Never Too Far Novel

“I’ll hold you to that. Which day are you on?” Elliot began marking time like a hunter who had set the traps, sitting out, waiting for his game to fall into it.

At that, Anastasia hurriedly answered, “The first day…”

She had to lie no matter what.

“First day, huh,” drawled Elliot. “Six days to go then.”

She laughed up her sleeve as she buried herself in his arms, and Elliot lowered his head to kiss her cheek tyrannically yet dotingly.

“Alright, cut it out. Don’t stay up too late.” She left his arms, allowing him to return to his work, and as she left, he gave her a cheeky smack out of the blue, making her blush. Excuse me!

However, Elliot grinned, seemingly enjoying her reaction while she fled upstairs.

When morning came, Wanda hailed a cab to Tillman Constructions after having her breakfast at home, for she had assumed Anastasia would come bright and early.

“Sorry, I was wondering whether Miss Anastasia Tillman has arrived for work?” she asked after arriving at the guardhouse.

“And you are?”

“I’m looking for her.”

“Register, please.”

“I’m Wanda Garner.” Wanda gave her name.

The guard happened to be Erica’s man and he grabbed his phone, entered the guardhouse, and called Erica after learning who he was speaking to. “Miss Erica, Wanda Garner has arrived.”

“Do as I’ve told you and bring her to me,” she ordered.
“I’ll hold you to that. Which day are you on?” Elliot began marking time like a hunter who had set the traps, sitting out, waiting for his game to fall into it.

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll bring her right away.”

With that, he went out and said to Wanda, who had been waiting outside. “You’re looking for Miss Anastasia Tillman, you said? Follow me. I’ll take you there.”

Wanda was already so eager to meet up with Anastasia that she boarded the golf cart without hesitation, and it wasn’t until the guard had driven more than a mile that she began panicking. “Sir, where are you taking me?”

“Miss Tillman’s up ahead. We’re almost there.” In the security guard’s defense, he didn’t know he was handing a human life to Erica on a silver platter since he believed that Erica just wanted to see her.

“Is Miss Anastasia’s office in this area?” a curious Wanda asked.

The guard naturally wouldn’t ask why Erica wanted to see this woman. His job was only to deliver, and he wouldn’t want to offend Erica unless he wanted to lose his job.

Erica and Patrick had long arrived and they watched the guard escort Wanda to their building from the second-floor window. “Miss Tillman’s inside. Go on in!” said the guard.

Wanda was bewildered that Anastasia’s office was located in such a place, for it looked obviously abandoned.

After she entered the building, the door suddenly shut behind her, and she turned around in fright only to see a man—Erica’s birth father!

At last, she realized she had fallen into a trap. I’ve been brought to Erica!

Erica descended the stairs while sneering, “You’re one lucky woman, Mrs. Garner. Who’d have thought you could still live after falling into the sea.”

“You’re a monster, Erica Tillman. Do you really think I’ll die so easily?” condemned Wanda as she pointed to Erica. As Wanda’s focus was on Erica, it gave Patrick the perfect opportunity to grab her throat.

Unfortunately for Patrick, Wanda was strong, having gained her strength and muscles from doing house chores for years and she sank her teeth into his arm.

“Ahhhh!” he cried out in pain and kicked her away.

Seeing so, Erica immediately charged toward Wanda, who shoved Erica away in turn, making her way to the second floor. The main door was locked now; there was no way she could escape from there.

She set her sights on the windows straight away after arriving on the second floor.

“Dad, grab her. Don’t let her get away,” Erica shouted.

Patrick instantly pulled out the machete they had been setting aside for this and charged toward Wanda, scaring the wits out of her. Before she could register anything, a sharp pain came to her lower abdomen, and she fell back the next second and out of the window.

Though she had suffered an injury on her lower abdomen and also dropped from the second floor, she was still going strong, running toward Tillman Constructions while pressing on her bleeding abdomen.

“Dad, she’s getting away!” Erica shouted in terror.

As anxious as Patrick was, he still dared not jump out of the window. “She hasn’t gone far, Erica. I’ll run downstairs and chase after her.”

The area was deserted, for the warehouses here were all abandoned. Despite being seriously injured and also having fallen off a building, Wanda had one thing in mind: she couldn’t die; she had to bring Erica’s true parentage to light.

Erica has to pay the price!

“Help! Someone wants to kill me… Help!” Wanda shouted feebly.

Patrick had caught up with his machete, and his desire to kill Wanda had overthrown his reasoning at this point. No one else could know of his daughter’s true parentage; this woman had to die!

Just then, a motorcycle was passing by, and when the man heard Wanda’s cries for help, he immediately turned in. “Help, help…” Wanda called out at once, seeing there was finally someone.

