Never Too Far Novel

However, Emily had badmouthed Sophia in front of Martha, saying that Sophia was a vixen who wouldn’t leave Arthur alone and seduced him, which instantly made Martha furious. This time, she returned to the country precisely because she heard from Emily that there was a girl who was deceiving her grandson, and she wanted to come back and set things straight.

When Arthur’s eyes swept across Emily’s guilty expression, he could already guess what she had said to Martha.

At 5.00PM in the international airport, a large private jet arrived before a luxuriously dressed old lady holding a box wrapped in black silk cloth in her hand appeared from the VIP entrance, her movements gentle and careful. Behind her, there was a line of four maids and eight bodyguards following her.

Arthur, who had been waiting at the entrance, immediately stepped up to greet her. “Grandma.”

Martha looked at her grandson with sharp and piercing eyes. “Artie, why do you look so unenergetic? Didn’t you sleep well last night?”

“I missed you so much that I couldn’t sleep well,” he explained with a smile.

“I don’t believe you at all.” Martha and her son had both married and had children at a young age. Therefore, although she was only 68 years old this year, her grandson was already grown up.

“It really hurts.” Arthur curled his lips and smiled while stretching out his hand to carefully take the urn from Martha’s hand. “Let me take Grandpa back.”

Arthur accompanied Martha back to the villa. Along the way, she observed how much the country had developed. Although she was born abroad and lived outside of the country as well, she still wanted her hometown to prosper.

“How homely!” She sighed.

“Grandma, if you like it here, we can set up a house here. What do you think?” Arthur suggested.

Martha looked at her grandson in surprise. As she had watched him grow up since he was a child, she knew his personality and preferences well. When Arthur met her gaze, there was a flash of discomfort in his eyes.

“Are you hiding something from me?” she immediately asked.

“No.”

“Out with it. Tell me about Miss Sophia. I want to know what kind of girl can affect my grandson as well.” Martha refused to let him avoid the topic.

Arthur chuckled. “She’s just an ordinary girl. There’s nothing special.”

Looking at her grandson’s reaction, she felt that this girl named Sophia was not just anyone and became even more interested in the reason why this girl was able to make her grandson defend her like this.

“Grandma, I’ll ask the realtors to come over and talk to you tomorrow.” Arthur changed the subject.

Martha didn’t continue to probe either. After all, she would be here for some time, and she would eventually get the chance to meet that girl.

Meanwhile, Drake had already returned to Goodwin Residence to recuperate his health. Sophia saw that all of the staff in the house had been dismissed, and her mother had started to take charge of the cooking. However, because it had been quite a while since Emma last cooked, her skills had become rusty, and she accidentally cut her finger while cutting vegetables for dinner.

At the table, Drake blamed himself. “It’s all my fault. If I didn’t get set up by that b*stard, we can at least hire a maid.”

Sophia felt her heart ache for Emma as well and she offered, “I’ll cook from now on!”

Emma smiled. “It’s fine! I don’t think you even know how to hold a knife.”

Seeing that her family was starting to live frugally, Sophia couldn’t afford to sit around anymore. It just so happened that Arthur gave her a vacation, so she could take the opportunity to find a job. In the evening, she started to write a résumé and sent it to many large companies online, hoping that she could get a job as soon as possible.

At night, in Martha’s room at Arthur’s villa, Emily reported to her what had happened in the past few days, making Sophia seem like a seductress.

“Grandma, she took Artie to fool around in a hotel last night, and even had her pajamas wet. After that, when I tagged along with the bodyguard to send them a new set, I saw that the two of them were only wearing bathrobes in the room.”

Martha frowned. When did her grandson start liking to fool around with girls in hotels? He was simply ruining their family’s name.

“It seems that I have to meet Miss Sophia when I have the time.”

“Grandma, when you meet her, you have to warn her to stay away from Artie,” Emily reminded.

Martha nodded before saying, “Then, you have to work hard too! Don’t waste the opportunity that I created for you and Artie.”

Emily pursed her lips and said in a slightly aggrieved tone, “I will.”

Early in the morning, Sophia answered a call in a daze. “Hello? Who is it?”

