Never Too Far Novel

The charity ball was held on the tenth floor of the event hall in the Royal Hotel, owned by the Manson Group. It was a very high-end party with a lot of influential people attending it.

Since the guest list was so prominent and the event had been decorated so lavishly, all the reporters were also there to cover the news.

Just like the red carpet, the guests’ walkway tonight was worth a watch as well, as they were all commerce giants.

Selena, who saw the scale of the ball, understood that she had come to the right place, thinking that she would get to know a lot of extraordinary people tonight.

Holding onto Charlie’s arm, she entered with him and even posed in front of the cameras. Noticing that they were photographing her, she naturally did not mind showing off to them.

“Wow, Mr. Dune! Tonight’s party is so grand!” Selena commented.

Elated, Charlie replied, “Of course. I’ve already stated how not just anybody can come to this event, after all.”

A short while after they went in, a gray sports car arrived at the entrance. The security was about to open the door for the guest, but suddenly, a bodyguard from the car behind came running up to the security and stopped him. Obviously, the person sitting inside the car was not one that anybody could simply get close to.

The bodyguard opened the door before Jared got out of the car with Ellen, who was a bit stunned. It was then she felt someone flashing lights on her face. Turning around to face the media, she was blinded by the flashes.

Smelling money from the owner of the car, the media naturally did not miss the chance to get a shot at them getting out of the car. Jared reached out and held Ellen’s hand while the media were madly taking pictures of this scene.

What an elegant-looking man and a beautiful woman. The scene of them just standing together makes for a perfect picture from every angle.

Ellen, who could not tolerate the flashing lights, reached out and tried to block the flashes with her hand. It was then Jared extended his arm and brought her closer to his chest, leaving with her and walking to the main hall.

This left the reporters guessing who the handsome man and the woman he was protecting were.

Entering the lobby, with Jared leading the way, Ellen passed through the layers of security and staff, all of whom bowed and treated them respectfully without even asking for a pass. It was as if Jared’s face was the ultimate pass.

Upon entering the elevator, Ellen pulled her sweaty hand away from him, embarrassed.

Jared gently consoled, “You don’t have to be so nervous.”

She couldn’t help it since it was her first time coming to such a grand event. It would be weird if she wasn’t nervous!

Pursing her lips, she smiled and furtively took deep breaths, trying to calm her nerves.

They saw that there was another checkpoint in the hallway to the event hall, but the stern-looking man who was standing there turned around and saw Jared before he quickly came to greet him. “Welcome, Young Master Jared.”

Smiling subtly, Jared reached out his hand, and the man held it with both hands. “Young Master Jared, it is our utmost honor to see you here.”

“You’re too kind.”

Ellen didn’t know how high Jared’s status was in the past. Right then, she could feel how much of a disparity existed between them.

I think I should be the one that has the utmost honor to be able to stand beside him!

As the golden gates of the event hall opened, a large space that could fit five hundred people appeared before them. Adorned with gold everywhere, it looked more like a palace with its dignified aura. This was something that normal people might not even get a glimpse of in their lives.

At that time, it was already quite late, so the event hall was filled with chatter and laughter, for most of the guests had already arrived.

This was why when Jared entered, the sound of the door opening attracted the guests in proximity to turn and take a look, wondering who would be coming at this time. And it was precisely this look that had numerous ladies falling head over heels for the man.

The young ladies nearly fainted at the sight of the man in the gray suit, for he looked just like a Prince Charming in fairy tales. Exuding aura like a royal individual, he had a very elegant disposition and a relaxed expression, making him look very alluring and calm.

Just as Selena turned around with a glass of wine in her hand, she overheard two women talking beside her.

“Wow, who is he?! His looks are out of this world!”

Upon hearing this, Selena focused on the direction of their gaze. Sure enough, she saw Jared at first glance, nearly dropping her wine glass in shock. God has heard my prayers!

Jared really is here, and he’s shaking hands with a senior. Selena felt her heart was about to stop beating, thinking this was her chance.

Yet, just as he finished shaking hands, Jared held another woman’s hand and walked off. It was then Selena noticed the woman, pondering to herself whether that was his girlfriend or not.

Finally, Selena’s jealousy erupted the moment the woman looked in her general direction. Damn it! Why is it her?!

Are you telling me the woman who is accompanying Jared is actually Ellen?! I almost didn’t recognize her!

Still, Selena had to admit that after dressing up, Ellen looked exceptionally stunning, for her figure and looks were top-tier. As Ellen stood alongside Jared, her graceful demeanor was very alluring.

This made Selena even more spiteful. Right now, her heart was in utter disarray.

On the other hand, Ellen did not see her since there were too many women who were dressed to kill, making her unable to take it all in.

Instead, a lot of jealous gazes were thrown at her.

It was then Jared saw a senior walking up to him. He held Ellen’s hand, saying, “Let’s go over and greet someone.”

“Hello, Mr. Malik,” greeted Jared.

“You’re here, Jared! The last time we ate together, it was still in Dansbury!” The senior laughed.

Xavier Malik was the vice president of the Manson Group. Being an influential person in the business world, he contacted Jared’s family quite often, so he was somewhat his senior.

“Indeed, it has been! A few years flashed by just like that!”

“We haven’t even met each other after coming back for so long, haha!” Xavier patted him on the shoulder, also noticing the beauty standing beside him. “Well, your companion sure is stunning!”

“She’s Ellen.” Jared looked at her with a smile.

