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.

arrived at Hayley’s table. Since 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 even get a chance to brag about how close she was to

close to the Presgrave Family, are you

I have now was given by him. What do you think?” Hayley

Then…” Erica was tongue-tied upon hearing that as

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

about her relationship with Elliot too since Erica would never have the chance to be

of the guests had finished their dinner by 8.00PM and it was time to head to the birthday celebration hall to extend their birthday

all the guests were talking cheerfully. Overall, it was a joyous scene. The elders, who were close relatives of the

over first. I’ll be there

to the hustle and bustle of the city, it felt great to be there in this vast

her gradually faded. She was surprised to see a firefly by the lake after only a few minutes of walking.

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

that, Anastasia halted her steps. Is

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

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

to let you ruin my grandmother’s birthday party. Get out right now.” Elliot’s

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

extremely hostile 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 being

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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

out.”

man was

outside, Anastasia could feel the tension inside the

the Presgraves and, on top of that, your uncle! How can

has no such person. To me, you’re a

What you said today would be etched in my mind. You’ll definitely regret it!” Riley yelled, followed by

and consequently, she stepped

are.” Elliot’s

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

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

said I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, would you believe me?” she

gave her a gentle smile. “Of

that he was the only one in the villa. Sitting

a word to anyone else,” she said, raising her palm.

he had just lit and

toward a bamboo forest with a few dimly lit

was chased out of the family

grandma told me about him

took him by surprise. Turning around, he said, “My grandma really treats

made her face blush, as she knew that Herriot indeed

to deal with the mess he created, but the helicopter crashed, ending both their

him, but she had no idea

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

he looked at her hand and quickly gripped it, his other hand holding her waist. They were

her gasp 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

or a doll, and her heart, like everyone else’s, would

with his head tilted slightly, and she didn’t

her waist, and every breath she took was filled with his enticing scent. But she was well aware that what she was doing

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button 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 watch his kiss falling down on

were about to reach hers, she made some half-hearted efforts to

he sealed his lips over hers. The bamboo

was on his warm, muscular chest, and she could feel his

sense of security while also emanating a sense of

down on the bamboo forest. And in the forest, a man was pouring his heart and soul into the

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 dream that Elliot had

heart into turmoil; she felt bashful

warmth and elegant fragrance of Anastasia’s body transformed into a comforting therapy, leaving him addicted to it

feeling reminded him 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

came back to her senses. Tonight was Old Madam

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,

up as she replied,

a strong possessiveness. “You can only

looked up and blinked her eyes at Elliot a few

didn’t respond because she wasn’t ready for this. She didn’t refute it because she

warning, he suddenly leaned down and nibbled lightly on her ear. “If you don’t answer, I’ll take

statement rendered her

I wanted to show you some respect,

out and glimpsed at it. “It’s time to go back for my grandmother’s birthday

looking for

before returning to the party. She was afraid

Elliot saw her walk away as if to get away from him,

and wish Old Madam Presgrave a happy birthday, but there were too many elders, and Old Madam Presgrave was surrounded by people all the

past fifteen minutes. Elliot and Anastasia both went away at the same time, which made her

wasn’t wrong.

had returned to the hall. But when she turned around, Anastasia miraculously appeared beside Francis. She couldn’t stop herself from clenching her palm

they together

Erica to the side and whispered something in her ear. Then, Erica nodded and assured, “Don’t worry. I will carry

the assistance

was a guest and it was just a matter of

when Anastasia started to worry as she couldn’t find her son, she received a phone call from Nigel. He assured

Chapter 286

he was relieved that he

like to see you by the poolside,” said the waitress

slightly surprised by the request, but when she glanced around and realized Old Madam Presgrave was not in her

hall, the corner of her mouth twisted up into a devilish smirk. Hayley’s plan is

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

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

Anastasia? What exactly are you two up to? Are you guys messing around at Old Madam Presgrave’s

her cheek heated up. Did Hayley

to go into details of how we spent the night together?”

it happened when he was not

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.”

it.” Anastasia cut Hayley off as

incredible stamina. I still remember his frantic eyes and how he held me tightly afterward; I remember him removing his

of 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 an intimate moment

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

was trembling. Although she knew Hayley was trying to provoke her with those offensive

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

better shut your mouth,”

smug face, Anastasia clenched her fist tightly

swept across the corridor, and she suddenly grabbed Anastasia’s hand. “You want to slap me, don’t you? Go ahead and slap me!”

actions and tried to

what if I don’t shut up? I want the whole world to know your son’s father. I want him to be despised,

she had said, Anastasia was getting colder. She gritted her

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

Before she could react, she heard someone shouting

know this voice. It’s

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

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by the pool. Their attention was drawn to Hayley, who was struggling in the water and appeared to be

can’t swim…” Hayley cried for help in

of the guests glared at Anastasia accusingly. “You should get

realized that she had jumped into a trap set up by Hayley and Erica. Now that Hayley had deliberately fallen into the water while Erica’s two witnesses

became critical as Hayley bobbed up and down in the

female guests paced along the edge of the swimming pool frantically, for they didn’t know

was no doubt that Anastasia despised Hayley to the core, but she couldn’t

the water. She swam toward Hayley and tried to pull her to the

was surprised to see Anastasia jumping in to save her. As she flailed about in the water, a murderous intent began to develop in her eyes. Just as Anastasia reached

if Anastasia drowns while trying to save me. In fact, people will only blame her stupidity for

she was confident she wouldn’t drown. She had recently

Anastasia sank deeper into the pool, she felt the

trying

by how she was treading water, but she couldn’t react as the air in her lungs was being exhausted. It went without saying that Hayley was going to take this chance

she could vaguely hear the sound of the two guests yelling

swim? This will

couldn’t see how Hayley was holding Anastasia down

other hand, Hayley seemed to 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 so that she

to help, and he immediately noticed the two women in the water, especially the floating gray evening gown that

jumped into 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

the one who had saved her, not Elliot. In the

to the poolside. Elliot went down on one knee in front of Anastasia and performed rescue

also rescued Hayley from the pool, but 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

to cough out a mouthful