Never Too Far Novel

Today was Christmas Eve—the day Anastasia and Elliot were supposed to have held their engagement party. However, it was canceled due to Francis’ accident and eventual comatose state. Anastasia had also felt apologetic toward Elliot for this.

In the morning, Anastasia was to head to the company for a meeting, while she would spend the night celebrating Christmas Eve with Elliot back in the Presgrave Residence.

When Anastasia arrived in the conference room of Tillman Constructions, she noticed Erica’s resentful glares at her. The hatred in Erica’s eyes seemed as though it could come bursting out, as she did not even bother to inform Erica when Naomi had been taken down to the station. Anastasia then glanced over to the man beside Erica. Alex only met Anastasia’s eyes one time before he looked away, as he was afraid to make any further eye contact with her.

The participants of the meeting were all key members of Tillman Constructions. When all the managers of their respective departments were present, Erica stood up and led the meeting. “My mother could not attend due to certain matters. Also, I would like to announce that Alex and I have gotten our marriage certificate. Hence, from now on, as my husband and my father’s son-in-law, he will be in charge of the affairs of Tillman Constructions instead of my mother and me.”

Everyone present was shocked, yet some seemed to have anticipated such development, as they had seen the ambitions in Alex’s eyes. Thus, it was not surprising for them to see Alex finally obtaining the position he always pined for. On the other hand, Anastasia was slightly shocked, as she had not expected Naomi to make her move so quickly by letting Alex replace her as president of the company and be the pillar of support for Erica.

“Let’s have President Hunter give a few words.” Erica took her seat as she proudly turned her attention toward Alex.

With his ambitions concealed, Alex stood up and feigned a slightly modest expression before addressing the room. “Right now, there is no one in charge. That is why Erica and I have decided to get married this early for me to have a proper cause to manage the company. Everyone, please have faith in my capabilities. I will certainly take good care of Tillman Constructions.”

Since Alex still had several supporters in the company, they immediately voiced their opinions and expressed their trust in him, supporting him for the presidency of the company. Even the others that did not think highly of Alex had to stick by him, as they believed Alex would make things difficult for them in the company in the future if they did otherwise.

At the moment, all Anastasia could do was watch Alex become the president of the company and how quickly he gained everyone’s trust.

“Anastasia, please trust me. I will certainly not let your father down,” Alex said with his eyes on Anastasia with the intent to gain her trust.

However, there was no chance for Anastasia to trust him, as she knew Alex was involved in her father’s coma. Furthermore, considering that Alex was also in charge of the finance department, which was the most important department in the company, it was clear that Alex held too much power in his hand. Given that Erica knew next to nothing about the company’s operation, it was clear as day that Alex would be fully in control of the company. No one would be able to stop Alex from doing anything he wanted at that point.

“Since the company is short-staffed right now, I’ve decided to become a member of the company. Mr. Hunter, since you’ll be the president of the company, then I’ll join the finance department to gain some experience. Surely you have no qualms with that arrangement?” Anastasia would not stand by and watch her father’s company being taken over by an outsider.

“Anastasia, it seems you still don’t trust me!” Alex wore a sad expression.

Erica couldn’t help but refuse. “Anastasia Tillman, you’re not a finance major, so why are you trying to join the finance department? Do you not trust my husband?”

“What if I say I don’t?” Anastasia sneered, “Since I hold 30 percent of the company’s shares, I have the right to enter any department of the company. Even if I want to be the manager of the finance department, you have no right to interfere with my decision.”

Noticing the direction the argument was going, Alex immediately interfered. “Anastasia, Erica is right. You have no experience in finance, but if you wish to be part of the management, the planning department is lacking a manager or two.”

“I want to be a finance manager,” Anastasia said forcefully. “Otherwise, I will not agree with Mr. Hunter becoming the president of the company.”

“You…” Erica choked.

“Then how about this, I’ll be the president instead, and Mr. Hunter can continue his position as the finance manager?” Dressed in a black sweater and black trench coat, Anastasia exuded an indescribable dominance as she asked with her eyebrows raised.

