Never Too Far Novel

Ellen ordered only one dish before handing over the menu to Jared, who ordered six dishes in one go. At that moment, her phone, which displayed Garrett’s phone number, rang and tightened her chest.

“Excuse me, Mr. Tillman, I have an incoming call.” She glanced at the room before taking a seat on the couch. “Hi, Uncle Garrett.”

“What are you doing, Ellen? Why haven’t you registered your name? Are you doing this because you don’t wanna share the money?”

“Sorry, Uncle Garrett, but I have work—”

“What’s so important about work? This is of utmost urgency! I need the money, so stop dilly-dallying!”

Tears of grievance pooled in her eyes, prompting her to lower her head. “It’s not on purpose, Uncle Garrett. I’m just busy with work—”

“I don’t care. You’d better give me the money by Friday while I’m still nice,” he threatened.

Ellen was a nonentity to Garrett’s family. Besides, she alone could do nothing even if they treated her like a rat. It was safe to say that money had awakened the evil in them.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Garrett.”

“You only have a few days. If you don’t settle the issue by then, I’ll cause a stir at your workplace. Let’s see if you’re allowed to work still when the time comes.” He hurt her with mean words before terminating the call.

Ellen’s body trembled as despair surged in her. If Jessica were here, she would not have allowed such a thing to happen.

Knowing that the call had ended, Jared swept a glance at her only to see tears trickling down and wetting her grey dress. He sprang up and crouched in front of her. “Did something happen?”

She blamed herself for showing her forlorn side to him, so she quickly wiped her tears off. “Nothing. Something flew into my eyes. That’s why.”

Yet, the unbidden tears streamed nonstop. Those gorgeous, teary eyes could easily make one feel bad.

The weird sensation flooded Jared again as he watched her crying, stifling his chest so hard that he could barely breathe.

“You can talk to me about anything.” His voice sounded airy.

Ellen bit her rosy lip. “Wouldn’t that be annoying?”

“Not at all. Just feel free to talk to me.” He seated himself next to her as he was all ears.

She took a deep breath while thinking, Where should I start first? I think he should know the entirety of the situation, or he won’t be able to follow.

“My parents passed away when I was young, so my uncle fostered my elder brother and me, but my brother left because of a serious illness. I didn’t even get to see him in his last moments.” Ellen felt hot behind her eyes, and he drew a few pieces of tissue for her since it was close to him.

She wiped her tears while continuing, “Then, my uncle sent me to my aunt’s place. Jessica treated me like I was her granddaughter. We only had each other, but life was great. To me, she was my grandmother.”

At that point, another stream of tears ran down her cheeks, and she choked on her voice. “But she left me too. I’m all alone again.”

Jared sympathized with her past. “So, is someone giving you a hard time now?”

“It’s all because of my grandmother’s demolished house. She did not apply for adoption, so she’s not my official guardian. Instead, my uncle is the one on the papers.”

“Now, my relatives want their share of the demolition payment. I’m still new to the company, and there’s a lot for me to catch up with, so I couldn’t go to the authority to transfer my name yet. My uncle called because he’s angry that I went to work instead of solving the issue first. If I drag things out any longer, he said he’s going to make a scene at work so that I’ll lose my job. ”

Now that Ellen recounted the whole story, she felt utterly helpless. She had no intention to be all crybaby in front of such a handsome guy, but she could not help it. It hurt too much.

“How could they? They’ve seriously gone overboard.” Even Jared was exasperated as an outsider.

“It’s not like I’m doing it on purpose, but I can’t apply for leave when there’s a handover going on. Astoria is going to leave the company to get married soon. If I don’t receive training for my jurisdiction these days, I won’t be able to continue my work,” she explained.

“The payment is meant for only you. They don’t have the right to take it from you. You don’t have to split the money,” he reasoned.

“But I-I’m not Grandma’s family on paper. I won’t be able to get the money either.” Ellen was at her wit’s end.

