Never Too Far Novel

“Are you taking your clothes off?” Angela could not help voicing out her curiosity.

Richard hummed sexily before asking, “Wanna see?”

“See what?” She could not understand.

“We can make a video call, so you can look at my body.” He offered without any charges.

Her breathing became slightly heavier. “Richard Llyod, cut it out.”

Where did his cold attitude and composure go?

He let out a chuckle. “Okay, I’m going into the bathroom now. I’ll let you see it some other day.”

In actuality, Angela could imagine his body vividly without taking a look at it. It was not like she had never sneaked a few peaks in the base back then.

“Alright. Sleep early. Good night.” She then terminated the call before sprawling on the bed. Her stomach churned with mixed feelings as she was feeling sorry toward Annie. Although the engagement had been called off, she could not get over it just yet.

When the morning came, Angela woke up and picked a stylish yet feminine coat to go to the company with Daphne.

Today, Daphne would announce the news of Angela taking over her position in the shareholder meeting. In hindsight, she replaced her usual demeanor with solemnity.

During the meeting, everyone treated her politely while masking their doubts in their gazes. After all, she was too young in their eyes.

The billion-worth company was bestowed to a twenty-five-year-old woman; a sheer blunder in a significant decision-making would incur a massive loss.
“Are you taking your clothes off?” Angela could not help voicing out her curiosity.

Even so, their notions did not go unnoticed by Angela. Despite the pressure, she was full of confidence; despite her tender age, she had more time to learn and improve.

When the meeting was coming to an end, she took a glance at the time; it was 11:18AM. She looked at Daphne, who was still speaking, and was already on tenterhooks as she looked forward to the lunch date with Richard.

“Okay. Angela, please give us a word or two.” Daphne cast her gaze onto Angela.

She rose to her feet and flashed a smile at the shareholders who were sitting along the long table. “I’m very pleased to be here and it is my honor to be able to take over my mother’s position. For the following days, I hope you can believe in me, support me, and acknowledge me. Thank you.”

Daphne stared at her daughter with contentment. She was aware of the doubtful attitude of many shareholders toward Angela’s takeover, but she would definitely help her from behind the scenes in order to consolidate Angela’s position.

“That marks the end of today’s meeting. You may disperse.”

Angela let out a silent sigh of relief. When she rose from her seat, Daphne called her, “Angela, let’s have lunch together somewhere else.”

“But, I have plans with my friend.”

“Nevermind, then.” Daphne nodded approvingly, for her daughter was expanding her social circles.

Angela exited the entrance to see a black SUV parked at the opposite street. Akin to a belligerent wild beast, the huge and black vehicle was as formidable as its owner.

She alternated her gaze from left to right before approaching the passenger seat gingerly to enter the car.

The man, who was on the driver seat, watched every single one of her expressions and amusement was evident in his eyes. Her course of actions appeared adorable to him.

After hopping onto the passenger seat, Angela breathed a sigh of relief before turning to face the man who was cladded in a black sweater. It seemed like he loved this kind of black sweater that fit his body perfectly. It displayed his handsome and neat image of a tough guy. Angela was crazy over his fashion sense as well.

“Did I keep you waiting?” She brushed her hair to one side and smiled at him.

“I arrived not long ago.” Richard reached out his hand to the back seat to grab a bouquet of flowers for her. “This is for you.”

It was then she was stunned for a moment. I didn’t know this side of him. They’re roses! I thought the word ‘romantic’ was never in his vocabulary!

With a sweet expression, she accepted the lovely flowers as it lightened her mood.

“Did you pick them yourself?” She sniffed the flowers while asking him.

“Hmm, I picked them one by one and asked the staff to arrange them into a bouquet.”

The image of Richard selecting the flowers intently in the florist’s amused Angela and rendered the bouquet in her hand more precious.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“You’ll find out once we arrive there.” He left her hanging. There was a smile on his ever rigid countenance, which indicated how happy he was at the moment.

Therefore, she did not sound him out and decided to just follow him. Regardless of where they were heading to, she would be happy as long as he was by her side.

It was not until they entered a top-notch restaurant did she realize that Richard had reserved a place at the most expensive restaurant in the city.

