Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 441-450

Hayley’s hatred for Anastasia persisted even now, and the former believed that Anastasia was to blame for her current plight.

Christmas was around the corner, and Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier was preparing an event for the joyous season. Early in the morning, Felicia gave Anastasia a call.

“Hello?” Anastasia was still laying on the bed, unwilling to get up.

How cozy the bed was in the winter!

“Why? Are you that tired after last night?” Felicia joked indecently.

That stumped Anastasia. “What are you thinking of, Felicia?”

“What? Am I wrong? Is President Presgrave by your side now?”

“We haven’t gotten there yet, Felicia!” Anastasia replied, burying herself in her blanket.

On the other end of the call, Felicia was surprised to hear that. “Oh my! You spend every day with him and have managed to keep your cool until now? Well, I admire you for that,” Felicia teased. Then, she went straight to the point. “Do you have time to attend the annual celebration that Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier planned two weeks ago?”

“Oh? I would like to go.” Anastasia was interested.

“Great! Ask President Presgrave if he has the time to attend as well. Vice-president Young requested me to confirm with you,” Felicia said.

Larry Young was the atelier’s boss for the outsiders. Anastasia rarely saw him, but she knew that he played a significant role in the atelier’s success today.

“Okay, I’ll ask him.”

“It’s quite a big celebration this time. We invited our spokesperson and singer too.”

“Which singer will be there?”

“The more well-known ones will be Bobby Moore and Hendrix O’rion.”

Anastasia was elated to hear that and she exclaimed with much anticipation, “I like Hendrix O’rion a lot!”

She was in a good mood after ending Felicia’s call. The annual celebration was on this Friday, and she wanted to continue working as well although it was just two days before Christmas Eve. Design was her lifelong hobby; it was not merely her job, but her dream as well.

She hoped that her designs would one day be a treasure admired by many, just as an artist would wish for the most dazzling stage. That would give Anastasia an indescribable sense of accomplishment.

After getting up from the bed, she went to Jared’s room, only to find that he wasn’t there. At that point, she was embarrassed to learn that she had become even lazier than her own son.

She then went to the kitchen and saw a portion of breakfast that had been kept warm. After finishing it, she went to the garden and heard Jared’s laughter from the lawn.

Walking in the direction of the sound, she noticed him kicking a ball with Elliot, who was dressed in a gray sports suit.

Elliot is the only one who can be this handsome even in a sports suit.

And his figure was absolutely superb.

Jared saw her coming and immediately demonstrated his kicking abilities. She smiled lovingly at him, her eyes full of praise, and gave him a thumbs up.

Elliot turned around and looked at her too. His black hair was in a messy state from the wind, but it made him appear younger.

She hesitated whether to look at him or Jared, but it was obvious that Jared was not as eye-catching as Elliot just then.

She felt sorry for her son. He was kicking the ball so hard that she could see it, but she was distracted by another man.

Jared, drenched in sweat, finally ran up to her and hugged her. “Mommy, am I skillful?”

“Yes. It’s wonderful.” She gave him a peck on his cheek.

Elliot walked toward them too, holding a towel in his hand. He then thoughtfully replaced the one on Jared’s back. Such attentiveness moved Anastasia’s heart, but she felt ashamed at the same time as she, being Jared’s mother, was not as attentive to Jared.

Jared was like Elliot’s biological son; each and every of the child’s moves affected Elliot. Because he cared for Jared, he was always thinking about how to treat Jared better.

After changing his towel, Jared ran back out to the lawn again, whereas Elliot simply sat down beside Annastasia. Remembering the annual celebration, she asked, “It’s Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier’s annual celebration this Friday. Are you free to attend?”

Upon hearing that, he shook his head. “Larry informed me about this, but I have no time for it.”

“I see.” She nodded. “Then I’ll go on my own.”

Elliot had just turned his head to look at Jared, but upon hearing her words, he immediately turned and looked at her again. “You’re going?”

“Felicia said there will be some good performances. I’m interested.” At that point, Anastasia was already looking forward to seeing her favorite singer.

Elliot changed his mind and said in a deep tone, “Okay. I’ll ask Rey to allocate some of my time then.”

That startled Anastasia. “That’s not necessary. Your work is more important.”

“Work will never be more important than my girlfriend,” he replied casually. He initially refused to attend the annual celebration because the atelier was unimportant to him in the first place. That was just a jewelry brand he bought for fun.

