Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 171-180

Chapter 171

“Uh… Can I return it?”

“Fruits are non-returnable goods! Don’t worry, miss. We provide top-grade Musang King so it’s definitely of good quality.” så

“I know that and I do trust that your goods are of good quality, but I don’t need that many.”

“Miss, I really can’t process a return for this. Fruits are non-returnable once sold!” On the other end, the owner tried hard to express his keenness to complete the sale.

Meanwhile, Anastasia was at a loss for what to do. “Alright, then. I’ll make a phone call and get back to you.”

As soon as Anastasia put down her cell phone, she instantly grabbed the landline and dialed the number to the office of a specific man.

“Hello?” The man answered the phone in a low voice.

“Did you order me a truckload of Musang King durians?” Anastasia questioned him immediately.

“Yup. You mentioned that you wanted the freedom to have durians whenever you crave them, so I’ll help you achieve this wish today. You can have as many of them as you want.” Elliot spoke up and implied that the durians today were his treat.

However, Anastasia was quite speechless and she thought, Doesn’t he realize that one can’t have too many durians? It’s fine to have some occasionally, but if too much is consumed in one day then there are a lot of side effects that would occur subsequently. The milder symptoms would be a sore throat and as for the worst-case scenario, one would even experience constipation!

“I think you should return it. I can’t finish that many. I just had one last night so I can’t have too many at a time.”

“Why not?” On the other end, the man clearly knew nothing about durians. Although he was a knowledgeable man, there were also some things that he was totally clueless

of.

“That’s because durians can cause sore throats. I can’t have too much.” Anastasia could only try her best to explain, but the other side effect sounded slightly indecent so she

didn’t mention that.

“I never return any item that I’ve paid for. You can decide how you want to deal with it.”

“But… You…”

“I have a meeting to attend now.” After Elliot said that, he hung up on her.

Meanwhile, Anastasia had to return the call of the fruit store owner, yet the purchaser of the items refused to pay heed to her words, so she was in a dilemma at the moment. In the end, she thought to herself, I guess I’ll just treat everyone to durians, then.

Subsequently, she reached out and dialed Felicia’s number to explain the situation. On the other end of the line, Felicia was elated. “This is a simple matter. I’ll arrange for everyone in the office to have one each.”

“Okay. Please make the arrangements, then, but don’t say that this is my treat. Let them know that it’s President Presgrave’s treat.”

Upon hearing that, Felicia burst into laughter. “Are you sure that you want to let them know it’s his treat?”

“Yes, just say that. I don’t want to take this credit,” Anastasia insisted.

“Sure! We’ll leave it at that, then.”

Ten minutes later, the fruit store owner happily distributed durians by the entrance of the office, and every staff member of the company who walked past was given one. This went on and no one was left out until every piece of fruit was gone.

After all that, Grace came back upstairs in good spirits and she held two durians in her hands. Anastasia expressed her gratitude as Grace excitedly mentioned, “Anastasia, do you know who treated us to this? It’s President Presgrave! It’s the Musang King variety too. Everyone’s so happy.”

At that moment, Anastasia tried to stifle her laughter. “That’s great! I’m quite happy too.”

After Grace had walked out of the room, Anastasia clutched at her stomach and placed her head on the tabletop. She was consumed with uncontrollable laughter and she nearly fell to the ground. I wonder what Elliot’s expression will be like if he finds out about this?!

Meanwhile, in the meeting room at the Presgrave Group, the room was solemnly silent as Elliot sat at the head of the table. He gave out an air of dominance seen in a leader and under the illumination of the projector lamp, he clearly gave out the feeling of a strong president.

The people in attendance today were all the upper management team of the Presgrave Group, and each one of them was involved in running various large-scale projects all over the world. They had to report back to Elliot on the progress of their projects daily and there was no room for any errors or omissions.

The Presgrave Group was involved in various financial schemes worldwide, so the company was, in fact, much more than just a leading business in the country. After Elliot’s appointment as the president, he had kept close control of the development of the company. He ended up leading the Presgrave Group toward a much brighter future than ever.

Despite the Presgrave Group going through several financial crises, the giant corporation remained strong and continued to sail through the waves of the corporate world.

The meeting ended at 11.30 AM and Elliot went back to his office after that. At that moment, Rey stood by his side with pursed lips, and he looked as if he had something to report on.

Elliot glanced at him and questioned, “What’s wrong?”

Chapter 172

Rey had gone for facial expression management classes before but right now, he couldn’t contain himself and laughed out loud. “President Presgrave, the truckload of Musang King durians that you ordered for Miss Tillman was distributed to the entire company. The problem is, Miss Tillman gave the credit to you.”

Elliot’s handsome expression stiffened slightly when he heard that. “Is that so?”

