Never Too Far Novel

Queenie bowed her head in embarrassment for a few seconds before replying, “The shoes I wore yesterday were too dirty. I already threw them out.”

Nigel stared at her in exasperation. He had no idea why he put himself through all this trouble. It could’ve just ended with him letting her stay at his place for a week before shooing her away, so why did he even agree to give her a job as well?

“Forget it. Let’s just go to the hotel.” He opened the door to his sports car before calling out to her, “Get in.”

“Thank you, Mr. Manson!” Queenie replied at once. She was beginning to feel bad about everything. Just last night, she even threatened to start a protest in front of his hotel!

I never would’ve expected Mr. Manson to be a pretty decent man and a rather forgiving one to boot!

After getting into the car, she started apologizing again, “Mr. Manson, I need to apologize to you. I threatened you last night by saying that I would bring a banner and start a protest in front of your hotel, but it was just something I blurted out in the heat of the moment. Please don’t take it to heart!”

Nigel cocked his eyebrows and turned to look at Queenie. She flashed him a smile and said, “Someday, I’ll do my best to repay your kindness for taking me in.”

He didn’t feel like talking. He felt like his ears had been buzzing all morning. Usually, he was the only one in the house, and thus he was used to having complete silence, which suited him perfectly.

The hotel he took her to this time was Manson Group’s main hotel located in the city center. The one where Queenie had caused a scene was part of the chain and situated in a different location. Beneath the glow of the morning light, the hotel’s brilliant facade seemed to take on a golden hue that made it look even more majestic as if it were a grand palace.

Meanwhile, Queenie had already gaped in awe at the sight of the magnificent hotel, while at the same time, she was still in somewhat disbelief that she got a ride from the heir of the Manson Group himself.

“Your family’s hotel looks so luxurious!” She marveled.

For some reason, Nigel was pleased to hear those words coming out of her mouth. His lips curved into a faint smile as he pulled into his designated parking spot ever so elegantly.

The security guards immediately greeted him politely, and the doorman came over to welcome him as well. Their actions made it feel as if a prince had arrived.

“Good morning, Mr. Manson,” said the manager who came over to greet Nigel.

The manager, Faye Loughlin, glanced at the woman standing beside Nigel and wondered, Did Mr. Manson get a girlfriend?

“Ms. Loughlin, arrange for her to work at the concierge,” Nigel instructed Faye.

Faye was a little taken aback. She’s not his girlfriend? Is she just an employee he selected personally?

“What’s your name, miss?” Faye asked Queenie.

Queenie smiled and replied, “My name is Queenie Silverstein.”

Nigel eyed Queenie’s shoes and instructed Faye once more, “Find her a pair of suitable footwear, along with a cell phone.”

“Yes, Mr. Manson.” Faye quickly acknowledged with a smile.

After glancing at Queenie one last time, Nigel strode off toward the elevator lobby.

Queenie had a look of surprise as she watched Nigel leave. Faye took it all in and couldn’t help but probe with a smile, “Miss Silverstein, do you mind if I ask how you’re related to Mr. Manson?”

“Uhh… I’m… I’m a distant relative of his… a cousin of sorts…” Queenie came up with a random response.

“Uhh… I’m… I’m a distant relative of his… a cousin of sorts…” Queenie came up with a random response.

Though, what she didn’t know was that this random reply of hers led to her receiving far better treatment from Faye.

Faye brought her to a changing room and gave her a uniform before instructing her to familiarize herself with the hotel first. Faye also gave her one of the hotel’s staff handphones. Once Queenie took the phone, she felt like calling home.

However, she reminded herself that it had only been a day since she left the house. She couldn’t give in so easily. I should at least wait until I have a stable job here before letting them know that I’m doing fine!

“Queenie, you do fit the bill of requirements for those working at the concierge. Tell you what, I’ll assign you to the concierge as a trainee first. This is company policy as all new employees need to go through a three-month training period before they can be given an official role.”

“Sure. That’s fine with me. I’m open to taking on any tasks required of me.” Queenie nodded in agreement. She saw this job as the start of her journey to being independent.

Faye led Queenie back to the main lobby and handed her off to another employee who would be her direct supervisor.

“Susanna, I’m assigning Queenie to you as a trainee. From today onward, you’ll be in charge of her training.”

Susanna Conklin had just seen Queenie coming into the hotel with Nigel, so she was warm and friendly as she replied, “No problem, Faye. I’ll take good care of Queenie.”

This was the first time Queenie had a proper job. She was determined to work hard and make something of herself. At the very least, she wanted to be able to support herself.

“Queenie, what’s your relationship with Mr. Manson?” Susanna asked quietly.