In fact, Elliot acquired it to get closer to Anastasia.

His words gave her a warm feeling. Even the cold air surrounding her became warmer now. Pursing her lips, she smiled and said, “But I’m not planning to bring Jared along. Too many people will be there.”

“That’s great. If you don’t mind, I plan to send Jared to Grandma’s house. She had been nagging to see him.” Elliot looked at her, to which Anastasia nodded in agreement. “Send him there then!”

She did not mind it at all. She merely hoped that Jared would not be too mischievous and cause trouble for Harriet.

When they mentioned that to Jared, he happily agreed and asked, “Mommy, are you going on a date with Mr. Presgrave?”

‘No. We’re just attending a work event,” she explained.

However, Elliot did not go along with her. “You’re right, Jared. We are going on a date.”

“Enjoy your date then! I’ll be good.” Jared hoped that they could be together more than anyone else.

Seeing them both, Anastasia was rendered speechless.

Jared was still young, but he was preoccupied with adult issues.

There were still two days until Friday. The next morning, Anastasia received a call from Francis informing her that there would be a year-end inventory meeting in the afternoon and inviting her to attend.

Though it was still too early for her to take over Francis’ business, she was trying her best to become a qualified successor.

“I’m dropping by my dad’s company, so I’ll leave Jared to you,” she told Elliot.

Elliot had just woken up and his hair was still in a messy state. But not long later, Jared came down with the same hairstyle.

Anastasia couldn’t control her laughter when she saw that. Indeed, hair in the winter is uncontrollable.

“What are you laughing at?” Elliot asked while handing her a cup of milk.

“Both you and Jared really look alike sometimes,” she answered.

Hearing that, Elliot turned around to look at Jared and smiled. “This is our fate as father and son.”

Anastasia had no idea what to reply to that. Jared, on the other hand, hugged Elliot’s legs and asked, “Mr. Presgrave, when can I have such long legs as yours?”

He already had Elliot’s looks and now, he wanted to have Elliot’s long legs as well.

Elliot then put a cup of milk before him and answered, “You will have long legs if you eat more and drink more milk.”

That immediately prompted Jared to take the milk and said, “Okay. I will finish this!”

“Jared, I need to go to your grandpa’s company later. Stay at home and listen to Mr. Presgrave, will you?”

“Sure! I can play with Mr. Presgrave then!”

“Don’t. He is now working from home and has a large amount of work to complete. Don’t bother him,”Anastasia mentioned. In fact, Elliot chose to work from home because they were at home.

However, Elliot consoled Jared, “Don’t worry. I will play with you.”

When he heard that, Jared proudly raised his brows at Anastasia. The child looked exactly the same as Elliot while doing this, leaving her speechless.

She did not drive her car here and hence, she couldn’t go out. It wasn’t practical for someone to pick her up either.

In the end, Anastasia could only borrow a car from Elliot.

“Don’t you have other cars which are not that eye-catching?” Standing in the basement garage, she was taken aback by the array of sports cars in front of her.

All of the cars were either cool, dark, or wild in color, making them completely unsuitable for her to drive.

“That suits you.” Elliot pointed to a gray Ferrari.

Anastasia wasn’t choosy, so she got into the driver’s seat right away and adjusted the seat. Elliot couldn’t help but to admire her from outside the window for a while before she left.

At the same time, Francis walked out from the Tillman Residence. Coincidentally, Erica returned from breakfast with Hayley and when she saw Francis, she asked, “Where are you going, Dad?”

“Of course I am going to work. There’s a year-end inventory meeting today.”

Just as he finished his words, Naomi approached them and said, “Go with your father, Erica. Year-end inventory meetings are very important, so join it and learn from your father.”

With that, Erica had no other option but to say, “I’ll go with you, Dad.”