“Yeah. Anyway, everyone’s full of gratitude for you.” As soon as Rey finished saying that, he instantly covered his lips and burst into laughter before quickly stifling his laughter while he covered his mouth once again.

“It’s fine to laugh.” Elliot shot Rey a look. I just didn’t expect her to be so generous and actually distribute everything.

Suddenly, Elliot recalled something and he instantly took his cell phone and dialed his grandmother’s number.

“Hello, Elliot. Do you have something to talk to me about?” Harriet’s voice rang out.

“Grandma, I would like to have lunch with you today. We haven’t seen each other for days.”

“I’d prefer to have dinner together. I have a lunch date today.”

“What sort of lunch date is it? Can I join you?”

“It wouldn’t be convenient.” Harriet spoke up frankly.

“It’s just a meal.”

“Well, I’ll be frank with you. I have a lunch date with Nigel and Anastasia today. I wanted to talk to them about their engagement the other day. I’ve decided that it’s time to pick a date for them.”

“Include me for the lunch date, then! I want to join the meal too,” Elliot responded with a smile.

“Okay. I don’t mind you joining us, but don’t you dare mess things up!”

“Don’t worry. I won’t do that.” Elliot curved his lips into a smile. I’m not going to mess things up because this won’t go to plan anyway.

in a blink of an eye, it was 11.20 AM and Anastasia glanced at her cell phone from time to time as she waited for Harriet to call her regarding the lunch date.

Just then, Anastasia’s cell phone rang and she quickly grabbed it to take a look. Indeed, it was Harriet on the line, so she took a deep breath before answering the phone. “Hello, Old Madam Presgrave.” ;

“Anastasia, you can come downstairs now. My car is about to reach the entrance of your company.” It turned out that Harriet had come in person to fetch Anastasia.

At that moment, Anastasia felt quite flattered and she revealed a smile. “Okay, I’ll be downstairs shortly.”

Anastasia walked out of the entrance to see a black car parked by the entrance, and the dominantly displayed golden logo of the Rolls-Royce was unmistakable.

The driver personally got out to open the door for Anastasia as she expressed her gratitude. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Tillman,” the driver replied.

And so, Anastasia got into the back passenger seat and saw that Harriet was dressed elegantly in a dark purple dress lined with golden threads. The button of the dress was made out of ruby and it was clear to the eye that it was a hand-made, commissioned piece.

3

“Hello, Old Madam Presgrave!” Anastasia greeted Harriet.

“It’s been days since we last met. What happened to your finger?” Harriet instantly noticed Anastasia’s bandaged finger.

“It’s fine. I accidentally hurt myself.”

“Was it a bad cut?”

“It’s not too serious. It’s just a minor cut.” Anastasia curled up her lips and smiled. Upon hearing that, Harriet nodded her head. “Try to be more careful next time.” With that, the elderly woman glanced out of the car window at the building in front. “Do you work here?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s great. Elliot has taken over your company, so it’s part of our family business now. It would be much easier for us to help you out in the future.”

Meanwhile, Anastasia felt quite uneasy. Elliot had not only taken over Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier for the sake of helping a lowly staff like her, but he had actually bought over the world-renowned QR International Group that backed the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier brand.

“Old Madam Presgrave, I’m fine so there’s no need to go all the way out to help me,” Anastasia expressed her sincere gratitude.

“You don’t have to be shy, child. We are obliged to do that. I’m also trying to redeem myself by helping you. It makes me feel slightly better by doing so.” Harriet’s eyes were red-rimmed as she spoke. “I am forever indebted to your mother and there’s nothing I can do to fully repay her in this lifetime.”

Surprised, Anastasia asked, “Old Madam Presgrave, why would you say so?”

“You might not realize this, but both Elliot’s parents’ passed away at the same time back then and I had to single-handedly hold the fort for the entire Presgrave Group. At the same time, I had to bring up a young Elliot. At that point in life, I held all of my hopes upon Elliot, so if something bad had occurred to him, I would have lost the remaining pillar of strength in my life. Your mother’s ultimate sacrifice gave us the Presgrave Group that we have today.”

Chapter 173

Anastasia’s heart sank upon hearing that. She couldn’t even imagine the state of Harriet’s situation back then. The latter was a fifty-year-old woman trying to cope with the sudden loss of her son and daughter-in-law, and she had to step up to manage a multi-million company single-handedly. Furthermore, she had to raise a young grandson and back then, Elliot was her only hope.

Right now, Elliot had grown up to become an independent man and he ran the company well, so she could finally relax and enjoy a life of retirement.

woman and though I’ve never spoken to her before, she has a mighty and heroic presence in my

her maternal grandmother. Two years later, her father had remarried and that was when Naomi joined their family. Naomi had brought along

current topic as she didn’t want to bring up Anastasia’s painful past, so she

it was Nigel joining them for lunch, but she could only act confused.

