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Chapter 80
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 88
I rolled my eyes and turned away from him.Edward tugged at my hand and pulled me into his embrace."I'm sorry, Taylor! Please give me another chance! I love you! I don't want to lose you! Please, just give me one more chance, for the love you've had for me over the past six years!"He wouldn't loosen his grip no matter how hard I tried to shrug him off.Repulsion filled me. It felt like being pulled into a cesspool. I just wanted out!In desperation, I stomped on his foot. He inhaled sharply in pain as I broke free from his arms."How fucking low can you be, Edward?! How the hell do you expect anyone to forgive you after all the shit you've done?!" I snarled, my voice low."You can punish me for the rest of my life. I'll accept it… if you stay with me for the rest of yours," he said, devoid of any shame.I looked away and snickered. "I think you got that wrong, you moron. The only one being punished by being stuck with you is me."I turned again, but this time, he raised his
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The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 474
I had finished with the milk powder and was starting to shake the milk bottle when I glanced at him and said, "That's all I can offer to answer your questions."If you're trying to blame me for not telling you earlier, I'm sorry, but I don't have an explanation. I didn't know how to bring it up in that situation."Besides… I knew I wasn't in perfect health when I got pregnant. I had been on medication, and the doctor said there was no guarantee Hale would be healthy."At the time, I decided to do my best to take care of myself and wait for a second test. If it turned out I couldn't continue the pregnancy and had to either abort or even induce labor…"Anyway, there were too many factors to consider, so I didn't tell you."I handed the milk bottle to Silas and added, "You should sit down. He won't be able to drink his milk if you keep moving around."Soren took Silas back to the living room and sat down, while I unpacked my luggage to avoid facing his glares any longer.Once Silas
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 473
Silas kept crying, clinging to my neck like a koala.Soren looked both helpless and nervous. "Why is he crying? Is he unwell?"Seeing his anxious expression, my anger melted away. I even pitied him a little… He was nothing more than a father meeting his son for the first time.My tone softened as I explained, "He just woke up. He'll be fine in a minute."Soren nodded, his eyes fixed on Silas.As expected, the little fellow calmed down before long and started looking around… only to realize he was in an unfamiliar place surrounded by strangers.His gaze eventually settled on Soren.Silas was still teary-eyed, his mouth slightly pouted. When he spotted Soren, he grew calm, his eyes locked on the man before him.Father and son stared at each other for a while…I had no idea what Silas was thinking, but the way he looked at Soren was telling. It was as if he instinctively recognized the man as family.Silas probably didn't understand bloodlines or genetics, but he seemed certain
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
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 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 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 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 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 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
