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.”

life now revolved around indulging in all her desires. She could eat, drink, and shop to her heart’s

She was even more thrilled that she didn’t have to see Queenie around the

and it was time to get off

her shift and had to take in a lot of new information for the other half. At last, it was 6.00PM, and everyone started getting off work. Some went home, while others had dates that night. She

had no single cent on her. She had never felt this lost and helpless before. Although her parents would come and get her if she called home, she

down in the dumps right now and didn’t

perhaps she was just being stubborn! She wanted to prove that she could

where he was or where his house was. After recalling how kind he had been to her so far, she didn’t feel like troubling

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 after

back to his place. He turned the music up while driving and began to enjoy his alone time as

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 too ashamed to

but his hands had already

later, Nigel’s distinguished figure made its way across the hotel lobby. He had a pretty good idea of where he could find her.

at this hour, and he started checking every single one of the staff lounges until

in the air-conditioned lounge, causing Queenie to curl up like a ball. Her hair was tied up, which left her beautiful face clear for all to see. As the light in the room cast upon her, her pretty features looked all the more mesmerizing. She looked even more alluring in her sleep.

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

up.” Nigel started

she was sound asleep and didn’t stir at all. Nigel had no choice but to resort to physical means. He started patting her soft, tender cheek with the back of his hand. “Hurry

She shot up straight on the couch and looked at the man in front of

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

an abandoned puppy that had grown to rely on

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

of joy in any way. She felt as if someone had extended a warm hand out to her at her bleakest

couch. Nigel, who had just turned to leave, turned his head around to look at her.

the eyes. She massaged her calves and said, “My legs have gone numb from the way I was

strength. After a while, Queenie hurried back on her feet again as she was afraid that his patience might wane. “I’m fine now. Let’s

Queenie forced herself to walk despite the numbness in her legs. She followed him down to the lobby, and as they strode across the grand hall, walking

it anymore because even those on the night shift now knew that the newbie female

be marrying Nigel and wasn’t going to steal their chance of

stomach began to rumble. She clutched her stomach awkwardly and asked

the steering wheel as he drove them out of

9.00PM. Who else would’ve gone without dinner apart

me to make a somewhat unreasonable request?”

her thoughtfully. An unreasonable request? What’s she trying to do

got straight to the point. “Can I get an advance of this

denied her request without missing a beat. He wasn’t about to make a special

for food? I’ll pay you back once I get my salary. Oh, and with interest too.” She was raised in a fairly decent family environment,

to ask a man like Nigel to lend them money. They were

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

the window. Her eyes lit up suddenly as she pointed at a large pharmacy and exclaimed, “My family owns

where she was pointing. Her family’s rich, alright, but she has fallen so low that

he remarked, “You can just ask your

way I’m doing that. My Dad

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 to dash my hopes like that now, does he? It’s

out the window. At the same time, her stomach

had no choice but to try and negotiate with her stomach, “Can you be quiet

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

before, but he had never seen one as silly and amusing as her. Suddenly,

dazedly at the restaurant for a few seconds before turning to

suppose I would let you eat up all of my

car as she watched him get off. Although he always had a cold and

I’m sure that the line of

accidentally bumped into Nigel’s back, thanks to his

steps backward and rubbed

talking

talk about getting a girlfriend. He had no intention of getting one as

once. Yet, she was now his cousin’s wife and had just given birth a second time. Ever since then, he realized that life as a single man was pretty fulfilling

shut. Was I talking too much? Was he annoyed because of

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

so he only ordered enough food for one. He took

were the only ones sitting in the restaurant’s large dining area. One happily stuffed herself with food while the other sat quietly playing a

from time to time. Once she was full, she rested her chin on her hand and stared at Nigel, who was still engrossed in his game. In that instance, it struck her

was strange that a guy like him 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 streamer, and the news stayed

focused on his game when he felt a pair of eyes on him. He could feel

his phone away and eyed Queenie

the act didn’t feel embarrassed in the

He was speechless.

knew that, but the way she was ogling at him made him suspect that she had ulterior

door to his room last night. He made a

to settle the bill. They started heading back down to the car. She followed him

covered her mouth, but she kept burping from time to

to stop himself from chuckling. Even when they got to the car, she was still burping, so he passed her a bottle of water and commented a little irritatedly, “Why

eat as much as she could! Her burping died down after drinking some water, and now that she was full, she began to feel sleepy again. Her eyes began to glaze over a little

a traffic light. Nigel looked 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 sheltered environment and had been doted on her

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

Queenie, she slept soundly and didn’t wake up

hotel, a couple came to book a room, and the receptionists working at the reception desk kept

she just leave? Why did she come back to book a room

try to greet her

of the

to her. Thank goodness I

think

be right. Both their last

fell silent. After all, they weren’t supposed

gift as well. Now, she was going to spend a romantic night with him

who adored and doted on her, but most importantly, he was Queenie’s fiancé. The fact that she had snatched him away

off my engagement to Queenie next month. When the time comes, the first 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 time for him to start

wait to get married, but she wasn’t interested

enjoyed being pampered and doted on without being shackled by marriage. Furthermore, she recalled that Queenie had gotten involved with Nigel, and she was determined to steal away anything that Queenie

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

more than happy to respond in kind, and never once did they part from

…

at Queenie, who was

realized they were in the basement parking lot at his place, she smiled and exclaimed,

if it were the most natural thing in the world—as though this was

shy about going to his place. They were complete strangers. Did

eyes flashed with a devilish glint. He wanted to scare

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

stared blankly at him. “Why

collar with a hungry expression as he stared

Ding!

way to the guest room before raising his arms to trap her between his chest and the wall. “Miss Silverstein, you’ll have to give me something in return for staying at my

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

let’s

took two steps back. “What

married! Then, we elope!” Queenie

dumbstruck. “Is that some kind of

a look of innocence. Then, she grew serious and said, “Mr. Manson, wouldn’t it be exciting if we eloped? Are you sure you don’t want

one getting a shock. It wasn’t fun anymore. “Queenie Silverstein, you can stay here in my house, but don’t even think about setting your sights on me,” he

his bedroom. She chuckled and went into the

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

if Queenie was some

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 actually prepared clothes for me!

thoughtful

opened, and the two of them stared

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 inside the

Ten minutes later.

down from the second floor. He saw a woman dressed in a long, green dress that made her look like a

a few seconds before snapping out of it. Immediately, he turned away his gaze as if giving the woman any more attention would make her

you drop me off? I’m late,” Queenie asked

watch before setting his coffee mug down. He grabbed

Queenie followed closely behind.

…

Group’s

been off the whole time. Brandon got so anxious that he filed a missing person report with the police, and Maggie

not as if Queenie would seriously go missing anyway. She then woke Leslie up, and the two

in the majestic lobby, Bonnie could sense just how extravagant the Manson Group’s hotel was. All she

came walking in through the entrance. It was a man and a woman, and

And isn’t that

Bonnie and was about to

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

heard someone calling out to her all of a sudden. She looked up and saw Bonnie

spend the night together again. Neither of them showed any respect for the fact that she was still Leslie’s

but she swayed her hips and strutted in front of

Bonnie as he found