“Anastasia, the operations in the finance department are complicated. How about…” Alex was becoming anxious, as Anastasia was not easy to deal with.

“That is not something you need to worry about, Mr. Hunter. My fiancé, Elliot, is surrounded by finance staff, and they are more than enough to teach me how a finance department operates.” Anastasia said coldly, “It’s decided. I’ll come to work tomorrow.”

“Anastasia, hold it…” Erica was so angry that her face had gone pale.

“Suspected as the one who poisoned my father, your mother will be facing criminal charges. That’s all I have to inform you.” Anastasia stood up. The stunning presence her desolate eyes gave off was just like a crimson rose, intimidating and petrifying.

All at once, an uproar erupted in the room. Most of the people present were Francis’ employees, so they were all shocked to hear such news.

“W-What are you saying? My mother? She loves my father very much. It’s impossible for her to harm him. Anastasia Tillman, don’t you slander my mother like this!” Erica screamed.

“I think you all have forgotten that the initial capital for this company came from my grandmother. Hence, I’m not going to let anyone else take over the company so easily,” Anastasia uttered with her gaze in the direction of Erica and Alex.

Both Erica and Alex felt the oppressiveness in Anastasia’s words at this point.

When Anastasia was done, she stood up and left the meeting.

After the meeting, in Alex’s office, Erica went ballistic. “Anastasia that wretch! If my mother gets sentenced because of this, I will never let her off!”

“Your mother was careless to have made a move at such a time. Obviously, Anastasia found out what was going on.” Alex was rather angry with Naomi’s behavior.

Although Erica was not a bright person, she still figured out the truth of her mother’s incident. Gritting her teeth, she explained, “It was all part of Anastasia’s plan to trap my mother. The doctors in that hospital joined hands with Anastasia to lie to us about the possibility of my dad regaining consciousness next week. It was all to entice my mom to do what she did.”

“If Anastasia takes over the finance department, it would be inconvenient for me in the company.” Alex gritted his teeth as well, as he knew Anastasia had seen through his plans for Tillman Constructions. Looks like I’ve underestimated her intelligence. The upcoming battle would be a battle of wits with her.

“Do we have to let her manage the finance department?” Erica said in exasperation.

“This is all we can do at the moment. Between the president of the company and the manager of the finance department, obviously, I would choose the former.” Currently, Alex was still very much thrilled, as he had finally become the president of the company. At the very least, he had the right to decide the company’s affairs from this moment.

Back in the hospital, Anastasia went to take a rest in her private lounge after visiting Francis, as she had not been sleeping well over the past few days.

Elliot had also rushed over to the hospital from the company. Upon entering Anastasia’s room, he found the woman lying on the sofa. The sight of her flowing black hair and delicate fair complexion in the tranquil noon were just like a painting that had come to life.

Captured by such a sight, Elliot went to take a seat on the sofa next to her as quietly as possible. As he admired how Anastasia looked while she was asleep, his heart started to ache for her once more.

Later, Anastasia woke up to find a pair of legs across her field of vision. As her gaze slowly traveled upward, she saw the man was going through his document intently. With the evening glow behind the man’s back, he looked like a heavenly being with a golden aura surrounding him.

Noticing her gaze on him, he raised his thick eyelashes slightly and met her groggy eyes.

“Did you sleep well?” Elliot asked as he placed the document in his hand on the table.

“Yeah, what time is it?” Anastasia asked before she sat up.

“It’s ten past five right now.”

“It’s time for us to leave for your grandmother’s house, then.” Anastasia ran her fingers through her smooth and silky long hair with clearly defined roots. Even her hair strands were enticing the man before her.

Mesmerized by Anastasia, Elliot couldn’t hold himself back and went over to Anastasia, who had already leaned back slightly with her head raised to look at him. She looked slightly taken aback. Elliot held her chin before kissing her red lips. After that, he planted another kiss on the top of her head before he said, “Let’s go. Jared’s waiting for us.”

