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Chapter 78
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 79
The door opened. My smile turned into a frown.Goddamn it. It was Edward Kennedy!"Why the hell did you invite this eyesore?!" I grumbled at Jean.She grinned. "Why else, other than to show him how much better your life has been since he's gone!"Jean walked toward him, completely ignoring the scowl on his face. "Welcome, Mr. Kennedy! As you can see, Taylor's having a blast after she booted you out of her life."Do you get it yet? Y'all are never, ever, ever getting back together!"Oh yeah. Now this pleased me. This was exactly the kind of lesson Edward needed.His expression was so stormy that I could almost hear thunder rumbling in the distance.He glared at me. "Is this what you're doing to yourself now, Taylor? Who even are you anymore?"I beamed groggily and lifted the sash off my lap, revealing the sparkling letters. "I'm the Queen of the Night!"Edward's expression became unreadable.The room fell silent. Everyone, including the young men, turned to stare at him.But
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 80
I was the only one who didn't have anyone to drive me home. I flashed her an embarrassed smile. "Oops. I'll… hail a cab myself…""If you say so…" she replied."But what… about you? It's late. It's dangerous… to be alone…" I asked, despite struggling to keep my eyes open."My brother's coming for me!" she answered. "No worries.""Nice."And that was the last thing I remembered saying before I collapsed onto the couch, my eyes shut.I could vaguely sense my friends leaving.Jean fell asleep in the bathroom after vomiting. With help from club employees, her sister-in-law had her carried to the car.Then, I felt someone shaking my shoulder. I stirred."Tay-Tay, my brother's on the way. I'm gonna leave soon," Soleil said. "You should come with us, I think."The nap hadn't made me feel any more awake, but I managed to decline. "Nah. My house is nearby."Her phone rang. I heard a voice that sounded familiar coming from the other side. "Soleil, where are you? Don't tell me you're dr
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 81
I tilted my head and giggled. "His name is Soren Kenway! It sounds… like the coolest name ever, right? You don't know him… Don't know him… He's… very low-key… Very mysterious...""Interesting. I happen to know that guy." The man smiled and rose to his feet, lifting me by the arm. "Come on. I'll get you home.""Who? You? Why? Did Jean send you? Man, how much money did she spend hiring you boys? You're late, though. Very… late… Party's over, pal!""I wasn't hired by Miss Valentine.""Then… who?"His phone rang. With his free hand, he answered it. "Hello, are you sure you're not drunk? Sure? Who are you leaving with?"Alright. Understood. Yes. I found her."My brain was too foggy from the alcohol to piece anything together. I didn't notice anything odd in his conversation…My knees buckled, and I couldn't lift my feet. I could only lean against his body for support as he tried to help me walk.We hardly made it more than a few steps before he stopped.Here's what happened: I dra
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 82
I felt as though the dream had returned—the one where I kissed Soren…Now, a man who looked just like him had me in his arms. How was I supposed to resist the urge to kiss him?I gulped and stretched my neck toward him, feeling his chin brush against my lips. His barely visible stubble pricked me, and it tickled.I wanted to go further—toward his lips—but he pulled away as though I were repulsive."Oh, are you shy?" I mumbled. "I thought things like this were part of the job…"I smacked my lips and added, "Don't worry. I'm not a playgirl or anything. I was with my ex for six years… And I've never even slept with him… ever…"Wanna know why? Because men… Men are disappointing creatures. They're rarely worth it… But you… I can play with you…"I shoved him aside and leaned against the door, fast asleep.I had no idea how long that took. All I knew was that the door opened. Losing my support, I stumbled forward before a strong chest caught me. I was jolted awake, groggy."Taylor, y
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 83
"W-Why do you keep trying to get close to me? What's your ulterior motive? Are you… Are you aiming for my organs?! My heart or lungs, or even… my super rare blood?!"My vision blurred, but I could feel Soren freeze, an amused grimace on his face.After a long pause, he finally spoke in a tone of disbelief. "What did you take me for? An organ dealer on the black market?""M-Maybe! How am I… supposed to know for real? You're… not normal! Your mom's not normal! You guys are just… so overtly nice to me for no reason. How’s a girl supposed to feel safe with some strangers' unconditional niceness?"I shook my head and waved my hand. "Man, I'm scared!""So you think we're nice to you because we somehow want your organs and blood? Is that why you suddenly put distance between us?"I collapsed onto the couch. "N-Not… Not just that… It's you… You're too good at hypnotizing people… You're dangerous!"Soren smiled lovingly. "What did I do to earn that label? You're the one who tried to forc
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 84
I threw up so violently that the world started spinning. Then, once I was done, I collapsed into sleep, feeling like a deflated balloon.I had no idea what happened after that. Honestly, I thought I threw up two more times. More importantly, I had no idea when the man left me. I'd been losing sleep lately, and sleeping pills hadn't helped.But this time? God, I slept as soundly as the dead. Thanks, alcohol.I didn't fully return to the living until late morning when I rolled off the couch and kissed the cold, hard floor.I sat up and scanned my surroundings, confused.I tried to remember what had happened the night before. Jean had thrown me a birthday party and even hired some hosts. We had drunk a lot and had fun…And then what?I vaguely remembered seeing Soren. I had even cuddled and kissed him. Eh, that had to be a dream. This was probably what it felt like to have fragmented memories due to alcohol. My brain felt like it had just been rebooted.A splitting headache hi
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 85
I could not believe it. The handwriting… The signature… I had seen them on the agreement he signed!How did he find me yesterday? Why did he drive me home? When did he leave?And what about the cuddles? The hugs? The kisses?Did those really happen?How could a man of the highest status—who had been served all his life—lower himself to cook in a small rented unit, making chicken soup?I was utterly baffled. I rushed to the pot and opened it. The soup was still warm. In another pot, the shredded chicken and vegetables remained warm as well.I held my forehead with my hand and stared at the soup in disbelief. What happened last night?!After finally recovering from my shock, I called Jean to ask her what had happened.Jean sounded exhausted, obviously still nursing a hangover. "How should I know? I heard that I was basically carried into a car by two people… Did you forget what happened?""Yeah.""Who cares? As long as you're home safe, what's the worry?" she mumbled, before su
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 86
But if he wanted nothing from me, why else would he be so nice to me?What? Was I supposed to believe that he had somehow ignored every beautiful, exceptional, wealthy, elite socialite—and fallen in love with a publicly abandoned young woman, practically disowned by her own elite family?No way.I had no idea what to do with Patel Phillippe, and I couldn't bring myself to call him.He would call me about it one day, right? After all, it was an expensive watch!I waited and waited, but his call never came.-In the afternoon, Harry called to yell at me for skipping the meeting.I told him I was too drunk to get up, but he didn't care. All he wanted to know was whether I would show up at the board meeting.Of course! I had taken what was rightfully mine—from my mother, and therefore from me! That was the whole point of my fight with the Joneses!How could I possibly miss my own "coronation" ceremony, so to speak?-I showed up at Harry's company and announced myself as the se
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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...
