?""No, it's because…" I trailed off, unsure if anyone might be listening.I leaned in and whispered in her ear instead.Amanda blinked, clearly bewildered. She looked at my abdomen. "Soren's?!"I nodded."Oh my god. Are you sure you're not the main cha
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 460
I had been pretty worried about what to eat for lunch, but Jean's question solved the problem. I was craving food from the Oriole!"My usual favorites. If you'd be so kind, hee hee.""I'll get the cook on it.""Aww, you're the best, Jeannie," I cooed.Unfortunately, Jean saw through me. "Hmph! Flattery won't get you anywhere, lady! You're still going to get an earful when I get there!"Cherry returned from walking Bullet and asked what I wanted for lunch. I told her Jean was on her way with a feast."Oh! Should I return to the office now?""Nah. Stay and enjoy lunch with me first, at least!"Jean arrived a little after 11:00 p.m. with the Oriole's finest.As I lunged at the food, Jean asked, "You're not showing morning sickness yet, huh?""Nah. My pregnancy is still early. I'm fine." I was planning to use my relatively good appetite now to indulge and store energy for my little one.It was this thought that made me realize I still wanted to keep the baby."Jeannie, I want t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 459
Soren left. So did my sleep.I woke up very late the next morning.When the doctor came for a check-up, I asked about my condition. All I needed was some bedrest, so I decided to discharge myself.I had to leave. I couldn't bear the thought of another encounter with Soren.-Our new apartment was larger and brighter than the last place I'd rented.Bullet was especially pleased. Still, I couldn't take him for a walk anymore."Get some rest, Tay. I'll take Bullet out!" Cherry said kindly as she grabbed the leash and fastened it around his neck. She left shortly after.I sat on the couch, absentmindedly caressing my abdomen. I was home, yet a tight knot of anxiety still lingered.I had asked the doctor about the pneumonia medication I'd taken. I'd swallowed those pills long before I knew I was pregnant, and I worried they might have adverse effects.The doctor had asked for more details but still couldn't offer a clear answer. He had simply said, "There's a risk."I had already
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 458
I would recognize that voice anywhere. This figure was real.This figure was him. The man who had pretended to be a stranger when we met earlier today.My heart raced after he helped me. I remembered how he had treated me earlier, and a wave of grief swept over me.I shrugged off his touch. "What kind of kink is this? Why are you watching someone sleep in the middle of the night like a ghost? You scared me!""Sorry," he murmured, his voice as gentle as it had always been when he spoke to me. It was hard to believe he was the same man I had seen earlier. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright."My throat tightened. What if he already knew?But maybe he didn't. His response suggested he didn't."Nothing. Just fatigue. It hit me harder than expected. The doctor said all I need is rest," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.He seemed to smile. "I was sick a few days ago, too. Just got better.""I heard from Candy.""Guess we're in the same boat."My chest tightened.
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 457
"You have to keep this secret, Cherry, okay?" I said suddenly.Cherry frowned. "But why? Don't you want Mr. Kenway to know? This is huge—""Shh!" I interrupted.She fell silent."The doctors said my health isn't exactly the best, right?" I asked.I had already started thinking of myself as a mother. I wanted this child to grow up healthy, so I needed to be healthy.I had missed most of what the doctor had said because I was too shocked, but I planned to ask again."Well, the doctors said you've been overexerting yourself lately. You've got high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anemia…""Got it. I need some good sleep. Order me something big and filling, Cherry. I'll eat it after I wake up." I rolled to my side and closed my eyes.Cherry might have thought this was strange, but I couldn't care less. I just wanted to enjoy the experience of becoming a mother.I gently caressed my abdomen as I daydreamed about life with my child.-Later that day, the doctor came again.By t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 456
"What is it? Can I go home now?" I asked immediately."Er, no," Cherry replied, shaking her head. "The doctors are here."I turned to see two white-coated figures enter. "Hello, Miss Jones. Here's your report."Before I could even glance at the paper, the doctor delivered the most unexpected news I could have imagined. "You're pregnant. You fainted because your body was experiencing the early discomforts of your pregnancy."What the hell?! "W-What did you just say? I… I'm pregnant?!""Yes," the doctor confirmed. "Only a few weeks along. But your overall health isn't great. Your blood pressure is high, you're anemic, and your cholesterol is a little elevated. Have you been overworking yourself lately? This isn't good for a mother, ma'am.""If you're expecting this child, you need to start taking better care of yourself. If not, now might be the right time for a safe abortion."The doctors bombarded me with information, not giving me a moment to process any of it.Thankfully, Che
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 455
Jamie and Cherry managed to get me into a large, expensive ward."I should stay with you tonight, Tay!" Cherry offered, her gaze lingering on the small bed next to mine meant for a caretaker.I frowned. "No, that's not necessary. I'm not that sick. I might even be discharged by the afternoon."I still didn't want to stay here. The feeling only grew stronger when I saw Soren in the corridor. If I stayed, I might run into him again. My heart couldn't bear another encounter with his distant indifference.More than that, I feared I might—out of weakness—use my current illness as an excuse to talk to him and ask him to come back. It would only cause more chaos.I silently prayed that the report would show I was fine and that I could leave immediately.After settling into bed, I said, "Mr. Young, the company will probably need you to give the others some direction. I'm fine with just Cherry here."Jamie gave me a meaningful look but nodded. "Understood. If you need anything, have Cher
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 454
I could feel the acid reflux building up. I was probably just hungry, right? I should definitely eat something after the meeting.Things turned out to be more than I had imagined.After the meeting ended, I stood up, taking two steps before feeling faint. My head throbbed, and my legs felt weak.I collapsed. As darkness slowly consumed me, I heard Jamie and Cherry rushing toward me at the same time.I had no idea what happened next.-When the world came back into focus, I found myself lying on a hospital bed."Tay-Tay! You're awake!" Cherry exclaimed, her face lighting up with a smile. "You really scared us! You just... collapsed like that! If it weren't for Mr. Young, you could have knocked yourself out on the window!"I still felt faint—hell, I was pretty nauseous."What happened? What did the doctor say?" I asked, trying to steady myself."No idea yet. They just took your blood sample. We're waiting for the results," she replied.As a figure approached, Cherry stood up.