“I’m a distant relative of his—a cousin of sorts.” It was much easier to give this answer now that it wasn’t her first time doing so. Susanna smiled even wider as she thought to herself, Here I was worrying that she was Mr. Manson’s new girlfriend! Gosh, I was so afraid that was the case! Well, if she’s just family, then I still have a shot.

Queenie had a good head on her shoulders and was quick in picking up the tasks as well. Susanna was also shocked to see how fast of a learner she was. From the looks of it, she would be able to handle the job herself way before three months of training were over.

One of the young women working as a greeter started getting a stomach ache, so she turned to Susanna and said, “Susanna, can you take my place for a bit? I need to use the restroom.”

Susanna didn’t want to be standing on her feet for so long, so she turned to Queenie. “Queenie, go and cover for her.”

“Alright!” Queenie got up from her seat and stood in place by the main entrance with three other female employees. Soon after she took the position, a flurry of footsteps rang out from the elevator lobby. Five stern-faced middle-aged men came out with Nigel at the helm. The men carried themselves in a serious manner that made it clear they were the company’s senior executives, while Nigel’s figure and handsome features made him look more like a model instead.

Even so, Nigel still had an imposing aura that made it obvious he was in charge.

The moment he got to the main entrance, he spotted Queenie standing nearby. Although she wore the same uniform as all the other pretty young women working as greeters, there was still something unique about her presence that made him pick her out of the crowd right away.

All of a sudden, he realized that the silk scarf she wore as part of her uniform was a little crooked. He had an obsessive-compulsive streak which got the better of him as he stepped over to her. She was alarmed, and before she knew what was going on, he started rearranging her scarf with his long, slender fingers.

Queenie gulped. She froze as she looked up at him. Nigel had a serious expression on his face as he carefully adjusted her scarf. She took in his arched eyebrows, dark, glittering eyes, high-bridged nose, and tempting lips. He has the ladykiller features, she remarked in her mind.

The other three greeters sorely wished their scarves had been crooked as well so that they could have Nigel adjust theirs for them.

Queenie’s heart rate was soaring through the roof. This was her first time having a man arranging her scarf for her so intimately right in public.

“Thank you, Mr. Manson,” she said politely once Nigel stepped back with a satisfied look.

He glanced at her. “Make sure you always look presentable.”

“Yes, Mr. Manson,” she promised at once.

Nigel finally left with the other men, and as soon as he was gone, everyone turned their gazes onto Queenie. All the employees in the lobby had witnessed everything that took place, and she nearly drowned in their looks of envy.

She cleared her throat awkwardly.

“It’s obvious that someone did it on purpose!” A harsh voice rang out all of a sudden.

Queenie looked across to see a pretty but mean-looking woman staring at her scornfully.

“I think everyone has misunderstood this. I didn’t do it on purpose,” Queenie quickly defended herself.

“Stooping to these tricks just as soon as you started the job, huh? I don’t think you’re here to work. You’re here for Mr. Manson!”

“That’s right.”

For the sake of clearing things up, Queenie had no choice but to use the same cover story again. “Please don’t get the wrong idea! I’m just his cousin.”

The greeters who had been clouded in jealousy just moments ago immediately gasped in shock. “You’re Mr. Manson’s cousin?”

“Yeah, albeit a little distantly related, so please don’t misunderstand anything.” Queenie could tell that all the unmarried women working in this hotel had a crush on Nigel. To avoid being the target of their jealousy, she figured it would be best to lie and say she was his cousin.

Sure enough, her words wiped off the looks of intense jealousy in the eyes of the three female employees who were glowering at her earlier. It explained why Nigel had personally adjusted her scarf for her.

Naturally, such things spread like wildfire among the employees, and at the very least, Queenie no longer had to suffer from similar misunderstandings.

At Silverstein Residence.

When Maggie woke up in the morning, she began to worry about her eldest daughter. There had been a thunderstorm last night, and Queenie had run off just like that. I wonder if she got caught in the rain.

“Mom, are you worried about Queenie? I’m worried about her too, but none of my calls are getting through.” Bonnie came downstairs and hugged Maggie. “It’s all my fault. She ran away from home because of me.”

“It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself. I’ll get your father to look for her.” Maggie patted Bonnie on the hand affectionately.

“Mom, if it means Queenie will come back, I can just move back in with my adopted parents! Queenie won’t be happy if I stay here in this house.” Bonnie looked as if she were wallowing in guilt.

“Oh, you silly child. Don’t say such ridiculous things. Both your father and I consider you our most precious baby. We spent two decades looking for you, and we’re not going to let you leave us again.” Maggie hugged Bonnie. Moments ago, she had been worried about Queenie, but right now, the only one she cared about was Bonnie.

