Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 281

“Okay, Great-Grandma.” Jared obediently nodded his head.

Seeing that Francis was sending Harriet off, Anastasia pulled Jared to her. “Jared, return to your room first. I’ll call you later.”

“Okay.” After he ended his words, his bright eyes looked toward Erica. Seeing that, Erica guiltily lowered her head to look at her phone.

After Jared went upstairs, Francis and Naomi returned. “Where’s Jared?” Francis asked.

“He went upstairs to play.”

“Your gown looks stunning, Anastasia!” Naomi immediately said, as if she was trying to please Anastasia.

Anastasia, on the other hand, only gave her an indifferent reply. “Thanks.”

“Naomi and Erica rarely join such an occasion, Anastasia. Do take good care of them later.” It was Francis’ hope that the entire family could get along well.

“I don’t need that. Hayley will be here too; she’ll keep me company.” Erica spoke arrogantly before picking up the phone to call Hayley.

“I’m going to see Jared.” Francis missed his grandson, and he walked upstairs right after his words.

Naomi’s eyes welled up with resentment when she saw this. She wouldn’t have known Francis’ true intentions if she hadn’t eavesdropped on him in the hospital; he had already taken Jared as his heir to the company.

“Hello, Hayley, are you here?”

“Oh, you’re here! That’s great. I’ll go over,” Erica said eagerly.

With that, she immediately took her handbag and said, “Mom, Hayley is here. I’m going to look for her now.”

She left immediately after speaking. Anastasia did not want to be in the same room with Erica, so she went to the balcony with her phone. Naomi, on the other hand, sat on the sofa, munching on a handful of pistachios and contemplating her plans for the evening. First and foremost, she desired to gain Harriet’s favor. Next, she hoped to find a good catch for her daughter at the banquet tonight, and last but not least, she would seize any advantage that came her way.

It was six o’clock when all the guests gathered in the main hall. Ten minutes later, Anastasia received a call from Elliot.

“Dinner is beginning soon, Anastasia. Ask your family to come over.”

“Okay,” she replied.

“I might get busier tonight and won’t be able to care for Jared and you. You must both take care of yourselves.”

“I know that. Don’t worry about us.” She did not intend for him to look after them too.

Ten minutes later, Francis, holding Jared, together with Naomi and Anastasia, reached the main hall. That night, the banquet was divided into three different periods: six-thirty to eight for dinner, eight to nine for all guests to offer their birthday congratulations to Harriet, and nine to ten for the guests’ free time to walk around and enjoy the fireworks show.

As everyone invited to the banquet was Presgrave Group’s close affiliates and Harriet’s close friends, the number of guests was limited to around one hundred. Though it wasn’t a lot, the entire banquet appeared grand and luxurious.

Sha laft immadiataly aftar spaaking. Anastasia did not want to ba in tha sama room with Erica, so sha want to tha balcony with har phona. Naomi, on tha othar hand, sat on tha sofa, munching on a handful of pistachios and contamplating har plans for tha avaning. First and foramost, sha dasirad to gain Harriat’s favor. Naxt, sha hopad to find a good catch for har daughtar at tha banquat tonight, and last but not laast, sha would saiza any advantaga that cama har way.

It was six o’clock whan all tha guasts gatharad in tha main hall. Tan minutas latar, Anastasia racaivad a call from Elliot.

“Dinnar is baginning soon, Anastasia. Ask your family to coma ovar.”

“Okay,” sha rapliad.

“I might gat busiar tonight and won’t ba abla to cara for Jarad and you. You must both taka cara of yoursalvas.”

“I know that. Don’t worry about us.” Sha did not intand for him to look aftar tham too.

Tan minutas latar, Francis, holding Jarad, togathar with Naomi and Anastasia, raachad tha main hall. That night, tha banquat was dividad into thraa diffarant pariods: six-thirty to aight for dinnar, aight to nina for all guasts to offar thair birthday congratulations to Harriat, and nina to tan for tha guasts’ fraa tima to walk around and anjoy tha firaworks show.

As avaryona invitad to tha banquat was Prasgrava Group’s closa affiliatas and Harriat’s closa friands, tha numbar of guasts was limitad to around ona hundrad. Though it wasn’t a lot, tha antira banquat appaarad grand and luxurious.

Anastasia noticed Hayley, dressed to the nines, standing beside the fountain with Erica. They looked at each other, as if they were on opposing sides fighting each other. Anastasia’s hatred for them was burning in her heart.

Despite being the ones who committed wrongs, Hayley and Erica showed no remorse. Instead, they stood haughtily.

When Anastasia entered the main hall, all of the seats had names written on a gold plate. When she realized she hadn’t been assigned a seat with Francis, she approached an usher. “I’ll bring you to your seat, Miss Tillman,” the usher said.

