Never Too Far Novel

Sophia was wondering when he was going to start the car when she suddenly noticed him reach out and leaned his upper torso over to her side.

Instantly, her pretty eyes widened and her eyelashes fluttered wildly. Subsequently, she shut her eyes instinctively and awaited his kiss.

At that moment, she heard his low rumble of laughter sounding by her ears. Soon after that, she felt someone tugging on her seatbelt and buckling it for her.

Slightly embarrassed, Sophia wished so badly for the earth to swallow her up. Right then, he cupped her tiny face in his large palms and his dominance engulfed her as he planted a sweet good-morning kiss on her lips.

“I was afraid that if I didn’t kiss you, you would be disappointed,” said Arthur in an annoying tone.

“You’re taking advantage of me and yet you think your actions are justifiable, huh?” Sophia chided him in a low voice.

In response, he burst out laughing. He did not look the least bit similar to a young master from an affluent family at all in this present moment; he was just a childish man-child in front of his beloved woman.

“Stop laughing! Let’s go!” she urged him.

Arthur’s large palm gracefully maneuvered the steering wheel as they drove out of the underground parking lot.

Meanwhile, inside Sophia’s house, Emma noticed some intriguing clues soon enough. Why are there two toothbrushes on her basin? There are also two bath towels and the color of one of them clearly belongs to a male.

As such, she started to search the place and soon found a pair of male bedroom slippers and even a pair of sneakers. At that point, she finally realized the reason why Sophia insisted on moving out—she had a boyfriend and they were both now cohabitating!

Emma was momentarily dumbfounded as she did not expect Sophia to have suddenly grown into a woman who had a boyfriend.

Gosh! As parents, we can’t interfere in such matters, so I guess I can only get her to bring him back home when the time comes. By then, we’ll be able to judge his personality and find out more about his family background.

Emma decided not to expose Sophia’s secret for the time being to avoid Sophia from feeling awkward. As such, she decided to head home and discuss the situation with Drake before inquiring with Sophia another day on whether she would bring the mystery man home.

After Anastasia had sent Jared off to school, she decided that there was something that she had to do. She had to organize a meeting and invite every elder member as well as those who held important positions from each of the Presgrave extended family. She would then have to reveal during the meeting what Liam and his family had done and raise a warning to everyone else.

Clearly, she did not wish for the same thing to occur again. If anyone dared to go after her family, then they would have to face the consequences of it.

Elliot was not going to interfere in this matter because he had left things in the hands of his wife. He was just going to be her steadfast supporter and back her from behind.

At 9.00AM, everyone important who was supposed to attend the meeting had received the notification. Naturally, some of the older generations, who presumed that they held exalted statuses due to their age, sent their children as representatives. The reason was that they intended to emphasize their status as Anastasia’s elders.

This was their unspoken way of going against this young lady, who was the Young Mistress of the Presgrave Family.

At the meeting room of Presgrave Group with the capacity of thirty pax, every family representative that was supposed to attend had already gathered together at 10.30AM. Amongst them was Jacob who was also in attendance to represent his father.

All of them had heard of the things that Liam and Lorelai did, so they were on tenterhooks at the moment as they could tell why Anastasia had called for this meeting today.

At 10.32AM, the sound of high heels were heard clicking rhythmically outside the door to the meeting room.

Soon, Anastasia appeared dressing in an elegant custom-made suit and she strode purposefully into the room. Her long hair billowed behind and she exuded elegance and dominance as the lady of the family. She had no intentions of masking her dominant aura nor did she turn up to this meeting as the younger generation of the Presgraves. She appeared at this meeting as the exalted Young Mistress of Presgrave Family; everyone on the scene could tell by sensing the aura she radiated.

Subsequently, she took a seat in the middle of the room and swept her eyes across each person in attendance. She paused for a moment and considered with a solemn expression before voicing out, “Thank you all for making the time to attend this meeting that I’ve organized.”

“Anastasia, why did you call us all here for an emergency meeting?” a woman in her fifties voiced out first and called out Anastasia’s name as if she was not the Mrs. Presgrave.

Anastasia shot a look at that woman, whose heart instantly clenched upon her gaze. The woman hurriedly corrected herself with a smile. “Mrs. Presgrave, please enlighten us.”