It pained her at the thought that he was going to spend a lot of money on this meal. After staying seated, she whispered, “You don’t have to buy me a meal at such a pricey place. I don’t mind any other places.”

He propped his chin with his hands as he smiled at her. “Are you worried that I can’t pay for it?”

“I just don’t want you to splurge your money on me.”

“But I just wanna give you the best.” His scorching gaze fixated on her.

Feeling the honey-sweet happiness springing up in her chest, Angela pursed her lips before showing her lovely smile. She often felt giddy by the man’s unreserved affection.

Then, she noticed the other table that was filled with four girls, who seemed to be from rich families. They kept peeping at Richard with the two of them laughing intentionally in order to draw his attention.
“Hmm, I picked them one by one and asked the staff to arrange them into a bouquet.”

Angela was very familiar with their little ploys. She could even count how many times they peeked at the man before her.

Richard was indeed a popular person with admirers swooning over him, which made her wonder, Was he really single before he met me?

She honestly felt that he was quite an easy target since it took her less than two months to win his heart.

Plus, the advances Angela made were no-brainer; would it not take a shorter time for him to be taken if there was a better player?

She left the table to go to the restroom and by the time she returned to her seat, there was a beautiful girl standing next to their table, flirting with Richard.

Angela’s eyes narrowed dangerously. It was unpleasant to have someone else coveting her possessions.

“Miss, please do not disturb us. My boyfriend and I are trying to enjoy our meal here.” She stared at the girl with a warning gaze and crossed arms.

Unperturbed, the girl smiled and returned to her seat. Obviously, Angela was just a small fry to her.

Angela sat down, but her eyes zeroed in on that girl, who reciprocated with a provoking expression.

Meanwhile, Richard was pleased to see her being jealous, yet his heart ached as well. The girl approached him to offer a drink, but before he could make any response, Angela was back.

The girl at the next table, who was crossing swords with Angela in mute, realized that he was looking at her. Instantly, she made eyes at him to seduce him while endeavoring to piss Angela off.

However, at that moment, he turned his head sideways and shot glares at her, which were cold and sharp like the excalibur.

Her heart missed a beat in fear, for never once had she felt the gaze of a wild beast before. It was perilous yet tantalizing.

“Let’s go.” She could not sit still due to the surging fear and ultimately pulled her friends to leave the place.

While Angela was disappointed by how they left without finishing their food, Richard piped up, “Let’s not mind the strangers. We should dig in.”

Sharing the same notion, she felt that it was meaningless to waste time. Next, her gaze landed upon the steak on his plate, which seemed tastier than hers. She pointed at it. “I wanna have a bite of yours.”

He proffered her a small piece of meat to her mouth and she gladly chewed it. “Hmm. It is tastier than mine.”

“I’ll order another one for you,” he suggested.

“No. I want to have yours.” She was actually full, but she acted as though she wanted to snatch his food.

Angela was suddenly in the mood to poke fun at Richard again.

After finishing lunch, she checked on the time and it was 2.30PM. It was time for her to return to the company since there will be a meeting with a department that required her attendance.

As such, he drove her to the entrance of the company. Holding onto the bouquet of flowers, she suddenly hesitated. Should I bring it to the office? If I bring it along, Mom will know that I have a pursuer, though. If I don’t, I will have to throw it away, but he picked the flowers for me. I can’t do that.

After contemplating for a while, she hugged the flowers and alighted from the car before waving her hand at him. “Bye-bye.”

Richard watched her off despite the heavy heart. It was not until she disappeared into a corner of the lobby that he started the car and left.

However, Daphne, who was about to get out of the car nearby, witnessed the whole scene; she saw her daughter alighted from a mysterious, huge SUV with a bouquet in her hands. The person in the car seemed to be reluctant to let Angela go as he watched her leave.

Daphne was surprised, for she had not known that Angela started a new relationship again.

Who is he? What is his family background? Is he a greedy fraudster like Dexter?

She alighted from the car anxiously and made a dash to the office. At this moment, Angela already hid the flowers behind the curtains. Since her mother was not around, she decided to keep it a secret for as long as she could.
Angela was suddenly in the mood to poke fun at Richard again.

Even so, while she was going to peruse some documents on the couch, she noticed Daphne’s return and rose to her feet. “Mom, you’re back.”