Unsteady on her feet due to Elliot pulling her up so suddenly, Anastasia couldn’t help but wrap her arms around his waist with her head leaning against his firm chest. In this position, she felt a sense of security that one would not let go the moment one experienced it.

With that, she was led by the man to the underground parking lot before heading for the Presgrave Residence.

On their way there, Anastasia told Elliot about Alex’s appointment as Tillman Constructions’ president.

Elliot asked right away, “Do you need my help?”

Anastasia replied, “No, I don’t need it for the time being. I want them to give themselves away.” She knew that if Alex were to leave Tillman Constructions, it would be difficult to get anything on them. As long as they still coveted her father’s company, they would definitely give themselves away one day. I’m not gonna let off those who hurt Dad!

“Alright, I’ll pick some capable men for you.” Elliot decided to let her take care of it on her own. As long as she needed him, he would always be by her side.

Christmas Eve was supposed to be a day for reunions, but Anastasia’s heart was heavy when she thought of her father, who was still comatose in the hospital. Still, she would never give up as long as there was still hope for him.

She spent the night sleeping with her son at the Presgrave Residence. Jared was very obedient and well-behaved to the point where it made her feel sorry for him. Knowing that she had to look after Francis, he didn’t cry or throw hissy fits at the Presgrave Residence.

Meanwhile, Hayley was staying alone in the master bedroom of Alex’s apartment. Alex and Erica had registered their marriage and were officially husband and wife now, but Hayley believed she could capture his heart with her surgically altered face. Erica was merely a tool for him to get rich, as well as the source of Hayley’s current expenditure.

Thanks to her flair for having men eat out of her hand, Alex lavished money on her. Erica had always looked down on his background, so she treated him like dirt. On the contrary, Hayley appeased and worshiped him, making him unable to resist her.

It was early morning, and the six financial officers of Tillman Constructions’ finance department had just clocked in for work and were gossiping idly. Suddenly, six men and women swarmed into the office. Dressed in business attire, they all gave off an air of shrewdness and competence with bright and piercing eyes.

Anastasia came in from behind them before saying to the financial officers in the office, “Sorry, but you all will be laid off as required by work. Don’t worry, we’ll give you your due by offering you three months of wages as compensation.”

“Why are we laid off, Miss Tillman?!” a female employee asked angrily.

“That’s right! It’s not like we committed any mistakes. We’re doing well at our job!”

All Anastasia could do was apologize to them. With that, the whole finance department was reshuffled and its employees were all replaced by the ones sent by Elliot. Now working for Anastasia, these people started to settle all of Tillman Constructions’ accounts over the last three years.

When Alex hurried to the scene, all his previous subordinates had already been replaced with Anastasia’s people, who were sitting in the office. “Miss Tillman, your people don’t understand Tillman Constructions’ accounts. It’s easy for mistakes to happen,” he said, forcibly suppressing his anger.

“I know that, so my people will start by settling my dad’s accounts over the last three years. If anything wrong happens, I’ll take responsibility for it,” Anastasia replied with folded arms.

sigh and asked, “Miss Tillman, are you displeased

projects, it’ll be difficult for you to take care of the company’s finances,

his previous plans to transfer Tillman Constructions’ funds fell through. Anastasia was having control over the company’s core department, and the new employees she had brought with her were definitely

glint flashed across his eyes. He didn’t want to lay a hand on her, but she had indeed become an obstacle to his money-making. “Well, in that case, Miss Tillman, I’ll leave the finance department to you. You can come to me if there’s anything,” he replied with superficial

Anastasia nodded. “Alright.”

this moment, her cell phone rang; she darted a glance at its screen before picking it

you free? Take a look at

toward the French window, Anastasia pleaded with the man, “Come on, just tell me what

has been sentenced to death. Aliona and her

But how did he get sentenced to

killed Lucas’ son abroad, so Lucas sued him. He was sentenced to death at the first

death of my mom and the kidnapping of Elliot when he

people doing at their

“They’re very professional.”

