Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 301

However, this was the exception that Elliot couldn’t have no matter how much he wanted her…

After Anastasia came out of the office, she breathed a sigh of relief. She really didn’t want to accept too much kindness from the man since she feared that she would not be able to repay him enough if she were to give herself up as collateral.

In order not to get to that place, she had to refuse wherever she could.

As expected, the regular meeting held at 3:00PM that day was to introduce the airborne designer, Aliona Dora, to the rest of the company. Despite Felicia making a formal introduction to the other workers, other than the male employees, the female ones were obviously lacking in enthusiasm as they welcomed her into the team. It was to be expected as beautiful women were naturally the enemies of other women. Furthermore, why would they be happy about having one more competitor whose strength they didn’t know?

“Hi, everyone! My name is Aliona Dora. I graduated from a design institute in Flor, and I specialize in jewelry design. I look forward to working together.” She herself did not expect the education she received from young would turn out to be one of her advantages in approaching Elliot.

Alice was visibly more irritated now that there was another person who joined via personal connections when she wasn’t even done dealing with Anastasia.

Anastasia was also feeling the pressure. Bourgeois would soon be holding a grand jewelry show in the early spring of the new year and it was her chance to show her talents. She, too, wanted to have this opportunity to show what she was capable of.

“Alright, let’s talk about the jewelry show in early spring,” Felicia continued. “Since we have become one of the brands under QR, the jewelry show will be set up in the country. We must not miss this opportunity to show what we have in store during the show. The company will also provide utmost support to our designers to participate in the competition.”

She then added calmly, “This is a show worth millions of dollars. It depends solely on your potential to win the race and be the one on top. I wish all of you the best of luck. The deadline will be at the end of this month.”

After the meeting ended, Anastasia was in the middle of clearing the desk when Aliona came to greet her in a surprisingly friendly tone. “Hello, Miss Tillman. We met earlier in President Presgrave’s office.”

“It was my fault for interrupting.” Anastasia smiled lightly.

Aliona pressed her lips together and replied with a smile as well, “No worries. We were done talking by then.”

Anastasia thought that she shouldn’t be too cold to the daughter of Elliot’s father’s friend, so she politely said, “Since we are colleagues now, I look forward to working together with you.”

However, as soon as Anastasia left, Aliona’s eyes immediately darkened. She only came to the company with one purpose in mind: she was going to become Elliot’s woman and marry him. She was fully prepared to sacrifice anything and everything else to achieve the purpose. She was even willing to sacrifice herself to Elliot, give birth to his child, and use the child to legally obtain the right to the inheritance.

Riley had given her 2 years to get everything done. When the time came, Riley would get rid of Elliot and the entirety of the Presgrave Group would fall in the hands of Aliona and her child.

Aliona was a child Riley had adopted from an orphanage. He had spent a lot of money to raise her. Not only did she learn all the advanced etiquette, she also graduated from a prestigious school and she was fluent in 4 languages. At the same time, in order to hide from the Presgrave Family’s investigation, Riley had made her a member of the Dora Family, and had presented her as Lucas’ illegitimate daughter to Elliot.

Lucas was a close friend of Elliot’s father and unfortunately had a weakness that Riley had gotten hold of. He was the puppet Riley was using through Aliona to take over Presgrave Group.

Since she wanted to repay Riley for raising her, Aliona listened to his words as though they were absolute. Her mission in life was to help her adoptive father regain the Presgrave Group.

And Anastasia was, undoubtedly, the biggest obstacle in her completion of the task.

She decided to first become good friends with Anastasia, and after she had gained her trust, Aliona would find an opportunity to let her disappear from Elliot’s side.

Anastasia was sitting in the office since Felicia had asked her to solely focus on the upcoming jewelry show. The company was also putting great importance in the developing haute couture.

Not long after that, Grace pushed the door open from outside and she came in with a cup of coffee in her hand. “Here, Anastasia. This is for you,” she said to Anastasia.

A frown began to appear on Anastasia’s face as she looked at the coffee before she asked, “Who is this from?”

