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Chapter 65
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 66
"It's alright. Madame Kenway said you're always busy with work. Sometimes, you work late into the night," I said, smiling in what I hoped was a reassuring way, though my voice quivered."Yeah. There's been a special mission. It's taking up a lot of my time, but it'll be over soon, at least," Soren replied."That's good to hear. Just be sure not to overwork yourself.""Thank you."This was a private road owned by the Kenways, so it was fine for our cars to be parked like this. Even so, I couldn't help but feel a little awkward.After a moment of silence, I waved dismissively. "You must be starving from work. You should get back for lunch! I need to return to my office.""You're a hard worker, Taylor.""Not nearly as hard as you," I replied with a chuckle before heading back to my car.Suddenly, he stepped in front of me and opened the door."T-Thank y-you," I stammered, my cheeks burning with nerves.Before closing the car door, he called out, "See you, Taylor."My heart race
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 67
I knew my sperm donor was going to come for me with a vengeance. I was prepared."Please, in the realm of marital affairs, you're a repeat offender. How could you say I did this to you?" I replied. "Besides, your wife and son were the ones who sent you to jail. Technically.""How else could she have known if you didn't tell her?!" he barked."Well, she is my mom who raised me too. Technically. I reported the case out of the kindness of my heart. You should praise me for it instead," I shot back, feeling pretty pleased with myself."Feeling smug with your smart mouth, bitch? I should have strangled you when you were a baby!"Was this the sort of thing a father should say? I seriously thought he hadn't been locked up long enough."Did you call just to shout at me? 'Cause if you're done, goodbye," I said, disappointed.He stopped me."What? Not feeling enough? You need to be careful. If you rupture a blood vessel from your fiery temper, your wife and children might belong to someo
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 68
I didn't understand it at first, but the more I thought about it, the more it seemed that the Kenways might have orchestrated our interaction from beginning to end.This wasn't just about "the Kenways being good people." It felt more like "they were doing this on purpose."But why? I was an heiress abandoned by my own family. Even my civil partner had discarded me.Sure, I might have been easy on the eyes and skilled at tailoring, but so what? Those traits alone couldn't have been enough for them to care so much.Everything started to feel suspicious.Harry was still ranting, but I hadn't been listening until he shouted, "I'm talking to you, Taylor! If you think your mom's shares aren't enough, I'll give you one-tenth of mine, too! And don't even ask for more—this alone makes you the second most influential shareholder after me!"His words made one thing clear: he was trying to drag me into his failing business. He wouldn't have let me take the second spot otherwise.He truly wa
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 69
Could one of the Kenways need a blood source for their own rare blood type?My experiences growing up taught me much about human cruelty and underhanded schemes. Even my own family had no qualms about exploiting me.As such, how could someone who wasn't even a friend or family member suddenly be so kind to me?And to think, I had believed I was lucky to have met good people.Lisbeth's cryptic words from a few days ago only deepened my suspicion that the Kenways had ulterior motives in approaching me.Then there was Edward, who had warned me about them. Maybe he knew something I didn't.Fear and anxiety churned within me.How had I managed to visit their residence alone so many times? It was isolated, in the middle of nowhere, and so vast it would be easy to get lost.If they ever decided to harm me, I'd have nowhere to run.The only reason I was still alive must have been because my mother and grandfather were protecting me from above.Still, I couldn't help but laugh at myse
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 70
Soren rejected my proposal. "Nah, it's fine. It's hardly urgent. We can schedule another time when you're free.""I don't think I'll be free anytime soon. If my sister passes away, I'll have a lot to handle. I'd rather not delay your commission, so I'd like my assistant to speak with you," I said as sincerely and politely as I could.He wasn't foolish. He immediately sensed something was off. "Taylor, why does it sound like you're distancing yourself? Have I, or my family, done something wrong?"He was as candid as ever, never one to mince words.My tongue faltered. I couldn't come up with an excuse anymore.Soren added patiently, "Please let us know if we've offended you in any way. It's alright.""N-No! Quite the opposite. You… You've been so unimaginably considerate and kind to me that it's almost…"'Almost feels like a trap!' I finished in my mind.I didn't dare say it aloud for fear of offending them.He chuckled. "Have we been so friendly that you suspect an ulterior mot
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 71
I expected this, and yet it still hurt.In my mind's eye, Soren's silhouette was so vivid—we had only just met, and yet every expression he made, his smile, his gentlemanly gestures, and his kind mannerisms were etched into my memory.My melancholy lingered for a while, but when it was time to leave, I rose and mentally prepared myself for the hospital visit.Fighting the Joneses was an uphill battle. I had no time to waste lamenting feelings or sentimentalities. Time was the only relief I had now.-When I arrived at the hospital, I saw Harry and Cameron waiting. These two should have been locked up, and yet here they were, free as ever. Edward had to be behind it.Maddison's condition was as bad as they had claimed. She was hooked to all sorts of equipment—wires and tubes obscured her, and she relied on a respirator hooked to her nose.Her eyes lacked vitality. Her skin was sallow. She turned slowly and shot me a glare of resentment.Edward looked no better. Dark bags hung un
