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 day

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

Garner, please tell me in detail. Why were

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

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

everything you’ve told me is the

have lied to you!” Wanda was so agitated that she

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

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

be put behind bars

penny from her. I can have the lawyer defend you so that you’ll receive the most lenient sentence. But if you do press charges, Erica and her birth father will have

“Okay, Miss Anastasia. We’ll do as you say.

should be spared,” Wanda said with red-rimmed eyes. Poor Mrs. Garner, having to

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

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

immediately looked into

the window of Wanda’s ward and watched her relate her mishaps. Erica will be paying a heavy price for

late for Naomi to regret her actions. That was if she even

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

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

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

Erica? Has she done anything

daughter is charged

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

up her ambition and courage so much that she can

she has done. Please forgive her, seeing that both of you have Francis’ blood running in your veins.” Naomi thought kinship could persuade Anastasia

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

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

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

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, Naomi. It’s about

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

to sneer.

call Erica my father’s daughter?” Anastasia decided to

You can hate Erica,

know who

Panic filled Naomi’s

sea. But because Mrs. Garner survived, Erica allied with a man to wound her with a machete. Wanna guess his

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

Mrs. Garner to the coast and mercilessly pushed

Shrieked dramatically, she seemed to be left with no choice.

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 that I’ve lost. I want to see you

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 cutleries in her hands to slip and drop onto the

you’re now the prime suspect for attempting to assassinate Madam Wanda Garner twice. We’re

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

one who threatened me first! I didn’t mean

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

spoke excitedly as he looked at his daughter who had

tell you next. Please stay

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

conceived by Naomi with another man,” Anastasia voiced

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

with Erica if you would like more confirmation.” Anastasia was sure about this

“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?” “Miss Erica Tillman, you’re now the prime suspect for

blood to run the test back then,” Anastasia

clenched his 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 so sorry for neglecting you all these

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 has also committed a crime and she’s been taken into police custody

Erica… What sort of crime?” Francis

the exact same personality as her mother. How can they be so heartless? I can’t believe that she killed Mrs.

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

interfere

interviewed by the police regarding the matter of how she forced medications on you

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 father to file

should get a divorce once the investigation has been completed. I don’t want

she was able to handle everything on her own. As such, he decided not to bother about the matter with Naomi and Erica.

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

5.00PM, Anastasia 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 Jared out to sea to

herself to relax and focus on accompanying Elliot and Jared for

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

replied, “Sure.” He’s arranged

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

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

you for your kind words,” Anastasia replied politely

she enjoyed watching the lights lit up one by one, as 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 at peace than this moment; it no longer felt heavy and she was full of anticipation to

and the illuminated yacht stood out even more

car headed in the direction of the yacht and as Anastasia alighted from the car, her long hair was blowing in the wind. Her figure was mesmerizing under the

the cabin when she heard her

fitted tuxedo while radiating the aura of a rich little young man. Furthermore, Anastasia could tell that her son’s outfit

actually resembled Elliot

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

enjoyed listening to

mommy’s beautiful and that’s why I’m such an adorable and

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

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

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

to be engaged soon, she suddenly felt worried that she might not

face. She fulfilled all his criterias for a beautiful woman. Her imperfections naturally become perfections to him and ever since he

to him—or at times, even avoiding him, these traits

suits you well,”

“Really?”

only issue 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 spoke up generously, as if she

he intended to patrol her on, then he would have his hands full as she was not conservative when it came

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

Anastasia glanced at him as Elliot comforted in a low voice,

was then that she finally relaxed and enjoyed the feeling of being out at sea. The yacht sailed along the sea steadily and they remained close

and she felt as if

dinner for them. The tender and juicy steak was paired perfectly with some

well-built from his stay at Presgrave Residence for the past month. Perhaps, he was even much healthier

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

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

bed and Anastasia waited outside the corridor for Elliot

to the master bedroom. As soon as they entered the doors, he instantly took her into

do what I wanted to do but was too shy earlier to

chin and cupped her tiny face to

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

for our engagement party,” Elliot spoke softly in her

She agreed as she didn’t want to

next morning, Francis, who hadn’t appeared in public for quite some time, turned up at his company. The first thing he wanted

he had received a bribe of a million in his bank account.

been in a residential area before he was taken into custody that morning. He trembled hard out of fear as he never expected

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

was revealed, the news with the heading, ‘The second daughter of the Tillman Family, Erica Tillman,

been detained, Hayley remained holed up in 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 by his side and

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

she finished reading the news, she

just then, she felt a dull pain on her cheekbones from laughing too much. Instantly, she clutched her face and

was not evident from Hayley’s appearances, but she knew that several spots on her face required fixing and upkeep. However, she couldn’t afford that, so she had no choice

now that he had been taken

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

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

several months since she did that despicable thing to Harriet, so perhaps he would forgive her by considering their past

she decided 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 belonged to

used to turn up there quite often,

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

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

Elliot was here.

vanity mirror to check her makeup under the lights. Subsequently, she tugged at her neckline to lower it since she wanted to appear gorgeous in

rushed forward with a bag in her hand. However, the bodyguard, who had just gotten

step aside,” Hayley replied

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

rang out from behind, “How can you be

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