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Chapter 84
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 89
I had been spending way too much time staring at that Patel Philippe lately.I thought Soren would call me. After all, this was an expensive luxury watch! But two days had passed, and he hadn't called about it once.I was starting to wonder if he had even realized it was missing. Did he have so many expensive watches that he couldn't even tell one was gone?When I checked the calendar, nearly time to go home, to plan my schedule for the next few days, I realized Lisbeth's birthday was the day after tomorrow. She had mentioned it when I took her measurements at the estate. I knew I was too low in status to be invited to her birthday party, but Lisbeth had been so kind to me… and her son had been a great help. I should repay them somehow, right? But should I give her the gift in person? I pondered my options and decided that the best way would be through Soren. I could return his watch all in one go, too.-The next day, after much consideration, I picked out a perfect gift
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 90
"Alright. I'll be there soon.""Me too."I grabbed my things and left the office, my heart pounding.I thought I would arrive first, but he had beaten me to it. I spotted him sitting at a table by himself.It was easy to find him—he always stood out just by being himself.Autumn's warm, golden sunlight streamed through the window, bathing him in its glow. His simple white shirt with rolled-up sleeves caught the light, and he had removed his jacket, hanging it next to him.The shop's decorative purple flowers bloomed behind him, perfectly complementing the golden hues of his shirt.An ultra-slim laptop sat in front of him. He appeared to be working, a slight frown on his face.I must have been staring at him for what felt like ages, only snapping out of it when someone walked past me.I took a deep breath to steady myself, offering a smile as I approached him. "Sorry to have kept you waiting."His frown vanished, replaced by a warm smile. "No, no. I just arrived."A waitress
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 91
Soren replied earnestly, "I wouldn't do that. We don't actually use that much luxury in life, and we certainly don't base our preferences on the name or brand of things."If we like them, then they're precious. Even a small trinket from a regular shop on the street could be a treasure!"I nodded approvingly. What a family!The waitress served our drinks, and I took a few sips of hot chocolate.Warm contentment filled me, and I felt more like myself again.The question that had been puzzling me for days came to mind, and I put my cup down. "Say, Mr. Kenway… How did you meet me on Sunday?""It was a coincidence. I was there to take someone else home.""I see. Thank you," I said earnestly. "I must have given you quite a bit of trouble, being so drunk. You took care of me all night! I'm very sorry for the trouble."Soren smiled helplessly. "When are you going to stop sounding so formal? It's a bit awkward...""Oh! I… uh." I smiled awkwardly. "Force of habit from work.""You're tr
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 92
I could feel my face cracking even more. A drunken person's vomit had to be the most disgusting thing anyone could deal with. It stank like hell.But I had made a refined young man of high prestige deal with my disgusting mess!No wonder the trash bin was clean and odorless the next morning. He had already cleaned it up for me."I knew I'd forgotten it by the time I was home, but I didn't call because I wouldn't dare bother you," Soren explained, seemingly oblivious to my embarrassment. "I'm sorry to have troubled you over it."Something in his words caught my attention."You... wouldn't dare call me?" I asked aloud.He smiled sheepishly. "I thought you'd think I left it behind to make up an excuse to contact you again. Well, it seemed like you misunderstood something about me a while ago, and it caused our relationship to become rather distant. I've been trying to honor that distance ever since."I stared at him in disbelief.Why would Soren care this much? He was supposed to
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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
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 465
I watched the city shrink below me before it blurred into nothingness.A young girl sitting next to me noticed and silently passed me a packet of tissues.I thanked her and tried to bury the emotions stirring inside me, doing my best to stifle the pain.The long flight was exhausting.I finally fell asleep, leaving the pain behind as I drifted into the waking hours.-Two years later, Jean arrived in Loegria to see her godson.I picked her up at the airport with him in tow.I spotted her from a distance and waved excitedly.Silas Jones, in his pram, waved back, babbling, "Jea-Jea! Jea-Jea!"By then, Silas was 15 months old. He could walk well but still hadn't learned to speak much.Jean hurried toward us, dragging her suitcase. "I'm finally here! The plane was delayed! I hope you weren't too worried…"I wrapped her in a tight embrace. "I'm fine! I saw the delay on the FIDS board. I wasn't in a rush, so I decided to wait."Jean looked down at Silas, scanning him from head t