“You can if you apply for an adoption certificate. No one can take the money away from you.”

“But my grandmother is not around anymore. Is it still possible?”

“Why not? You’ve been living under the same roof for sixteen years, and she acknowledged your relationship. Even if the law is dead, you can find something to prove it.”

“It’s not as easy as it sounds. I’m stuck at the procedure.” Ellen had no alternatives to solve the problem.

“I can help.” Jared could not resist the urge to intervene in the issue. Although he did not know why he could not bear the sight of her dwelling on sadness, it pained him to see her cry.

“Huh? You can?” As it was a situation where she needed help desperately, it warmed her heart to have someone offering help.

“Yes. I have a bunch of great lawyers who can help.”

“Really? That’s great! I can’t be any more grateful to you!” She expressed her gratitude vehemently to her savior.

The waiters began to serve the dishes just at the right time. Jared urged her to fill her stomach first and promised to seek help from a lawyer. “Ellen, you should keep the money for yourself. Don’t share it with others. They don’t see you as their family, so you shouldn’t mind them.”

“But—”

“As long as you become your grandmother’s legal adoptive daughter, it’s rightfully yours. No one can take them.”

Still, Garrett and the others’ forceful attitude seeped into her mind. “Got it.”

“Just tell me if you need anything.”

“No, you’ve gone out of your way to help me come this far. I shouldn’t trouble you anymore.” Ellen was grateful.

“Could you pass me your phone for a moment?”

She gave him her phone obediently, and the man frowned at the seriously damaged phone screen. Quietly, he dialed his number with her gadget.

“This is my number. Ring me up if there’s trouble.”

Sweetness and warmth sprang in her chest. She felt honored to have his contact number.

Following that, Jared even drove her home and eased her up by saying there was nothing to worry about regarding the demolition payment. His friend would be able to help her.

Despite the gratitude, Ellen felt sorry to have him take it upon himself. She made up her mind to do everything she could to repay his kindness in the future. If she did not have the chance to do so, she would remember everything he had done for her wholeheartedly.

At 9.00PM, she received a call from Connor. He heard of Garrett’s demand and assured her that he would meet Garrett to talk over it.

Ellen was aware that it would end up like water off a duck’s back to Garrett and the others anyway. They had proven their stance toward the situation and set their heart to get the money.

Now, she would be able to receive the money as long as she could receive an adoptive certificate to prove herself as Jessica’s granddaughter.

On the other hand, Connor was so livid that he lost his appetite for dinner. “How could they possibly do that? Who says that we must share the money with them?”

A guilty Olivia was standing behind him. “Probably because they’re jealous that Ellen will have the money all for herself.”

“What right do they have to demand the money? Aunt Jessica treated Ellen like her biological granddaughter, so she’s the only one with the rightful inheritance for that house.”

“That’s true, but Aunt Lilac is on the bread line. They won’t let such a chance slip through their fingers. Besides, Aunt Jessica didn’t legally adopt Ellen before she passed away.” She dared not reveal that she was the one who led Lilac behind the curtains.

After Connor attempted to pull some strings, he realized it was not something easy to be settled.

“Why don’t we give up on our share? I bet no one can stop Aunt Lilac.” Olivia was happy as long as Ellen would not get the money all for herself.

Bitterness crept into Connor as it would stave off his guilt if Ellen had that money to sustain her life.

Early in the morning, Ellen woke up to receive a notice from the human resource department. She was granted a three-day leave, but she thought it was strange because she did not apply for it.

While questions sprouted in her mind, she had another incoming call from the lawyer Jared introduced her to.

“Miss Reiss, are you available today? We can apply for the adoption certificate.”

“Yes, I am,” she quickly replied.

“Okay. I’ll be on my way to pick you up.”

She had packed up the necessary documents, hoping that they would be of help. Later, a black SUV parked in front of her, and a middle-aged man escorted her into the car. The sheer look of his neat suit was enough to tell that he was someone elite. His name was Burton Yarrow, and she addressed him as Mr. Yarrow. She narrated the whole story while they were on their way.

