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.

patronizingly and left after a few unimportant greetings. Hayley didn’t even get a chance to brag about how close she was

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

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

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

but Erica remained shocked and envious of Hayley’s words. What is she keeping from me? Is she hiding

wasn’t afraid of telling Erica about her relationship with Elliot too since Erica would never have the chance to

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

were close relatives of the Presgrave Family, were the first to wish Harriet. While they were doing

should head over first. I’ll be there

a less busy road and walked down it. That night, the sky was breathtaking. After being used to the hustle and bustle of the city, it felt

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

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

that, Anastasia halted her steps. Is this Elliot? He’s

subconsciously hid under the window. Outside the opened window, the

me as your uncle?” This was a middle-aged man’s

party. Get

Don’t stop

to see her. The Presgrave Family

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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

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

The man was suppressing his

window outside, Anastasia could feel

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

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

would be etched in my mind. You’ll definitely regret it!” Riley yelled, followed

outside, and consequently, she

you are.” Elliot’s

was so stupefied by his words that her heart raced again. As a result, she had

voice softened as he looked at her

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

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

only one in the villa. Sitting on the sofa, he lit a cigarette and started smoking.

say a word to anyone else,” she said, raising her

had just lit and said,

bamboo path that had no one on it toward a bamboo forest with a few dimly lit lights. Looking at

chased out of the family

know. Your grandma told me about him this afternoon. Your parents passed away

surprise. Turning around, he said,

blush, as she knew

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

for him, but she had no idea what to say to

couldn’t. She extended her hand and held

her hand and quickly gripped it, his other hand holding her waist. They were intimately close to each

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

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

tilted slightly, and she didn’t need him to tell her

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

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body froze as if someone had put a stop button on her. A wave of heat rose from her

do this…” When his lips were about to reach hers, she made

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

chest, and she could

a sense of security while

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

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

her heart into turmoil;

comforting therapy, leaving him addicted

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 scent while

to her senses. Tonight was Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday party, and it was inappropriate to kiss in this

rested his forehead against hers. His black eyes reflected her blushed face as he

curved up as she replied,

glowed with a strong possessiveness. “You can only be mine,” he claimed as

and blinked her eyes at Elliot a few times. Her eyes were reflecting

wasn’t ready for this. She didn’t refute it because she didn’t dislike his possessiveness in

ear. “If you don’t answer, I’ll take that as a yes,” he said with a hoarse

rendered her

reason I’m not answering is that I

at it.

was looking for

She was afraid that others would notice there was something between her and Elliot,

walk away as if to get away from him,

opportunity to walk up and wish Old Madam Presgrave a

for the past fifteen minutes. Elliot and Anastasia both went away

fact, she wasn’t wrong. They were

Anastasia miraculously appeared beside Francis. She couldn’t stop herself from clenching her palm around the glass she

they together

hatch a plot against Anastasia. She pulled Erica to the side and whispered something in her ear. Then, Erica nodded and

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 tell Miss Tillman that she is wanted by Old Madam Presgrave at the poolside,”

a guest and it was just a matter of bringing a message, the

when Anastasia started to worry as she couldn’t find her son, she received a phone call from Nigel. He assured her that he was at the children’s play area with her son and that she need not

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not a big fan of socializing at the party, so he was relieved that

Madam Presgrave would like to see you

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

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

to have a conversation, she noticed Hayley sitting on the

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

two up to?

cheek heated up.

continued, “You really don’t mind that I slept with Elliot? Do you want me to go into

he

what state Elliot was in, it didn’t change the fact that he was sweating on me, kissing me, and holding me tight in

cut Hayley off as her

well-built, and 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,

Hayley’s description, Anastasia could feel a wave 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

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

her 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

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

you better shut

her

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

by her actions and

what if 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 the rest of his life!”

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

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

a few seconds. Before she could react, she heard someone

this voice.

female voice. “Here!

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her head around, she saw two middle-aged female guests standing by the pool. Their

can’t swim…” Hayley cried for

guests glared at Anastasia accusingly. “You should get down there and

Hayley and Erica. Now that Hayley had

as Hayley bobbed up and down in the

of the swimming pool frantically, for they didn’t know how to

core, but she

the water. She swam toward Hayley

develop in her eyes.

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

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 guidance of

deeper into the pool, she

is trying to kill

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 that Hayley was

hear the sound of the two guests yelling for help. “Help! Somebody needs help over

she get into the water if she can’t swim? This will put her life in jeopardy!” the women said

was holding Anastasia down under the water, so

the water and even choked, but her hand was firmly pressed on Anastasia’s

out from 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 he hurried toward the pool and removed

Hayley saw

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

down on one knee in front of

he did not dare to perform CPR on her. Hayley didn’t

out a mouthful