“What’s wrong, ma’am?” the man asked when he saw that she was covered in blood.

“Someone wants to kill me. Please take me to Tillman Constructions’ front gate…”

Coincidentally, the man was an employee of Tillman Constructions. Without another word, he helped Wanda to his motorcycle and sped away.

Meanwhile, Patrick had hidden away, and cold sweat gathered on his forehead when he saw that Wanda had been taken away. Alas, he had failed his daughter.

Not minutes after Wanda had been taken to the front gates that a black Rolls-Royce pulled over, for a crowd was blocking the path.

“Dad, she’s getting away!” Erica shouted in terror.

As anxious as Patrick was, he still dared not jump out of the window. “She hasn’t gone far, Erica. I’ll run downstairs and chase after her.”
“Miss Tillman, something seems to be going on in front,” the bodyguard notified Anastasia, who was seated at the back.

Worried about the commotion, Anastasia got out of the car and hurriedly squeezed into the crowd. Just then, someone shouted, “Miss Tillman’s here!”

Anastasia discovered the weak woman lying on the ground was none other than Mrs. Garner, who had been working in Tillman Residence for the longest time.

“Mrs. Garner?” She squatted down and couldn’t help being taken aback when she saw her bloody lower abdomen.

“Miss Tillman… I want to tell you a secret… Erica isn’t your father’s daughter…” The next second, Wanda’s eyes rolled upward, out cold.

It took Anastasia a few seconds to recover from the shocking revelation, and she hurriedly turned to her bodyguard behind. “Take her to the hospital.”

With that, the bodyguard dashed to the nearest hospital. While Wanda was taken to the emergency room, Anastasia waited right outside, mulling over what Wanda had just said.

Erica isn’t Dad’s daughter… Does that mean Naomi had her with some other guy? Dad definitely wouldn’t be stupid enough not to do a DNA test before accepting Erica into the family. So Naomi tricked Dad, didn’t she?

Anastasia was too little to remember anything at that time. So if Naomi really did do something, it would’ve been using Anastasia’s blood in replace of Erica’s to successfully pass her father’s test.

Anger flashed across Anastasia’s eyes as the thought crossed her mind. Even her father had been deceived for twenty-over years. This despicable woman, who had no blood relations with her family, drove her out of her own home and even seized her father’s love for years!

Anastasia was so livid that her body started shaking. Also, why had Wanda suffered such a serious injury? Who did it to her?

Anastasia stayed outside of the emergency room alone. She had wanted to tell Francis about it but decided against it in the end, for she worried something would happen to him if he couldn’t take the news since he had just woken up.

Meanwhile, Erica drove back downtown with Patrick in nothing but fear and worry. Wanda had once again slipped from her fingers, so it was only a matter of time before Anastasia discovered the truth of her parentage.

And now, the one thing she had to do was to return to Tillman Residence, take all her mother’s precious jewelry and bank cards, and hide them somewhere.

She had Patrick lie low in the meantime, asking him not to find anyone lately and steer clear of the police lest he dragged her down.

Never had Patrick imagined in all his life he would kill someone for his daughter. Worst of all, he had bloodied his hand without finishing the job. He would definitely be doomed if Wanda ever regained consciousness.

In the Tillman Residence, Erica charged into Francis’ bedroom and ransacked the place, searching for anything she could immediately exchange for money.

However, it never occurred to her if she would ever have the chance to spend them after seizing them.

All Erica ever thought about was money and living a lavish, comfortable life. In her twenty years of living in Tillman Residence, she only ever learned one thing—spending.

Life would be a living hell for her if she didn’t have money. All credit to Naomi as well for successfully producing an incompetent daughter.

Lastly, Erica opened Francis’ watch case and took everything in there away without hesitation.

She decided that she would leave Averna and hide in a different town. For all she knew, Wanda might not actually hold her liable.

Back in the hospital, the doctors managed to revive Wanda. Fortunately, the wound wasn’t on her vital organs, or she actually might not have survived.

Wanda had also woken up in no time, finding Anastasia standing by her bed. Because of Naomi, Wanda also snubbed Anastasia in many ways.

thought Anastasia would one day

Miss Anastasia. I owe you my life.” Wanda knew she would’ve bled to death if she

Garner, please tell me in detail. Why

birth father’s conversation,

laws just to keep her true parentage under wraps. All Erica ever thought about was money and living a lavish, comfortable life. In her twenty years of living in Tillman Residence, she only ever learned

swear everything you’ve told me is the

to hell if I have lied to you!” Wanda was so agitated that

Wanda’s sincere gaze. In that case, you shouldn’t blame anyone

Erica?” she asked Wanda. “I’ll pay for all your legal

a million. I’ll be put behind bars too, won’t I?”

