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.

Anastasia would one day

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

tell me in detail. Why were you hunted,

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

story stupefied Anastasia, for she 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 living a lavish, comfortable life. In her twenty years of

you’ve told me is the

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

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

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

I’ll be put

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

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 charges against her. I want the father and daughter to

is also their accomplice. No one should be spared,” Wanda said with red-rimmed eyes. Poor Mrs. Garner, having to suffer this kind of torment when she’s at

“As long as you’re willing to press charges, none of them

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

report to the police, who immediately looked into her incident from that morning and also declared

watched her relate her mishaps. Erica will be paying a heavy price for her misdeeds,

time, it’d be too late for Naomi to regret her actions. That was if she even felt

be available, why not let Naomi know of her precious baby girl’s fate and that Anastasia’s father

detention 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 learned my lesson now. Please drop the charges! Please, I beg of

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

she done anything wrong?” Naomi

is charged with attempted

human when she can’t even kill an animal? Don’t slander my daughter, Anastasia Tillman. You’re bullying her behind my

but you’ve fattened up her ambition and courage so much that she can do anything for money now.” Anastasia snorted

forgive her, seeing that both of

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

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

would definitely forgive her for even

want to see you, 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

go thinking you

to sneer. How could Naomi continue to

to call Erica my

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

you know who your daughter attempted

Panic filled Naomi’s

allied with a man to wound her with a machete. Wanna

nearly fell over. Luckily she held a tight grip on the table. “I don’t

to do with 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 then sought help from her birth father, Patrick. They lured Mrs. Garner to an

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

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 pay the price for your

hold a death grip on the bars and scream, “Spare

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

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

mind was a complete blank and she shivered uncontrollably. In the end, she was forcefully dragged out of the

me first! I didn’t mean to kill her…” she

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

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

something to tell you

I’ve faced death in the face, so there is nothing I can’t

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

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

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

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

to run the test back

at Anastasia with remorse filling in his eyes. “Anastasia, I’m so sorry for neglecting you

there is no point in bringing it up. Right now, I just hope that you won’t be lenient this time.

sort of crime?”

the exact same

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

won’t interfere in this. Just

Naomi’s case. You would need to be interviewed by the police regarding

did not want any of his feelings and kinship toward Naomi to jeopardize the matter.

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

on her own. As such, he decided not to bother about the matter with Naomi and Erica. He

in him drafting a will anymore because there would

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

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

that you pay a

replied, “Sure.”

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

anyone being able to own this color as much as you do! It looks

you for your kind words,” Anastasia replied

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

had just darkened and the illuminated yacht stood

the car, her long hair was blowing in the wind.

entered the cabin when she heard her

a rich little young man. Furthermore, Anastasia could tell that her son’s outfit was

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

his head slightly as he realized that his mommy was

Anastasia enjoyed listening to her son’s

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

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

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 of his legs was extremely charming. “Thank you for your kind words,” Anastasia replied

flushed. Wow, not

engaged soon, she suddenly felt worried that she might not be able to withstand his passionate

eyes on her and studied her intently with a smile on his face. She fulfilled all his criterias for a beautiful woman. Her

him, these traits had become

well,” Elliot praised

“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 spoke up

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

upstairs to have a game. Stay here and keep my mommy company. You guys can have some romantic time together.” After Jared said that, he ran up the stairs on the other

him as Elliot comforted in a low voice,

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

few days were finally released and she felt as if she was located in another realm, embracing the peaceful

was paired perfectly with some fine wine. Jared, on the other hand, had

taller and well-built from his stay at Presgrave Residence for the past month. Perhaps, he

well. At the same time, she also realized that Jared was a huge

Anastasia trailed along behind and stared at Elliot’s broad and strong back. At that moment, there was a sense of security

placed Jared on the bed and Anastasia waited

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

I wanted to do but was too

she could react, he had already raised her chin

Finally, he was satiated and released her as she snuggled into

party,” Elliot spoke softly in her ears in a low

sure.” She agreed as she didn’t want to make him wait any

first thing he wanted to deal with was to sue his lawyer for amending his will without seeking

that there would be proof that he had received a bribe of a million

Patrick Newman, he 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 a huge price at this age for a daughter he hadn’t even met for the past

arrogance, and all that was left in her was fear for her future and regret for her actions. They placed Jared on

who revealed this matter to the press. Soon after it was revealed, the news with the heading, ‘The second daughter of the Tillman Family, Erica Tillman, was involved

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

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

someone?” After she finished reading the news, she cackled loudly and

this state!” Hayley couldn’t stop cackling, and just then, she felt a

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 but

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

which was still quite beautiful. However, she panicked as she studied her face intently. The bulge on her forehead was too prominent and couldn’t be covered

thought of

so perhaps he would forgive her by considering their past relationship.

Elliot at the underground parking lot of Presgrave Group. She had been to the parking lot plenty of times to know

She used to turn up there quite often, so the receptionist remembered

directly to the underground parking lot. She hid close to Elliot’s specific

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

Elliot was here.

a 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

bag in her hand. However, the bodyguard, who had just gotten out of the car,

so step aside,” Hayley

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

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

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