“I trust that everyone has heard of a matter that just happened within the past few days. Dare I say, it was quite a despicable thing to do. Liam and Lorelai Presgrave have stolen from the hospital and attempted to bear a child with my husband’s genes by quietly giving birth in another country. After our investigation, Liam will be facing imprisonment of at least ten years while Lorelai will be facing imprisonment of three years. From now on, Liam Presgrave’s branch of the family will no longer be part of the Presgraves while terminating them from any relations with our family.”

At that moment, there was an outburst in the room and everyone continued to put on an act of indignance.

“That was such a despicable thing to do. How dare they do that! This is outrageous!”

“That’s right. Lorelai used to be such a promising young one and she obtained such high qualifications too. I can’t believe that she’s actually an ugly and despicable person within. They tried to break up your family, Mrs. Presgrave, so they deserve this punishment.”

The crowd in the room was full of curses for Liam and Lorelai. Soon enough, Anastasia put a stop to that and spoke with an air of authority in a clear voice.

“I hope that each of you will cease interaction with Liam and his members of the family. At the same time, I would like to use this matter to seriously inform all of you here one thing. If any of you here dared to disrupt my family, ruin the reputation of my family members, or do anything that would harm the safety of my family members, there will be consequences. The least that could happen to you guys would be expulsion from the Presgrave Family while the worst would be imprisonment. I do not wish to see such a matter that could result in the downfall of the Presgraves.”

“Mrs. Presgrave, your words make perfect sense. We lead a great life with the help of the Presgrave Family, so what else could we ask for?”

“Yes, that’s right, Mrs. Presgrave. We’re really proud to be able to work alongside you and to maintain our close family ties, which have been passed on since more than a hundred years ago.”

Jacob clenched his fist under the table and trembled once he released it. That was because two days before, his father had mentioned about joining the Board of Directors of Presgrave Group. However, it looked like this matter was completely unachievable right now. Anastasia was warning them to refrain from seeking things that did not belong to them from the Presgrave Family.

“I may be young in age and have plenty of things to learn, but that doesn’t mean that I’m weak-willed and a pushover. I hope that none of you here will get to experience first-hand how I handle things because I would be glad to just maintain a peaceful relationship with everyone,” Anastasia spoke calmly.

In the past, Harriet’s identity as the head woman of Presgraves held her back from doing plenty of things, but she soon realized that there was no point in maintaining the Presgrave Family. As such, Harriet had instructed her to keep a distance from this bunch of people if necessary. Furthermore, Anastasia was told that she could easily sever ties with them and live a peaceful life without being disrupted.

As soon as Anastasia’s words hit, everyone in the room was immediately caught by surprise and sensed the polite warning behind the words of the family’s young mistress. They were aware that she had broken the original close ties of their families and she no longer paid much heed to the link between their families and the Presgrave Family.

Presently, it was their turn to grasp tightly to their relationship with Anastasia. On the contrary, she was no longer the one required to treat them well out of obligation.

After the meeting ended, several ladies from the older generation took the chance to build up a bond with Anastasia as they tried to win her favor. However, she did not give them a chance and left immediately in her car.

Anastasia entered the backseat before Adriana asked, “Miss Tillman, do you want to go for a walk to clear your mind?”

“Yes. Let’s go for a walk together,” Anastasia responded.

At that moment, her phone went off and she reached out to answer the call. “Hey.”

“Where have you disappeared to after the meeting?” asked Elliot from the other end. Clearly, he must have been looking for her.

“I just left and I’m about to go for a walk to get some fresh air.”

“Okay. I’ll make a lunch reservation and I’ll see you for lunch then.”

“Sure.” Anastasia smiled.

“Adriana, re-route to the prison. I would like to meet someone there.” Anastasia suddenly changed her mind about taking a walk.

“To see Lorelai?”

“Yes,” she responded. Lorelai was still detained in prison at the moment.

Inside the lockup cell, Lorelai had lost her haughtiness as she remained curled up in a corner with her long hair pulled into a ponytail behind her head. She was bare-faced without any makeup on; all that was left written on her face was frailty and weariness…

It was then that someone walked over and stated, “Lorelai Presgrave, someone is here to see you. Get up.”