“Hello, are you Miss Sophia? I’m from the HR department at Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier. We have arranged for you to interview for the front desk job at 10 o’clock in the morning. Do you have time to come over?”

When Sophia heard this, she hurriedly replied in an excited tone, “Yes, yes, I’ll definitely be there.”

She was ecstatic as she didn’t expect to receive a response when she had just submitted her resume the previous night. Besides, Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier was a high-end jewelry brand, so it was promising for her career.

After hurriedly getting out of bed, she washed up and put on makeup before leaving. When the time for her appointment came, Sophia’s attractive appearance and elegant aura that she had gained from her dance practice since she was a child were in line with the requirements to be a receptionist.

“Sophia, you can start work tomorrow!” The manager of the HR department instantly hired her.

She felt incredibly lucky. The salary and benefits of the company were not bad as well and completely met her expectations.

When Sophia arrived for her first day at work on Tuesday, she saw that amongst the six receptionists, she was placed on the far left. Although they were working at the front desk, they still had complicated feelings toward each other, especially toward other girls who were prettier than them. Sophia was dressed in a professional suit with her long hair tied back, and her slim figure gave off a refreshing and stunning aura.

“Hello, everyone, I’m Sophia, and I just started working here. I’ll be in your care.” She greeted them.

was a little surprised. It was her first time entering the workforce, and she had already encountered a crisis.

She sat in her position, and there was only a transition plan from the previous staff. As for instructions on how to work, they did not specify in detail.

“Excuse me…” She tried to ask her colleague next to her.

“Don’t ask me. I won’t teach you,” the girl replied arrogantly.

At her answer, Sophia didn’t dare to ask any more questions. Just then, the phone in front of her rang, and she reached out to pick it up. “Hello. How may I help you?”

“Transfer my call to the general manager of the planning department.” A male voice instructed her from the other end of the call.

“Huh? Wait a moment, let me check.” Sophia quickly flipped through the transition plan, but she still couldn’t find an answer after a long time.

The person on the call said angrily, “What’s wrong with you?” After speaking, he instantly hung up.

Sophia’s forehead beaded with sweat from her nervousness. As she wiped her sweat in frustration, the girl next to her sneered, “How could you come to work without any experience?”

“This is indeed my first job.”

“I think you should quit! You can’t handle it.” Her female colleague didn’t want to help her, and she didn’t want her to remain as a receptionist either.

Still, Sophia didn’t give up and replied, “I will try my best. I need this job.”

She was just looking at documents when she saw that her colleagues who had been lazing around suddenly straightened their backs and acted as though they were working hard. She was taken aback by the sight, and as she looked in the direction of the entrance, she saw a slender and charming figure walking in gracefully.

The woman was Anastasia Tillman, the current president of Bourgeois Jewelry Atelier. She had wavy long hair and delicate features, and she wore a luxurious white custom-made suit that complimented her gorgeous waistline as she walked past the front desk while talking on the phone.

“Good morning, President Tillman.” The receptionists immediately got up and bowed in greeting.

Sophia paused in surprise, and after everyone else had finished speaking, her voice sounded belatedly. “Good morning, President Tillman.”

Sophia’s voice stood out from the rest. Anastasia was about to pass by the lobby when she suddenly heard this voice, and she couldn’t help but turn her head and glance at the girl who had greeted her. As their eyes met, one of them was smiling while the other was full of pleasant surprise.

“Miss Goodwin.” Anastasia looked surprised to see Sophia at the front desk.

The other receptionists next to her instantly stared at Sophia. Why is President Tillman addressing her like they’re acquainted? Do they know each other?

Anastasia walked up to Sophia with a friendly expression and asked curiously, “When did you start working at my company?”

“It’s my first day here,” Sophia replied.

Anastasia pondered slightly before offering, “I am short of an assistant. Would you like to be my assistant?”

“But I’m not experienced in this area,” Sophia refused. She couldn’t casually accept the job either.

“That’s fine. You can learn if you don’t know.” Saying that, Anastasia said to Grace who was behind her, “Go to the HR department and handle the necessary procedures for her.”

