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.

would one

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

please tell me in detail. Why

and her birth father’s conversation, to Erica pushing her into the

Erica disregarded human life and broke so many laws just to keep her true parentage under wraps. All Erica ever thought

swear everything you’ve told me is the truth. Are you

be d*mned to hell if I have lied to you!” Wanda was so agitated that she nearly passed

she saw Wanda’s sincere gaze. In that case, you shouldn’t blame anyone else when you’ve

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

her for a million. I’ll be

you’ll receive the most lenient sentence. But if you do press charges, Erica and her birth father will have to spend at least ten years in prison,” Anastasia explained in

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 to be

guard is also their accomplice. No one should be spared,” Wanda said with red-rimmed eyes.

“As long as you’re willing to

love that was supposedly hers was also taken away from her, leaving her childhood and adolescent years helpless, alone, and aggrieved. She, too, couldn’t let

to the police, who immediately looked into her

on the other hand, stood behind the window of Wanda’s ward and watched her relate her mishaps. Erica will be paying a heavy

regret her actions. That

to be available, why not let Naomi know of her

house, Naomi had been brought to the visiting room, and when she saw the classy, stunning Anastasia through the bars, she lunged forward agitatedly. “Anastasia, Anastasia, are you here to bail me out? I’m sorry, Anastasia. I’ve

while sneering, exuding apathy. “I’ve come bearing

What about Erica? Has she

charged with

My Erica doesn’t have the guts to do that. How dare she kill a human when she can’t even kill an animal? Don’t slander my daughter,

but you’ve fattened up her ambition and courage

Please forgive her, seeing that both of you have Francis’ blood running in your veins.” Naomi thought kinship

heard Naomi’s plea. “I do have good news

That’s great; I’ve missed him so much!” Naomi

If Francis had regained consciousness, he would definitely forgive her for even manipulating his will, seeing that they shared a daughter, or

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

you? But don’t go thinking you can drive a wedge between us. Besides, Erica is Francis’ daughter too! He won’t sit back and watch me go to

livid that she was beginning to sneer. How could Naomi

my father’s

can hate Erica, but

you know who your daughter

filled Naomi’s

Garner. 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

fell over. Luckily she held

the Tillman Family. She’s your daughter with Patrick Newman. Mrs. Garner discovered his identity when he went to Tillman Residence a month ago, and 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

she seemed to be left with no choice. “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! I’ll

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 affection while I—there’s nothing any one of you can do to salvage all

and scream, “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! She’s still

sneered to herself. Spare Erica?

successfully 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 cutleries in her hands to slip and

Madam Wanda

sheet and everyone in the room had their eyes on her. Her mind was a complete blank

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

could now get out of bed and move about; he had even gone to the gym once! He was

be discharged,” he spoke excitedly as he looked at his

got something to tell you next.

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

by Naomi with another man,” Anastasia voiced

of shock while he was significantly stunned. “What?! Are you

more confirmation.” Anastasia was sure about this as she knew that Mrs. Garner’ words were definitely worth trusting. Furthermore, Naomi’s reaction

back then. Was that a falsified report then?” “Miss Erica Tillman, you’re now the prime

blood to run the test back then,”

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

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

sort of crime?” Francis asked

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

care and you’re attached to her, but could you leave this

won’t interfere 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

toward Naomi to jeopardize the

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

she was able to handle everything on her own. As such, he decided not to

would be no point in him drafting a will anymore because there would be only one person left to inherit his

suddenly received a 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

such complications, she convinced herself to relax and focus on accompanying Elliot

the port, President Presgrave asked that you pay a visit to the gown boutique and change into a gown,” the

replied, “Sure.” He’s arranged everything

changed into a purple gown at the boutique and looked stunning with a strong resemblance to a

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

you for your kind words,” Anastasia replied

if it was commanded by the dusk, as the night approached. She admired the scenic views along the way and her heart was never more

stood out even more in the sea. It was very luxurious yet

and as Anastasia alighted from the car, her long hair was blowing in the wind. Her figure was mesmerizing

just entered the cabin when she heard her

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

her son actually resembled Elliot a lot after the

today!” Jared tilted his head slightly

Anastasia enjoyed listening to her

and that’s why I’m such an

“I think you’re taking this chance to praise yourself

Although it 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 his legs

of him made Anastasia feel flushed. Wow, not

soon, she suddenly

intently with a smile on his face. She fulfilled all his criterias for a beautiful woman. Her imperfections naturally become perfections to him and

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

you well,” Elliot

“Really?”

with the dress is the low neckline, but there aren’t that many people around tonight, so I’ll keep my jealousy to myself then,” he

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

have some romantic time together.” After Jared said that, he ran up the stairs on the other side since he was

at him as Elliot comforted in a low voice, “Don’t

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

and she felt as if she was

arranged for a highly-ranked top chef to prepare dinner for them. The tender and juicy steak was paired perfectly with some

from his stay at Presgrave Residence for the past month. Perhaps, he was

toward Harriet for taking care of Jared so well. At the same time, she

11.00PM when they finally arrived back at the mansion with Jared sound asleep in Elliot’s arms. Anastasia trailed along behind and stared at Elliot’s broad and strong back. At that moment, there was a sense of security that welled up within her and she felt as if she

bed and Anastasia waited outside

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

do what I wanted to do but was too shy earlier to do so,”

she could react, he had already raised her chin and cupped her tiny

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

preparations for our engagement party,” Elliot spoke softly in her ears in a

She agreed as she didn’t want

turned up at his company. The first thing he wanted to deal with was to sue his lawyer for amending his

regain consciousness and that there would be proof that he had received a bribe

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

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 the

Soon after it was revealed, the news with the heading, ‘The second daughter of the Tillman

a hotel room and 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

on her phone when she suddenly saw a piece of news about Erica. At

finished reading the news,

Erica would somehow end up in this state!” Hayley couldn’t stop cackling, and just then, she felt a dull pain on her cheekbones from laughing too

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

that he had been taken into custody, it meant that she

bulge on her forehead was too prominent and couldn’t be covered up despite the

obtain money. Suddenly, she thought of Elliot and wondered if she could

of the situation and mentally calculated that it had been several months since she did that despicable thing to Harriet, so perhaps he would forgive her by

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 made her way to Presgrave Group. She used to turn up there

took the elevators and went directly to the underground parking lot. She

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

Elliot was here.

mirror to check her makeup under the lights. Subsequently, she

as the car pulled over, Hayley rushed forward with a bag in her hand. However, the bodyguard, who had just gotten out of the car, stopped her. He warned, “Lady,

step

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

from behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh? I

turned around to glare at Anastasia. “Anastasia, you’ve forced your own sister