It was totally beyond my

and revealed a smile. “I didn’t expect that

and thoroughly spoke about the ordeal. Anastasia also shared with Harriet some of her experiences with Nigel when they were overseas. Meanwhile, Harriet listened on and concluded in her mind that it was

was very intent

Harriet could naturally continue

restaurant. Nigel had received Harriet’s phone call the previous night

go to the barber’s, and he had gotten a stylish haircut for today’s lunch date. His originally

Taking a look at himself in the mirror, he cheered for

Subsequently, the

11.50 AM. Throughout their journey, the latter was preoccupied with her thoughts as she tried to figure out how to explain the matter of the proposal to Harriet, so that Harriet

room, Nigel instantly stood up to greet

directed his affectionate almond-shaped

Anastasia greeted him with a smile.

for lunch with you,”

words. Harriet watched their interaction and she was secretly quite

it almost instantly so he quickly reached out to hold her hand and check on her

fine. I accidentally cut myself while

TEST

EST

of you. You should avoid cooking from now on. I’ll treat you

Jared’s not used to

of the table and the manager of the restaurant came in personally to take their order. At the same time, he introduced to them the restaurant’s specialties. Anastasia sat there and listened to him introduce their fresh and

us one of each, then!”

be just the three of you today?” the manager asked

suddenly recalled that there was another person joining them, so she

M

Nigel exchanged looks with each other. Is there a mysterious guest? Who is it? Harriet, however, was

waiter pushed open the door from the outside and a strapping, tall figure walked into the room. He had his suit jacket in his hand, and he was dressed in a white dress shirt paired with black trousers. In short, his attire was minimalistic yet full

widened upon seeing the man, and she was quite stunned to find that

was in fact Elliot-the man who had shamelessly mentioned he

time, Nigel narrowed his almond-shaped eyes too. Why did Grandma invite him along?

here too? Don’t you have any lunch conferences to attend?” Nigel lifted his brows and asked

“Well, I wasn’t invited to any lunch conferences,

plenty of people keen to give you a treat.” Nigel didn’t believe a single word that Elliot said. Furthermore, Nigel was quite sure that his cousin must have purposely turned

last

glance at the man in question, and she noticed that his handsome face had stiffened slightly. Elliot clearly didn’t expect that Harriet

hand and took a sip from it. At the same time, he peered across from the edge of his teacup,

other direction as soon as she

He’s my grandson, Elliot Presgrave.

spoke up guiltily. “Yes, we’ve met.” Not only have we met, but we’ve also even kissed more than once! It was mainly because of Elliot’s shameless personality,

Harriet’s hand. “Grandma, why don’t you hurry up and tell us the purpose of

at Harriet. At the same time, Harriet glanced at Anastasia with a smile on her face before turning to glance at Nigel, who was seated next to Harriet. “Anastasia and Nigel, I’m very happy to know that the two of you are in a relationship, so I’ve asked the two of you out today to discuss the date for the wedding. That

that point, Anastasia thought to herself, Elliot was right in his

he lifted his brows happily. “Sure! Grandma, why don’t you pick a date for us so that Anastasia and I can proceed with the wedding ceremony as soon as possible?

woman next to him with a slightly gloating

hand, Anastasia shot a resigned look at Nigel before she turned to speak to Harriet. “Old Madam Presgrave, Nigel was just fooling around when he proposed to me that day.

around with a marriage proposal?!” Harriet stared at her with an aghast look before

I would like to take your hand in marriage and have you as my wife. Please allow me to care for you for the rest of our

expectant and loving expression. She couldn’t help panicking as she pursed her lips. All of a sudden, she couldn’t seem to figure out how to express her rejection with Harriet

from his cup. His dark eyes were

fact, he was also waiting for the woman next to him to express her

with you, Anastasia. He’s a great guy and I do hope that you can consider him as a

sudden, Anastasia found herself in a rut as she mumbled,

belong solely to you.” Nigel took this opportunity to

Chapter 175

before biting

continued to hold his cup as he gracefully sipped some tea. His thick eyelashes formed

shoot him a fleeting yet pleading look, but she could only manage to catch his nonchalant look from his handsome side profile.

the same time, she was quite frustrated as she grumbled to herself, What did I expect from him anyway? He’s just here today to watch me make a fool of myself,

to accept

his eyes was evident because he wanted an answer. It was obvious that he was mainly

feelings toward her included a strong sense of gratitude. Even if he

Nigel, and I’m sorry, Old Madam Presgrave. I can’t accept Nigel’s proposal.” Anastasia lifted her

her, who was busy

is that so?” Harriet exclaimed in

the patience in the world for her. He was determined not

have made up my mind to remain single for the rest of my life.” Anastasia’s

choked on his drink. He quickly covered his mouth with his large

front of her, and she explained in an exceptionally calm voice, “I already have a child and he’s my whole world. Old Madam Presgrave, I hope that you can understand my circumstances