Then, she turned to Sophia and said, “Come on, follow me to my office.”

to the elevator with Anastasia under the envious gazes of all the receptionists. She was filled with gratitude toward Anastasia for taking care of

were inside the elevator, Anastasia asked Sophia concernedly, “Why

brought Sophia along to her wedding, Anastasia noticed his caring attitude toward her, so she thought that he liked Sophia. And when her husband was

“President Tillman, you must have

into a smile. From the way Sophia carried herself, she didn’t look like she was from an ordinary

stable job.” Sophia was unable to

someone to teach you.” As they exited the elevator, Anastasia instructed while pointing at the lounge

lucky to receive this treatment on her first

her position to the president’s assistant,

to know about work. She’s a friend of my husband’s

I will.”

from the floor-to-ceiling windows. As they were located in a landmark building in the city center,

when her phone rang with a call

I’m rushing over from

taken aback as well, and she hurriedly

she said to Sophia, “Sophia, come out with me. Grace, stay here and

headed out of the lobby, Adriana had already parked the car

in the emergency rescue room, while the housekeeper, Jodie, the hospital director, and

did my grandmother collapse?” Elliot

morning that she wanted to trim the flowers herself, so I brought her to the living room, but she collapsed soon

she comforted her nephew, “Calm down, Elliot. At your grandma’s age, these things are bound to

life. However, Harriet was already 83 this year. A person’s life was like a candle, and there would always come the time when its flame would burn out. Sure enough, not long later, several specialist doctors came out of the emergency rescue room with heavy and serious expressions.

is she, Rob?” Brenda asked

to Old Madam Presgrave. Moreover, she has also woken up and refused our request for surgery. She wants to see you all

in a hoarse voice, “How much

many of her organs are not functioning well either. She has at most two

sadly and buried herself in her husband’s arms, and the atmosphere

had already made her heart beat violently, and she looked at her husband. Elliot’s eyes were red, and there was a hint of tears in his eyes. At the sight, Anastasia handed her bag to Sophia before she quickly walked over and embraced him. Elliot hugged her back tightly, a choked sound coming

collar as she asked softly,

is passing,” Elliot replied

that, Anastasia let her

then, a nurse came out from the ward and said, “Old Madam Presgrave

answered,

nodded at her, and Brenda gave her a pat. “Go

a ventilator, and her white hair made her seem much weaker than before. However, her

Harriet extended

took her hand in hers. “You’re the child I

get better.” Anastasia held her sadness in and

time is up. Don’t be sad now. I have no regrets.” Harriet was open-minded. When the doctor wanted to extend her life earlier, she immediately refused. She just wanted to

have anything to say

at her with a regretful expression. “When I asked you to marry into our family, I wanted to give you a good

can be with him, I can do anything.” Anastasia reassured her, not

anymore, Elliot will only have you and his aunt left.” As she

well. While wiping her tears away, she comforted,

his parents died early when he was a child, and

our family matters to you. You have to be strong.

and

hurriedly advised her to rest, but Harriet said to her, “Call Elliot to come

passed the instructions to the nurse behind her, and the nurse went outside. Not long later, Elliot came in. He half knelt by the bed and leaned in toward Harriet.

to take good

than I love myself. I’ll use my life

her lips, her eyes filling with tears as his voice pierced through her heart

our family, so you have

You should rest.” Elliot reached out

left in the first place, so she wanted to use her last moments to the best

but with my current state, I don’t think

Jared. I’ll bring him over to see you!” Anastasia said in

want to scare the young child and shook her head resolutely. “I really don’t want to scare him. Just tell him that I’m going to

didn’t love her grandson, but she loved him too much. Anastasia nodded in understanding as well. Just then, Harriet’s breathing quickened, and Elliot hastily got up and

rest, everyone went to the lounge. Just as Anastasia sat down, someone kindly handed her a piece of tissue. When she looked up and saw

a word. Then, Anastasia asked Sophia to go back first as they would stay in the hospital to accompany Harriet in her final moments. When it was time to pick up Jared in the afternoon, Elliot sent his bodyguards and asked Nigel

had the most influence, was leaving, and they thought the newly promoted Anastasia was much easier to deal with. All of them were waiting for Harriet to take her last breath, and at the same time, several elders were also sent to the hospital to pay her a visit. However, all of them were turned away by Elliot. As Harriet didn’t have much time left, he hoped that the last people to stay by her

