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 be her

Wanda knew she

me in detail. Why were you hunted, and

father’s conversation, to Erica pushing

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 living in Tillman Residence, she

told me is the truth. Are you hiding anything?” Anastasia

hell if I have lied to you!” Wanda

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

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

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

I can have the lawyer defend you so that you’ll receive the most lenient sentence.

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

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

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

brought her daughter 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

police, who immediately looked into her incident from that morning and

on the other hand, stood behind the window of Wanda’s ward and watched her relate her mishaps. Erica will be paying a heavy

too late for Naomi to regret her

had been a long time since Anastasia visited her stepmother. Since she happened to be available, why not let Naomi

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

“I’ve come bearing news,

she done anything wrong?” Naomi turned

daughter is charged with attempted

How dare she kill a human when she can’t even kill an animal? Don’t slander my daughter, Anastasia

but you’ve fattened up her ambition and courage so much that she

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

after she heard Naomi’s plea. “I do have good news

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

he would definitely forgive her for even manipulating his will, seeing that they shared a daughter,

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

thinking you can drive a wedge between us. Besides, Erica is Francis’ daughter too! He

she was beginning to sneer. How could

are you sure you’re right to call Erica my father’s daughter?”

“How dare you, Anastasia. You can hate Erica, but I won’t allow

you know who your daughter attempted to

filled

her off a cliff into the sea. But 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

and nearly fell over. Luckily she held

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

to be left

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

leaving Naomi to hold a death grip on the bars and scream, “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! She’s still so young… Please have mercy on

to herself. Spare Erica?

she was still a socialite until the police walked in, where

Madam Wanda Garner twice. We’re gonna have to

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

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

move about; he had even gone

be discharged,” he spoke excitedly as he looked

got something to tell you next.

I’ve faced death in the face, so

isn’t 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?!

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

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

run the

his fist tightly and was extremely disappointed in Naomi’s conduct. He turned to look at Anastasia

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

Erica… What sort of crime?” Francis

“She has the exact same personality

her, but could you leave this matter in my hands? Don’t interfere in this.” She did not

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

need to be interviewed by the police regarding the matter

father 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

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

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.

would be no point in him drafting a will anymore because there would be

to pick her up as today was the day he received his latest yacht, hence he wanted to bring her and Jared out to

complications, she convinced herself to

leave for the port, President Presgrave asked that you pay a visit to the gown boutique

Anastasia smiled and replied,

the boutique and looked stunning with

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

your kind words,”

it was commanded by the dusk, as the night approached. She admired the scenic views along the way

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

black car headed in the direction of the yacht and as Anastasia alighted from the car, her long hair was

when she

tuxedo while radiating the aura of a rich

the same time, she was quite taken aback because her son actually resembled Elliot a lot after the get-up. Is this all a

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

enjoyed listening to her son’s

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

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

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

sight of him made Anastasia feel flushed. Wow, not many

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

for a beautiful woman. Her

getting closer to him—or at times, even avoiding him, these

well,” Elliot praised

“Really?”

many people around tonight, so I’ll keep my jealousy to myself then,” he

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

a game. Stay here and keep my mommy company. You guys can have some romantic time together.”

a low voice, “Don’t you worry. There are bodyguards upstairs, so they will keep

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

and she felt as if she was located in

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

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

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

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

placed Jared on the bed and Anastasia waited outside the

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

what I wanted to do but was too shy earlier to

her chin and cupped her tiny

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

for our engagement party,” Elliot spoke softly in her

as she didn’t want to make him wait any

The first thing he wanted to deal with was to sue his lawyer for amending his

be proof that he had received a bribe of a million in his bank account. Thus, there was concrete evidence

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

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 fear for her future and regret for

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

had 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

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

After she finished reading the news, she cackled loudly and was

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

fixing and upkeep. However, she couldn’t afford that, so

he had been taken into custody,

at her face in 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

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

thought of the situation and mentally calculated that it 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 no other

the underground parking lot of Presgrave Group. She had been to the parking lot plenty of times to know which spot belonged to

freshened up, she made her way to Presgrave Group. She used to turn up there

underground parking lot. She hid close

ten minutes, she saw the lights of a familiar car turning in this direction. That was a distinct, elegant feeling exuded by a Rolls-Royce and she

Elliot was here.

tidied her long hair and took out 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

in her hand. However, the bodyguard, who

Elliot’s friend, so step aside,” Hayley replied

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

she turned around to leave. However, there was a mocking voice that rang out from behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh?

around to glare at Anastasia. “Anastasia, you’ve forced your own sister into prison, so you’re