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Chapter 53
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 54
"I'm fine! I was more worried about what it might do to your reputation!" I said quickly."I'll be fine. I stand by what I've done," Soren assured me.That was a relief.The manager knocked on our door, followed by the chef, who pushed a trolley stacked with delicacies to our table."You treat me too well," Soren remarked courteously."No, no. I'm honored to treat you, Mr. Kenway. It's worth it!" I replied.The chef placed the food on the table before announcing, "Bon appétit, Mr. Kenway, Miss Jones."I was a little surprised. The chef knew who Soren was—even though Jean did not!"Does the chef de cuisine know you, Mr. Kenway?" I asked.Soren laid out his napkin and handled his cutlery with polished dexterity. "Chef Remy Charousset's star apprentice works at the Kenway residence. Sometimes, when we throw banquets, we invite Chef Remy to oversee the kitchen."Oh my God!"I see! Well, this restaurant actually belongs to my best friend," I admitted. "It's really expensive, thou
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 55
"Where are your achievements?!" My voice broke from shock. "You're nothing but achievements! You're so accomplished in your business, your net worth… everything! If someone like you has nothing to show, then we plebs are basically…"I paused for a moment before saying more quietly, "Human slop.""What was that?""Nothing! I was just saying your standards for yourself are a little too high!""No, they're not. The 'achievements' you mentioned aren't really mine, are they? They're simply something I inherited. I was lucky—not skilled," he replied earnestly.My heart skipped a beat. Here was a man who remained self-aware despite the privilege and blessings he had been showered with. How perfect could this guy be?!"So in Mom's eyes, I have no achievements to show," he added.I shook my head. "You're too humble… though, I agree with Madame Kenway on one thing. You are a seriously exceptional guy. You should get married and pass on your exceptional genes for the good of humankind!"
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 56
"Fine, fine!" I raised my glass. "To love that eludes us."Love had eluded me too, hadn't it? I had made so many sacrifices for Edward, only to be abandoned in the end.It seemed I finally found the one thing I had in common with a man as privileged as Soren, after all.He clinked his glass against mine, but before he drank, he stopped. "Do you still love your ex?"I took a sip of my red wine. "Nah. But it does take time to completely remove him from my mind—we were together for years.""I figured," he replied."And a minor correction: he's hardly my ex-husband in the eyes of the law. It's a load of crap, but the long and short of it is that I have a feeling we won't be legally separated for a while," I complained.Our second appointment was tomorrow, but I was worried he would be a no-show again. If he pulled that stunt, I'd have no choice but to sue him.I didn't want to do that, though, simply because the legal procedures would be too time-consuming. I was too busy for these things
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 57
Thanks to my best friend's encouragement, my daydreams, and my own admiration for him, I dreamed of Soren that night.My wedding to Edward had continued. I walked down the aisle in the bridal gown I had sewn for myself.The crowd showered me with cheers and praise as I made my way toward my Prince Charming.The man lifted my veil.I gazed into the eyes of the groom.It was not Edward at all. It was Soren!I scanned the crowd in bewilderment, searching for Edward, certain there had been a mistake. But Soren… He took my hand, and we continued down the aisle, walking and walking, as though we would remain on this path together forever.I was about to kiss him when the alarm started to buzz.I held onto the dream as tightly as I could, trying to savor this moment, but reality had a way of breaking your dreams apart.I opened my eyes with difficulty and reached for my phone.My reminder memo shook off any lingering grogginess: [Divorce appointment.]I quickly jumped out of bed an
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 58
A few years ago, Marcus had convinced my aunt to retire from her job at the company, and she followed his advice. But since then, too many of his relatives had wormed their way into positions within the company, like pests. The business had begun to spiral downward.This forced Sarah back into the workforce. After much effort, she finally regained control of the company's finances, ensuring that the Zack family could no longer exploit it for financial gain.Her actions quickly turned her into their enemy. They started badmouthing her to Marcus, driving a wedge between them and causing cracks to form in their relationship.My aunt must have taken some money out of the company's account to help me. Marcus discovered this and seized on it as a decisive blow against her.Even though nothing came of it and the money was returned without a dime spent, it was enough for them to make an issue of it.If they were to get a divorce, I feared that my mother's terrible fate would befall my aun
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 59
The amount he asked for was so absurd that it destroyed any goodwill I could have had for him.Sure, I might appear to be the cause of this mess, but it was all the Zacks' doing.There was no way I was going to let these fools use me as a scapegoat.Wayne scanned my office, jealousy clearly written on his face. "I heard you're divorcing Edward, but in return, he gives you the company."And then! You've managed to charm the Kenways, huh? Especially that mysterious Mr. Kenway. He even spent 40,000,000 dollars to buy your mom's bracelet," he said matter-of-factly."The way I see it, 7,000,000 dollars is as easy as a spit, right? Use your womanly charm on Edward or Mr. Kenway, and either of them would gladly throw the money at your face!"I smiled. No wonder this brat was here. He seemed to think he had me all figured out."I broke up with Edward—and it wasn't exactly on good terms, to put it mildly. I'm not borrowing money from him. Ever," I replied calmly. "And I'm not involved wi
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 60
Edward grew nervous before Wayne had even said a word. "Where are you going to get 7,000,000 dollars? You don't have that much money!""What do you want to know?" I retorted. "I know your plan, you ass. You're trying to make me owe you, so you can hold this over me later. I'm not stupid enough to fall for that."Edward was flustered. "You're overthinking this, Tay. I just want to help."Wayne started to shriek, "How about you lend me the money right n—""If you want to borrow money from him, Wayne, be my guest. But get off my property," I interjected grimly, pointing toward the door. "You two can discuss the loan, but it won't be coming from me."Wayne cast a hopeful look at Edward, who ignored him.I smiled, knowing I was right about Edward's intentions.Wayne realized Edward was never going to lend him money without my involvement. His expression darkened, and he stormed away.Silence returned to the office.I turned to Edward. "Why are you here? The procedure is at 3:00 p.m
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 61
"If that's what you think, what am I gonna say? It's not like you remain single for me," I snapped, deliberately trying to provoke him further.Edward glared at me, his eyes wide, his breaths coming in ragged bursts.After a moment, he growled, "No wonder you've turned so cold to every bit of goodwill I've shown you. You've found someone better, haven't you?"I thought Maddie was exaggerating, but now I see you for who you are, Taylor. I didn't know you were such a disgraceful gold digger!"This man could fabricate any narrative to justify his twisted beliefs, couldn't he?I laughed bitterly at his accusation."Seriously? An asshole who betrayed the vows of our civil union, our years-long relationship, and the values you claimed to hold sacred—someone who even backstabbed the person who saved his life—is lecturing me about being a disgrace?" I fired back."Anyone else in the world could call me names, but you? You have no right! Hell, I was the one who kept you alive for years!
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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...