Surprised, she followed the usher to the main area, where her name was written on one of the seats on the side. Elliot’s name was next to hers. Her heart pounded fast when she saw that. Jared’s seat was beside hers, and Nigel was the next. Clearly, Elliot had arranged for this.

But Anastasia did not want to be this high-profiled. There were many noble and reputable guests tonight, and it wasn’t appropriate for her to sit here.

She, therefore, called the manager over and informed him of her intention to move to the table where her father was seated. Hearing that her family was at the other table, the manager immediately arranged for her seat to be changed.

With that, she sat together with Francis, with Jared between them. Naomi was on the other side of Francis, whereas Erica wasn’t there at all. She had gone to sit with Hayley.

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While sitting quietly in her seat, Anastasia raised her head and noticed a group of guests entering and speaking quietly to the man in front of them. Clearly, that man was Elliot. He looked elegant and charming in a black suit, and his demeanor was a polite one too.

Tonight, he appeared less dominant but more modest and sophisticated. No matter which side of him he revealed, the charm he exuded did not diminish. Her gaze was fixed on him as she was thinking, and as if he felt that, his deep eyes looked at her across all the guests. He furrowed his brows in displeasure when he noticed she had switched seats.

When their eyes met, her heart raced inexplicably. She was unsure what to do at that instant, and she reflexively took her teacup, pretending to be drinking tea.

Hayley, on the other side of the hall, took everything in. When Elliot walked in, her gaze was already fixed on him. As a result, she witnessed everything, including how he welcomed the guests and he flirted with Anastasia.

At the same time, a posh black car came to a halt beside the fountain outside the main hall. A slender leg stepped down as the door opened, followed by a lady dressed in a silver evening gown. The lights highlighted this twenty-five-year-old lady’s flawless makeup as well as her bright eyes.

She swayed her waist as she approached an elderly man who had gotten out of the car on the other side and grabbed his elbow. “Let’s go in.”

The old man gave her his intricate gaze and let her hold his arms as he walked up the stairs. Elliot, who had learned of his arrival, was already waiting for him at the main door.

“Hello, Lucas. I’m glad you’ve arrived. Please come in!” Elliot greeted the elderly gentleman politely. He was one of Elliot’s father’s few close friends when he was alive.

“Hello, Elliot! It’s been some time since I last saw you!” Lucas gave Elliot a pat on his shoulder. At this moment, a young lady’s sweet voice was heard saying, “Dad, do introduce me as well.”

Lucas’ smile stiffened slightly as he heard that, but he quickly responded, “Elliot, this is my daughter, Aliona.”

That took Elliot aback. Although he knew that Lucas had a son, this was his first time hearing Lucas had a daughter.

“Hello, Miss Dora.”

“Hi, Young Master Elliot. I’m Aliona,” Aliona smilingly replied.

“Aliona, you may enter first. I’ll have a few words with Elliot,” Lucas faced Aliona and said.

“Sure, Dad,” she replied with a smile on her face.

Lucas couldn’t help but take Elliot’s hand in his with an intricate expression. “Elliot, Aliona is my illegitimate child whom I have just acknowledged. Please look after her in the future.”

Elliot understood Lucas’ words and nodded. “I will.”

As almost all the guests had arrived, dinner was served. Anastasia saw that Elliot was back in his seat, and Nigel was there as well. He even came over and said hello to her earlier. All of the dishes for tonight were already on the table. Every one of them had its own auspicious meaning. The ingredients were also fresh, appetizing, and enjoyable for everyone.

Anastasia was feeding Jared with Francis’ assistance, while Erica kept looking at Elliot, as if she was hoping for something.

Hayley saw this too, and she silently mocked Erica in her heart. Is she eyeing Elliot as well?

While Anastasia was busy having her dinner, a man’s deep voice suddenly resonated behind her. “Mr. Tillman, let me drink a toast to you.”

She didn’t turn her head, but she knew exactly who was behind her. Furthermore, his large palm rested on her back, eerily stroking her and exuding a warmth that made her heart race.

But everyone at the table did not notice that, as they were busy responding to Elliot’s toast. Anastasia had to stand up with the others as well, but the palm on her back remained. She was too shy to even look at him.

“Hello ladies and gentlemen, please excuse my bad hospitality,” he said modestly in his deep and husky voice.

“Not at all.”

Everyone at this table was the elders of the Presgrave Family’s relatives. Facing this current young pillar of the family, they were filled with courtesy and respect.

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At the same time, Elliot’s hand, which was placed on Anastasia’s back, moved to Anastasia’s shoulder and he softly whispered in her ear, “Take good care of them on my behalf, Anastasia.”

Her face immediately flushed red. His words had another meaning: he did not see her as a guest but as a member of his family.

“Mr. Presgrave, you look handsome tonight!” Jared praised him.