Hearing that, Lorelai was a bit shocked. Is Mom here? Did Dad manage to bail me out?

When she came to the visiting room with the handcuffs on, her gaze overflowed with panic and guilt upon seeing who was waiting for her on the chair; Anastasia was the last person she had expected to see.

On the other hand, Anastasia’s piercing gaze was filled with spite and rage.

Sitting down with a lowered head, the embarrassed Lorelai could feel the scorching gaze projected on her, which made her cheeks turned hot as if they were just slapped.

“You really are shameless, Lorelai,” stated Anastasia coldly.

“I have no choice. I was forced to do that. Besides, I have liked Elliot since I was a child. It was me who first appeared in his life, so why were you the one who he married? I cannot accept this.” Lorelai revealed her suppressed emotions.

“There are no such things as who came first or who came last in love, so stop giving me such excuses. He’s my man now and you will not hurt him.”

Lorelai’s face reddened as she wanted to rebuke her, but she soon realized that everything she had to say would go against Anastasia no matter what.

“I wanted to give birth to his child, even if it meant that the child will be illegitimate.” Lorelai smiled bitterly.

Suppressing her emotions, Anastasia rejected her words outright. “You don’t have even an ounce of right to do that.”

Lorelai suddenly lashed out at Anastasia while retorting, “You think that Elliot would love you forever? One day, he will meet another woman that makes him realize he had a change of heart. Stop being so conceited.”

Regardless of anyone, a woman would still be agitated upon hearing these words.

Yet, Anastasia only listened to this calmly while knowing that her words were spoken just to spite her. “I think you should be thinking about your own future, Lorelai. About your father, he should be serving a sentence of no less than ten years. If I have my lawyers work a bit harder and dig up some more dirt on him, even twenty years is not impossible!”

“You… Don’t cross the line, Anastasia.” Lorelai started to panic.

for your mother, since your father’s company is on the brink of bankruptcy and has stopped all transactions on the stock market, I think she would have to work for the rest of her life to repay the

“Anastasia, please leave my

at her coldly. “The only apology I want from you is for you to taste

then left elegantly while leaving Lorelai deeply steeped in

the premise, Anastasia’s cold look was nowhere to be seen as she had a gentle expression when

in. With a delicious lunch

up, Elliot took her bag and pulled a

her husband’s gentlemanly gesture,

time in the meeting this morning, did they?” he

and shook

me. I will handle

she only smiled confidently. “Relax! As your wife, I will deal with

strong personality. As much as she

our names. You can invite your friends to the

Then, I’ll invite Felicia and Grace. Oh, there’s also

always with Artie?”

think they are

phone out, he called Arthur to ask his

picked his

are you? Are you still

Do you want to go out

you to a charity event that my company is

be

problem. See you

hung up and told Anastasia, “Artie will come. He might bring

be receiving a wedding invitation very soon!” she exclaimed

and understood that his family was not just some wealthy group as they had migrated abroad about two hundred years ago and increased their influence while still maintaining their secrecy. Thus, for a girl with

hope that we can receive their wedding

to come pick him up at the hotel while he repeatedly checked

slept on her bed, even the presidential suite could not satisfy him

got a call from Sophia, who

What he did not notice was that the window

of his family. They were asking him when he would be back as

sun shone on his

opened the door quickly only to be startled

she ran here, judging from her flushed face and uneven breathing. Did she want to see

you out of breath?” Arthur

to tell him that she indeed ran all

mom left.” She held his arm and added, “Let’s

made Arthur smile. “Alright!” With his arms around her, he

made a few dishes for me, so we don’t have to think about what to eat for dinner.” She

her, “By the way, there’s a banquet this Friday hosted by the

a dress for that

I can help

you kinda broke now?” Sophia blinked and

by her words, he thought, Does she

as Arthur drove the car with Sophia along the coastline. Stopping

her phone and snuck photos of the man from time to time. Regardless of which angle she took it from—be it his silhouette, side profile or even the back of his head—it looked just like he came out of a magazine with him being a top male model while every frame looked straight out of

limbs, he took the phone and hugged Sophia who laid

the two of them were a couple of their own consensus, they did not need

Anastasia’s wedding? I nearly got washed away by the sea.