up and take you to

“Okay.” Anastasia nodded.

moment. He wanted to get rid of Anastasia so that he could have complete control over Tillman Constructions by manipulating Erica. However, he was fearful of Elliot’s power and

thought of Erica, who had no brains and could easily be made

office, Alex was enjoying the feeling of superiority when the telephone before him rang. He picked up the receiver,

Zimmer from the Golden Meadows Property Group is here. He says he has something to discuss with

away.” He dared not snub President Zimmer, who was

conference room with the latter. As soon as he pushed the door and entered, he immediately greeted President Zimmer with great enthusiasm, saying, “Why take the trouble to come all the way here, President

with respect, President Hunter! I’ve heard about President Tillman, and I wish him a speedy recovery,” President Zimmer replied. Then, he continued with a grave look in his eyes, “President Hunter, I’m here to tell you something in person. I’m afraid my company

but ask with a smile, “President Zimmer, we have a

to retire, so my son has taken over my job. He has his own ideas and wants to cancel our collaboration with your company, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s why

about this. If there’s anything about us

his mind on this, so there’s no way I can talk about it,” President

darkened for a moment. He knew that the cancellation of their collaboration must have something to do with his

from several clients, who also

most of the orders Francis had secured for the company to be canceled. Alex was totally incapable of conducting business. He had thought that he could get through the year by relying on

that someone was plotting against him. Who could it be?

color; he thought

Elliot.

help but rise from his seat before heading straight for the finance department’s office, where Anastasia had an

past few years,

came in somewhat anxiously. “Miss Tillman, I’d like to talk

impassively.

and stop targeting Tillman Constructions?

slightly. “I don’t know what

last year, but now those clients intend to cancel their orders. I only have a handful of small orders now, but they can hardly sustain the

What is he up to? “This has nothing to do with Elliot. If the clients want to cancel their orders, you should look within yourself for the reasons instead of blaming him for it,” she argued. Then, she mocked coldly, “Mr. Hunter, I believe nothing will happen to my dad’s company as long as it’s in your hands. You’re

has anything to do with this. If this is really his doing, please ask

projects are your own

life, which would make the company his property. Therefore, he had to make sure that the company made profits. Now that he had married Erica, he was considered one of the company’s major shareholders. Not only that, but Erica intended to transfer to him the 40 percent shares Naomi owned in the company, making him the company’s

as he left, Anastasia took out

voice answered the phone with a chuckle on the other end as if knowing that she

that Tillman Constructions lost a few

“Yes, it is.”

do that?” Anastasia was

to acquire Tillman Constructions,”

then?” Anastasia had no objection

he was talking about something ordinary. “Since Alex wants so much to have your dad’s company to himself, I’ll

I can

long time. Alex was one of the people he hated the most because he had overreached himself by courting Anastasia. This alone was sufficient

company’s accounts, and I found some issues. The accounts don’t tally; there’s a difference of several million.” Anastasia took charge of Tillman Constructions’ finances precisely to dig up dirt on Alex.

I’ll come pick you up.” Elliot wanted to pick her up

to the hospital to

Alex was sitting in Francis’ former seat. He wasn’t that stupid. Instead, he smelled danger. He was suddenly becoming Tillman Constructions’ largest shareholder. If the company went bankrupt one day, he would have to take on huge debts. Not

brought him out in a cold sweat. Just then, however, Erica called, saying, “Hey, Alex. I’m now on my way to your office to bring

Tillman Constructions’ shares; on the other hand, however, there were Elliot’s overwhelming capabilities. “Damn it!” Looking extremely irritable, he pushed the documents off his desk. Elliot was standing in his way of getting rich, but he was powerless to

had just picked up her bag and was about to leave the finance department when Erica came and stopped her face

with folded arms. “About

made a mistake. Please have her released,”

please care about Dad instead of making

startled. “W-What happened to

clenched her fists. In her opinion, Erica’s actions

immediately pleaded in a softer voice, “Sis, please let my mom off! Whatever she did, she only did it in a momentary lapse of judgment! She’s my mom and your stepmother, after all. Could you please let her off? Even if Dad wakes up, he’ll surely forgive