Reiss. It’s

I asked the authority, and they said it won’t be

leave it to me.” Burton’s voice was as gentle as the spring breeze to Ellen. She figured that it was all thanks

so how could he possibly not do as he was told? Not only was a failure

not understand how Jared came to know a poor girl. Although Ellen was

win the case;

come with me, Miss Reiss. I will

the prepared materials, Ellen followed him into an office, while Burton brought along some materials obtained from other means. Compared to her documents, they

document and inked her fingerprint on it accordingly. So, is this

received a newly printed

can reapply for another one. Now, I’ll accompany you to the demolition contractor to proceed

you so much, Mr. Yarrow. I can’t be any more grateful

have to. Instead,

that very

quickly corrected it. “Yes, yes. Mr. Tillman is the one you should thank. He asked for my help, but it was just a trivial

nodded. “I

which was worth about a million dollars. Her mind went blank the moment she comprehended the amount. Was it always this

Miss Reiss. You’ll be able to live a better life with

Nonetheless, her heart still ached at the fact that Jessica passed away before the house was demolished. Otherwise, Ellen could have taken the

in the living room and stared at her

moment, her phone rang because of a call from Garrett, whom she did not have the nerve to leave

“Hey, Uncle Garrett.”

money yet?” It was

did not lie to

was all excited about the

adoption certificate, so I have the right to inherit the fortune. Sorry, Uncle

can’t spend all of it on your own! I don’t care. You must split it among us.” The adoption certificate did

Garrett, I’m the rightful heiress by the law. So… The money belongs to me.” She attempted to

who exactly are you, Ellen Reiss? Don’t blame us for doing this to you. If you don’t do as we say,

her eyes, but she

she ended the call. He spammed her with multiple calls thereafter, but she did not wish to answer them. Other relatives dialed her number in ones

to her place, Ellen decided to crash at someone’s place for the night

received a call

Ellen Reiss, that brat, got the money and doesn’t have the

did she get

care how the hell she got it! I estimated the house price in that area and bet she has about a million. That brat is trying to hog everything!” Ire prevailed over his reasons. It was as if the

sum to her, she rendered it ‘too much’ for

bet she’ll split

intend to give in just like that. If they claimed their share, each of them would at

Ellen a call, only to realize that the girl had turned her phone off. That’s weird. Where did she get herself an adoption certificate? Connor asked around, and they said it’s difficult to apply for

When she recalled Lilac and her family’s attitude, anxiety and terror overcame her, for she never knew that

grabbed her phone and suddenly remembered she had to thank

to you that I got back the compensation funds. Next time, I’ll treat you

he would reply so quickly, ‘You don’t have to thank me. The money is

current situation but went against it later because she did not want to bother him,

turn on her phone because her phone

where Ellen was working—the Presgrave Group’s reception area. That was why the Andino siblings decided to wait

had not been coming to work these two days because she was

from her mom that Ellen had received a million dollars of compensation funds, she, too, was jealous.

Ellen would divide and distribute the money among them. There will be an exciting show at the company

the other hand, Ellen was ready to head back to work. At 8.30AM, she arrived at the company and changed into her uniform. Then, she sat in

came looking for you yesterday. He says he’s your relative,” said the colleague beside her, who leaned

Ellen’s face.

he doesn’t have a good attitude. Did

nervous as she remembered that Selena knew where she worked, so Garrett and

they’re my relatives,” Ellen answered

would’ve thought they came here to

she was sitting on pins and needles. Will they be

had left home. Her lips hooked into a smile as she thought, This time, Ellen will

then that she saw the Andino siblings appear at the entrance to the lobby, and her face instantly paled. Though they were the ones who were being unreasonable, they seemed more assertive

late forties, yet he did not look like an elder.

