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.

have thought Anastasia would one day be her

you for saving me, Miss Anastasia. I owe you my life.” Wanda knew she would’ve bled

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 what happened earlier in

to keep her true parentage under wraps. All Erica ever

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

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

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

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

blackmailed her for a million. I’ll be put behind bars too,

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 prison,”

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

their accomplice. No one should be spared,” Wanda said with red-rimmed eyes. Poor Mrs. Garner, having to suffer

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

along with her and taken over her home, but the love that was supposedly hers was also taken away from her, leaving her childhood and adolescent years helpless, alone, and aggrieved. She, too, couldn’t let go of this

to the police, who immediately looked into her incident from that

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

for Naomi to regret her actions.

a long time since Anastasia visited her stepmother. Since she happened to be available, why not let Naomi know of her precious baby

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

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

she

charged with

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

dare to murder in the past, but you’ve fattened up her ambition

sister, no matter what she has done. Please forgive her, seeing that both of you have Francis’ blood running in your veins.” Naomi thought kinship could persuade Anastasia to overlook Erica’s

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

has regained consciousness?! That’s great; I’ve missed

Francis had regained consciousness, he would definitely forgive her for even manipulating his will, seeing that

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 can drive a wedge between us. Besides, Erica is

to sneer. How could Naomi continue

to call Erica my father’s daughter?”

dare you, Anastasia. You can hate Erica, but

do you know who your daughter

filled Naomi’s

with a man to wound her with a machete. Wanna

jolted and nearly fell over. Luckily she held a tight

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

began heaving upon hearing Anastasia’s words. Shrieked dramatically, she seemed to be left with

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

to hold a death grip on the bars and scream,

herself.

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

prime suspect for attempting to assassinate Madam Wanda Garner twice.

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

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

out of bed and move about; he had even gone to the gym once! He was now an agile man on his

allowed to be discharged,” he spoke excitedly as he looked at his

something to tell you next. Please

say it. I’ve faced death in the face, so there is nothing

biological daughter. She was conceived by Naomi

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

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

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?”

run the test back then,” Anastasia

conduct. He turned to look at Anastasia with remorse filling in his eyes. “Anastasia, I’m so sorry for

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

Erica… What sort of crime?” Francis asked

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

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

I won’t interfere in this.

be interviewed by the police regarding the matter of how she forced medications

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

completed. I don’t

everything on her own. As such,

the situation had arrived to such a stage, there would be no point in him drafting

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

busy with such complications, she convinced herself to relax and focus

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

Anastasia smiled and replied, “Sure.” He’s arranged

looked stunning with a strong resemblance to

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

your kind words,” Anastasia

the night approached. She admired the scenic views along the way and her heart was

and the illuminated yacht stood out even more in the sea.

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 shadows as she

entered the cabin when she

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

aback because her son actually resembled Elliot a lot after the get-up. Is this

tilted his head

true?” Anastasia enjoyed listening

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

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

from behind 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

flushed. Wow,

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

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

closer to him—or at times, even avoiding him, these traits had become the reasons why he felt attracted

well,” Elliot

“Really?”

aren’t that many people around tonight, so I’ll

speechless. I’ve worn dresses that are much more revealing than this! If this was something that he intended to patrol her

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

as Elliot comforted in a low voice,

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 to the shores so that

she felt as if

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 prided herself

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

care of Jared so well. At the same time, she also realized that Jared was a huge source of happiness for everyone

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 her and she felt as if she could safely depend on him for the rest

waited outside

silently before he was led to Anastasia to the master

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

he had already raised her chin and

was satiated and released her as she snuggled into his arms shyly and caught her

Elliot spoke softly in

as she didn’t want

time, turned up at his company. The first thing he wanted to deal with was to sue

regain consciousness and that there would be proof that he had received a bribe of a

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

her arrogance, and all that was left in

heading, ‘The second daughter of

Hayley remained holed up in a hotel room and she didn’t dare to appear in public as she was

suddenly saw a piece of news about Erica.

finished reading the news, she cackled loudly and was

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

she knew that several spots on her face required fixing

a few million, but now that he had been taken

the mirror, 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 up despite the amount of foundation she applied to it.

she thought of Elliot and wondered if she could blackmail him into giving her money for that

had been several months since she did that despicable thing to Harriet, so perhaps he would forgive her by considering their past relationship. Right now, Hayley had

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

up there quite often, so the receptionist remembered her and didn’t stop her

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

in merely ten minutes, she saw the lights of a familiar car

Elliot was here.

and took out a vanity mirror to check her makeup under the lights. Subsequently, she tugged at her neckline to lower it since she

bag in her hand. However, the bodyguard, who had just gotten out of the car, stopped her. He warned, “Lady,

friend, so step aside,”

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

was a mocking voice that rang out from behind, “How can you be

breath and turned around to glare at Anastasia. “Anastasia, you’ve forced your own