Bonnie smirked smugly. She would be the happiest person alive if Queenie never came back!

It’d be even better if she died while out there. That way, the entire Silverstein Family’s fortune will be mine.

Just then, Bonnie’s phone started ringing. She checked to see that it was Leslie calling, so she happily said to Maggie, “Mom, give me a minute to answer this.”

Bonnie walked out into the garden before answering. “Have you reached, Leslie?” she asked sweetly.

“I’m almost there. I’ll take you to a nice restaurant later.”

waiting,” Bonnie gushed. Her life now revolved around indulging in all her desires. She could

better than this for her. She was even more thrilled that she didn’t have to see Queenie around the house

day came to an end, and it was time to

getting off work. Some went home,

the money to buy herself a meal nor pay for a night at a motel; she had no single cent on her. She had never felt this lost and helpless before. Although her parents would come and get her

was to call a friend, but she was down in the dumps right

just being stubborn! She wanted to prove that she could face

in touch with Nigel either. She didn’t know where he was or where his house was. After recalling how kind

lounge. I guess I can just stay here for the night! The hotel will provide breakfast tomorrow morning, and I can think about the rest

turned the music up while driving and began to enjoy

in his head. He narrowed his eyes. Right. That woman’s still at the hotel. She should’ve gotten off work by now. Where did she go? Did she go home? But she did say she ran away from home and even refused to leave my place last night, so she’s probably

telling him to forget about Queenie, but his hands had already started steering

lobby. He had a pretty good idea of where

No one else seemed to be around at this hour, and he started checking every single one of the staff

the light in the room cast

fate would have been very different if another man had taken her home instead

Nigel

to resort to physical means. He started patting her soft, tender cheek with the back of his hand. “Hurry up and

looked at the man in front of her

eyes gave way to a look of child-like surprise. “It’s you!

that came out of her mouth made her seem like an abandoned puppy that had grown

and said coolly, “We have rules in this hotel. Employees are not allowed to spend the night in

any way. She felt as if someone had

the floor when she suddenly fell back onto the couch. Nigel, who had just turned to leave, turned

She massaged her calves and said, “My legs have gone

hurried back on her

in her legs. She followed him down to the lobby, and as they strode across the grand hall, walking shoulder-to-shoulder,

they weren’t as jealous about it anymore because even those on the night shift now knew that the newbie female employee

going to

car, Queenie’s stomach began to rumble. She clutched her stomach

steering wheel as he drove them out of the

would’ve gone without dinner

Manson, would it be possible for me to make a somewhat unreasonable request?”

thoughtfully. An unreasonable request? What’s she trying

point. “Can I get an advance of

request without

me some money for food? I’ll pay you back once I get my salary. Oh, and with interest too.” She was

Nigel to lend them

Nigel still remembered why he decided to take her in. It was to get his revenge, not for the sake

eyes lit up suddenly as she pointed at a large pharmacy

at where she was pointing. Her family’s rich, alright, but she has fallen so low that she needs to borrow money from me now. Sounds

he remarked,

look on her face. “There’s no way I’m doing that. My Dad kicked me out of the house. I have to survive

the looks of it now, that’s not something you’re capable of.” Nigel shot her down right away. Queenie bit her lip and glared at him. Does he find it fun to put a damper on my spirits? I don’t expect him to comfort me, but he doesn’t have

out the window. At the same time, her stomach

but to try and negotiate with her stomach, “Can you be quiet for just one night?

breakfast every morning, so Queenie’s plan was to hold out until the

silly and amusing as

stared dazedly at the restaurant for a few seconds before turning

would let you eat up all of my snacks at home

a cold and indifferent look on his face, she couldn’t deny that he had been nothing but

a little more gentleness, I’m sure that the line of women hoping to be your girlfriend would be long enough to circle the globe. You’ll get a girlfriend

attempt at flattery, she accidentally bumped into Nigel’s back, thanks to his

two steps backward and rubbed

and warned coolly, “Stop talking so

getting a girlfriend. He had no intention of getting one as he considered a girlfriend

second time. Ever since then, he realized that life as a single man was pretty fulfilling too. Therefore, over the last few years,

kept her mouth shut. Was I talking too much? Was he annoyed

from the moment they walked into the restaurant until the food was served at their table. However, her expression became a lot livelier once

ordered enough food for one. He

One happily stuffed herself with food while the other sat quietly playing a game. Neither of them spoke, but the atmosphere wasn’t tense or

his game. In that instance, it struck her that he was quite a good-looking man. He had an excellent figure to go with his handsome features. The only thing that was less than satisfactory about him would be his

was still single. She had seen a lot of tabloids attempting to make their fortunes by reporting on various rumors and gossip about him. Once, he streamed a game with a female

game when he felt a pair of eyes on him. He

eyed Queenie

been caught in the act didn’t feel embarrassed in the slightest. She nodded her head and