cheek to mention that, eh? You’re forbidden from going to any dangerous places from now on. I can’t be at your side at all times

with you, it’s either I nearly drowned at sea or rolled down a hill. Fortunately, you were always there

“With me by your side, you’ll be safe and

be safe and sound.” This made Sophia

mind as she asked him in a serious tone, “Young

also became serious, not wanting to answer

girls swarming you since you were young, so why did you

Arthur felt like she resembled a flower blooming in summer as there was an inexplicable charm to her. The thing he loved about her was her smile; though it had hints

she brought a sense of life into his world. Being with her made him feel comfortable and natural, which prompted him to envision his

age, Arthur had always been surrounded by exceptional ladies from prominent families and even nobles as their desires and ambition were always on full display.

her. Instead, he gently hugged her and kissed her head twice. “You shouldn’t underestimate your

she replied while still

from you. I just need to be the first person you think of whenever you’re in danger… and the person you come home to

loud while embracing him tightly. To her,

an eye, Friday came as the banquet by Presgrave Group was organized. Being the star of the event, Anastasia appeared under the lenses of the media while holding her

venue earlier, she stepped out of the car in a light gold dress in the

the media for the first time since a long while, Elliot appeared handsome while not losing his dominating

this could not stop the ladies

paid no heed to all this as he naturally held his wife’s hand gently and walked together on the red carpet while the reporters made sure

left his wife as

a

invited, Arthur brought her to a dress shop to pick

to the pearls and diamond, it

dancing still stood out very much in the dress. With a well defined collarbone and shoulder lines, her fair skin

could not take his eyes off her

Sophia pursed her lips embarrassingly as she turned away, not daring to face

“We’ll take this dress!”

due to the brand of the dress, it is only available for sales and not for rental as this

curiosity while

piece from the top designer, Oleh. It costs

light and airy dress immediately weighed a ton, making Sophia feel a shortness of breath. Eight million for a dress?

I

was stunned. Wait, what? He’s going to buy

about we discuss this for a bit before coming to

“No need for that. I

account frozen? I don’t want you

his income did not depend solely on the family as he did some trading since

Eight million is just a number; I could even give up

Sophia found a black colored Bugatti parked in front as she blinked her

man then walked over and handed the keys over to Arthur. “Mr. Arnold, I hope

did this

“I just bought it.”

was not just bought as he

like she was eloping with a rich young master for she felt

be how it feels to be in love! I just want to experience everything wonderful

Arthur alighted from his new car and opened the door for her before reaching his other hand out to Sophia. She naturally accepted the gesture

the dashing couple instantly attracted everyone’s attention as they whispered among themselves how dashingly good-looking

the venue, Elliot was chatting with the guests when he saw Arthur arrive,

“Artie.”

they bumped fist, which was their unique way to

then introduced the woman standing beside him. “Let

felt very honored to be able to greet

too.” Elliot

from the guests and came

the lady in gold, “You look very beautiful

President Tillman.” Sophia always felt that Anastasia was more akin to an older sister that she

in age, the similarities in beliefs

by my name from now on!” Anastasia

about topics common among men while Anastasia took Sophia to where Felicia

boyfriend, right,

nodded despite getting

so handsome! You sure are lucky, Sophia!”

lips and smiled, thinking that she was indeed lucky to be

press conference abroad this time, Anastasia! I heard that

I can sponsor the flight tickets and

I love you!”

that moment, someone appeared behind them and asked shamelessly, “Anastasia, could you bring me along too?” It turned out that the someone

around, Anastasia nodded. “Of

this banquet, Anastasia. We’re very honored.” Katrina raised her cup in

only invited Mason. She must have entered under the guise of Mason’s

her own accord since she was here for fun and to target someone of higher

that she saw Arthur, the man of her dreams while they were on the island, who was also standing beside Elliot. She had never thought that she would meet him at the event. With one look, she was able

won’t have

her target on

an event hosted by the Presgrave Group,

she looked like a lost deer in the forest, making her out to be a prize who anyone would