“Didn’t you know? Miss Dora has gotten all of us coffee. The coffee beans are freshly ground!”

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Knowing that this was a common thing for the newbies to do to start off on the right foot with their colleagues, Anastasia gave a small ‘oh’ before she unhesitantly took the coffee and drank it.

“Anastasia, everyone is saying that Miss Dora is the president’s relative. What do you think?” Grace came to her to pick up more gossip.

To her disappointment, Anastasia only shook her head with a laugh. “I am not sure about that.”

Grace could only absent-mindedly blink as she mumbled, “You don’t know as well, huh?”

Anastasia was not a busybody who would spread this kind of gossip. She wouldn’t say a word even if Aliona was the daughter of Elliot’s father’s close friend.

“Stop your tittle-tattle and get back to work!” she urged Grace.

Anastasia’s female instinct was telling her that Aliona had come to Bourgeois for Elliot. Ah, she thought. Elliot has another suitor again.

The man had so many admirers that whoever ended up marrying him would definitely live a married life being constantly worried. Even if he had never approached women, there were a ton that would throw themselves at him.

It was at this moment when the landline in front of her started to ring. She then reached out to pick it up. “Hello?”

“I might not be able to pick up Jared with you this evening. I will go with you tomorrow.” He sounded apologetic as he informed her that in his low voice.

Anastasia immediately knew that Elliot had a prior date tonight and he wouldn’t be able to spend time to accompany her in picking her son up. “Don’t worry about it. I understand that you are a busy man, President Presgrave. You don’t have to worry about picking up Jared from now on,” she said politely.

He teased her again in his magnetic voice. “Are you angry?”

I definitely am not angry, she thought as she responded, “Why would I be? You think too much, President Presgrave.”

The man still added another explanation. “I have a dinner that I can’t say no to tonight.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to me.” As soon as she finished saying that, she hung up the phone and left the office feeling slightly irritated. She went to the pantry to get herself a glass of lemon water, but just as she was about to look for a place to sit, she heard someone entering from the door.

Aliona had a leery old bird of an employee who also happened to be single sticking close to her side. “Miss Dora,” the man pestered. “Are you free tonight? Let’s have dinner together.”

She only turned with a polite smile as she rejected him. “My apologies as I have a date tonight.”

When he heard that, the man tried to speak in a roundabout manner to fish out more information. “Oh, so you have a boyfriend, Miss Dora.”

Her sharp gaze fell on Anastasia at that moment and she only smiled without giving a definite answer. “I am really sorry! I have dinner with someone really important to me.”

Anastasia automatically knew that she was talking about Elliot when she said that it was an important person.

The male colleague somewhat awkwardly laughed as he left and when he did, Aliona poured herself a cup of tea before she sat across Anastasia. “Anastasia,” she called out abruptly, “we have actually met before.”

“Oh? When was it?” Anastasia tried her best to recall but to no avail. It was impossible for her not to have any recollection at all if she had met such a beautiful woman before.

Aliona laughed gently. “It was during Old Madam Presgrave’s birthday banquet. I also know about how you fell into the pool. I was there at the time. You really had me worried when you fell in!”

Anastasia’s face turned pink when she heard that. Aliona had probably seen Elliot giving her CPR those few times if she was present at the banquet.

“I must have looked silly,” Anastasia calmly replied.

“Anastasia, your relationship with President Presgrave must be quite good! I can see that he worries about you,” Aliona probed. Even though she knew the truth behind Anastasia and Elliot’s relationship, she tried her best to pretend like she didn’t.

When Aliona said that, Anastasia immediately denied. “No, no. Our relationship is strictly professional. He is my boss and I am his subordinate. That is all.”

She actually is denying having a personal relationship with Elliot? Aliona’s heart skipped a beat. “Please take care of me since I am new here, Anastasia.”

However, Anastasia unexpectedly comforted her, “Don’t worry, I am sure President Presgrave will take very good care of you.”

Aliona’s thoughts immediately went haywire at that. Does she not feel the least bit jealous? Isn’t she supposed to really like Elliot? Did Father’s resources give us the wrong information?

