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Chapter 79
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 87
Edward had a cake in one hand and a bag in the other as he walked toward the dining room.He smiled. "Happy birthday, Tay. A cake and a bottle of champagne. I brought you some fruits and chocolates from overseas, Grandma Edna, Mrs. Zack." My grandmother and aunt exchanged an uneasy glance before the former smiled diplomatically. "Thank you, but I'm fine. These look like fine gifts for your own grandparents and parents, though."I sprang to my feet without any pretensions of politeness. "Why are you here? Did anyone invite you? I don't think so!""It's your birthday, Tay," he said gently."And it has nothing to do with an outsider like you! No one wants you here, so how about you respect that and leave?" I shot back, ordering Clara to show him out.Clara couldn't, of course.Edward knew he was in trouble, so he immediately tried to win my grandmother and aunt's approval. "Please, I know I've made a mistake. I know I was wrong. I won't do it again! Please, help me convince her to
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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
