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.

everyone at this table was the Presgrave Family’s younger generation, he toasted them patronizingly and left after a few unimportant greetings. Hayley didn’t

you’re so close to the Presgrave Family, are you

given by him. What do you think?” Hayley boastfully

tongue-tied upon hearing that as envy and jealousy began

further at the dining table, but Erica remained shocked and envious of Hayley’s words. What is she keeping from me? Is she hiding

the chance to

celebration hall to extend their birthday greetings. Nigel

had lively music playing with lights flashing while all the guests were talking 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 were doing so, Anastasia had the sudden urge to take

you all should head over first.

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

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

heard a man’s voice that sounded familiar to her as he asked someone

her steps. Is

and subconsciously hid under the window. Outside

dear nephew, do you no longer recognize me as your uncle?” This was

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

well, and hence, I should show my respect to her. Don’t stop me from doing so, will you?” The man’s voice sounded as if he was pleading

toward the man. “You’re not even qualified to see her. The Presgrave Family has no room for you either. Don’t blame me for

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you in my arms 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.

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

The man was

outside, Anastasia could feel

you really want to be this heartless, Elliot? I’m still one of the Presgraves and, on top of that, your uncle! How can you be so

such person. To me, you’re a

be etched in my mind. You’ll definitely regret it!” Riley yelled, followed by the slamming sound of the

was hiding outside, and consequently, she stepped on a dried leaf, making a

Elliot’s uninterested voice rang out from

stupefied by his words that her heart raced again. As a result, she had no choice but

Elliot’s voice softened as he looked

you believe me?” she asked embarrassingly. The situation was just too awkward

he gave her a gentle smile. “Of course I do. Come

villa. Sitting on the sofa, he lit a cigarette and started smoking. Clearly, he

have eavesdropped. I promise I won’t say a word to anyone else,” she said,

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

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

chased out

told me about him this afternoon. Your parents passed away because

Turning around, he

face blush, as she knew that Herriot

flew abroad to deal with the mess he created, but the helicopter crashed, ending both their lives,” he said,

had no idea what to say to

that words couldn’t. She extended her hand and held

gripped it, his other hand

for air, but she did not break herself away from him. He was staring at her with his burning eyes, so alluring that any woman would fall for him just

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

slightly, and she didn’t need him

or the moon, or this man himself, who bewitched her. His arms were tight around her waist, and every breath she took was filled with his enticing scent. But she was well aware that what she was

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on her. A wave of heat rose from her torso and reached her cheek. Her heart pounded in her chest, and all she could do was

When his lips were about to reach hers, she

his lips curled up, and he sealed his lips over hers. The bamboo forest was peaceful,

muscular chest, and she could feel his heart hammering against hers. It felt safe yet

of security while also

down on the bamboo forest. And in the forest, a man was pouring his

her mind go blank and dizzy, but the other was

heart into turmoil; she felt bashful and

fragrance of Anastasia’s body transformed into a comforting therapy, leaving him addicted to it and unwilling to let go of

of that night five years ago, but he quickly shook the thought off. At this moment, he didn’t want to think about another woman’s

sensed through the clothes that Elliot was becoming more dangerous, she quickly came back to her senses. Tonight was

slightly pushed 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 voice, “Don’t fall in love

up as she replied, “Does President Presgrave lack

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

her eyes at Elliot a few times. Her eyes were

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

you don’t answer, I’ll take

statement rendered her

is that I

then, Elliot’s cell phone rang. He took his phone out and glimpsed at it.

looking for

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

to get away from him, a trace

walk up and wish Old Madam Presgrave a happy birthday, but there were too many elders, and Old Madam Presgrave was surrounded by

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

fact, she wasn’t wrong. They were indeed

turned around, Anastasia miraculously appeared beside Francis. She couldn’t stop

they together

a plot against Anastasia. She pulled Erica to the side and whispered something in her ear. Then, Erica nodded and assured, “Don’t worry.

assistance

Erica was a guest and it was just a matter of bringing

a phone call from Nigel. He assured her that he

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was not a big fan of socializing at the party, so he was relieved that he got away by looking

see you by the poolside,” said the waitress

around and realized Old Madam Presgrave was not in her

of her mouth twisted up

the poolside, just when Anastasia wondered why Old Madam Presgrave would choose this place to have a conversation, she noticed Hayley sitting on

defensive as she glared at Hayley. “Why did you trick me into coming here?” she

are you two up to? Are you guys messing

could feel her cheek heated up. Did Hayley

to go into details of how

as I know, it happened when he was not sober.” Anastasia pretended to

matter what state Elliot was in, it didn’t change the fact that he was sweating on me, kissing me, and holding me tight in his arms. I was so happy that I was swooning under him.” Hayley kept

Anastasia cut Hayley off as her chest

he has incredible stamina. I still remember his frantic eyes and how he held me tightly afterward; I remember him removing his watch and giving it to me. His pounding heart, his scorching body—”

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

the corner of her lips and approached Anastasia with a sinister smile. “I also told Elliot how your son came to be, Anastasia. His father is a filthy 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 that kind of disease, there will be

furious that her whole body was trembling. Although she knew Hayley was trying to provoke

Anastasia. Her mockery was clearly seen in her eyes. “Your kid, Anastasia, had the filthiest blood flowing through his veins. Perhaps he would follow

better shut your mouth,” Anastasia

Anastasia clenched her

want to slap me, don’t you? Go ahead and slap me!” she yelled at her

aback by her actions and tried to break away

I want him to be despised, and I want your son to live in shame for the rest of his

she had said, Anastasia was getting colder. She gritted her teeth and growled, “Keep

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

react, she heard someone shouting behind her, “Oh my! Someone has fallen into the water! Please

know this

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

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two middle-aged female guests standing by the pool. Their

swim…” Hayley cried for help

someone into the water?!” One of the guests glared at Anastasia accusingly. “You should get down

She realized that she had jumped into a trap set up by Hayley and Erica. Now that Hayley had deliberately fallen into the

became critical as Hayley bobbed up and

guests paced along the edge of the swimming

that Anastasia despised Hayley to the core, but she couldn’t ruin someone else’s life

She swam toward Hayley and tried to pull

in her eyes. Just as Anastasia reached out to grab Hayley’s arm, the latter yanked Anastasia forcefully and pressed

drowns while trying to save me. In fact, people

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

Anastasia sank deeper into the pool, she felt the pressure

is trying to kill

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

the sound of the two

she can’t swim? This will put her

Hayley was holding Anastasia down under the water, so

be struggling as she flapped her hands in the water and even choked, but her hand was firmly pressed on Anastasia’s back, burying her beneath the water

rushed out from the banquet hall. Erica had called Elliot over to help, and he immediately noticed the two women in the water,

and swam toward Anastasia and Hayley, Anastasia was already in a semi-conscious state. When Hayley saw that Elliot was coming to save them, she choked a mouthful of water and pretended to be

find that Rey was the one who had saved her, not Elliot. In the meantime, Elliot

to the poolside. Elliot went down on one knee in

he did not dare to perform CPR on her. Hayley didn’t want it from Rey either, not when she was right in front of

a mouthful