Instead of continuing beating around the bush, she spoke bluntly, “Anastasia, do you like President Presgrave?”

Pfft! Anastasia choked on her glass of lemon water. After letting out a small cough to clear her throat, she nonchalantly explained, “We are merely a boss and his subordinate. Please don’t misunderstand if you were to hear any rumor about this, Miss Dora. President Presgrave and I are innocent. There is nothing between us.”

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Aliona was slightly caught off guard when Anastasia had denied it without even needing to give it a second thought and she couldn’t help but wonder, Could it be that she really does not like Elliot? Does this mean she won’t get in my way?

“I am sorry that I was being presumptuous,” Aliona hurriedly apologized.

“It is fine.” Anastasia smiled with pursed lips as she picked up her teacup. “I will be heading back to the office then.”

Aliona’s gaze seemed to darken as soon as Anastasia left the pantry. She wondered whether the reason Anastasia denied having a relationship with Elliot was because she was being careful or if she really didn’t like the man.

Anyhow, no one could disrupt her plan. She admitted that Anastasia was a gorgeous woman, but Aliona was confident that she would be able to win over Elliot.

She was going to look her best during dinner tonight with Lucas and Elliot.

Anastasia had just returned to the office when the landline began to ring again.

Picking up the call, she spoke into the phone. “Hello?”

“Come up for a bit,” Elliot’s voice came through the other end of the call.

“It is almost time for me to get off from work.”

“It is about work.”

And of course, Anastasia wouldn’t possibly believe him. “Let’s talk tomorrow.”

“Anastasia Tillman, can you please show your boss a little respect?” he grumpily huffed in reply.

However, she really didn’t want to see him, so she insisted, “President Presgrave, just say what you want on the phone.”

He stubbornly insisted, “We will talk in my office.”

Anastasia already had a feeling that he wasn’t going to talk about work, so naturally, she wouldn’t fall into his trap.

“Forget it then.” She hung up the call after throwing that out.

The look on the big boss’ face in the president’s office immediately fell when the call was dropped. His tall and lean figure swiftly stood up before he started taking big strides out of the office.

Anastasia was editing a few old drafts in her office when she clumsily dropped the documents in her hands. Then, she sucked a deep breath before she squatted down.

At this moment, she heard the sound of someone opening the office door. Thinking that it was Grace, she spoke from under the table. “Grace, help me to pick up these documents.”

The person who had just come in didn’t say anything in return and only reached down to help Anastasia with her request. It was only when Anastasia crawled out from under the desk that she had the surprise of her life.

Instead of Grace, it was Elliot standing there with some documents in his hands. There was a sour expression on his face as he tossed the papers on her desk. “Do you think this kind of sloppy work is acceptable?”

Anastasia knew that she probably deserved the scolding because she hadn’t been in her best condition during work today. Like a dead mouse that felt no cold, she fearlessly challenged him, “Go ahead and cut my salary then!”

“You want a deduction on your meager salary? Do you plan on feeding Jared air?” He let out an annoyed puff.

Her eyebrows wiggled as she let out a bright laugh. “Then, maybe you should give me a raise!”

with the kind of attitude you are giving me?” Elliot was already being nice by not

had come all the way to her office, Anastasia looked at

dinner. He seldom asks me out and he is my senior. I can’t reject him,” he started explaining without leaving out

with the only moving thing being her blinking eyelids. She couldn’t really process the words she was hearing. Is this what he meant when he said he has something important to talk to me about? Why does he need to

at him with serious eyes. “You don’t have to go out of your

didn’t have to tell her. It was not like she would have minded,

you are having a meal with…” She let out an awkward smile as she pressed her lips together

don’t want you to misunderstand.” His dark gaze was

To be honest, President Presgrave, I think you and

beautiful and capable. She has a good background, and on top of that, she is your father’s best friend’s daughter! You would know her in and out. I

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listened to Anastasia generously sending him off to

her fighting spirit and began stammering, “I am only doing this for your own good! You need a woman, and coincidentally, Miss Dora

unhurriedly interrupted, “but you are the only woman I want.” He then slowly approached her and eventually came to a stop in front of

unconsciously tensed up and she only let out an embarrassed laugh as she told him, “I hope

he still

turned around to leave, he casually threw these words out: “I will come and look for you

you don’t have to—” She was just about to rebuke when he went out and had closed the door behind

She was already not in the mood to work in the first place, but her head

and she picked up the call after seeing that it was from Francis. “Hello,

you have time tonight,

something the matter,

have dinner with Alex tonight. He has something to tell you about the company.

the company?”