“You don’t need to. Rest well at home.”

there on my own.” She then looked towards

had nowhere else to go, she might as well

Francis shortly after he left, taking Hayley with her. Erica treated Hayley like a family member and talked to her about

illegitimate son. Hmph, he’d better dream on! As long as my mum and I are

take away what is yours for her son? Don’t let her do that, Erica.” Hayley encouraged Erica to fight for her share in Francis’

sure.” Just after she ended her sentence, Erica stepped on the

car dashed out from the other junction. Under the winter sun, the paint

such a car on the road? He’s got to be some wealthy young master!” Erica sighed. How

the car as well, thinking that in order to return to her previous extravagant lifestyle, she could use her pretty face to seduce

the gray sports

sports car was obviously a popular style among men, so they both assumed the

dad’s company. Perhaps he’s my dad’s client!” Erica couldn’t help but be ecstatic about

was dressed elegantly in clothes borrowed from Erica

wondered if the man from the sports car would be

halt and its engine stopped. Just as they were expecting a charming young prince to get down the car, they saw the

turned around and pressed the lock button on the keys. The lights of the sports car then

Hayley exchanged jealous glances

such a posh car?” The rage, envy and

that Anastasia was Elliot’s precious now. Of course she can have

an entire shopping mall if Anastasia so

her car, she noticed that Hayley was still spacing

fact, that was what Hayley was thinking about—whether she should get down and face Anastasia. But then again, she had nothing to be

took her bag and alighted from

as she reached Francis’ office. When he saw her, a tinge of excitement flashed in his eyes and his

her, he couldn’t help

The meeting will be in conference room

nodded with a smile and

she was here, Francis took the documents and

the both of them exited the office, Erica and Hayley appeared. When Anastasia saw

attend the meeting too.” Erica then continued angrily, “Why did you

he muttered, “Don’t make a scene here,

you leave for the meeting first. I’ll be there in a short

meeting was approaching. “Come quickly,” he hurried her before walking

Anastasia immediately stared coldly at Hayley and

here,” Hayley replied, her brows

brought her here! Can’t I even

kindly warn Erica, “Don’t be with such a

the right to say that?” Anastasia’s words enraged Hayley. She was in such

“At the very least, unlike you, a dog that bites its owner, I have a

was hinting at. Gritting her teeth in rage, she replied, “You’ve no right to humiliate me, Anastasia. I

for at least ten years “Anastasia stated solemnly. Even she, as

who was standing beside them,

fair to Erica

Erica and Anastasia, intending to drag Erica into

she immediately stared at Anastasia and said, “That’s right. Why did Dad only inform you about the meeting and

about Erica’s naïve and gullible

walked to

turned around and looked at Hayley. “Why did

Erica. “I understand your concerns now, Erica. It seems that

can wait for me there. I’ll check out the situation in

thing.” Hayley nodded as she watched Erica leaving for the conference room. She wasn’t in

the guardrails, reading the advertisement brochure on the wall, a man’s hand was suddenly placed on her shoulder. “Why aren’t you in the conference room

around, startling the man behind her as well. Alex, too, was surprised to see this lady who looked

he had

mistook you for someone else,” he apologized while staring at Hayley. She did resemble Anastasia, even though

on the other hand, recognised Alex as the finance manager Erica

Hayley Seymour, Erica’s

and I work as the finance manager here at Tillman Constructions,”

the fact that he fell in love with Anastasia at first sight, which resulted in him developing a good impression of Hayley, who now resembled

the eyes, something in her mind clicked. Therefore, with a pleasing smile, she asked, “Mr. Hunter, may I have your

was stunned by the request but when he felt Hayley’s enthusiasm for him, he was delighted and immediately took out his cell phone to exchange

attend a meeting now. You may come to me anytime if you have any questions, Miss Seymour.” After saying that, Alex

He is the right-hand man of Francis. Anastasia, the feud between us will not end in this life; either

Anastasia was sitting next to Francis. Her head was lowered as she was

here!” Erica beckoned

“Erica, I need to preside over the meeting. I will be

Anastasia. Erica was not assigned a seat, so she could only sit

as she witnessed this because she could tell that Alex was just seeking an opportunity to

Alex, she had unknowingly fallen in love with him. Except for not being wealthy

added another charge on

the aura of a decision-maker. Currently, she sat next to her father dressed in a suit while looking like the future

these realizations had intensified Erica’s jealousy toward

was bored to death, but Alex’s figure kept hovering in her mind. If she had not fallen to this level, she would never entertain a man

afford to be fussy any longer. She just wanted

taking advantage of Alex. So, Hayley could use the same way to seduce him and with that, she would have

seat, Anastasia was at the side to sign some internal company

of signing, which made

his heart. However, with a man like Elliot in the picture, Alex didn’t

deal with documents by her father’s side and Alex peering at Anastasia from time to time. Erica didn’t even have the chance to speak,

Just like a fool.

