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.

have thought Anastasia would one day be

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

Why were you

the first time she overheard Erica and her birth father’s conversation, to Erica pushing her into the sea, up till

so many 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

told me is the

dare I? I shall be d*mned to hell if I have lied to you!” Wanda was so agitated that she

sneered to herself when she saw Wanda’s sincere gaze. In that case, you shouldn’t

you want to press charges against Erica?” she asked Wanda.

also blackmailed her for a million. I’ll be put behind bars

you’ll receive the most lenient sentence. But if you do press

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. I want the father and daughter

Wanda said with red-rimmed eyes. Poor Mrs. Garner, having to suffer this kind of

dig into the guard. Don’t you worry,” uttered Anastasia to comfort her. “As long as

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

looked into her incident from that

stood behind the 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

regret her actions. That was if she

be available, why not let Naomi know of her precious baby girl’s fate and

she saw the classy, stunning Anastasia through the bars, she lunged forward agitatedly. “Anastasia, Anastasia,

sneering, exuding apathy. “I’ve come bearing news, Naomi.

What about Erica? Has she done anything

charged with attempted

to do that. How dare she kill a human when she can’t even kill

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

that both of you have Francis’ blood running in your veins.” Naomi thought

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

has regained consciousness?! That’s great; I’ve missed him so much!” Naomi instantly

definitely forgive her for even manipulating his will, seeing that they

forgive you for what you’ve done. Don’t get too excited just yet.” Anastasia crushed her hopes unambiguously. Anastasia crossed her arms

terrible things about me to your father, haven’t you? But don’t go thinking you can drive a

she was beginning to sneer. How could

right to call Erica my father’s

shrieked, “How dare you, Anastasia. You can hate Erica, but

who your daughter attempted

Panic filled Naomi’s

man to wound her with a machete. Wanna guess his name? Newman. Patrick Newman. I’m sure

chair, suddenly jolted and nearly fell over. Luckily she held a tight grip on the table. “I don’t know

Erica, worried that her parentage would be exposed, lured Mrs. Garner to the coast and mercilessly pushed her down. After Mrs. Garner was saved, Erica then sought

Anastasia’s words. Shrieked dramatically, she seemed to be left with no choice. “Spare my daughter, Anastasia!

the Tillman Family. All these years, your daughter was treated with nothing but love and affection while I—there’s nothing any one of

leaving Naomi to hold a death grip on the bars and scream, “Spare my daughter, Anastasia!

herself. Spare Erica?

she was still a socialite

for attempting to assassinate Madam Wanda Garner twice.

their eyes on her. Her mind was a complete blank and she shivered uncontrollably. In the end, she was forcefully dragged out of

did not! She was the one who threatened me first!

Francis had made significant recovery as he could now get out of bed and move about; he had even gone to the gym once! He

he looked at his daughter who had

I’ve got something to tell you

it. I’ve faced death in the face, so there is nothing I can’t handle.” Francis

conceived by

of shock while he was

Erica if you would like more confirmation.” Anastasia was sure about this as she knew that Mrs. Garner’ words were definitely worth trusting. Furthermore, Naomi’s reaction also clearly

years! She showed me a paternity test report back then. Was that a falsified report then?” “Miss Erica Tillman, you’re now the prime suspect for attempting to assassinate Madam Wanda Garner twice. We’re gonna have to take you into custody for

used my blood to run the test back then,” Anastasia

tightly and was extremely disappointed in Naomi’s conduct. He turned to look at

is no point in bringing it up. Right now, I just hope that you won’t be lenient this time. Naomi has to face the consequences of her actions. Erica

sort of crime?” Francis

Francis, who could not believe his ears that Erica was actually heartless enough to commit attempted murder. “She has the exact

you’re attached to her, but could you leave this matter in my hands? Don’t interfere in this.” She

