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.

who’d have thought Anastasia would one day be

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

in detail. Why were you

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

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

Garner, you swear everything you’ve told me is the

I shall be d*mned to hell if I have lied to you!” Wanda was

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

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

be put behind bars too, won’t I?”

indeed blackmailed her, but you didn’t receive a single penny from her. I can have the lawyer defend you so that you’ll receive the most lenient sentence. But if you do

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

said with red-rimmed eyes. Poor Mrs. Garner,

dig into the guard. Don’t you worry,” uttered Anastasia to comfort her. “As long as you’re willing to press charges, none of

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

who immediately looked into her incident from that morning and also declared

will be paying a heavy price for her

it’d be too late for Naomi to regret her actions. That was

a 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

bars, she lunged forward agitatedly. “Anastasia, Anastasia,

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

she done anything wrong?”

charged with attempted

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, Anastasia Tillman. You’re bullying her behind my back, aren’t you?!” Naomi blew

fattened up her ambition and courage so

both of you have Francis’ blood running in your veins.” Naomi thought kinship could persuade Anastasia to

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

great; I’ve missed him so much!”

had thought it through. If Francis had regained consciousness, he would definitely forgive her for even manipulating his will, seeing

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

said nothing but terrible things about me to your father, haven’t you? But don’t go thinking you

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

Erica my father’s daughter?” Anastasia

dare you, Anastasia. You can hate Erica, but I won’t allow you to question

know who your daughter attempted to

filled

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 with it.” Anastasia smirked as she fixed

she held a tight grip on the table. “I don’t

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 then sought help from her birth father, Patrick. They lured Mrs. Garner to an abandoned warehouse this time

seemed to be left

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 affection while

Anastasia turned and left, leaving Naomi to hold a death grip on the bars and scream, “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! She’s still so young… Please have mercy on her, please,

to herself. Spare Erica?

restaurant. She was enjoying a plate of perfectly cooked steak like she was still a socialite until the police walked in, where

for attempting to assassinate Madam Wanda Garner twice. We’re gonna have to take you into custody

Erica’s face turned as pale as a sheet and everyone in the room had their eyes on her. Her mind

threatened me first! I didn’t mean to kill her…” she yelled out in a

at Presgrave Hospital, 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 was now an agile man on his

to be discharged,” he spoke excitedly as he

something to tell you

I’ve faced death in the face, so there is

She was conceived by Naomi

calm, Francis’ expression was full of

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

anger appeared in Francis’ eyes. “I can’t believe that she’s lied to me for the past twenty years! She showed me a paternity test report back then. Was that a falsified report then?”

she used my blood to run the test

extremely disappointed in Naomi’s conduct. He turned to look at Anastasia with

in bringing it up. Right now, I just hope that you won’t be lenient this time. Naomi has to

Erica… What sort of

that Erica was 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

grew up under your care and you’re attached to her, but could you leave this matter in my hands? Don’t interfere in

won’t interfere in

would need to be interviewed by

want any of his feelings and kinship toward Naomi to jeopardize the matter. She had already made up

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

that point. Right now, he was relieved that she was able to handle everything on her own.

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

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

she was busy with such complications, she convinced herself to relax

we leave for the port, President Presgrave asked that you pay a visit to

response, Anastasia smiled and replied, “Sure.”

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

see anyone being able to own this color as much as you do! It looks perfect on you!”

words,”

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 no longer felt

darkened and the illuminated yacht stood

her long hair was blowing in the wind. Her figure was mesmerizing under the shadows as she

had just entered the cabin when she heard her

a fitted tuxedo while radiating the aura of a

time, she was quite taken aback because her son actually resembled

head slightly as he realized

that true?” Anastasia enjoyed listening to

I’m such an adorable and handsome child!” Jared

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

a door looking tall and mesmerizing. 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

Anastasia feel flushed. Wow, not many people

they were about to be engaged soon, she suddenly felt worried that she might not be able to withstand his

She fulfilled all his criterias for a beautiful woman. Her imperfections

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

you well,”

“Really?”

tonight, so I’ll keep my jealousy to

If this was something that he intended to patrol her on, then he would have his hands

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

comforted in a low voice,

of being out at sea. The yacht sailed along the sea steadily and they remained

days were finally released and she felt as if she was located in another

happy about and 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

from his stay at Presgrave Residence for the past month.

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 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 could safely depend on him

Anastasia waited outside

to the master bedroom.

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

her chin and cupped her

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

Elliot spoke softly in

didn’t want

company. The first thing he wanted to deal with

and that there would be proof that he had received a bribe of a million in his bank account.

trembled hard out of fear as he never expected that he would have to pay

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 and Anastasia waited outside the corridor for Elliot

after it was revealed, the news with the heading, ‘The second daughter of the Tillman Family, Erica Tillman, was involved in the murder of their servant’,

public as she was worried that he would reveal something incriminating about her. After all, she had been by his

suddenly saw a piece of news about Erica. At that moment, she sat

murdered someone?” After she finished reading the news,

believe 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

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

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

The bulge on her forehead was too

racked her brain to find a way to obtain money. Suddenly, she thought of Elliot

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

at the time and it was only 9.00AM, so she decided to wait for Elliot at the underground

she freshened up, she made her way to Presgrave Group. She used to turn up there quite often, so the receptionist remembered her and didn’t stop her from entering the

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

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

Elliot was here.

under the lights. Subsequently, she tugged at her neckline to lower it since she wanted to appear gorgeous in front

soon 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.

friend, so step aside,” Hayley

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

to leave. However, there was a mocking voice that rang out from behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh?

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