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.”

filled with gratitude toward Anastasia for

inside the elevator, Anastasia asked Sophia concernedly,

that he liked Sophia. And when her husband was in danger last time, Arthur and Richard had rushed over from great distances to save him,

embarrassedly, “President Tillman, you must have misunderstood.

like she was from an

wanted a stable job.” Sophia was unable to look

you can rest easy and work with me! If there’s anything you don’t know, I’ll ask someone to teach you.” As they exited the

receive this treatment

the

to know about work. She’s a

I

her own office, which was spacious and bright, and she could enjoy the excellent view from the floor-to-ceiling windows. As they were located in a landmark building in the city center, the landscape was

taken a seat when her phone rang with a call from Elliot, which she

collapsed. I’m rushing over from the financial summit

well, and she hurriedly replied, “I’ll head

her bag and went out, but after a moment of thought, she said to Sophia, “Sophia, come out with me. Grace, stay here and

her out, and when the two walked past the front desk and headed out of the lobby, Adriana

over, was in the emergency rescue room, while the housekeeper, Jodie, the hospital director, and Brenda and her husband were

my grandmother

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

already in her fifties, and she comforted her nephew, “Calm down, Elliot. At your grandma’s

never thought about his grandmother’s age and always hoped that she would live a long 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

is she, Rob?” Brenda

stop causing pain to Old Madam Presgrave. Moreover, she has also woken up and refused our

back her tears, and she asked in a hoarse

her organs are not

turned her head sadly and buried herself in

When she saw the group of people taking up the entire hallway, even if she didn’t know what was going on, 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

his collar as she

passing,” Elliot

Anastasia let

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

answered,

nodded at her, and Brenda gave her a pat.

ward, she saw Harriet hooked up to a ventilator, and her white hair made her

over, my child.” Harriet extended her

bed, and Harriet took

Anastasia held

When the doctor wanted to extend her life earlier, she immediately refused. She just wanted to leave the

you have anything to say to me?” Anastasia held her

of our family matters will be up to you.” Harriet looked at her with a regretful expression. “When I asked you to marry into our family, I wanted to give you

As long as I can be with him, I can do anything.” Anastasia reassured her, not wanting

Elliot will only have you and his aunt left.” As she spoke, her eyes filled with

her tears back as well. While wiping her tears away, she

a pang of pain for Elliot. Once Harriet was gone, he would be the saddest person as his parents

to you. You have to be

her lips and nodded. “All right, I

speaking was an extremely difficult task for her. Anastasia hurriedly advised her to rest, but Harriet said to her, “Call Elliot to come in

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

“Elliot, you have to take good care of Anastasia in the future. Never let

I love her more than I love myself. I’ll use

tears as his voice pierced through her heart and

have no regrets. You’re the most capable and powerful person in our family, so you have

will, Grandma. You should rest.” Elliot reached out and gently caressed her

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

Jared, but with my current state, I

you won’t scare Jared. I’ll bring him over to see you!” Anastasia

really don’t want to scare him. Just

she loved him too much. Anastasia nodded in understanding as well. Just then, Harriet’s breathing quickened, and Elliot hastily got up and called

Harriet needed to 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 that it was Sophia, she gave her

Elliot. The two cousins looked at each other, neither of them saying 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

Family had also heard the news, and they felt like they could finally let out a huge sigh of relief. Finally, Harriet, who 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

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 time for her

she woke up, and Brenda held her hand while calling

amount of energy for Harriet to speak, and she said in a hoarse voice, “The

Brenda couldn’t

rushed in from outside as well. As they listened to the sound of Brenda weeping, Anastasia’s

all here…” Harriet looked at the people around her, her eyes teary and reluctant,

the hand that was holding her daughter’s hand suddenly dropped

on the inside. The hospital director stood by the bed in silence with the executives of the hospital, sending the noble

Jared to school, he couldn’t control himself in the end and teared up, his eyes red-rimmed. He said to the little fellow, “Jared, you must always remember what your great-grandma looks like,

Jared asked with

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

a hug before

and let out a breath, then wiped away the tears from the corner of his eyes before he headed to

Presgrave, breathed a sigh of relief. “She’s finally gone. I’ve been waiting for

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

to us.” Liam chided with a look of disapproval before he continued happily, “In the future, we’ll definitely be able to get our share in Presgrave Corporation. Maybe we can even get

it possible? How could we own the

you get pregnant with Elliot’s

only has Anastasia in

to get pregnant? I heard that Elliot has saved something in Presgrave Hospital from

“Dad, do you

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 to be dead for

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 was Harriet who forced Elliot to marry her. At first, Elliot had rejected Anastasia. Therefore, she had always thought that she

only ones who are eyeing Presgrave Corporation. Nolan is the same. He wants to gain more assets

wouldn’t be able to do something like what you’d just

while we’re not related to the

let you down,” Lorelai

she would only live an ordinary life, and it was only if she had someone

while Brenda assisted him. Anastasia was sent to

right? Why don’t you

at Anastasia with a pained expression. Because of her grief, she looked like a different person from yesterday. Her eyes were red, her hair was slightly messy, and

eating. Take it away.”

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 care of, and you have to help President Presgrave arrange the

and she needed someone to get her out of her slump. Sophia’s words undoubtedly gave her strength. She

couldn’t let anything else happen to her and

of porridge, Elliot came in to accompany her. Not long later, she fell asleep under his consolation, and Sophia entered again to cover her with a blanket and stay

her new assistant?” Elliot didn’t recognize Sophia. After all, there were too many people at

got up and replied, “Yes,

care of my wife and don’t let anyone disturb her,”

sir,” Sophia

left, Sophia patiently stayed by Anastasia’s side 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

at the sight. Just then, a few nurses started talking at the door. She hurriedly got up and went

in surprise and hurriedly shut

villa, an irritable figure was walking back and forth in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows. What was this? The bird that he set free had flown away from him? Why couldn’t he contact Sophia? What was

his phone and continued to make another call, but he

fury and grabbed the car keys

walking over while chatting with a maid. He hurriedly

“You’re going out?”

I’m heading downstairs to get a cup of coffee,” Arthur replied as he helped her down the

free. It’s boring

“I will.”

with me. Later, come with me to get my clothes made. I heard that there’s a good boutique

to come here

that. It’s a vintage boutique that tailors embroidered clothes, so you can’t cause such a huge fuss.”

I’ll go with you.”

last night. Hence, she could only take her phone to the nurse’s station to

instructed during her lifetime that she

did not let her follow him in, so Anastasia stood outside in the garden and waited 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

stretched out her hand to hold hers and handed her a piece

assistant, her face full of tears. Even if she was a strong woman, she still couldn’t accept her mother’s