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.

worry, Miss Reiss.

I asked the authority, and they said it

voice was as gentle as the spring breeze to Ellen. She

how could he possibly not do as he was told? Not only was a failure not accepted, but he also had to

girl. Although Ellen was a looker, they would not have had reasons to know each

was to win the case; he had no

I

other means. Compared to her documents, they were more legally susceptible. The authorized person asked his assistant to fill out a document

and inked her fingerprint on it accordingly. So,

soon received a

reapply for another one. Now,

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

don’t have to. Instead, Mr.

mentioned that very person. “Aren’t

the situation and quickly corrected it. “Yes, yes. Mr. Tillman is the one you should thank. He asked for my help, but

nodded. “I will thank

demolition payment, which was worth about a million dollars. Her mind

be able to live a better life with

to have the privilege to enjoy such a fortune either.” Never in her wildest dream had she expected herself to be this lucky. Nonetheless, her heart still

her home. She sat in the living room

of a call from Garrett, whom she did not

“Hey, Uncle Garrett.”

yet?” It was an

did not lie to

it?” He was

I have the right to inherit the fortune. Sorry, Uncle Garrett.” She mustered a lot of courage to

it? Ellen Reiss, you greedy brat! You can’t spend all of it on your own! I don’t care. You must

heiress by the law. So… The money belongs to me.” She attempted to reason with

exactly are you, Ellen Reiss? Don’t blame us for doing

but she fought them back. “I’m truly sorry,

to answer them. Other relatives dialed her number in ones and twos, so she simply

decided to crash at someone’s place for

the same time, Olivia received a call

the money and doesn’t have the intention to share! She even mentioned having an

she get

bet she has about a million. That brat is trying to hog everything!” Ire

jealousy. Although it was not a large sum to her, she rendered it ‘too much’ for Ellen, hence

I bet she’ll split

family did not intend to give in just like that. If they claimed their share, each of them would at least have a

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

hiding out at a hotel. When she recalled Lilac and her family’s attitude, anxiety and terror overcame her, for she never knew that her relationship with them would

her phone and suddenly remembered she had to

you that I got back the compensation funds. Next

quickly, ‘You don’t have to thank me. The money is supposed to be

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

she did not dare to turn on her phone because her phone would blow up once

looking for her! Moreover, they found out from Olivia where Ellen was working—the Presgrave Group’s

work these two days because she was on leave and would return

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 tomorrow.

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

for you yesterday. He says he’s

over Ellen’s face. “What did

but he doesn’t have a good attitude. Did you offend

knew where she worked, so Garrett and the others

relatives,” Ellen answered

they? I would’ve thought they came here to settle

she was sitting on pins and

that the Andino siblings had left home. Her lips hooked into

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

here, Ellen,” Garrett called out. He was already in his late forties, yet he did not look like an elder. Instead, he behaved

difficult for you. Just divide the money according to how we discussed it!

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

not out of greed but to defend her

wants to keep all the money to herself.” Garrett’s tone was filled with sarcasm while looking at

better do as we say. Or else, we’ll cause a huge

workplace. You can’t cause a scene

for that, so

to do with you? If you interfere with our matters

her

Ellen agreed to share the money but then changed her mind. How could she do that?” Nicole grabbed Selena and pulled her over to their

so she immediately called security. “Is this security? Some are causing

spoke those words, Garrett dashed over and snatched the phone away from her. His actions were so savage that they startled Ellen,

don’t give us our share of the money, you’ll never

Ellen broke down as tears pooled in her eyes. She felt so weak

happily without uttering anything, wanting to

Nicole grabbed Ellen and ordered, “Ellen,

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

shocked. Yet, the

voice suddenly hollered in the lobby. “Let her go.” That voice sounded cold

them, she looked up and saw Jared approaching her. Instantly, she was surprised and embarrassed—surprised because he came to her rescue and embarrassed

slightly as her mind was blank yet excited at the

she was frantically tidying up her hair and clothes and revealing what she thought was a beautiful and elegant smile, Jared arrived beside Ellen. Then, he glared at Garrett, who was gripping

the receptionists were also shocked. Oh my! Who is the man that came to Ellen’s rescue? Isn’t that

How is this possible? How did

eyeing the young man who had suddenly appeared. Garrett snorted. “Ellen, even if your boyfriend comes to your

just muttered the word ‘he’ when she saw Jared turning to look at her and declare, “Yes, I

not to explain their relationship because he needed an identity to interfere with this matter anyway. Hence, acting

for a few seconds. Then, her heart started

into her palms. She could not believe that Ellen was now Jared’s

announced, “With me here, you will never get to mistreat my

was used to acting unreasonably. For the sake of money, he was not afraid of the young man before

f*cking care who you are, but Ellen has to leave with us.” He was

their relative, she

guards surrounded them, with two standing

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

is standing right before you. If you dare to treat him impolitely, we will throw you out

wits, but when she heard the security’s words, she was so shocked that she could not register what was happening. The president of

few steps back in shock as she dared not stand beside the Andino siblings anymore. She hid at the side and enviously watched Ellen, who was standing before

man she thought she would never meet again suddenly appearing before her, and

they were dumbfounded. What? This

they were terrified by the young

on Garrett’s clothes. “Garrett, let’s head

Jared was not going to let them off so readily and threatened, “The compensation fund belongs to Ellen only, so if I find out whichever one of you tries to take that

share in the compensation. What’s more, we are her

because of money. Do you think you’re worthy of being

in anxiety. In the meantime, she felt sad for herself. After all, who would want to be enemies with their

because of this incident. A human being to another, they did not even treat her like one while fighting for a share of the money. As of now, she

the side, feeling hurt and uncomfortable as she watched Jared protect Ellen by speaking up for her and backing her up. Who am I? Just a speckle

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

beckoned the others. “Get

pathetically dragged toward the door. Garrett yelled while trying to push the security guards away. “Ellen, you b*tch! I will not give up on this. You can’t hide from me

saw her family getting kicked out, she immediately seized the chance and clutched Ellen’s arm. Then,

Hasn’t she always

wanted Uncle Garrett to stop, but he had already slapped you. They are so mean. We’re his family,

mistook as recognizing her. However, she was not

“She’s—”

for saving Ellie, President Presgrave. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known what to do!” Selena’s visage was full of gratitude as she

He’s so handsome.

point, Jared was still holding Ellen’s hand. She finally noticed it and quickly withdrew her wrist, looking at him. “Seriously, are you the

and nodded. “Yes. I’m Jared Presgrave,

who helped me

be her boyfriend. If that’s the case, does that mean I still have a

much.” She thanked him as though she had also