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 464
After calming myself, I finally drove home.When I arrived, Amanda was surprised. "Hey, I thought you left before I did! When I didn't see you, I thought you went out to eat with Jean."I shook my head. "Nah. There was a traffic jam."I'd packed my personal belongings from my office into a box.Amanda looked at me closely and asked, "Hey, are you okay? I know how much you invested in this brand. It took a lot to get here. It must hurt to sell it now.""I'm a little sad, but it is what it is. I don't feel too bad about it.""Well, you don't sound too upbeat."I sank onto the couch, suddenly feeling exhausted. "He called me while I was on my way back.""He? You mean Soren?""Yeah.""What did he say? Did he want you to get back together?" Her gaze fell to my abdomen. "Did he find out about the pregnancy?"I shook my head. "No. I sold the company and returned his money. He called to ask where the money came from.""He suspected something, didn't he?""Suspected? He knew. He st
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 463
Soren finally asked, hesitantly, "Is that really the reason?"Oh, he believed me."Of course. What else?" I retorted.I was grateful this conversation was happening over the phone. If it had been face-to-face, I would've fallen apart in panic."I thought you were doing this to avoid me," he said, his tone cold.My heart skipped a beat, but I feigned calmness. "Don't overthink it. We've been broken up for a while now. If I wanted to avoid you, I would've done so long ago."He fell silent again. I knew it was time to hang up. The longer I spoke, the more openings he would find.Just as I was about to say goodbye, he asked, "You've moved?"He'd been trying to find me recently!Panic surged through me, and I tightened my grip on the steering wheel. "Yeah. Just recently.""To avoid me?""No! My college friend Amanda is staying in Metropolis now. Do you remember her? She was there during the centennial too. She even sat in your car—""I know who she is," he interrupted. "I rememb
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 462
Jean was efficient. She convinced her family to buy the Edwardian Taylor in record time. When the news broke, my colleagues were alarmed, thinking something bad had happened.I sent out a notice telling everyone not to panic. No one would be fired after the change of ownership. I also told them to keep the news under wraps.I worried that Soren was still watching my business and me. Maybe he'd notice something was off.The acquisition process went smoothly. I lowballed my company's price as a quiet thank-you for all the help I'd received along the way.Jean's father signed the contract and paid me immediately.Seeing the sudden swell in my bank account was dizzying. This company represented years of effort, bearing witness to my first relationship and even my civil partnership.And now, it was sold. The man who had started this with me was in prison, while I was preparing to leave.Everything is impermanent.I took some time to collect myself before paying off the remaining deb
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 461
"Cause' I miss you?" I replied.We went to the Oriole. Amanda and I had been there once before—back when we met Candy and tricked her into paying for our food.This time, I swapped wine for a fruit punch and thanked Amanda for coming. While we waited for our food, I got straight to the point.Amanda looked stunned. "Is… today supposed to be April first?"I laughed. "Ha! No. This isn't a joke. I'm going to sell the company and make you my COO. If you agree, then Jeannie will be your boss, not me."Jamie's contract hadn't matured yet, so he was still the manager instead of the COO. That's why I had so much work—covering that empty position, too.Amanda stared at me, confused. "But… why? Why sell your company? Are you… in trouble?""No, it's because…" I trailed off, unsure if anyone might be listening.I leaned in and whispered in her ear instead.Amanda blinked, clearly bewildered. She looked at my abdomen. "Soren's?!"I nodded."Oh my god. Are you sure you're not the main cha
The Richest Man in Metropolis is My Backer! Chapter 460
I had been pretty worried about what to eat for lunch, but Jean's question solved the problem. I was craving food from the Oriole!"My usual favorites. If you'd be so kind, hee hee.""I'll get the cook on it.""Aww, you're the best, Jeannie," I cooed.Unfortunately, Jean saw through me. "Hmph! Flattery won't get you anywhere, lady! You're still going to get an earful when I get there!"Cherry returned from walking Bullet and asked what I wanted for lunch. I told her Jean was on her way with a feast."Oh! Should I return to the office now?""Nah. Stay and enjoy lunch with me first, at least!"Jean arrived a little after 11:00 p.m. with the Oriole's finest.As I lunged at the food, Jean asked, "You're not showing morning sickness yet, huh?""Nah. My pregnancy is still early. I'm fine." I was planning to use my relatively good appetite now to indulge and store energy for my little one.It was this thought that made me realize I still wanted to keep the baby."Jeannie, I want t
