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.

I’ve never spoken to her before, she has a

maternal grandmother. Two years later,

quickly halted the current topic as she didn’t want to bring up Anastasia’s painful past, so she smiled and asked, “Anastasia, why don’t you make a guess as to who’s the other person joining

fact, Anastasia was quite confident that it was Nigel joining them for lunch, but she could only act

you out for lunch with me to have a proper discussion. It was totally beyond my expectation that you were the little girl who saved Nigel

a smile. “I didn’t expect that he was your grandson

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 proof of Anastasia and

woman was very intent

could naturally continue to provide

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

haircut for today’s lunch date. His originally quite good-looking face was much more handsome and

his car. Taking a look at himself in the mirror, he cheered for himself. “Nigel Manson,

restaurant. Subsequently, the waiter greeted him and escorted him to the

and Anastasia arrived at 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 could give up on the thought

room, Nigel instantly stood up to greet

that, he directed his affectionate almond-shaped eyes toward Anastasia.

with a

be late for lunch

their interaction and she was secretly quite pleased. They are indeed a perfect match for each other.

it.” Nigel had noticed it almost instantly so he

response, Anastasia hastily withdrew her hand. “I’m fine. I accidentally cut myself while I

TEST

EST

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

used to

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 imported, luxurious ingredients,

each, then!” Harriet announced

be just the three of you

another person joining them, so she quickly responded, “There will be four

M

is it? Harriet, however, was busy

his suit jacket

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

who had shamelessly mentioned he wanted to join the lunch date the night

too. Why did Grandma invite

how come you’re here too? Don’t you have any lunch conferences to attend?” Nigel

I wasn’t invited to any lunch conferences, so I had no choice but to barge in

a treat.” Nigel didn’t believe a single word that Elliot said. Furthermore, Nigel was quite

seeing both of her grandsons in attendance. “Elliot mentioned to me last night that he didn’t

turned her head to glance at the man in question, and she noticed that his handsome face had stiffened slightly. Elliot clearly didn’t

and took a sip from it. At the same time, he

for Anastasia, she purposely turned in the other direction as soon as she

to you, right? He’s my grandson, Elliot Presgrave. You guys must have encountered each other

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,

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

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

right in his guess!

don’t you pick a date for us so that Anastasia and I can proceed with the wedding ceremony as soon as possible?

his arms together and looked at the woman next to him with a slightly gloating look on his face as he waited to see how she was

“Old Madam Presgrave, Nigel was just fooling around when he proposed to me that

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

“Anastasia, I was quite serious during the marriage proposal. I would like to take your hand in marriage and have

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

and took a sip from his cup. His dark eyes were deep and mysterious, and one couldn’t quite tell

waiting for the woman next to him to express

you can consider him as a prospect.” Harriet tried to matchmake the two, as she really

herself in a rut as

that my entire soul and self would belong solely to you.” Nigel took this opportunity to confess

Chapter 175

right. She also pursed her lips for a moment before biting on her lower lip. At that point, she looked deeply troubled

to hold his cup as he gracefully sipped some tea. His thick eyelashes formed a dense canopy and his eyes were covered thus

a fleeting yet pleading look, but she could only manage to catch his nonchalant look from his handsome side profile. He behaved as if

was quite frustrated as she grumbled to herself, What did I expect from him

quite hard to accept Nigel’s marriage proposal?” Harriet’s

an answer. It was obvious that he was mainly

toward her included a strong sense of gratitude. Even if he sincerely liked her, she couldn’t accept him

Nigel, and I’m sorry, Old Madam Presgrave. I can’t accept Nigel’s proposal.” Anastasia lifted her head and she had a clear look

the man seated next to her, who was

that so?” Harriet

sank but he wasn’t angry with Anastasia, because he had all the patience in the

for the rest of my life.” Anastasia’s firm voice rang out once

drink. He quickly covered

three individuals in 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

LAN

naturally be able to understand the situation of a mother’s refusal to build a new family

then it was inevitable for the first child to

treat him the same way as I would treat my own son. Also, I’m willing

How can that be fine? Nigel’s father is not going to agree to that, and my daughter definitely won’t allow that too! The Manson Family line needs

turned to speak to Nigel. “Nigel, stop being ridiculous.

