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

my life.” Wanda knew she would’ve bled to death if she was brought here

me in detail. Why were you

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

couldn’t believe Erica disregarded human life and broke so many laws just to keep her true parentage under wraps. All Erica ever thought about was money and

you swear everything you’ve told me is

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

sneered to herself when she saw Wanda’s sincere gaze. In that case, you shouldn’t blame anyone else when you’ve dug your own

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

blackmailed her for a million. I’ll be put behind bars too, won’t I?” asked

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 press charges, Erica and her birth father will have to spend at least ten years in

when she had two near-death encounters. Therefore, she instantly agreed with little consideration. “Okay, Miss Anastasia. We’ll do

red-rimmed eyes. Poor Mrs. Garner, having to suffer

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

with her and taken over her home, but the love that was supposedly hers was also taken away from

looked into her incident from that morning and also declared Erica

be paying a heavy price for her misdeeds, she thought, and all of

for Naomi to regret her

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

the bars, she lunged forward agitatedly. “Anastasia, Anastasia, are you here to bail

apathy. “I’ve come bearing news,

Has she

is charged with

a human when she can’t even kill an animal?

ambition and

matter what she has done. Please forgive her, seeing that both of you have Francis’ blood running in your veins.”

heard Naomi’s plea. “I do have good

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

for even manipulating his will, seeing that

too excited just yet.” Anastasia crushed her hopes unambiguously. Anastasia

thinking you can drive a wedge between us. Besides, Erica is Francis’ daughter too! He won’t sit back and

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

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

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

you know who your daughter attempted

filled Naomi’s

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

nearly fell over. Luckily she held

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 then sought help from her birth father, Patrick. They lured Mrs. Garner to an abandoned warehouse this time and made another murder attempt. Mrs. Garner has already pressed

upon hearing Anastasia’s words. Shrieked dramatically, she seemed to be left with no choice. “Spare

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

a death grip on the bars and scream, “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! She’s still so young…

sneered to herself.

cooked steak like she was still a socialite until the police walked in, where she turned fearful,

Tillman, you’re now the prime suspect for attempting to assassinate Madam Wanda Garner twice. We’re gonna have to take

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

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

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

to be discharged,” he spoke excitedly as he looked at his daughter who had just

got something to tell you next. Please stay

in the face, so there is

your biological daughter. She was conceived by Naomi with another man,”

he would be calm, Francis’ expression was full of shock while he was significantly stunned. “What?! Are you sure about

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 the authenticity of

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

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

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

you won’t be lenient this time. Naomi has to face the consequences of her actions. Erica has also committed a

What sort of crime?” Francis asked

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 believe

attached to her, but could you leave this

agreement. “Sure, I won’t interfere in this. Just

to be interviewed by

and kinship toward Naomi to jeopardize the matter. She had already made up her mind to convince her father to file for

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

felt toward Anastasia intensified at that point. Right now, he was relieved that she was able to handle everything on her own. As such, he decided not to bother about the matter with Naomi and Erica. He would

nodded. Since the situation had arrived to such a stage, there would be no point in him drafting a will anymore because there would

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

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

asked that you pay a visit to the

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

at the boutique and looked stunning with

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

kind words,” Anastasia replied politely and

views along the way and

the sky had just darkened and the illuminated yacht stood out even more in

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

when she heard her son’s voice ring

radiating the aura of a rich little young man.

quite taken aback because her son actually resembled Elliot a

today!” Jared tilted his head slightly as he

that true?” Anastasia enjoyed

why I’m such an adorable

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

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

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

she suddenly felt worried

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

at times, even avoiding him, these traits had

suits you well,”

“Really?”

that many people around tonight, so I’ll keep my jealousy to myself then,” he spoke up generously, as if she needed his permission on what

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 not

and keep my mommy company. You guys can have some romantic time together.” After Jared said that, he ran up the stairs on

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

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

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

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 the other hand, had an exceptionally great meal course too; Anastasia had always

things now, he seemed to have grown much taller and well-built from his stay at Presgrave Residence

so well. At the same time, she also realized that Jared

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

on the bed and Anastasia waited

silently before he was led to Anastasia to the master bedroom. As soon

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

react, he had already raised her chin and cupped her tiny face to kiss her

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

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

didn’t want to

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

Francis to be able to regain consciousness and that there would be proof that he had

had been in a residential area before he was taken into custody that morning. He trembled hard out of fear as he never expected that he would have to pay such

In just one day, she had lost her arrogance, and all that was left in her was fear for her

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

a hotel room and she didn’t dare to appear in public as she was worried that he would reveal something incriminating

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

the news, she cackled

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

face required fixing and upkeep.

he had been taken into custody, it meant that she had wasted her efforts for

panicked as she studied her face intently. The bulge on her forehead was too prominent and couldn’t be covered up despite

brain to find a way to obtain money. Suddenly, she thought of Elliot and wondered

to Harriet, so perhaps he would forgive her by considering their past relationship. Right

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

up there quite often,

parking lot. She hid close to Elliot’s specific parking

a familiar car turning in this direction. That

Elliot was here.

took out a vanity mirror to check her makeup under the lights.

over, Hayley rushed forward with a bag in her hand. However, the bodyguard, who

step aside,” Hayley

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

behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh? I can’t believe you actually have the cheek to

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