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

Wanda knew she would’ve bled to death if she

me in detail. Why were

overheard Erica and her birth father’s conversation, to Erica pushing her into the sea, up till what happened earlier in the

wraps. All Erica ever thought about was money and living a lavish, comfortable life. In her

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

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

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

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

I’ll be put behind

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

Therefore, she instantly agreed with little consideration. “Okay, Miss Anastasia. We’ll do as you say.

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

Don’t you worry,” uttered Anastasia to comfort her. “As long as you’re willing to press charges, none of them will be able to

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

immediately looked into her incident from that morning and also declared

other hand, 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

regret her actions. That was if she even felt

a long time since Anastasia visited her stepmother. Since she happened to be available, why

the classy, stunning Anastasia through the bars, she lunged forward agitatedly. “Anastasia, Anastasia, are you here to bail me out? I’m sorry,

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

she

charged

kill an animal? Don’t slander my daughter, Anastasia Tillman. You’re bullying her behind my

ambition and courage so much that she can do anything for money

no matter what she has done. Please forgive her, seeing that both of you have Francis’ blood running in your

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

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

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

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

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

was beginning to sneer. How could Naomi

Erica my father’s daughter?” Anastasia decided to drop the

panicked in response and shrieked, “How dare you, Anastasia. You can hate Erica,

who your daughter attempted to

Panic filled Naomi’s

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 her gaze

suddenly jolted and nearly fell over. Luckily she held a tight grip on the

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.

upon hearing Anastasia’s words. Shrieked dramatically, she seemed to be left with no choice. “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! I’ll kneel. Please, spare

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

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

herself. Spare

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

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

as 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

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

get out of bed and move

as he looked at his

I’ve got something to tell

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

your biological daughter. She was conceived by Naomi

was full of shock while he was significantly stunned.

You 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. Furthermore, Naomi’s reaction also clearly indicated

a paternity test report back then. Was that a

my blood to run the

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

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

What sort of crime?”

repeated the incident regarding Mrs. Garner to Francis, who could not believe his ears 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

understand that she grew up under your care and you’re attached to her, but could you leave this matter

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

You would need to be interviewed by the police regarding the matter of how she forced medications on you before you

as she did not want any of his feelings and kinship toward Naomi to jeopardize the matter. She had already made up her

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

able to handle everything on her own.

Francis nodded. Since the situation had arrived to such a stage, there would be no point in

up as today was the day he received his latest yacht, hence he

to relax and focus on accompanying

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

and replied, “Sure.” He’s

a purple gown at the boutique and looked stunning with

Tillman, I rarely see anyone being able to own this color as much as you do! It looks perfect on you!” the

for your kind words,” Anastasia

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

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

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

She had just entered the cabin when she heard her

while radiating the aura of a rich little young man. Furthermore, Anastasia

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

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

true?” Anastasia enjoyed listening to her

My mommy’s beautiful and that’s why I’m such

hearing his double entendre compliment. “I think you’re taking this chance

he could withstand the cold. The tapered

flushed. Wow,

be engaged soon, she suddenly felt worried that she might

his criterias for a beautiful woman. Her imperfections naturally become perfections to him

apathy in getting closer to him—or at times, even avoiding him,

you well,”

“Really?”

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

that 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

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

worried Anastasia glanced at him as Elliot comforted in a low voice, “Don’t you worry. There are

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

and she felt as if she was located in another

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 too; Anastasia had always prided herself on being

things now, he seemed to have grown much taller and well-built from his stay at Presgrave Residence for the past month. Perhaps, he was even much healthier than when he was

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

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 could safely depend on him for the rest

waited outside the corridor

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

present tonight. Finally, I can do what I wanted to do but was too shy earlier to do so,” he

her chin and cupped her

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

engagement party,” Elliot spoke

as she didn’t want

first thing he wanted to deal with was to

he had received a

custody that morning. He trembled hard out of fear as he never expected that he

was left in her was

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

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 concocted plenty

busy scrolling on her phone when she suddenly saw a piece of news about

murdered someone?” After she finished reading the news,

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

appearances, but she knew that several spots on her face required fixing and upkeep. However, she couldn’t afford that, so

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

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.

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

mentally calculated that it had been several months since she did that despicable thing to Harriet, so perhaps he

at the time and it was only 9.00AM, so 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

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

and went directly to the underground parking lot. She

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

Elliot was here.

check her makeup under the lights. Subsequently, she tugged at her

However, the bodyguard, who had

step aside,” Hayley

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

was a mocking voice that rang out from behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh? I

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