that you’ll receive the most lenient sentence. But

was naturally shell-shocked and beyond furious when she had two near-death encounters. Therefore, she instantly agreed with little consideration. “Okay, Miss Anastasia. We’ll do as you say. I want to press charges against her.

red-rimmed eyes. Poor Mrs. Garner,

her. “As long as you’re willing to press

them was naturally just as intense. Not only had Naomi brought her daughter along with her and taken over her home, but the love that was supposedly hers was also taken away from her, leaving her childhood and adolescent years helpless, alone,

looked into her incident from

window of Wanda’s ward and watched her relate her mishaps. Erica will be paying a heavy price for her misdeeds, she thought, and all of this was due to her mother’s failed

to regret her

long time since Anastasia visited her stepmother. Since she happened to be available, why not let Naomi know of her precious baby girl’s fate and that Anastasia’s father

bars, she lunged forward agitatedly. “Anastasia, Anastasia, are you here to bail me out? I’m sorry, Anastasia. I’ve learned my lesson now. Please drop the charges! Please, I beg

“I’ve come bearing news, Naomi. It’s about your

What about Erica? Has she done anything

daughter is charged

human when she can’t even kill an animal? Don’t slander my daughter, Anastasia Tillman. You’re bullying her behind my back, aren’t you?!” Naomi blew

in the past, but you’ve fattened up her ambition and courage so much that she can do anything for

seeing that both of you have Francis’ blood running in

beneath Anastasia’s eyes only thickened after she heard Naomi’s plea. “I do have good news for you, though. My

has regained consciousness?! That’s great; I’ve missed him so

had regained consciousness, he would definitely forgive her for even manipulating his will, seeing

see you, much less forgive you for what you’ve done. Don’t get too excited just yet.” Anastasia crushed her hopes unambiguously. Anastasia crossed her arms while sneering,

but terrible things about me to your father, haven’t you? But don’t go thinking you can drive a wedge between us. Besides, Erica is Francis’ daughter too! He

she was beginning to sneer. How could Naomi continue to act

to call Erica my father’s daughter?”

in response and shrieked, “How dare you, Anastasia. You can hate Erica, but I won’t allow you

who

filled

Erica first tried to kill her by pushing her off a cliff into the sea. But because Mrs. Garner survived, Erica allied with a man to wound her with a machete. Wanna guess his name? Newman. Patrick Newman. I’m sure you’re familiar

nearly fell over. Luckily she held a

and mercilessly pushed her down. After Mrs. Garner was saved, Erica then sought

to be left with no choice. “Spare my daughter, Anastasia!

daughter that has no blood relation to him whatsoever and used my blood to trick my father into thinking Erica is indeed a descendent of the Tillman Family. All these years, your daughter was treated with nothing but love and

to hold a death grip on the bars and scream, “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! She’s still so

sneered to herself.

tracked Erica to a high-end restaurant. She was enjoying a plate of perfectly cooked steak like she was still a socialite until the police walked in, where she turned fearful, causing the

Wanda Garner twice.

pale as a sheet and everyone in the room had their eyes on her. Her mind was a complete blank and she shivered uncontrollably. In the

I did not! She was the one who threatened me first! I didn’t mean to kill her…”

and move about; he had

he spoke excitedly as he looked

got something to tell

in the face, so there is nothing

was conceived by Naomi with

he would be calm, Francis’ expression was full of shock while he was significantly stunned. “What?! Are you sure

can conduct a paternity test with Erica if you would like more confirmation.” Anastasia was sure about this as she knew that Mrs. Garner’

me a paternity test report back then. Was that

used my blood to run the test back then,”

fist tightly and was extremely disappointed in Naomi’s conduct. He turned to look at Anastasia with remorse filling in his eyes. “Anastasia, I’m

that you won’t be lenient this time. Naomi has to face the consequences of her actions. Erica

sort of crime?” Francis asked

actually heartless enough to commit attempted murder. “She has the exact same personality as her mother. How can they be so heartless? I can’t

your care and you’re attached to her, but could you leave this matter in my hands? Don’t interfere in this.” She did not wish for

“Sure, I won’t interfere in this. Just do what’s best

I need you to cooperate in the investigation of Naomi’s case. You would need to be interviewed by the police regarding the matter of

did not want any of his feelings and kinship toward Naomi to jeopardize the matter. She had already made up her mind to convince her father to file

divorce once the investigation has been completed. I don’t want such

guilt Francis felt toward Anastasia intensified at that point. Right now, he was relieved that she was able to handle everything on her own. As such, he decided not to bother about

had arrived to such a stage, there would be no point in him drafting a will anymore because there would be only one person left to

mentioned that he was sending a car over to pick her up as today was the

busy with such complications, she convinced herself to relax and focus on

you pay a visit to the gown boutique and change

and replied, “Sure.”