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 72
Edward already knew the kind of person Maddison was. He knew he had made a mistake in being with her.Unfortunately, his ego mattered more than his integrity, and he refused to admit his mistake. Instead, he kept telling himself—and everyone else—that she was different from the person she had already revealed herself to be.But now, Maddison no longer wanted to pretend. She had unmasked herself, and in doing so, she had stripped Edward's ego bare.How could he not feel embarrassed?Maddison knew her days were numbered. There was no reason to pretend she understood what "shame" and "decency" meant anymore.She extended her hand and said arrogantly, "Give me the bracelet! You signed those papers, so don't try to change your mind halfway!"I held the bracelet, meeting her gaze with a cold, unfazed stare.She turned to Edward for help."Eddy, please help me take the bracelet and let me wear it. Please?" she cooed weakly, raising her hand with difficulty.I looked into Edward's eye
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 73
Maddison sputtered, the machine next to her beeping an alert.Edward quickly leaned in and patted her back reassuringly. "Maddie, please. You should rest.""Don't tell me what to do!" she snapped, shoving him away.Then, she cackled lightly at me. "That's why your mom died so soon. It was divine retribution! Divine punishment! She deserv— Cough, cough!"She gasped for breath, struggling to recover from the violent coughing fit.Edward's expression darkened. He patted her back again. "Maddie, I told you, not one more word, alright? You need to take care of yourself. You've got everything you wanted now, haven't you?"His tone had risen at the end, and he was clearly upset.She looked away from me, staring at him in disbelief. "Did you just scold me, Eddy?""No, I was just frustrated for your sake," he explained, his voice calm but tinged with irritation."My sake? My sake?! No! You're doing this for her sake! For her! You don't want me to show her the truth because her poor, fr
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 202
"Good evening, Taylor." Soren's voice was low and soft.The way he enunciated his words made him sound so proper and gentlemanly. It was so refreshing that I felt as if the cold had left me.My mind started to blank. I suddenly realized I could not speak. In the end, I could only squeeze out lamely, "So… had your dinner?"He chuckled. "Yes. You?""Me?" I suddenly felt like my soul had snapped back into my body. "You really don't know?""Huh? Is that something I should know?" Soren asked, confused.Wait. So Richard didn't report anything to Soren after all! I had been fooled!"Oh… damn it," I muttered, smacking my forehead. "Mr. Rockefeller played me like a fiddle…""Huh? You mean Ritchie? What did he do?"I sat up straight and forced myself to calm down. Well, I started the conversation, so I had to finish it myself."I had dinner with that colleague after we finished discussing work. We were eating at a seafood hotpot place. Then, when we were about to finish, we saw Mr. Roc
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 201
When we were almost finished, I heard someone call out, "Miss Jones! Fancy seeing you here!"I looked up, stunned. It was Soren's best friend, Richard!"Mr. Rockefeller, hello!" I said, rising to greet him.He nodded. "Hello to you too."Richard then glanced at the man sitting opposite me."This is my newly hired General Manager, Jamie Young," I quickly introduced. "Mr. Young, this is Richard Rockefeller of Rockefeller Media. He's one of the city's elites. Who knows, we might work with him one day."Jamie stood and extended his hand. "Pleased to meet you, Mr. Rockefeller!"Richard shook his hand. "Likewise!"He turned back to me. "It's the weekend today, so why aren't you hanging out with Soren? It's the first snow of the year. People are in a pretty festive mood."I knew exactly what he meant. The snow had blanketed the city in white, and people were out enjoying it, taking pictures, playing, and simply reveling in the change of season."We met earlier today, but I have thin
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 200
When someone cared about another person, they were mindful of everything that person possessed. Even the smallest pain was worthy of concern.Real life wasn't like fiction. Most people didn't experience cataclysmic events or life-threatening situations. Thus, where else could we show our care and love, if not through the mundane sufferings of daily life?The more I thought about it, the more I regretted how I'd spoken to Soren. I really needed to apologize."Miss Jones? Miss Jones!"I snapped out of my thoughts. "Oh! Yes?"Jamie fixed me with a questioning look. "Are you alright? We can always talk about this on Monday.""No, let's do it today. I'm free today." I forced myself to sit up, holding the ice pack to my forehead while flipping through the documents with my free hand. "What are your questions? I'll answer them."This company was the culmination of my blood, sweat, and tears. And now, I had found someone just as invested in making it better as I was! How could I be a de
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 199