the end, Erica could no longer bear it and thus, she found an opportunity to slip out. Then, she went to get

should stay,”

to manage my dad’s company? Not to mention her seductive appearance. She knows nothing better than how to seduce a man! Even Alex was peeking at her

there as well? Then, Anastasia really has no

Alex looked at her. Even if she was aware that the stare was because he couldn’t get Anastasia and it was why

her. My father only has Anastasia in his eyes and never me. Hayley, let’s go shopping

Hayley replied. Deep down, she mused, I have

about her father’s negligence, all she could think about was

invited everyone to lunch and naturally, Anastasia would

picked up the call as soon as she glanced at the phone screen. “Hello?” she answered

home for lunch?” Elliot asked on the other

be having lunch with my dad

too?” he asked,

believe I’ll have feelings for other men?” she

to him, let alone physical contact,” Elliot ordered

I’ll try my best.”

through the phone, Anastasia immediately became serious. “Alright. I will do as you

felt a sense of helplessness and he grumbled to himself, What

I’ll come home to

can leave Jared to me. Don’t worry,”

have him taking care of Jared, so she giggled. “Okay. I’ll accompany my dad

Deep down, he knew that Elliot was the

When they passed by the sports car in the parking lot, Francis couldn’t help but glance at it a few

Alex was also eyeing the sports car, as he knew it was the car which

Jared was expectantly waiting for lunch to be ready as he

the few dishes that Jared liked, so there he was, wearing an apron and learning to cook the dishes by watching and following the

not a genius when it came to cooking. When Elliot finished cooking

fry some carrots, which was Jared’s favorite, but the

cooking in the kitchen, he came to a conclusion—he spent half an hour

care of

it was already 12.10 PM. Generally, Jared

go, Jared. I’ll take you out to a nice lunch,” he said. Although Elliot might not have

That’s fantastic! But didn’t you just cook, Mr. Presgrave?” Jared

Elliot chose to go with the truth. “Ahem! It’s not that

the man’s hard work in cutting and washing those ingredients earlier. He had put effort into it, even if it didn’t

his frustrated heart was healed instantly.

cheek and kiss it, as the child was way too

wouldn’t kiss Jared in front of Anastasia for fear of offending her. Now that she wasn’t here, however, he could kiss Jared

moment, Jared wrapped his arms around Elliot’s neck and kissed him back on the cheek several times.

filled with a warm sensation as he held Jared’s

lot. “Dad, I will be leaving

you come home for dinner on Christmas Eve?” Francis

Anastasia thought for a moment and

Naomi to prepare more food,

that her father only wanted the family to be harmonious, but certain things could not be changed; just as there is no way to eliminate Naomi and Erica’s resentment of

car. He stopped and lowered the window to wave goodbye at her. Out of courtesy, she reciprocally lowered the window. Meanwhile, Alex’s heart was completely captured by

and driving the gray

slowly,” Alex

Thank you.” After saying that, she

all the way without making any stops. As she noticed it was already 2 PM, she wondered what Elliot and

the password and walked into the hall, she could feel the absence of Elliot and Jared. However, just

some vegetables on the counter. She then noticed the burnt smell was coming from a cooking pot. Out of curiosity, she had a peek at it and she was

in cooking lunch for her

Every time she tidied up something, she could imagine Elliot working hard in

and started reading the documents she brought back from the company. Managing a construction company was indeed challenging for her,

long, it was already a little after 3 PM. She began to feel drowsy and she could barely keep her eyes open. Eventually,

came home from lunch and he led Jared into the hall. As soon as they entered the hall, his sharp eyes spotted a sleeping Anastasia on the couch. Upon

she could still feel the cold. However, she was too tired to move. So, Elliot gestured to Jared, informing him that he was

Jared nodded with a grin. Then, he pointed upstairs, indicating that he would

Jared went upstairs, Elliot sat beside Anastasia and felt her hands. It was cold

she not afraid of catching a cold? Noticing the document that she was still holding in her hands, he could feel his lips curl up. Hmm. She is putting in a lot of effort. Then, he took the document

rested against his chest. As if knowing that he was

was carrying her upstairs, he originally thought of taking her back to her room.

Elliot’s huge gray bed, Anastasia curled up into a comfortable position and continued

little sleepy too. He then lay down beside her, arms supporting his face as he stared at her. She was breathing evenly, and the corners of her

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