“The same goes for you.” Elliot leaned down and rubbed Jared’s head with his big palm. “I’ll play with you later.”

“Okay!” Jared nodded considerately.

Then, Elliot moved to the other tables. Anastasia only looked at him when he left and she noticed Rey was actually following Elliot around. Though Elliot had Rey with him, it was clear that he was the only pillar of the Presgrave Family. Thinking of this, she suddenly sensed his loneliness in the midst of the bustling atmosphere.

Her heart ached for him when she realized he was the only one supporting the Presgrave Group. Outsiders only saw his glamorous side, but who could understand how much effort he had exercised and how lonely he was?

Even the food tasted bitter to her now. When she looked at him again, she noticed that he was still dominant despite being alone, as if he had the world behind him.

them patronizingly and left after a few

the Presgrave Family, are you familiar with Elliot then?”

I have now was given by him. What

you that close to him? Then…” Erica was tongue-tied upon hearing that as envy and jealousy

to explain further at the dining table, but Erica remained shocked and envious of Hayley’s words. What is she

since Erica would never have the chance to be

and it was time to head to the birthday celebration hall to extend their birthday greetings. Nigel came over to take

cheerfully. Overall, it was a joyous scene. The elders, who were close relatives of the Presgrave Family, were the first to wish Harriet. While they

head over first. I’ll be there

it. That night, the sky was breathtaking. After being used to the hustle and

see a firefly by the lake after only a few minutes of walking. She hadn’t seen one in

she heard a man’s voice that sounded familiar to her as he asked someone coldly, “Why are you

Anastasia halted her steps. Is

at this moment and subconsciously hid under the window. Outside the opened window, the sound inside the

no longer recognize me as your uncle?” This was a middle-aged man’s

grandmother’s birthday party. Get out right now.” Elliot’s voice

my respect to her. Don’t stop

extremely hostile toward the man. “You’re not even qualified to see her. The Presgrave Family has no room for you

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as a child many years ago. More than two decades had passed, and you had grown up to become the head of the Presgrave Family. Now I’m so proud of you!” Using their family ties, the man attempted to gain Elliot’s sympathy. He then continued pleading, “Do this uncle of yours a favor, Elliot. Let me see your grandma; I need

me say it again. Get out.” Elliot’s tone

The man was suppressing

the window outside, Anastasia could feel the tension inside the

the Presgraves and,

To me, you’re a

definitely regret it!” Riley yelled, followed by the slamming sound of

sound startled Anastasia, who was hiding outside, and consequently, she

are.” Elliot’s uninterested voice rang out from

had wanted to leave, but she was so stupefied by his words that her heart

a figure appeared by the window. Elliot’s voice softened as he looked at

I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, would you believe me?” she asked embarrassingly.

a gentle smile. “Of course I

through the main door and discovered that he was the only one in the villa. Sitting on the sofa, he lit a cigarette and started smoking. Clearly, he wasn’t in a good

promise I won’t say a word to anyone else,” she said, raising her palm. There was nothing to be said

that, he put out the cigarette he had just lit and said, “Have a walk

she acceded. They both walked down a bamboo path that had no one on it toward a bamboo forest with a few dimly lit lights. Looking at his upright body in front of

father’s half-brother who was chased out of the family twenty

grandma told me about him this afternoon. Your parents

he

blush, as she knew that Herriot indeed meant

deal with the mess he created, but the helicopter crashed, ending both their lives,” he said, raising his head. The light shone on his

him, but she had no

that words couldn’t. She extended her hand and held his arm, her gaze revealing her silent

it, his other hand holding her waist. They were intimately

He was staring at her with his burning eyes, so alluring that any woman would fall for

and her heart, like everyone else’s, would be moved. Especially now, when he was vulnerable and was desperate

she didn’t need him to tell her what he was about to

her waist, and every breath she took was filled with his enticing scent. But

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have pushed Elliot away, but her body froze as if someone had put a stop button on her. A wave of heat rose from her

When his lips were about to reach hers, she made

resistance didn’t reflect her actual feelings. The corner of his lips curled up, and he sealed his lips over hers. The bamboo forest was peaceful, and muffled sounds from

head was on his warm, muscular chest, and she could feel his heart hammering against hers.