Daphne’s stern gaze fixated upon Angela as she interrogated, “Angela, I saw a man sending you back. Tell me. Are you dating someone?”

did not expect Daphne to see her getting out of Richard’s

dark?” Angela’s previous relationship had consigned Daphne into distress. Now, her anxiety was arising because she was worried that her precious daughter would encounter another deceiving, bad

don’t worry about it. He’s not a liar,”

and what is his job? Is he from a decent family? Since when did you start

the questions later? I’ll introduce him to you when the time

man. You cannot hide anything from me,” claimed Daphne as she sat on the couch with

“Mom… He’s—”

“Where is he from?”

the same

his family

family is richer than us.” She was

was stunned at that. “Really? Tell me. Which family is he

thought to herself, Once I got his name, I must look into his background. Angela is still young and clueless about so many things. I need to pry further into the man’s family history too. It’s Angela’s future. I mustn’t be sloppy and careless about

merely stared at her mother in

his number plate and I’m going to call your father to look into it. With his capability, I don’t believe that he won’t be able to find out who that guy is,” said

don’t! I’ll tell you.”

his name and what does he do for a living?” questioned

and lowered her head. With eyes closed, she revealed the name in a loud voice. “Richard Lloyd. He’s Richard

Thud!

hand slipped through her fingers and dropped onto the ground. Her expression turned into

no idea that her daughter’s

Richard who had just called off the

Daphne regained her composure. As she looked at her daughter’s guilty and slightly flustered eyes, she let out a

“Go ahead and lash out on me

moment. Richard, who just broke up with Annie, is dating my daughter? When did this happen? Why did Angela keep this

questioned, “Tell me all about it. When did it

pursuit of Richard back in

it was factually correct that her daughter was unaware of Annie being Richard’s ex-fiancé since Angela was shielded and had all communications cut off at the time. Therefore, it was natural of her to develop

the canceled engagement! You have no idea how much she adores Richard, her ideal son-in-law. I can’t believe he’ll be my son-in-law instead!” Daphne expressed her concern. She had no idea that her daughter’s date would be…

exchange, Daphne shot her a glare and sneered, “Oh, you’re laughing, huh? How about you suggest ways for the

brought up Richard’s work and family issues at the previous dinner to persuade her sister-in-law to open up. Now, it was a total slap in

was not my

genuinely fond of you?”

is, I guess?” Her shyness had overshadowed her confidence in

had no idea how much Richard liked her; all she knew was that he did

it and received her approval.” On the contrary, Daphne was joyful after the shocking revelation moments ago. Afterall, it was a blessing

appearance and physique. More importantly, Angela would

dared to confront Annie and come clean about her situation, she had reached a point where there was no

Annie out for dinner tonight to talk about it; perhaps even seek her forgiveness if I could.”

office and inquired, “Didn’t you just bring

flowers. On the other hand, Daphne could not help but sigh inwardly; she was completely satisfied with

the situation had to be handled correctly to avoid tension with Annie’s

made a

picked up the phone, he was greeted

a boyfriend. Can you

could only toss a few gusses in his head before he asked, “Who

Richard,” Daphne answered right

Angela in a relationship with Richard? What exactly is going on? Did they just

They met at the base and fell in love since then. I would have been kept in the dark had I not seen my daughter on a date with him back at the office today! She

be able to enjoy that life, but I can’t believe our Angela

just hope their

all meet up

have to wait till Angela speaks with Annie tonight! We can go back to Dad’s for dinner and

without any prior ‘rehearsal’. All that was left to

a dinner invitation,” Daphne’s

kind of dinner invitation?” Daphne was surprised to see the assistant hand over an invitation card box

on it. It was an invitation to a charity

As she brought the card into the office, she inquired of her

She then ripped open the

to join us for our annual dinner celebration. We eagerly await your arrival and thank you for taking the time to meet with us.” The simple invitation was signed by a person named Scarlet

name of Richard’s mother.” Angela gasped with one

as well and could not help but ask, “Have you met

her,” Angela replied

she knows you’re Richard’s girlfriend and specifically invited

told his mother about me?

a sense of worry surged within her. She hoped that Angela’s future mother-in-law would adore her

party. It’s possible that this is a test

Angela could not help but clench

number as she left the reception

“Hello.”

our relationship with your mother?”