“It’s useless to beg me. You guys never treated me as part of the family, and I always treat you

you to let my mom off? How about this? I’ll give you ten percent of my shares so that you let her

eyes, saying, “I’m telling you, no amount of money can save the person who hurt my dad. I want

she said between clenched teeth, “Even if you’ve got my mom arrested, my mom’s shares are now transferred to Alex. You’d better forget

of kinship to

angry deep down. Is there anything else that can

left with her purse. Elliot has probably arrived downstairs,

office with her purse. Seeing him standing before the French window and looking out the window, she happily walked over to him. “Alex, I’ve

the company’s entrance. He saw the man who

Why is

sun, he looked as handsome as a god as he stood there. Just then, however, she saw Anastasia walking up to him; he walked toward Anastasia as well. Putting his arm

jealousy, Erica ground her teeth

from the third floor, for he turned his head

in Elliot’s eyes made him

the agreement out of her bag. “Here,

agreement, Alex felt incredibly torn. He couldn’t decide whether to sign it or not. He still couldn’t make a guess at what exactly Elliot wanted to do with Tillman Constructions. If he obtained the 40 percent shares, he might be able to make some money. If he didn’t sign the agreement now, he

his ability to reason, and his presence of mind flew out of the window. In the end,

largest shareholder. I’ll be depending on you from now on,” Erica said before coming over to give

mother, Erica

Anastasia is checking the company’s finances. I have a few external funds that I’m afraid might get found out. Can you help me

embezzled the company’s

it. Erica

him, but she could only bite back her words when it occurred to her

for your personal use back then. You’re Francis’ daughter and her younger sister. As long as you claim to be the one who spent the money, nothing will happen.” Alex asked her

reluctantly,

speech, Alex asked, “Do you know what Anastasia is up to?” Then, he told her about the danger. “She had Elliot steal

my dad’s company go bankrupt?” Erica was exasperated. “Is

Constructions faces bankruptcy, it’ll undergo liquidation by the bank. When that happens, every shareholder of the company will be burdened with its debts. At that point, we’ll be weighed down by massive debts and

instantly went weak at the knees. She just wanted to get some money from the company, but she never wanted to become saddled with debts. “But

if she gets into debt? She’s got Elliot backing her up. The debts will be massive for us, though. If we can’t pay them off, we’re gonna go to

words. She uttered between clenched teeth, “If she dares to make

few clients, our company is in danger. Hurry and beg her to

daughter and would remain so for life. I’m Francis’ second daughter as long as the

bed and looked at the grayish hair on his temples. The good news was that his vital signs were stable, with no signs of sequelae. However, it was unknown whether he could regain consciousness. The doctor said he might come round all of a sudden or remain comatose like this,

11:00 PM when she finally left his bedside. Tired, she went back to the room, only to see the man working

the man seemed stony

back?

you going to sleep?” she asked. She didn’t want him to stay up late

supposed to sleep in her room. However, when he heard her question, he immediately looked up in surprise with incredibly

before lowering her head

his laptop and didn’t care about his work anymore.

waiting for her in bed, having taken a shower earlier. She watched as he changed into gray pajamas. Dressed in lilac pajamas, she

deep voice, “I want you to stop

asked a

a second look at you, I feel that

this guy looks whenever he

these people. I’ll give them the most tragic end.” Elliot

Erica, and Colin are also involved in the plot against my dad’s life. None of them are gonna get away with it.” Her eyes flickered with rage in the darkness. Perhaps her father would wake up, causing the allegations of him changing his will to

on nights when they slept in the arms of each other like this. There was no way he could hold her in his arms without feeling

up and had breakfast before leaving to check on Francis. However, as soon as she reached the hallway, she saw the lady who was signing her name at the nurses’ station—Erica. Consequently, her face

the glint of hatred in her eyes, recalling that she was here today to beg Anastasia. “Sis, how is Dad?” This was the