LAN

able to understand the situation of a mother’s refusal to build a new family with a kid in tow. If she

then it was inevitable for the

expressed himself, “Anastasia, Jared’s just like my own flesh and blood, and I’ll definitely treat him the same way as I would treat my own son. Also, I’m willing to

Nigel’s father is not going to agree to that,

to Nigel. “Nigel, stop being ridiculous. You have to respect your parents’ wishes

matter,” Nigel replied calmly, as he

sincere feelings, but I’ve made up my mind to remain single for the rest of my life. I’m not going to enter into a marriage with any other man, and you’re no exception.” Anastasia made her stance clear and

her, “Miss Tillman, you shouldn’t speak so rashly just yet. You should give yourself some room for changing

I said, so there’s

Elliot mean by that? I don’t

and Harriet noticed that the atmosphere seemed quite tense so she quickly gestured at Anastasia. “Come on, girl. Let’s stop chatting and grab a bite. We can talk as

out and served

thanked him.

have been destined for us to meet, so I sincerely hope that we can come together and

blessed to have made acquaintance with all of you

Elliot and you saved Nigel’s life while overseas, so I’ve already regarded you as my family after

his head and exclaimed, “Grandma, what did you just say? Anastasia’s mom saved

normal for you to be unaware of this incident. Elliot was

them. Is that why Elliot steadfastly stays by Anastasia’s side? Is he also intent on repaying Anastasia

Harriet mentioned, “I need to go

got up to escort Harriet from her seat. Meanwhile, Harriet happily walked with Anastasia to

after them, Nigel turned to Elliot with a sharp look in his eyes. “Elliot, are you pursuing

Elliot answered the question without flinching.

or are you truly fond of her?” Nigel interrogated Elliot

to me.” Elliot voiced out in a low voice. In all honesty, he was indeed quite reluctant to go after

Anastasia first, so you shouldn’t

clenching

that’s more capable. Or perhaps, to be more accurate, she’s the one who gets to have

see which one of us manages to win her heart. If you succeed, then I’ll acknowledge her as my sister-in law, and vice versa if I win. What do you say?” Nigel bluntly announced that they should compete equally with each other. As such, if he failed in his bid and the other party was Elliot, then he would admit his

he refused to give up

agreed to this solution as this was the

and the two men immediately acted as if nothing had happened. They continued to enjoy their meal and sip from their teacups, and

cup of tea in place of

Anastasia quickly got up to toast Harriet. “Here’s a toast

Jared over to our house to have some fun. I

I’ll bring him over to pay you a visit once we’re

was Nigel but it seemed to be coming from another direction, so she looked up and found out that it was Elliot looking at her. It

him and shot him a warning look. She didn’t want to appear too

within him. He felt as if he was one step behind in everything. He couldn’t help wishing that he had taken over the Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier so that Anastasia could work for him and subsequently, he would be able to court her every day during

the meal quite bland and tasteless. It felt as if every bite turned

a look at the time before mentioning to Harriet, “Grandma, I’ll head

you leaving so soon?” Harriet was quite

direction.” As soon as Elliot finished

stunned before she quickly grabbed her bag and bade Harriet farewell. “Old Madam Presgrave, I’ll

Chapter 177

Elliot and casually commented, “Thanks for

his seat and offered, “Anastasia, I can give you

your grandmother. I’ll catch

of them left together, and he couldn’t contain the desolateness that rose

business. Instantly, she became quite reluctant to

shot

bad

large palm reached out and possessively grabbed hold of her wrist before dragging her to the direction of a car. Elliot pulled open

too domineering! Can’t I go back by myself without catching a

getting into the car and Elliot entered the driver’s seat too. Subsequently, the

temper but despite racking her brain for the reason, she couldn’t

low, interrogating voice rang out. “You mentioned earlier that you intend to remain single for the rest of

stunned and she turned her head to stare at his handsome side profile. Similarly,

lies and she was quite happy and content with the life she had with

single didn’t mean

Jared also likes the guy who pursues you, then would you still maintain your stance of not getting married?” Elliot continued to direct questions at her. Coincidentally, their

that the person

window. At the same time, she shook her head firmly. “I don’t plan to get married. I plan to raise Jared

heart upon hearing her words. She knows that I’m referring to myself and yet, she still insists on

could you consider things from another person’s point of view? Don’t keep hiding in your own world and avoid another’s feelings.” Elliot spoke

to look at him. His current

about me!” Anastasia was also slightly angered at that point and after finishing her sentence, she remained quite annoyed so she continued on her tirade, “I told you this before. I don’t need you to repay me for anything, so could you please suppress your feelings for me? Nothing will come out of this relationship. Stop the car. I want to get

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