I can make my own decision on this matter,” Nigel replied calmly, as he

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

seated next to her, and he turned to glare at her, “Miss Tillman, you shouldn’t speak so rashly just yet. You should give yourself some room for changing your mind just in case. Otherwise, it would be embarrassing

do as I said, so there’s no need for

taken aback. What does Elliot mean by that? I don’t get

their food arrived 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 we

out and served some salad onto her

thanked him. “Thanks,

have been destined for us to meet, so I sincerely hope that

176 “I’m blessed to have made

herself to save Elliot and you saved Nigel’s life while overseas, so

“Grandma, what did you

in his direction and replied, “You’ve been overseas all these years, so it’s quite normal for you to be unaware of this incident. Elliot was kidnapped when he was six years

great act of kindness linking the two of them. Is that why Elliot steadfastly stays by Anastasia’s side? Is he also intent on repaying Anastasia for everything that she had done, just like me?Elliot’s actions of taking control of the QR Jewelry Group and the current situation with him being permanently stationed at the office of Bourgeois

need to go to

Anastasia quickly placed down her cutlery and got up to escort Harriet from her seat. Meanwhile, Harriet happily walked with Anastasia to the

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

answered

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

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

shouldn’t fight me

while clenching his fist

mean anything in this. The deserving person of her affections should be whoever that’s more capable. Or perhaps, to be more accurate, she’s

case, let’s compete equally for her affections and 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

cousin, but he refused to give up without a fight and he wanted to try and make a bid at

Let’s compete equally, then!” Elliot agreed to this solution as this was the best way that

that, Harriet and Anastasia came back from the washroom, and the two men immediately acted as if nothing had happened. They continued to enjoy their meal and sip from their teacups, and the confrontational vibe from earlier dissipated without

would like to propose a toast with this cup of tea in place of champagne.” Harriet held a teacup in her hand and walked toward

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

some fun. I would very much like

a

was engrossed in enjoying her meal when she suddenly sensed someone serving something to her plate. She assumed that it 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 turned out that he was the one

she anxiously glanced at him and shot him a warning look. She didn’t want to appear too intimate with him around

Nigel saw everything and he couldn’t contain the desolateness that arose 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 working hours. However, she was

Nigel was quite downcast so he found the meal quite bland and tasteless. It

ended and Elliot took a look at the time before mentioning to Harriet,

you leaving so soon?” Harriet was quite surprised to

same direction.” As soon as Elliot finished saying that, he turned to Anastasia, who was still in her seat. “Let’s go,”

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

Chapter 177

and casually commented, “Thanks for the kind offer,

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

and finish the meal with your grandmother. I’ll catch

and he couldn’t contain the desolateness that rose up within him. Is Anastasia interested

dark expression on his face and it was as if he had suffered a huge loss in his business. Instantly, she became quite reluctant to catch a ride with him so as soon as the doors to the elevator slid open with a ping’, she turned to him and immediately said, “President Presgrave, thanks for your offer

Elliot shot her

because you’re obviously in a bad mood so I’d better avoid

quickly walking off in the direction of the street. Suddenly, a large palm reached out and possessively grabbed hold

This guy is too domineering! Can’t I go back by myself without catching a ride with

the car and Elliot entered the driver’s seat too. Subsequently, the black car drove off and merged slowly

Elliot suddenly lost his temper but despite racking her brain for the reason, she couldn’t quite figure it out. He was an unfathomable individual

rang out. “You mentioned earlier that you intend to remain single for the

point, Anastasia was stunned and she turned her head to stare at his handsome side profile. Similarly, he turned his head too and shot a look

course I’m being serious! I have no intention of getting married anyway.” Anastasia wasn’t accustomed to telling lies and she was quite happy and content with the life she had

likewise, remaining single didn’t mean that one’s life

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 car came to a stop in front

the person Elliot was referring to was

same time, she

heart upon hearing her words. She knows that I’m referring to myself and

hiding in your own world and avoid another’s feelings.”

look at him. His current expression was exceptionally forbidding

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

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