I won’t interfere in this. Just do

cooperate in the investigation of Naomi’s case. You would need to be interviewed by the police regarding the matter of how she forced medications on you before you passed

father as she 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

once the investigation has been completed. I don’t want such a dangerous person staying by your side,” she

able to handle everything on her own. As such, he decided not to bother about

in him drafting a will anymore because there

phone call from Elliot. He mentioned that he was sending a car over to pick her up as today was the day he received his latest yacht, hence he wanted to bring her and Jared out to sea to have

to relax and focus on accompanying

you pay a visit to the gown boutique and change into a gown,” the bodyguard

smiled and replied, “Sure.” He’s arranged

purple gown at the boutique and looked stunning

able to own this color as much as you do! It looks perfect on you!” the boss of the boutique praised

kind words,” Anastasia replied politely and

commanded by the dusk, as the night approached. She admired the scenic views along

port, the sky had just darkened and the illuminated yacht stood out even more in the sea. It was

from the car, her long hair was blowing in the wind. Her figure was mesmerizing under the shadows

had just entered the cabin when

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

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

Jared tilted his head slightly as

true?” Anastasia enjoyed listening to

and that’s why I’m such

entendre compliment. “I think you’re taking this chance to praise yourself more than for

was early spring, he was merely dressed in a white shirt paired with a dark-colored vest as he could withstand the cold. The tapered pants that he wore accentuated his long legs perfectly and the tautness

of him made Anastasia feel flushed. Wow, not many people can

that they were about to be engaged soon, she suddenly felt worried that

his face. She fulfilled all his criterias for a beautiful woman. Her imperfections naturally become perfections to him and ever since he fell in love with her, she

getting closer to him—or at times, even avoiding him, these traits had become

you well,” Elliot

“Really?”

people around tonight, so I’ll keep my jealousy to myself then,” he spoke

intended to patrol her

Presgrave, I’ll head upstairs to have a game. Stay here and keep my mommy company. You guys can have some romantic time together.”

him as Elliot comforted in a low voice,

sea. The yacht sailed along the sea steadily and

finally released and she felt as if she

tender and juicy steak was paired perfectly with some fine wine. Jared, on the other hand, had an exceptionally great meal course too; Anastasia had always prided

now, he seemed to have grown much taller and well-built from his stay at Presgrave Residence for the past month.

same time, she also realized that Jared was a

trailed along behind and stared at Elliot’s broad and strong back. At that moment, there was a sense of security

Anastasia waited outside the corridor for Elliot to come

he was led to Anastasia to the master bedroom. As soon as they entered the doors,

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

already raised her chin and cupped her tiny face to kiss

was satiated and released her as she snuggled into his arms shyly and caught her

start making preparations for our engagement party,” Elliot spoke softly in her

agreed as she didn’t want to make him wait any longer

in public for quite some time, turned up at his company. The first thing he wanted to deal

be proof that he had received a bribe of

out of fear as he never expected that he would have to pay such a huge

pale as a sheet, and her eyes were lifeless. In just one day, she 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

to the press. Soon after it was revealed, the news with the heading, ‘The second daughter of the Tillman Family, Erica Tillman,

holed up in a hotel room and she didn’t dare to appear in public as she was worried that he

busy scrolling on her phone when she suddenly saw a piece of news about Erica. At that moment, she sat upright

finished reading the news, she cackled loudly and was delighted by

then, she felt a dull pain on her

appearances, but she knew that several spots on her face required fixing and upkeep. However, she couldn’t afford that, so she had no

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

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 prominent when

find a way to obtain money. Suddenly, she thought of Elliot and wondered if she could blackmail him into giving her money for that

Harriet, so perhaps he would forgive her by considering their past relationship. Right now, Hayley had no other option

to wait for Elliot at the underground parking lot of Presgrave Group. She had been to the parking lot plenty of times to know which spot

She used to turn up there quite often, so the receptionist remembered her

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

lights of a familiar car turning in this direction. That was a distinct, elegant feeling exuded by a Rolls-Royce and she was

Elliot was here.

check her makeup under the lights. Subsequently, she tugged at her neckline to lower it since

in her hand. However, the

step

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

turned around to leave. However, there was a mocking voice that rang out from behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh? I can’t believe you

and turned around to glare at Anastasia. “Anastasia, you’ve forced your own sister into prison, so you’re definitely the most heartless and ruthless person in the