the boutique and looked stunning with a strong resemblance to a dark

color as much as you do! It looks

for your kind words,” Anastasia

commanded by the dusk, as the night approached. She admired the scenic views along the way and her heart was never more at peace than this moment; it

just darkened and the illuminated yacht stood out even more in the sea. It was very

and as Anastasia alighted from the car, her long hair was blowing

when she heard her son’s voice

handsome tonight with a fitted tuxedo while radiating the aura of a rich little young man. Furthermore, Anastasia could

aback because her son actually resembled Elliot a lot after the get-up. Is this all a destined

beautiful today!” Jared tilted his head slightly as he realized that his mommy was

that true?” Anastasia enjoyed listening to

and that’s why I’m such an adorable

chortled after hearing his double entendre compliment. “I think you’re

with a dark-colored vest as he could withstand the cold. The tapered pants that he wore accentuated his long legs perfectly

Anastasia feel flushed. Wow, not many people can resist his

as she realized that they were about to be engaged soon, she suddenly felt worried that she might not

studied her intently with a smile on his face. She fulfilled all his criterias for a beautiful woman. Her imperfections naturally become perfections to him and ever since he fell in

times, even avoiding him, these traits had become the reasons why he

suits you well,” Elliot

“Really?”

around tonight, so I’ll keep

moment, Anastasia was speechless. I’ve worn dresses that are much more revealing than this! If this was something that he intended to patrol her on, then he would have his hands full as she was not conservative when it came to

a game. Stay here and keep my mommy company. You guys can have some romantic time together.” After Jared said that, he ran up the stairs on the other

in a low voice, “Don’t you

out at sea. The yacht sailed along the sea steadily and they remained close to the shores so that they could

frustrations from the past few days were finally released and she felt as if she was located in another realm, embracing the

Elliot had arranged for a highly-ranked top chef to prepare dinner for them. The tender and juicy steak was paired perfectly with some fine wine. Jared, on the other hand, had an exceptionally great meal course

stay at Presgrave

was full of gratitude toward Harriet for taking care of Jared so well. At the same time, she also realized that Jared was a huge source of happiness for everyone at

and strong back. At that moment, there was a sense of security that welled up within her and she felt as if she could

bed and Anastasia waited outside the corridor for

the door silently before he was led to Anastasia to the master bedroom. As soon

many people present tonight. Finally, I can do what I wanted to do but was too shy earlier

had already raised her chin and cupped her

the dominance and tenderness that he expressed. Finally, he was satiated and released her as she snuggled into his arms shyly and

preparations for our engagement party,” Elliot spoke softly

didn’t want to make

in public for quite some time, turned up at his company. The first thing he wanted to deal with was to sue his lawyer for amending his will without

there would be proof that he had received a

residential area before he was taken into custody that morning. He trembled hard out of fear as he never expected that he would have to pay such a huge price at this age for a daughter he hadn’t even met for the past

had lost her arrogance, and all that was left in her was fear for her future and regret for her actions. They placed Jared on the bed and Anastasia waited outside

news with the heading, ‘The second daughter of the Tillman Family, Erica Tillman, was involved in the murder of their servant’, was trending in first place on

she didn’t dare to appear in public as she was worried that he would reveal something incriminating about her. After all, she had been by his side and concocted plenty of plots

piece

the news,

in this state!” Hayley couldn’t stop cackling, and just then, she felt a dull pain on her cheekbones from laughing too much. Instantly, she clutched

was not evident from Hayley’s appearances, but she knew that several spots on her face required fixing and upkeep. However,

but now that he had been taken into custody, it meant that she had wasted her efforts for the

was still quite beautiful. However, she panicked as she studied her face intently. The bulge on her forehead was too prominent and couldn’t be covered up despite the amount of foundation she applied to it. It was even more

Suddenly, she thought of Elliot and wondered if she could blackmail him into giving her money for that night five years

Harriet, so perhaps he would forgive her by considering their past relationship. Right now,

underground parking lot of Presgrave Group. She had been to the parking lot plenty of times to know which spot belonged to

turn up there quite often, so the

directly to the underground parking lot. She hid close to Elliot’s specific parking space and

she saw the lights of a familiar car turning in this direction. That was a distinct, elegant feeling

Elliot was here.

quickly tidied her long hair and took out a vanity mirror to check her makeup under the lights. Subsequently, she tugged at her neckline to lower it since she

a bag in her hand. However, the bodyguard, who had just gotten out of the car,

so step aside,”

opened, and the person who stepped out of the car elegantly wasn’t Elliot. In fact, it was

behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh? I can’t believe you

you’ve forced your own sister into prison, so you’re definitely the most