Alex has booked a table at a restaurant. I will go to your

to say something again, but the call had already been hung up at the other end. She knew that her father had the intention to match her and Alex together. But isn’t it more awkward the harder we try to force it? she thought

call from Francis around 6.00PM when he informed that he was waiting to pick Jared up at the end of

safely passed her son to his grandfather, Francis reassured her, “Leave Jared to me. You young guns

why don’t we

time with Jared. You both can go now! Let Alex talk to you about the company while you two have your

the door to the passenger seat and he invited her with a smile, “Miss Tillman, please

said to Francis, “Dad, you can just find a place to have something to eat with

I got it.” The older

feeling somewhat self-conscious as she and Alex sat in the quiet car parked at the end of

“Thank you for helping my father all

is why he lets me handle the company’s businesses.” Alex’s eyes were filled with anticipation and happiness.

extremely romantic restaurant. Anastasia placed a few orders and Alex added a few others on top of that afterward.

that made her comfortable to look at. His heart was pounding in his chest as he ate with her.

Alex from confessing his feelings was the difference in their statuses. Still, he couldn’t

ask me anything about the company if you need help understanding. I will go into detail

man. It still isn’t time for me to take over the company. We don’t have to rush into this.” Alas,

that time. I think he has hopes for you

his words. “Is that so? How has

hospital a few times these days. He has been complaining about a discomfort in his chest that makes him feel stuffy. The doctor has also told him to take it easy, Miss Tillman,”

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blaming herself at that point. “It is my fault for neglecting Dad’s health. Mr. Hunter, you have to let me know firsthand if something were to happen to my

want you to worry.” Alex had a hopeful glint in his eyes. “Miss Tillman,

after hearing his words. Taking over and managing her father’s company was something

gaze continued to stay on her. “I will do my best to assist you,

of some of the company’s events and she made sure to listen to his every word. There were a lot of things she didn’t comprehend, but he patiently explained through

establishment. She was in a rush to return to her son and father. At this moment, her ringtone started going off. She could feel her heart skip a beat when she saw that

What is wrong?” she asked in a

answer her and instead threw her an abrupt question. “Where are

“I am at—”

wrapped his arm around her shoulder to move her away

from the phone soon rang out again. “Who was the

surroundings as she was walking on the road, she

jealousy in Alex’s eyes as he walked alongside Anastasia. In fact, he had intentionally made himself known to Elliot

was a handsome man standing in the corridor outside the private dining room of a high-end restaurant. He wore a gloomy expression as he stared at his phone. She must be on a date with a man,

Miss Dora, I am afraid I have to leave now to attend to an emergency. Let’s have

stay any longer?” Lucas glanced at

next time.” After saying that, Elliot took the suit he had taken off,

classy she looked, she noticed that Elliot’s

believe that this was all she received from him even with

he has seen through my cover?” She suddenly turned to look at Lucas. “Don’t tell me that you betrayed Riley, Mr.

I dare to betray him when my son’s life is in

and the CCTV recording of the crime had somehow gotten into Riley’s hands. There was no way Lucas

a smile, she said, “I will be needing you

my son to come back to me safely.” The glass in Lucas’ hand was shaking as he spoke. He was now treading a tightrope, and he was not the one

Presgraves, but in the end, his son’s life was

pressed a button on her phone, and she pressed it to her ear. “Are you

Aliona, we

wonder what made Elliot suddenly decide to

What she hadn’t realized was that

car as he loosened his necktie in an annoyed manner and barked at Rey driving the car, “Go

he started to worry whether something had happened to

street at her residential area, but Elliot only continued to sit in the

car finally arrived at the same place after a few minutes. He even came out of the car to open the car door for Anastasia, who