we don’t mean to make things difficult for you. Just divide

share any of the money with you.” Ellen decided not to give in at the last moment. No matter the reason,

not out of greed but

to keep all

to continue working here, you’d better do as we say. Or else, we’ll cause a huge commotion and make you lose your job!” Ajax Andino also took his

do that. This is a workplace. You can’t cause a scene

place for that, so

to do with you? If you interfere with our matters again, I’ll mess with you

then, Selena had arrived and was watching the scene with her arms crossed. She came forward and greeted, “Uncle Garrett, you

come. Be the judge of this situation. Ellen agreed to share the money but then changed her mind. How could she

noticed that things were worsening, so she immediately called security. “Is this security? Some are causing a scene in

phone away from her. His actions were so savage that they startled Ellen, and she came out from behind

the money, you’ll never know peace here!” Garrett

tears pooled in her eyes. She

wanting to see how Ellen would

and

Ellen struggled to break free. Following that, she felt a large palm delivering a slap on

shocked. Yet, the culprit remained unfazed. “If

an angry voice suddenly hollered in the lobby. “Let her go.” That voice sounded cold and sharp, which stunned the

was in front of them, she looked up and saw Jared approaching her. Instantly, she was surprised and embarrassed—surprised because he came

her lips parted slightly as her mind was blank yet

smile, Jared arrived beside Ellen. Then, he glared at Garrett, who was gripping her wrist, and shoved his hand away before

shocked. Oh my! Who is

surprise to shock. How is this possible? How did Ellen and

who had suddenly appeared. Garrett snorted. “Ellen, even if

face had now turned even redder. She had just muttered the word ‘he’ when she saw Jared turning to

not to explain their relationship because he needed an identity to interfere with this matter anyway. Hence, acting as her boyfriend seemed like

blinked blankly for a few seconds. Then, her heart started racing, and her cheeks became

She could not believe that Ellen was now Jared’s girlfriend. Moreover, Ellen did not deserve nor have the right to be

wrist and announced, “With me here, you will never get to

For the sake of money, he was not afraid of the young man before him, even though he knew he was not a pushover at

don’t f*cking care who you are, but Ellen has to

who panicked because, as their relative, she would never allow them to be rude

moment, eight tall and burly security guards surrounded them, with two standing before Jared to protect

afraid of you? Even if your president is here, I’ll still take her with me.” Though Garrett was acting arrogantly, he was terrified. He did

security guard leader wore a stern face as he warned, “Sir, our president is standing right before you. If you dare to treat

that she could not register what was happening. The

shock as she dared not stand beside the Andino siblings anymore. She hid at the

top of that, Selena looked at the man she thought she would never meet again suddenly appearing before her, and her heart began

were dumbfounded.

by

tugged on Garrett’s clothes.

Ellen only, so if I

are supposed to get a share in the compensation. What’s more, we

are all money-grubbers bullying a weak woman because of money. Do you think you’re worthy

In the meantime, she felt sad for herself.

relatives’ true colors because of this incident. A human being to another, they did not even treat her like one while fighting for a share of

and uncomfortable as she watched Jared protect Ellen by speaking up for her and backing her up. Who am I? Just a

out of my company.” After warning them, Jared ordered

order, the security guard leader beckoned the others. “Get them out

were pathetically dragged toward the door. Garrett yelled while trying to push the security guards away.

kicked out, she immediately seized the chance and clutched

looked confusedly at her concerned face. Hasn’t she always acted like she doesn’t

are so mean. We’re his family, after all.” Selena’s inexplicable words made

mistook as recognizing her. However, she was not expecting him to ask, “Ellen,

“She’s—”

wouldn’t have known what to do!” Selena’s visage was full of gratitude as she carefully observed the man before

He’s so handsome.

noticed it and quickly withdrew her

identity and nodded. “Yes.

in shock. Heavens! The man who helped me

beside them, Selena felt relieved. So, President Presgrave is only pretending to be her boyfriend. If

him