of security while also emanating a

bamboo forest. And in the forest, a man

Anastasia’s mind was shifting between two different states. One was making her mind go blank and dizzy, but the other was dreamy and mesmerizing; she couldn’t help but sink deeper into this wonderful

had put her heart into turmoil; she felt bashful and

transformed into a comforting therapy, leaving him addicted to it

thought off. At this moment, he didn’t want to think about

sensed through the clothes that Elliot was becoming more dangerous, she quickly came back to her senses. Tonight was Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday party, and it was inappropriate to kiss in

him away. Elliot let go of her and rested his forehead against hers. His black eyes reflected her blushed face as he said in a husky

curved up as she replied, “Does President Presgrave lack self-confidence

heard her, his eyes glowed with a strong possessiveness. “You can only be mine,” he claimed as he held her tightly in his

few times. Her eyes were

She didn’t refute it because she didn’t dislike his possessiveness

warning, he suddenly leaned down and nibbled lightly on her ear. “If you don’t answer, I’ll take that as a yes,” he said with a hoarse

statement rendered her

answering is that I wanted to show you

rang. He took his phone out and glimpsed at it. “It’s time to go

was looking for

the bamboo forest, Anastasia took a few deep breaths before returning to the party. She was afraid that others would notice there was

get away

hall, Hayley kept looking for an opportunity to walk up and wish Old Madam Presgrave a happy birthday, but

went away at the same time, which made her wonder. She imagined Anastasia had taken advantage of the situation

she wasn’t wrong. They

had returned to the hall. But when she turned around, Anastasia miraculously

they together just

pulled Erica to the side and whispered something in her ear. Then, Erica nodded and

Erica left the banquet hall, she walked toward the swimming pool. When she looked up at the main seats, she noticed that Old Madam Presgrave was leaving the hall with the assistance of her maid. Without a second thought, she quickly pulled a waitress to the side. “Please

a matter of bringing a message, the waitress smiled

Nigel. He assured her that he was at the children’s play area with her

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at the party, so he was relieved that he got

Madam Presgrave would like to see you by the poolside,” said

slightly surprised by the request, but when she glanced around and realized Old Madam Presgrave was not in her seat, she nodded and responded, “Okay. Thank

Erica watched Anastasia exit the banquet hall, the corner of her mouth twisted up into a

when Anastasia wondered why Old Madam Presgrave would choose this place to have a conversation, she noticed Hayley sitting on the pool lounge chair. As soon as

She became defensive as she glared

two up to? Are you guys messing around at Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday party?” Hayley provoked

cheek heated up. Did Hayley

continued, “You really don’t mind that I slept with Elliot? Do you want me to go into details of how we spent the

he was not

the fact that he was sweating on me, kissing me, and holding me tight in

off as her chest

how he held me tightly afterward; I remember him removing his watch and giving it to me. His pounding heart, his scorching body—” Hayley’s eyes

from the bottom of her heart. It wasn’t hard for her to imagine Hayley and Elliot hugging together, because she and Elliot had

male escort. Who knows how many women he touches in a month? You should get a medical check-up done because if you die from

trying to provoke her with those offensive statements, she couldn’t take it anymore

kid, Anastasia, had the filthiest blood flowing through his veins. Perhaps he would follow in his father’s footsteps in the future. Like father,

better shut your mouth,”

Anastasia clenched her

and she suddenly grabbed Anastasia’s hand. “You want to

was taken aback by her actions and tried to break

I don’t shut up? I want the whole world to know your son’s father. I want him to be despised, and I want your son to live in shame for

Anastasia was getting colder. She gritted her teeth and growled, “Keep going if you

away abruptly, attempting to break free from her grip. However, Hayley curved her lips and smirked at Anastasia as she let herself fall behind

for a few seconds. Before she could react, she heard someone shouting behind her,

this voice.

another female voice. “Here! We need some help over

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middle-aged female guests standing by the pool. Their attention was drawn to Hayley, who was struggling in the water and appeared to

can’t swim…” Hayley cried

the guests glared at

trap set up by Hayley and Erica. Now that Hayley had deliberately fallen into the water while Erica’s two witnesses were there, Anastasia was

situation became critical as Hayley bobbed up and down in

of the swimming pool frantically, for

core, but she couldn’t ruin someone else’s life at Old Madam

She

the water, a murderous intent began to develop in her eyes. Just as Anastasia reached out to grab Hayley’s arm, the latter

to save me. In fact, people will only blame her stupidity for trying to save someone’s life when she

had recently taken up swimming for fitness purposes, and she was doing well under the guidance of her

the pool, she felt the pressure of

is trying to

realized Hayley could swim by how she was treading water, but she couldn’t react as the air in her lungs was being exhausted. It went without saying

of the two guests yelling for help. “Help! Somebody

would she get into the water if she can’t swim? This will put her life in

see how Hayley was holding Anastasia down under the water, so they

her hands in the water and even choked, but her hand was firmly

had called Elliot over to help, and he immediately noticed the two women in the water, especially the floating gray evening gown that belonged to Anastasia. “Quick! Go

Anastasia was already in a semi-conscious state. When Hayley saw that Elliot was coming

open underwater to find that Rey was the one who

down on one knee in front of Anastasia and performed rescue breathing as

also rescued Hayley from the pool, but he did not dare to perform CPR on her. Hayley didn’t want it

such, she pretended to cough out a mouthful