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.

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 debt your father owes. Not only her; even your brother will also share the same fate. Still, all of

Lorelai flopped onto her chair with tears of regret as she begged, “Anastasia, please leave my dad alone. I

I want from you is for you to taste the

that, she then left elegantly while leaving

seen as she had a gentle expression when picking up Elliot’s call. “Okay. I’m coming to the

a warm atmosphere that was especially suitable for a couple to dine in.

and

joyously accepted her husband’s gentlemanly gesture, felt very happy

a hard time in the meeting

Anastasia smiled and

did, tell me. I will handle

As your wife, I will deal with trivia matters

personality. As much as she looked gentle on the outside, she was

under our names. You can invite your friends to the event as well,”

invite Felicia and Grace. Oh, there’s also my new

that’s always with Artie?” Elliot recalled

I think they

his phone out, he called Arthur to

picked his

are you? Are you still in the

Do you want to go out for

you to a charity event that my company is hosting this

I’ll be

problem. See

Anastasia, “Artie will

we’ll be receiving a wedding invitation

two hundred years ago and increased their influence while still maintaining their secrecy. Thus, for a girl with a normal background like Sophia, it would not be easy for her to

can receive their wedding

was just waiting for Sophia to come pick

could not satisfy him anymore as he missed the cozy feeling of

around 4.00PM that he finally got a call from Sophia, who informed that she was on her way to pick

time. What he did not notice was that the window reflected his

he received a message from the elders of his family. They were asking him when he would be back as there

disappeared when the sun shone on his face, for

the door quickly only to be

flushed face and uneven breathing. Did she want to see me

Arthur held

want to tell him that she indeed ran all the way

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

“Alright!” With his arms around her,

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

Goodwin’s cooking.” He then informed her, “By the way, there’s a banquet this Friday hosted by the Presgrave Group. I’m

don’t have a dress for that sort

worries. I can

now?”

her words, he thought, Does she

was stunning as Arthur drove the car with Sophia along the coastline. Stopping at an open area, the two

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 a

selfies with him more. Since Arthur had long 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 a grand confession for

away, Sophia sighed and said, “Do you still remember what happened during Anastasia’s wedding? I nearly got

to mention that, eh? You’re forbidden from going to any dangerous places from now on.

such situations before I met you. Ever since I stuck with you, it’s either I nearly drowned at sea or rolled down a hill. Fortunately, you were always there to save me.” Having said that, she hugged his waist and looked up, still a bit baffled that the man

promising, “With me by your side, you’ll be safe and sound for the rest of

and sound.” This made Sophia a

him in a serious tone, “Young Master Arnold, I have a

serious,

you must have had a lot of girls swarming you since you were young, so why did you choose me?”

The thing he loved about her was

trait made him fall for her, he only wanted to say that she brought a sense of life into his

families and even nobles as their desires and ambition were always on full display. Hence, when Sophia appeared, she was like a ray of sun that

Arthur did not answer her. Instead, he gently hugged her and kissed her head twice. “You shouldn’t underestimate your charms. To me, you’re unique and irreplaceable,”

dumb,” she replied while

hair with his jaw, he answered dotingly, “It’s fine. I don’t need those from you. I just need to be the first person you think

skip a beat upon hearing this as she laughed out loud while embracing him tightly. To her, this was the highest form of confession she could receive; it was even more romantic than hearing an

Being the star of the event, Anastasia appeared under the lenses of the media while

she stepped out of the car in a light gold dress in the evening. The

was flawless. Appearing in front of the media for the first time since a long while, Elliot appeared handsome while not losing his dominating aura, which made the surrounding women gasp and

after his marriage, this could not stop the ladies

all this as he naturally held his wife’s hand gently and walked together

never left his wife as

a

to a dress shop to pick

personally selecting a dress, he had his lady try it out and it fit unexpectedly well. Thanks to the pearls and diamond, it was a very flashy dress and she looked like a princess after matching it

so formally or even wore high heels in a long time, her figure that had been trained through dancing still stood out very much in the dress.

through the magazine, could not take his eyes off her the moment

other hand, Sophia pursed her lips embarrassingly as she turned

“We’ll take this dress!”

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

much does the dress cost?” Sophia asked out of curiosity while

is a piece from the top designer, Oleh. It

the light and airy dress immediately weighed a ton, making Sophia feel a shortness

too. I don’t like the word

was stunned. Wait, what?

this for a bit before coming to a

need for that. I

bank account frozen? I don’t want you spending

solely on the family as he did some trading since he was bored lately with the money he borrowed from loan sharks. Does she think I am a

just a number; I could even give up

as she blinked her

and handed the keys over to

did this car come

“I just bought it.”

shock. Naturally, this car was not just bought as he had specially imported this from abroad; it had been his possession

the banquet, she felt like she was eloping with a rich young master for she felt both nervous and

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

his new car and opened the door for her before reaching his other hand out to Sophia. She naturally accepted the gesture and they both walked to the

everyone’s attention as they whispered among themselves how dashingly good-looking the

guests when he saw Arthur arrive, so he excused himself and went to

“Artie.”

over and they bumped fist, which was their unique way to

the woman standing beside him. “Let me introduce you

Mr. Presgrave.” Sophia felt very honored to be able

too.”

the guests and came over as Sophia

Anastasia praised the lady in gold, “You look very beautiful

always felt that Anastasia was more akin to an older

a few years apart in

my name from now on!” Anastasia held her hands passionately. “You two continue on, Elliot. I’m

about topics common among men while Anastasia took Sophia

right, Sophia?” Grace

Sophia nodded despite getting

You sure are lucky, Sophia!”

that she was indeed lucky to be able to

abroad this time, Anastasia! I heard that a lot of celebrities are coming

you can come. I can sponsor the

Our president is the best! I love you!” Grace did a

and asked shamelessly, “Anastasia, could you

Anastasia nodded. “Of

and my brother to this banquet, Anastasia. We’re very honored.” Katrina raised her cup

expose her for she only invited Mason. She must have entered under the guise of Mason’s

on her own accord since she was

also standing beside Elliot. She had never thought that she would meet him at the event. With one look, she was able to discern that the man came from the top one percent and

him, then I won’t have

fixtated her target on

Group, all the important members of the family were invited. As such, Jacob

the forest, making her out