was exceptionally long, and in the quiet hospital hallway, even the nurses kept their footsteps to the lightest. After Harriet slept, her condition continued to worsen, as if it

was almost dawn, she woke up, and

she said in a hoarse voice, “The sun is up. It’s

couldn’t help but

Anastasia rushed in from outside as well. As they listened to the sound of Brenda weeping, Anastasia’s red eyes filled with tears. Harriet

eyes teary and reluctant, but she

the end, the hand that was holding her daughter’s

felt equally sad on the

teared up, his eyes red-rimmed. He said to the little fellow, “Jared, you must always remember what

Jared asked with

away.” After Nigel finished speaking, he kissed Jared on the forehead and said, “Off

him a hug

away the tears from the corner of his eyes before he headed to the

a villa, Lorelai’s father, Liam Presgrave, breathed a sigh of relief. “She’s finally

if Old Madam Presgrave is gone, Anastasia is not easy to deal with.” Lorelai had personally experienced how powerful

pose a threat to us.” Liam chided with a look of disapproval before he continued happily, “In the future, we’ll definitely

is it possible? How could we

with

turned disappointed. “He only has Anastasia in his heart

that Elliot has saved something in Presgrave Hospital from

face. “Dad, do you mean

you get pregnant with his seed in your stomach, he will have no choice but to acknowledge the child after it’s born.” Liam had already planned everything, but Harriet had

had threatened her earlier, she still felt furious. In her opinion, if her father hadn’t stopped her, she would have returned home to chase after Elliot a long time ago. Then, he might’ve even fallen for her first as she had investigated that after Anastasia became pregnant with his child five years ago, there were no interactions between the two. It

the same. He wants to gain more assets for his children and grandchildren. Hmph! In that

curled her lips into a smile. “They wouldn’t be able to do something like what you’d just

related by blood, while we’re not related to the Presgrave Family at

I won’t let you down,”

had also discovered now that without a strong backing to support her, she would only live an ordinary life, and it

of Harriet personally, while Brenda assisted him. Anastasia was sent to the

eaten yet, right? Why don’t you have something to

pained expression. Because of her grief, she looked like a different person from

feel like eating. Take

Tillman, everyone is sad because of Old Madam Presgrave’s passing, but you still have to cheer up and take care of others. We can’t have you going down right now. You still have your children to take

and she needed someone to get her out of her slump. Sophia’s words undoubtedly gave her strength. She glanced at her gratefully and said, “Thank you, Sophia,

happen to her

Not long later, she fell asleep under his consolation, and Sophia entered again to cover

Sophia. After all, there

“Yes, President Presgrave, my

my wife and don’t let anyone disturb

sir,” Sophia answered

while she slept. Meanwhile, her phone that had been put on silent mode rang, but she didn’t notice that the contact name was Arthur’s. Soon after, it rang again. In the blink of an eye, more than a

feeling pained at the sight. Just then, a few nurses started talking at the door.

jolted in surprise and hurriedly shut their mouths and

had flown away from him? Why couldn’t he contact Sophia? What was she trying

up, he picked up his phone and continued to make another call,

the car

as he opened the door, he saw Martha walking over while chatting with a

“You’re going out?”

cup of coffee,” Arthur replied as he helped her down the

boring for her to

“I will.”

today and have a chat with me. Later, come with me to get my clothes

ask them to come here and tailor your clothes

boutique that tailors embroidered clothes, so you can’t cause such a huge fuss.” Martha only wanted to live

go with you.” How could he

nurse’s station to charge it, while she came back to the lounge and flipped through a book to pass time. However, she remained clueless to the fact that there were a few more missed calls

home. Harriet had instructed during her lifetime that

with Sophia’s company. As the wind blew, Anastasia’s tears flowed uncontrollably again. She felt bad for Elliot who was inside, and the fact that he had to face all this. At the same time, she couldn’t accept the fact that Harriet was

out her hand to hold hers and handed her a piece of tissue, not knowing

helped out by her assistant, her face full of tears. Even if she was a strong woman, she still