“What’s the matter?”

received a dinner invitation from

to meet her future daughter-in-law.” Richard, on the other end of the phone, was clearly unsurprised because he had told his mother at the base that he would bring

me carrying a bouquet of flowers! When she asked about our relationship, I told her everything.

he was willing

are not allowed to speak. I was the one who got it all started. I owe my family

don’t want you

me and I only hope to receive their blessings. Don’t

being hurt and criticized, but she had the same thoughts—no matter

Annie out to dinner. Coincidentally, Annie was also getting ready for a trip and she gladly agreed to

in a casual outfit as she opened the door of the passenger seat and smiled. “Angela, my luggage is all packed. I’ve already booked a flight and

you traveling

I invited a few of my classmates to join

to spoil Annie’s dinner appetite, so she refrained from

dinner, she suggested a walk in a nearby park and the two went there. Despite the fact that Annie was usually a lighthearted character, she could

Why do you look so down this entire

to a bench and raised her head before saying, “Annie, I have something to tell you. What I am about to say may possibly hurt you, and you can blame or shout at me

could not imagine any scenario where a cousin like Angela, who had loved her since they were a child, would

could you

to hurt Annie, but the damage had been done and

case may be, I will forgive you.” Annie

of my classmates to join me. I’ll have many companions

was happy for you, but you didn’t tell me the name of your fiancé when we

“Of course!”

me safe. This bodyguard is both powerful and intimidating. He took me to a safe location that night to protect me, but he took away my phone and disconnected me from

know it’s Richard,” Annie stated

“Yes, that’s him.”

the same night we got engaged. You know, I tried to text and call you, but your phone was out of service the entire night. I guess that explains why

your fiancé was from the very start. As a result, I had no idea that the person who

don’t see how any of this is hurting me! Why are you taking it so seriously, Angela? You’re terrifying me.” She considered Angela’s words and concluded that

other than a toilet. I was surrounded by four walls and a window. As a result,

what?” Annie’s

I was gloomy and I… I fell in love with Richard.”

in surprise, Annie questioned, “Angela, do

in panic, “I’m sorry, Annie. I really didn’t mean to. I wouldn’t dare to have feelings for him if I knew he was your fiancé. I’m so sorry… Please forgive me.” At this

was Annie’s fatal

lowered

a few seconds. The last person she would expect was the woman Richard liked to be her very own cousin!

feel the atmosphere tensing up as cold filled the

this point. “Annie, if you can’t accept

smile as she reached out to embrace her cousin. “Angela, don’t feel sorry for me; I’m overjoyed that Richard

but clutch onto Annie’s shoulders as she looked straight

this constant sense

was surprised. Overwhelmed by guilt, Angela lowered her head and

should not be embarrassed just because I was engaged to him. Grandpa will be thrilled to have the Lloyds as his in-laws!” Annie exclaimed,

so much for understanding. I’m truly sorry,” said Angela as she

heart! I am so thankful to have such an amazing brother-in-law!” Annie felt embarrassed when she patted Angela on the back and

eyes welled up and she pursed her lips, reaching out to wipe the corners of her

Relax and leave it up to me.

you plan to do that?” asked the curious

Do you think they’ll be happy if I bring a new boyfriend home

time, Angela could not help but tear up again when she saw Annie

car and Angela drove Annie home. Indeed, Annie was not a least bit upset with her cousin as she

was inferior to others in

her because he was cold and harsh; she preferred a

entered the door, she fished out her phone, pretending to be on

home. Please drive safely! Thank you for

drew Jennifer’s attention, who was watching TV in the living room. Who is

with you! Hmm, I love you.” Annie

hear her voice in the quiet hall. When Annie entered the living room, she was deliberately startled

to ask, “Who were you on the

a friend!” Annie

it a man or

face, Annie had no choice but to answer, “Mom, it’s a male friend that I’ve

Annie has had a two-year crush

the engagement Grandpa arranged for me. Plus, Richard is not my type. Breaking off the engagement has honestly

could only stare at her daughter as Annie continued slyly, “Mom, let me tell you a secret, but you can’t lecture

“What is the secret?”