Jamie started toward the pantry. "What would you like to have, Miss Jones? Tea? Coffee? Or perhaps milk and juice?""Coffee will be good.""Got it."As he prepared my drink, I rubbed my forehead.To my dismay, I could feel the swelling! I quickly tried to cover it with my bangs.Jamie brought two cups of coffee over. "These coffee beans were gifts from a friend from Oz. Have a taste.""Thanks!"I took a sip.Before I could even savor it, Jamie suddenly asked, "Miss Jones, is your forehead alright? I think it's… swollen…"I gulped down the coffee and tried to cover my forehead with my hair. "Oh! It's, uh, nothing! I just bumped into something, haha.""It'll recover faster if you put some ice on it," he said, heading toward the fridge.This office used to belong to Edward. He rarely stayed in his office for long, but it was well-equipped regardless. The pantry, fridge, lounge, and bathroom were all included.Jamie found an ice pack and started looking for a clean towel to wra
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 198
The loud "thud" I made nonetheless startled both the people inside the escalator and Soren."Taylor?" he called out suddenly.But I was so embarrassed that I quickened my pace.As people entered the escalator, I pressed my forehead and called out to them, "Hold the door!"I dove into the escalator, and the doors closed.I breathed a sigh of relief. My heart was pounding, and my mind was still reeling from the shock.I couldn't imagine Soren's reaction to my "near-miss." He must think I was the clumsiest woman on Earth. Or perhaps he thought I was so taken by his confession that it had broken me, leaving me incapable of functioning properly.-I entered my office, and as I passed by the General Manager's room, I was surprised to see someone inside.I peeked through the window. It was my new recruit. He was working overtime today.He noticed me too and looked up in surprise. "I didn't expect to see you here today, Miss Jones!"I smiled. "That's my line! It's the weekend, and y
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 197
Soren's gaze was soft and calm. After a while, he finally said, "I can wait. It doesn't matter how long you'll need. I can wait."I felt a bolt course straight through my veins. I could faint.Just like that—without warning or any plan—he tore down the wall between us and spoke his mind candidly!I had no idea what expression I might have been wearing, but I could tell my heart was beating at warp speed.How the hell was I supposed to respond to this? Reject him again or say, "Well, I hope you like waiting!"?"Look, M-Mr. K-Kenway—""Don't call me Mr. Kenway."I froze, my mouth still open. Just that interruption alone made my mind go blank.Soren got out of the car, circled it, and came to me.I turned mechanically toward him, my eyes wide enough to fall out of their sockets. I stared at him helplessly."I couldn't bring it up before because, firstly, you were still legally tied to someone else. Secondly, I couldn't tell if you liked me. If I made my feelings known too soon,
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 196
I froze. "Oh, I'm not sleepy!"And then I cracked a yawn.Soren laughed. "Just take a nap. It'll take an hour to reach your office anyway."Well, here were my options. If I chose not to sleep, this silence between us would feel awkward. If I chose to talk, what happened when our topics veered into certain territories, and we're back to being awkward again?You know what? A nap was the best choice after all. Even if I had to pretend to be asleep."Sounds good," I replied.I intended to pretend to sleep. I thought I could close my eyes and imagine some designs and arrangements for the fashion show in Medhelanon next year.What I didn't expect was Soren pressing a button and adjusting my seat to the most ergonomic position. I was reclining way too comfortably!I stared at him. He flashed a smile. "It's more comfortable this way.""Ha, okay… Thanks…"God, the embarrassment was killing me. Could you imagine what this felt like?It felt like we were a couple. A married one, even!
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 195
Lisbeth rose and simply said, "I've finished my meal and would like to rest in my room. Please, enjoy your meal. Taylor, please visit me from time to time."I thought for sure I must have offended her enough that this would be the last time I'd sit here. But instead, she extended an invitation for the next time!I was moved. I rose from my seat politely and replied, "It'd be my pleasure, Madame Kenway.""The pleasure is all mine," she replied, smiling faintly, before heading toward the stairs.Soren noticed I continued to stand and called out, "You can sit down now, Taylor."I looked at him with downcast eyes. "I'm fine. I need to get back to my office.""Hey now. Did what my mom said startle you?" he asked gently. "She didn't mean any malice. It was her way of expressing sympathy—she seems to think you've always been alone in everything, and she hopes you can find a reliable partner to weather the storm with you soon.""I know she means well.""Phew, that's a relief to hear!"
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 194
I breathed a sigh of relief. My eyes met Soren's, and he offered a faint smile, as if reassuring me not to be nervous.But how could I not be? The ambiguous tension between us—were we or weren't we?—had only grown more intense.I shouldn't even be this close to a family of such blue-blooded stature. I was no match for them. Yet, as the owner of my own company, I couldn't afford to turn away a valuable client like Soren. Social connections had become more crucial than ever.Having a powerful and elite friend like Soren was undeniably beneficial—not just for me, but for my company and the people who relied on it. This connection could open doors to endless opportunities and revenue.Some might see my actions as undignified, as if I were constantly accepting handouts. But this was simply how the world worked.It wasn't as though I was leeching off him—he was the one offering his generosity. And who could fault me for accepting it?Finally, I managed to calm myself down, at least a
