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 unimportant greetings. Hayley didn’t even get a

you’re so close to the Presgrave Family, are

now was given by him. What

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

not want to explain further at the dining table, but Erica remained shocked and envious of Hayley’s words.

her relationship with Elliot too since Erica would never have the chance to be in contact with Elliot. Besides, Erica was a simpleton; Hayley could easily come up with something to

8.00PM and it was time to head to the birthday celebration hall to extend

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 a walk

head over first. I’ll

road and walked down it. That night, the sky was breathtaking. After being used to the hustle and bustle of the city, it felt great to be there in this vast and spacious villa

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

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

halted her steps. Is

the window. Outside the opened window, the sound inside the villa

me as your uncle?” This

let you ruin my grandmother’s birthday party. Get

grandma is my stepmother as well, and hence, I should show my respect to her. Don’t stop me from doing so, will you?” The man’s voice

even qualified to see her. The Presgrave Family has no room for you either. Don’t blame me for being ruthless

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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

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

man was

outside, Anastasia could

still one of the Presgraves and, on top of that, your uncle! How can you be so

Presgrave Family has no such person. To me, you’re a nobody,” Elliot

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

and consequently, she stepped on a dried leaf, making a small

whoever you are.” Elliot’s uninterested

her heart raced again. As a result, she

Elliot’s voice softened as

you believe me?”

that, he gave her a gentle smile.

one in the villa. Sitting on the sofa, he lit a

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

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

no one on it toward a bamboo forest with a few

who was chased out

pursed her lips hearing that. “I know. Your grandma told me about him this afternoon. Your parents passed away because

around, he said, “My grandma really treats you as

her face blush, as she knew that Herriot

the mess he created, but the helicopter crashed, ending both their lives,” he

she had no

actions could express those that words couldn’t. She extended her hand and held

and quickly gripped it, his other hand holding her waist. They

staring at her with his burning eyes, so alluring that any woman would fall for him just by looking

wasn’t a clay figurine or a doll, and her heart, like everyone else’s, would be moved. Especially now, when he was vulnerable and

her with his head tilted slightly, and she didn’t need him

this man himself, who bewitched her. His arms were tight around her waist, and every breath she took was filled with

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put a stop button on her. A wave of heat rose from her torso and reached her

lips were about to reach hers,

her 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

could feel his heart hammering against hers. It felt safe

sense of security while also emanating

stars in the sky sprinkled down on the bamboo forest. And in the forest, a man was pouring his heart

different states. One was making her mind go blank and dizzy, but the other was dreamy and mesmerizing; she couldn’t help but sink

put her heart into

body transformed into a comforting therapy, leaving him addicted

years ago, but he quickly shook the thought off. At this moment, he didn’t want to

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

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 with anyone else

as she replied, “Does President

her, his eyes glowed with a strong possessiveness. “You can

Elliot a few times. Her eyes were reflecting the starlights and

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

down and nibbled lightly on her ear. “If you don’t

statement rendered her

I’m not answering is that I wanted to show you some respect,

at it. “It’s time to go

looking

afraid that others would notice there was something between her and Elliot, so she hurried

Elliot saw her walk away as if to get away

the banquet hall, Hayley kept looking for an opportunity to walk up and wish Old Madam Presgrave a happy birthday, but there were too many elders,

she was also looking for Elliot for the past fifteen minutes. Elliot and Anastasia both went away at the same time, which made her wonder. She imagined Anastasia had taken

fact, she 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 around

together just

plot against Anastasia. She pulled Erica to the side and whispered something in her

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,

was just a matter

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

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the party, so he was relieved that he got away by looking after

Presgrave would like to see you by the poolside,” said the waitress as she approached

around and realized Old Madam Presgrave was not

watched Anastasia exit the banquet hall, the corner of her mouth twisted

why Old Madam Presgrave would choose this place to have a conversation, she noticed

realize that she had been fooled. She became defensive as she glared at Hayley. “Why did you trick me

to? Are you

her cheek heated

Do you want me to go into details of how we spent the night together?” Viciousness flashed across her eyes as

as I know, it happened when he was

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

as her chest

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—” Hayley’s eyes gleamed with shyness and

wasn’t hard for her to imagine Hayley and Elliot hugging together, because she

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

whole body was trembling. Although she knew Hayley was trying to provoke her with those offensive statements, she couldn’t take it anymore because Hayley was insulting

from Anastasia. Her mockery was clearly seen in her eyes. “Your kid, Anastasia, had the filthiest

you better shut your mouth,”

clenched her fist

she suddenly grabbed Anastasia’s hand. “You want to slap me, don’t you? Go ahead and

taken aback by her actions and tried

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 the rest

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

Anastasia started to feel disgusted by Hayley’s hands, which were 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

heard someone shouting

this

another female voice.

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Their attention was drawn to Hayley, who was struggling in the water and

Hayley cried for

of the guests glared

moment, Anastasia’s heart sank. She realized that she had jumped into a trap set up by Hayley and Erica. Now that

as Hayley bobbed up and down in

guests paced along the edge of the swimming pool frantically,

Anastasia despised Hayley to the core, but she couldn’t ruin

the water. She swam toward Hayley and tried to pull

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

to save me. In fact, people will only blame her stupidity

to jump into the pool because she was confident she wouldn’t drown. She had recently taken up swimming for fitness purposes, and she was doing well under the

sank deeper into the pool, she felt the pressure of

trying

her lungs was being exhausted. It went without saying that Hayley was going to take this

vaguely hear the sound of the two

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

was holding Anastasia down under the

and even choked, but her hand was firmly

the banquet hall. Erica 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 and save them,” Elliot instructed Rey as

Hayley saw that Elliot was coming to save them, she choked a mouthful of water and pretended to be drowning as she

sensed a strong arm holding her, she forced her eyes open underwater to find that Rey was the one who had saved her, not Elliot. In the meantime,

Hayley were both brought up to the poolside. Elliot went down on one knee in front of Anastasia and performed rescue breathing as soon as they reached the surface.

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

a