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Chapter 464
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 465
I watched the city shrink below me before it blurred into nothingness.A young girl sitting next to me noticed and silently passed me a packet of tissues.I thanked her and tried to bury the emotions stirring inside me, doing my best to stifle the pain.The long flight was exhausting.I finally fell asleep, leaving the pain behind as I drifted into the waking hours.-Two years later, Jean arrived in Loegria to see her godson.I picked her up at the airport with him in tow.I spotted her from a distance and waved excitedly.Silas Jones, in his pram, waved back, babbling, "Jea-Jea! Jea-Jea!"By then, Silas was 15 months old. He could walk well but still hadn't learned to speak much.Jean hurried toward us, dragging her suitcase. "I'm finally here! The plane was delayed! I hope you weren't too worried…"I wrapped her in a tight embrace. "I'm fine! I saw the delay on the FIDS board. I wasn't in a rush, so I decided to wait."Jean looked down at Silas, scanning him from head t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 466
I had dreamed of Soren several times over the past two years.Each time, he would see how difficult it had been to raise the child alone and strangle me, shouting, "I told you, didn't I? If I hear any news about your life being anything less than perfect, I'll drag you back here, whether you want it or not!"I would wake up with a start, muttering bitterly, "Why is this just a dream?"I missed Soren.Sometimes, I daydreamed about his reaction to seeing his own son. Other times, I imagined us getting back together and living as a real, happy family.That would be so great.Jean nodded. "I think so too! Do you know he's still single? I don't think he's let go of you yet.""That's impossible. Maybe he doesn't want a romantic relationship at all."She shook her head. "I heard that his grandfather's condition has worsened. He probably doesn't have long. And yet Soren still ignores his command to marry.""His grandfather is sick again?""What do you mean again? He's old and sick. I
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 467
Soren had no idea whether I was still single or how I was faring. Just in case he ever needed to escape the confines his family had imposed on him and rescue me from my misery, he had chosen to remain single himself.The thought of hearing about me after he married must fill him with dread. If I was still alone, he wanted to be my partner again. He longed to be with me, but his family had ensnared him.My son had finished his bath. I rocked him to sleep before returning to the living room.Jean was gazing at the night view from the balcony. She turned to me. "I'm surprised people here celebrate Brigidlia too.""There are people who share our ethnicity and culture everywhere. A festival helps them feel connected.""So, is my boy asleep?" she asked."Mm-hmm. I don't let him nap too much during the day so he can sleep early at night. Then I can get some time to myself."She stared at me for a few seconds. "You're a goddamn superwoman, aren't you? Raising a kid on your own and still
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 468
Before I could respond, Jean asked, "Don't you think this is a bit unfair to your son? His father's still alive, yet he'll never get to know him.""I didn't say he won't ever see his dad. I just… don't want it to happen now," I muttered.I was afraid Soren would fight for custody. I thought it might be better to wait until Silas was old enough to make his own informed decisions. Then, if I had to, I'd let them meet."But this is when a son needs his dad the most! A father missing out on his child's early years will be something both of them regret deeply," Jean said gently.Her words echoed in my head. Thoughts spun out of control. I just wanted the conversation to end."I… I'll think about it. You should get some rest, too. Tomorrow we're going on an excursion!"-Jean stayed for four days before flying off to her next destination. Her family had been pressuring her to find a boyfriend for the past two years, and she'd spent every major festival, including Brigidlia, abroad jus
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 469
Jean and Amanda arrived together. I was pulling my suitcase with one hand and pushing the pram with the other when they waved at me."Welcome back, my friend! Hale, come to your Jea-Jea!" Jean rushed forward and scooped my son out of the pram.Amanda didn't even glance at me. She had eyes only for Silas. "Whoa! He's a carbon copy of his old man! Where the hell did your genes go, girl?"Jean raised an eyebrow. "Told ya I wasn't exaggerating.""You weren't kidding. He wouldn't even need a paternity test to prove this lil' guy is the fruit of his loins," Amanda said loud enough that a few heads turned.I'd had enough of being ignored. "Hey! What about me? Did you two show up for me or for him?""Him, 100%. You're just his plus-one," Jean shot back with a grin.Amanda finally turned around and gave me a hug. "Oh, sorry, babe. Welcome back!"That hug made all the difference. "I could say the same about you both. It's really good to see you girls."We headed into the city. On the wa
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 470
"Alright. You should go home to Hale," my aunt urged. "I'll take care of Mom, okay? Go home and get some proper rest. Bring Hale here tomorrow."I barely had time to respond before my phone rang. It was Jean. I wondered if my son had woken up and they couldn't calm him down."Hey, Jeannie? I'll be right there!" I said hurriedly.To my surprise, Jean stammered, "Er, T-Tay? Um..."A chill ran down my spine. Something was off. "What's going on, Jeannie?"I heard a shuffle—someone else had taken the phone.Then, a voice I hadn't heard in years, except in my dreams, spoke. "Which hospital are you at? I'll drive over."I froze. The phone nearly slipped from my hand.My aunt's expression turned serious. "What is it, Taylor? Is Hale upset because he couldn't see you?"I shook my head, stunned. My lips moved, but no sound came out.How? How did he know I was back? And to go straight to Amanda's?Soren... must've seen him. He had to have seen his son."Hello? Taylor, are you still th
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 471
Tears welled up in my eyes as I stared at the screen, Jean's words echoing in my mind.She was right—it would be unfair to our child to hide his father's identity from him forever. In fact, it would be cruel.No matter how good a mother I was, I knew I could never give him the love of a father.On the other hand, Soren clearly loved children and would make an excellent father.I collected my thoughts and replied to Jean's message.Me: [I'll be there soon.]As soon as I was downstairs, however, doubt crept in.I hadn't lived in that neighborhood for long, and it had been two years since I'd left. The surroundings had changed a bit, and I nearly lost my way as I wandered through the area. It wasn't until Jean called me that I found the courage to head upstairs.I expected Amanda to answer the door, but instead, a tall man appeared.The bright light from behind him cast his face in shadow, and I couldn't see his features clearly.For a moment, I forgot how to breathe. My gaze
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 472
"What else do you think? Or do you think there's no need to explain because it has nothing to do with me at all?" Soren's voice was gentle, still soft out of consideration for our sleeping child.But I could tell he was angry, and that made me nervous.I avoided his gaze and replied softly, "It was an accident, and we were already separated for some time when I found out.""That's your reason for not telling me all this?" Soren clearly didn't believe a word I said.I pursed my lips and frowned.The truth was, there was nothing for me to explain. My pregnancy was an accident, and I decided to keep the child because I couldn't bring myself to end a life.Besides, I didn't have much time to think it over at the time.Cornered, I raised my voice, fighting back. "What do you want me to say? The fact is, he's here now. You're free to be part of his life if you want. Otherwise, you can forget he even exists.""Taylor!" My words only made Soren angrier. "How could you say something so
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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...
