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

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

Garner, please tell me in detail. Why were you hunted, and who

birth father’s conversation, to

just to keep her true parentage under wraps. All Erica ever thought about was money and living a lavish, comfortable life. In her

told me is the

shall be d*mned to hell if I have lied to you!”

gaze. In that case, you shouldn’t

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

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

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

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

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

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

but the love that was supposedly

report to the police, who immediately looked into

the window of Wanda’s ward and watched her relate her mishaps. Erica will be paying a heavy price for her misdeeds, she thought,

time, it’d be too late for Naomi to regret

she happened to be available, why not let Naomi

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

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

Has she done anything wrong?” Naomi turned

daughter is charged with attempted

a human when she can’t even kill an animal? Don’t slander my daughter, Anastasia Tillman. You’re bullying her behind my back, aren’t you?!” Naomi

didn’t dare to murder in the past, but you’ve fattened up her ambition and courage so much that she can do

Erica’s still your 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

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

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

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

excited just yet.” Anastasia crushed her hopes unambiguously.

you? But don’t go thinking you can drive a wedge between us. Besides, Erica is

to sneer. How could Naomi continue to act

are you sure you’re right to call Erica my

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

who

Panic filled

Erica allied with a man to wound her with a machete. Wanna guess his name? Newman. Patrick Newman. I’m sure you’re

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

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

be left with no choice. “Spare my daughter, Anastasia! I’ll

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 while I—there’s nothing any one of you can do to salvage all that

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

to herself. Spare Erica?

She was enjoying a plate of perfectly cooked steak like she was still a socialite until the police walked in, where she turned fearful,

prime suspect for attempting to assassinate Madam Wanda Garner twice.

Erica’s face turned 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 the

was the one who threatened me first! I didn’t mean

of bed and move about; he had even gone to the

he spoke excitedly as he looked at his daughter who

to tell you

death in the face, so there is nothing

conceived by Naomi

he swore he would be calm, Francis’ expression was full of shock while he was

with Erica if you would like more confirmation.” Anastasia was sure about this as she knew that Mrs. Garner’

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

He turned to look at Anastasia with remorse filling in his eyes. “Anastasia,

I just hope that you won’t be lenient this time. Naomi has to face the consequences of her actions.

of crime?” Francis

response, Anastasia 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

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

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

need to be interviewed by the police regarding the matter of how

toward Naomi to jeopardize the matter. She had already made up

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

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

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

He 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 to have

she was busy with such complications, she convinced herself to

the port, President Presgrave asked that you pay a visit to the gown boutique and change into a gown,”

replied, “Sure.”

a purple gown at the boutique and looked stunning with

as much as

for your kind words,” Anastasia replied politely

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 way and her heart was never more at peace than this moment;

port, the sky had just darkened and the illuminated yacht stood out

Anastasia alighted from the car, her long hair was blowing in the wind. Her

just entered the cabin when she heard her son’s

aura of a rich little young man. Furthermore, Anastasia could tell that her son’s outfit was tailor-made

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

his head slightly as he realized

Anastasia enjoyed listening

beautiful and that’s why I’m

you’re taking this chance to praise

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 cold. The tapered pants that he

made Anastasia feel flushed.

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

all his criterias for

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

suits you well,”

“Really?”

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

he intended to patrol her on, then he would have his hands full as she was not conservative

Presgrave, I’ll head upstairs to have a game. Stay here and keep my mommy company. You guys can have some romantic time together.” After Jared said that,

as Elliot comforted in a low voice, “Don’t you worry. There are bodyguards upstairs, so they will

yacht sailed along the sea steadily and

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

top chef to prepare dinner for them. The tender and juicy steak was paired perfectly with some

of 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

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

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

bed and Anastasia waited

master bedroom. As soon as they entered the doors, he instantly

many people present tonight. Finally, I can do what I wanted to do but was too shy earlier to

raised her chin and cupped her tiny

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

engagement party,” Elliot spoke softly in her

as she didn’t want to make him

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

that he

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

had lost her arrogance, and all that was left in her was fear for her future and regret for her actions. They placed Jared on the bed and Anastasia waited outside the

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

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

she suddenly saw a piece of news about Erica. At that moment, she sat upright

After she finished reading the news,

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

on her face required fixing and upkeep. However, she couldn’t

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

panicked as she studied her face intently. The bulge on her

thought of

so perhaps he would forgive

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

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

she took the elevators and went directly to the underground parking lot. She hid close to Elliot’s specific parking space and

car turning in this

Elliot was here.

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

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

so step aside,” Hayley replied

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

and she turned around to leave. However, there was a mocking voice that rang out from behind, “How can you be so shameless, huh? I can’t believe you actually

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