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Tillman. I will report to you about President Tillman’s condition whenever

you, Mr. Hunter,” Anastasia said with a

car and offered, “Let me send you upstairs. I can also bring the

she and Alex started walking side by side to the entrance of the street. They looked good together as they walked

from the start till the end that there was a pair of eyes watching them from

mirror and asked, “Are you not getting out

generously, he fumed. It turned out that she already had her eyes on another man and he was none other than

training Alex to be the one assisting Anastasia to inherit the company. Apart

has she accepted her father’s arrangement? She would rather throw me aside and get

felt this kind of mental exhaustion and instead of it being about

be. He had a relieved look on his

create more chances to get them together. 1 year should

environment, he

Alex. We should leave. Jared has to go to school tomorrow!” Francis didn’t want to further disturb

heard that, Anastasia quickly reminded Alex, “Mr. Hunter, please drive

Please don’t worry about

Tillman’ nonsense?

“I will start

thing!” she replied in an easygoing

who was behind her, had his cheeks puffed out as he grumbled,

explaining to the child, “It wasn’t a date. We only went out to talk

doesn’t like it when you

a finger on Jared’s lips. “Jared, you can’t tell him, okay? Mr. Presgrave is a busy man. We

does Mommy like Uncle Alex or

in a singsong manner as she rubbed

made a sound right this moment. Thinking that her father had left something behind, she unhesitantly reached out to open the

was Elliot standing there

round as she wondered why he

asked, in which he mockingly answered, “Alex Hunter can come

she wondered how he knew that Alex had dropped by. Did he bump into Dad

you are here!” A soft voice called out

instant when he heard his name being called and with an equally gentle demeanor, he

“I did.”

school? We can change schools if you

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like it!” Jared

home resting? Anastasia quietly asked herself after seeing that it was already 9:40PM.

was chasing him off, she started, “It is late, President Presgrave. I need to give Jared

she knew better than to get

bath. I will play with you when you are done.” Then, he lowered the child back onto the floor and he went to

to leave Elliot alone as she brought Jared to the bathroom. After the boy was all clean, he ran to the sofa again to play with the Rubik’s Cube

some house chores until 10:00PM, which was the time that

it is

still want

Instead, it was Elliot who spoke up as he carried the boy wearing the cartoon-printed pyjamas into the

actions. Why is he sticking around and not going back

the building were reporting Elliot’s whereabouts to Aliona. She knew that it was Anastasia’s residential area as soon as she heard the name of the

away on purpose? Why is she saying she doesn’t like him on one hand and sabotaging my

cold as the questions filled her mind. Anastasia is suicidal, isn’t she?

exhausted Anastasia, who had done most of the chores, sat on the sofa with a glass of

made a soft hushing voice to tell her to keep

she received a text message on her phone. Startled, she took a look at it, only to see that it was a message from Alex. ‘Anastasia, your dad is back

‘Thank you, Mr. Hunter.’

me that. You can just call me

replied to him with a short

was extremely polite with Alex because she knew she would be relying on him a lot regarding matters of

of her hand. Coincidentally, Alex sent another message over. As Elliot’s

I had a good time tonight. Thank you for giving me

What did she do to

furrowed and she hurriedly said, “Give

who had easily physically overpowered her narrowed his eyes at her and questioned, “What were

was baffled after hearing his question. What else could they have possibly done together, if not having

trust her words, he

to have an underlying meaning to

stop messing around, and give me back my phone.” Anastasia didn’t

Sweet dreams. I will

and his thin lips curled up as he asked,

my phone.” Anastasia was serious now as she looked at him with

Elliot raised the phone above his head and retorted, “come

a measly trick that men often used to fool women. “Never mind, then. When are you planning to

not leaving tonight. I am staying overnight here,” he haughtily declared with his

was finally exasperated after hearing his words and she spat, “I don’t

Chapter 308

the floor or the couch.” Elliot insisted on staying no matter