He was speechless.

saying that he knew that, but the way she

his room last night. He made a mental note to do it

dinner, he called the waiter over to settle the bill. They started heading back down to the car. She followed him into the elevator

covered her mouth, but she kept burping

Even when they got to the car, she was still burping, so he passed her a bottle of water

drinking some water, and now that she was full, she began to feel sleepy again. Her eyes began to glaze over a little from the night breeze and the flurry of street lights flashing past. She gripped

to the side and saw a sleeping beauty beside him. The street lights softened her features and made her look like a delicate fairy who had never seen the evils of the world. One look at her and everyone could tell that this woman grew up in a

he didn’t even notice when the traffic light had turned green. He snapped out of it once the car behind him honked,

didn’t wake up throughout the entire

receptionists working at the reception desk kept sneaking glances at the female

Why did she come back

were soon thankful that they didn’t try to greet her because the name on the

the couple head toward the elevators, one of the receptionists exclaimed,

right?! I nearly said hi to

think

be right. Both their last

fell silent. After all, they weren’t supposed to gossip about guests at the

Bonnie was holding Leslie’s arm with a look of satisfaction. Leslie had treated her to an expensive dinner and gave her a gift as well. Now, she was going to spend a romantic night with him at the hotel’s presidential suite. This was the best life

most importantly, he was Queenie’s fiancé. The fact

thing I’ll do is arrange our engagement, and then I’ll start preparing for our wedding,” Leslie announced eagerly. He was thirty, and it was

couldn’t wait to get married,

only wanted to revel in the joys of dating him. She enjoyed being pampered and doted on without being shackled by marriage. Furthermore, she recalled

a seductive smile and hooked her arms around his neck before getting intimate with him right in the

more than happy to respond in kind, and never once did they part from each other as they made their way to

…

at Queenie, who was still

the basement parking

natural thing in the world—as though

his place. They were complete strangers. Did

eyes flashed with a devilish glint. He wanted to scare her

sore arm as she entered the elevator. As soon as she got in, she saw

stared blankly at him. “Why are you looking at

with a hungry expression as

Ding!

puzzledly as she got out. He followed her all the way to the guest room before raising his arms to trap her between his chest and the wall. “Miss Silverstein,

going on now. Is he trying to chase me out? Does he think he can scare me off just like that? She blinked at him and seemed to have mustered up the courage to make a

Manson, let’s get

back down as he took two steps back. “What did

married! Then, we elope!” Queenie repeated

to be dumbstruck. “Is that some kind of a joke?

look of innocence. Then, she grew serious and said, “Mr. Manson, wouldn’t it be

expect to be the one getting a shock. It wasn’t fun anymore. “Queenie Silverstein, you can stay here in my house,

head off into his bedroom. She chuckled and went into

suddenly recalled something. He jumped out of bed and hurried over to his door to lock it. It was only then that he finally returned to bed

Queenie was

The next morning.

opened her door to find a bag of clothes outside the room. A warm, fuzzy feeling blossomed in her heart. That man has

quite thoughtful

the master bedroom opened,

hand and instantly figured out who had prepared it for her. The only person who could enter his house so early in the morning and knew that a

Mr. Manson!” Queenie happily took the clothes and went back

Ten minutes later.

when he heard footsteps coming down from the second floor. He saw a woman dressed in a long, green dress that made her look like a forest nymph who just came out of the woods. Her skin was pale as snow, and the sunlight that came in through the windows cast a glow

before snapping out of it. Immediately, he turned away

leaving? Can you drop me off?

setting his coffee mug down. He grabbed his keys and headed toward

Queenie followed closely behind.

…

Group’s

from her mother. The Silversteins realized that Queenie’s phone had been off the whole time. Brandon got so anxious that he filed a missing person report with the police, and Maggie called Bonnie to rush

She then woke Leslie up, and the two of them got ready before heading down to the lobby to check out of

just how extravagant the Manson Group’s hotel was. All she could think about was what it would be like if she

through the entrance. It was a man and a woman, and Bonnie’s eyes flickered over before widening

Nigel Manson. And

to Bonnie and was about to

to Queenie. “Queenie! Here you are! Mom and Dad are so worried about you. They’re looking for

all of a sudden. She looked up and saw Bonnie running over to

to bother guessing. They must’ve come to the hotel to spend the night together again. Neither of them showed any respect for the fact

she swayed

as he