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?”

not expect Daphne to

you hide it? Are you going to keep me in the dark?” Angela’s previous relationship had consigned Daphne into distress. Now, her anxiety was arising because she was worried that

worry about it. He’s not a

is his name and what is his job? Is he from a decent family? Since when did you start dating him?” Daphne bombarded Angela with a flow of

can you leave the questions later? I’ll introduce

cannot hide anything from me,” claimed Daphne as

“Mom… He’s—”

“Where is he from?”

the same city,”

his family

richer than us.” She was feeling

Tell me. Which family is

so many things. I need to pry further

Angela merely stared at her

photo of 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,”

I’ll tell you.”

name and what does

a deep breath and lowered her head. With eyes closed, she revealed the name in a loud voice.

Thud!

fingers and dropped onto the ground. Her expression

had no idea that her daughter’s date

Richard who had just called off the engagement

at her daughter’s guilty and slightly flustered eyes, she let out

arm. “Go ahead and lash out on me all you want! Just promise

just too absurd to take in at the moment. Richard, who just broke up with Annie, is dating my daughter? When did this

questioned, “Tell me all about it. When did

her mother in the dark for much longer, Angela revealed her active pursuit of Richard back

her daughter to take the initiative in pursuing a man. According to the timeline, it was factually correct that her daughter was unaware of Annie being Richard’s ex-fiancé

aunt is still upset about 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

and sneered, “Oh, you’re laughing, huh? How about you suggest ways for the elders to get out of this awkward

she had purposefully brought up Richard’s work and family issues at the previous dinner to persuade her

not my intention,”

genuinely fond of you?” Daphne was

red. “He is, I guess?” Her shyness had overshadowed

idea how much Richard liked her; all she knew

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

only did Richard possess dependability and strength, he was also an exceptional appearance and physique. More importantly, Angela would always have his full support

and come clean about her situation, she had reached a point where there was no other

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

and inquired, “Didn’t

On the other hand, Daphne could not help

however, a minor annoyance as the situation had to be handled correctly to avoid tension

room, Daphne made a phone

picked up the phone, he was greeted

Angela now has a boyfriend. Can you

in his head before he asked, “Who is it?! There’s no way I could have guessed. Now, tell

Daphne answered right

the phone, was equally astounded. “Why is Angela in a relationship with Richard? What exactly is going on? Did

had I not seen my daughter on a date with him back at the office today! She was afraid of being chastised, so she never

to enjoy that life, but I

just

meet up

speaks with Annie tonight! We can go back to Dad’s for dinner and discuss

her mother had discovered everything without any prior ‘rehearsal’. All that was

Daphne’s assistant said as she prepared to leave the

Daphne was surprised to see the assistant hand over

seconds, she was stunned as she looked at the words printed on it. It was an invitation to a charity

the person who sent this invitation card?” As she brought the card into the office, she

card from Daphne’s hand. She then ripped open the girdle, revealing

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

Richard’s mother.” Angela gasped with one hand

not help but ask,

never seen her,” Angela replied while shaking her

because she knows you’re Richard’s girlfriend and

told his mother about me? Why

She hoped that Angela’s future mother-in-law would adore her and generously accept her into the Lloyd

at this dinner party. It’s possible that this is a

could not help but clench her fists

phone number as

“Hello.”

relationship with your mother?” she inquired, clearly

“What’s the matter?”

just received a dinner invitation from your mother

Richard, on the other end of the phone, was clearly unsurprised because he had told his mother at the base that he would bring his girlfriend

when my mother saw me carrying a bouquet of flowers! When she asked about our relationship, I told her everything. Now, I’ll have to spill all the beans to everyone

was willing to withstand all blame and

to speak. I was the one who got it

you to

and I only hope to receive their blessings. Don’t worry, I’m going to be

and criticized, but she had the same thoughts—no matter how serious the mistake was, she would take

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

who emerged in a casual outfit as she opened the door of the passenger

traveling by

few of my classmates

drove to a well-known western restaurant. She did not want to spoil Annie’s dinner appetite, so she refrained from saying

Despite the fact that Annie was usually a lighthearted

Why do you look so

“Annie, I have something to tell you. What I am about to say may possibly hurt you, and you can

in confusion, Annie could not imagine any scenario where a cousin like Angela, who had loved her since they were a

me. What could

to hurt Annie, but the damage had been done and

I will forgive you.”

a few of my classmates to

married? I was happy for you, but you

“Of course!”

the next day. My father hired a bodyguard to keep me safe. This bodyguard is both powerful and intimidating. He took me to a safe location that

know it’s Richard,” Annie stated

“Yes, that’s him.”

You know, I tried to text and call you, but your phone was out of service the entire night. I

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

was horrified when I heard my parents say that the world was hunting you down.” All of these events were fresh in Annie’s mind. “But I don’t see how any of this

room barely has any place to shower other than a toilet. I was surrounded by four walls and a window. As a

what?” Annie’s

After Dexter cheated on me, I was gloomy and I… I fell in love with Richard.” Angela

questioned, “Angela, do you like Richard as

Annie. I really didn’t mean to. I wouldn’t dare to have feelings for him if I knew he was your

air was Annie’s fatal question. “Angela,

Angela lowered her head and

the other hand, Annie was stunned and shocked for a few seconds. The last person she would expect was

atmosphere tensing up as cold filled the

head all this time to avoid looking at Annie, she had assumed Annie was furious with her at this point. “Annie, if you can’t

reached out to embrace her cousin. “Angela, don’t feel sorry for me; I’m overjoyed that Richard has become my

upon her words, Angela could not help but clutch onto Annie’s shoulders

I feel this constant sense of pressure whenever I am around him; almost suffocating, I should say. To be honest, I don’t have the guts to like him;

by guilt,

not for me, but he sure is for you! Now, get together! You should not be embarrassed just

her words had perplexed Angela, they also relieved her greatly. “Annie, thank you so much for understanding. I’m

to have such an amazing brother-in-law!” Annie felt embarrassed when she

lips, reaching out to wipe the corners of her eyes. The two

worried about what my parents have to say? Relax and leave it up to me. I’ll

you plan to do that?” asked the

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

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 sincerely wished that both Richard and Angela would end up together

engagement as she believed that she was inferior to others in some ways. However, she now knew that the girl she envied was

was unsuitable for her because he was cold and harsh; she preferred a man with

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

drive safely! Thank

who was watching TV in the living room. Who is Annie

to be with you! Hmm, I love you.” Annie finished her sentence

hall. When Annie entered the living room,

to ask, “Who

It’s just a friend!” Annie gave

it a man or a

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

crush on someone? How is this the first time I’m hearing

satisfied with the engagement Grandpa arranged for me. Plus, Richard is not my type. Breaking off the engagement has honestly relieved me so much.” She presented a pleased

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

“What is the secret?”