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?”

heart squeezed as she did not expect Daphne to see her getting

Are you going to keep me in the dark?” Angela’s previous relationship had consigned Daphne into distress. Now,

He’s not a

family? Since when did you start dating him?” Daphne bombarded Angela with a flow of

pleaded, “Mom, can you leave the questions later? I’ll introduce

enough. I must know everything about that man. You cannot hide anything

“Mom… He’s—”

“Where is he from?”

lives in the same city,”

does his

richer than us.” She was

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

I must look into his background. Angela is still young and clueless about so many things. I need to pry further into the

at her mother in

not saying anything, are you? I took a 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,” said Daphne while reaching out her hands to look

you.” Angela

his name and what does

With eyes closed, she revealed the name in a

Thud!

and dropped onto the ground. Her expression turned into a surprised and

idea that her

just called off the engagement with

composure. As she looked at her

lash out on me all you

be fair, Daphne was not upset with her daughter, but things were just too absurd to take in at the moment. Richard, who just broke up with Annie, is dating my daughter? When did this happen?

questioned, “Tell me all about it. When did

her mother in the dark for much longer, Angela revealed her active pursuit of Richard back in the base and explained that she had

in pursuing a man. According to the timeline, 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

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

this point, Daphne suddenly remembered that she had purposefully brought up Richard’s work and family issues at the previous

apologize, Mom. That was not my intention,” Angela expressed

of you?” Daphne was

I guess?” Her shyness had

liked her; all she knew was that

received her approval.” On the

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

confront Annie and come clean about her situation, she had reached a point where

tonight to talk about it; perhaps even seek her forgiveness if I could.” She nodded, agreeing with her

“Didn’t you just bring a bouquet up here? What

curtains for the bouquet of flowers. On the other hand, Daphne could not help but sigh inwardly; she was completely satisfied with her daughter’s boyfriend

situation had

a phone call to

the phone, he was greeted with a

now has a boyfriend.

could only toss a few gusses in his head before he asked, “Who is it?! There’s no way I

Daphne answered

other end of the phone, was equally astounded. “Why is Angela in a relationship with Richard?

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!

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

I just hope their side

meet up

have to wait till Angela speaks with Annie tonight! We

dazedly on the couch, Angela could not believe her mother had discovered everything without any prior ‘rehearsal’. All that was left to do now was to

dinner invitation,” Daphne’s assistant said

see the assistant hand over an invitation card box with lavish

it. It was an invitation to a charity dinner with a royal theme.

this invitation card?” As she brought the card into the

hand. She then ripped open the girdle, revealing a handwritten note

and thank you for taking the time to meet with us.” The simple invitation was signed by

this is the name of Richard’s mother.” Angela gasped

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

seen her,” Angela

Richard’s girlfriend and specifically

mother about me?

She hoped that Angela’s future mother-in-law would

It’s possible

but clench her fists

number as she left the

“Hello.”

you bring up our relationship with your mother?” she inquired, clearly

“What’s the matter?”

just received a dinner invitation from your

phone, was clearly

your car 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

he uttered quietly as if he was willing to withstand all blame

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

want you

to

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

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

she opened the door of the passenger seat and

traveling by

classmates to join me. I’ll have many companions

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

nearby park and the two went there. Despite the fact

are you having any troubles? Why do you look so

to tell you. What I am about to say may possibly hurt you, and you can blame or shout at me all you want after hearing it, but

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

me. What could you possibly do to

Of course, Angela did not want to hurt Annie, but the damage had been done and she had no

forgive you.”

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

to get married? I was happy for you, but you didn’t tell me

“Of course!”

kidnapped 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 night to protect me, but he took away my phone and

know it’s Richard,”

“Yes, that’s him.”

tried to text and call you, but your phone was

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

you down.” All of these events were fresh in Annie’s mind. “But I 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

the base’s conditions are not that great. The bathhouse is shared and my room barely has any place to shower other than a toilet. I was surrounded by four walls and a window. As a result, I had to take a shower in Richard’s room. Furthermore, he is always at the base and I am with him at all hours of the day and night. We

what?” Annie’s eyes

After Dexter cheated on me, I was gloomy and I… I fell in love

surprise, Annie questioned, “Angela, do you

looked at Annie 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

what resounded in the air was Annie’s fatal question. “Angela,

guilt, Angela lowered her head

was the woman Richard liked to be her very own cousin! This

the atmosphere tensing up as

time to avoid looking at Annie, she had assumed Annie was furious with her at this point. “Annie, if you can’t accept that… I will break up with him,” she

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

upon her words, Angela could not help but clutch onto Annie’s shoulders as she looked straight into her eyes. “Annie, what

attractive, but I’m not sure why I feel this constant sense of pressure whenever I am around him; almost suffocating, I should say. To be honest, I don’t have

true?” Angela was surprised. Overwhelmed by guilt, Angela lowered

be embarrassed

greatly. “Annie, thank you so much for understanding. I’m truly sorry,” said

am so thankful to have such an amazing brother-in-law!” Annie felt embarrassed

out to wipe the corners of her eyes. The two of them

worried about what my parents have to say? Relax

do you plan to do that?” asked

Do you think they’ll be happy

could not help but tear up again

all the way back to the car and Angela drove Annie home. Indeed, Annie was not a least bit upset with her cousin as she sincerely

she was inferior to others in some ways. However, she now knew that the girl she envied was Angela and she was nothing

unsuitable for her because he was cold and harsh;

out her phone, pretending to be on

Please drive safely! Thank you for

TV in the living room. Who is Annie talking with

you.” Annie finished her sentence softly

hear her voice in the quiet hall. When Annie entered the living room, she was deliberately startled and covered her phone in shock. “Mom, why

compelled to ask, “Who were you on

a friend!”

a man or a

to answer, “Mom, it’s a male friend that I’ve had a crush on

has had a two-year crush on

Grandpa arranged for me. Plus, Richard is not my type. Breaking off

at her daughter as Annie continued slyly, “Mom, let me tell you

“What is the secret?”