Observing her from head to toe, Xavier knew that Jared’s companion was not just some nobody. Besides, from Jared’s gaze, he knew that this woman was not just his companion for the night.

If she marries the Presgrave Family, her status would be something else.

Approaching him with another matter in mind, Xavier smiled and said, “Jared, I have a few friends that want to meet you in private.”

Jared nodded before embracing Ellen subtly, whispering gently in her ear, “You can go take a seat there and wait for me. I’ll come back for you soon.”

Then, Jared called out to a waiter and took a glass of juice, handing it to her.

Taking it, Ellen smiled. “Alright. You guys go ahead.”

Selena, who had been watching her all this time, wanted to walk up to her when she passed by a couple of women and overheard one of them talking smugly. “He’s Jared Presgrave, a classmate of mine during elementary school. I didn’t think that I would bump into him here.”

Under the envious gaze of the surrounding ladies, the woman who spoke cast a lovestruck gaze at Jared, who was walking upstairs. “He went abroad during fifth grade all of a sudden, and I didn’t get to see him after that. But I can tell you he was the brightest person in our school.”

“Wow, I’m so jealous of you! You were actually in the same class as him!”

Selena noticed that the woman was, as expected, a typical rich girl. With pretty looks and an elegant demeanor, she was leagues above the women around her.

“Our relationship was very close back then, as he even borrowed things from me. He must still remember me,” the girl said confidently.

“Hm, how about his female companion? Who is she? How come we’ve never seen her before?”

“That’s right! Quite mysterious, I would say.”

Sensing a chance for a plan, Selena smiled and interrupted them. “You’re talking about the female companion of Young Master Jared, right? I know her!”

“You know her? Which prominent family does she hail from?”

“Prominent family? I believe you are all mistaken! She’s not some daughter of a rich family! She’s only an employee that works under the young master. I think she’s an assistant.” Selena had an extremely condescending tone.

“What? Even an assistant like her can enter here?”

“Are you mistaken? She doesn’t look like one.”

“How can I be mistaken? She’s my cousin! I know her the best! Her parents and brother have all passed away, leaving her all alone. Although she isn’t old by any means, she is quite sly. Otherwise, how could she have conquered Young Master Jared?”

“What? That’s the kind of person she is?” One of the women was upset.

If even a woman of such a standing can be Young Master Jared’s partner, then we’re all more than qualified to do so! These women were upset and could not accept this.

All of them thought that they could crush this assistant in front of them. And to think that we speculated she was some mysterious woman from an influential family!

“I heard that you’re the young master’s classmate. I think you’re the most suitable to be his companion tonight,” Selena said to the rich girl.

Her name was Dorothy Joypur. Her family meddled in the furniture industry and was well-known internationally. At that moment, she felt that Selena’s words were right.

“But doesn’t the young master already have her?”

“I have an idea that can make you become his companion tonight,” Selena touted confidently.

“What idea?” Dorothy closed in.

something to her, Dorothy had a surprised look.

I’m Selena Aguirre. How should I address

Dorothy Joypur. If you help me with this, then I’ll treat you as a friend from now on,” said Dorothy, as one needed to be capable to

happen. “Alright. I’ll help you. Also, you’ll need to ask your friends to act

amongst them, said to her friends, “Cooperate with Miss Aguirre later and chase that unsightly woman

companion, so that Dorothy could

on the sofa for not too long, a woman suddenly called out to her,

Ellen was a bit shocked. Selena? Why is

that Ellen was a sitting duck. If the

from me?” Ellen had

Young Master Jared. I didn’t think that you guys had progressed so quickly!

you to comment

others that you’re only an assistant, a bottom feeder, what do you think they would say about you? No matter how lavish the dress you’re wearing is, it cannot hide your meager status.” Selena laughed in

she looked at Selena. “What exactly do

talking about you just now! They all thought that you were some rich girl! But I know your background the best. I can tell them about it

yourself. If you want to, then go tell the whole world!” Finding this

Ellen was to make her leave her seat and walk toward the guests. Just as Ellen took a few steps, Selena suddenly pushed her, making Ellen bump into a woman and spill her juice onto the hem of the

Ellen turned to

crossing her arms, watching as the situation unfolded. “Aren’t

“Are you blind?! Do you know how

didn’t mean

don’t want this dress anymore, so

lips and replied, “It’s only fruit juice, so it can be cleaned. I can help

Pay up, right now.” The

“Miss, she’s my cousin. Could you please be benevolent

want to see her! Otherwise, if she stays here any longer, don’t blame me for acting like

Ellen. “Do you hear that? They don’t want you to compensate them! Just leave! You can tell the young master that you had something

side, was very much looking forward to Selena’s plan working out so that she

next second, the woman took a glass of red wine and was about to splash it onto Ellen. “If you still won’t

frightened Ellen greatly, for her dress was worth a fortune. Besides,

standing here like a fool? Leave now! They’re not ones

look for Jared, but he was nowhere to

to seek help from Young Master Jared? I think you can give up on that.

three seconds to get out of my sight. Otherwise, I’m going to splash this on you and embarrass you.”

cousin leaves, you won’t pursue this matter further?” Selena immediately asked the

then I’ll let this go. Otherwise, don’t blame me for what will

entrance. “Why are you

Ellen rebuked, “Let go

hail from some rich

really that eager to have wine

a step back involuntarily as the girl kept threatening her. “I’m

there. I’m going to count to three. If you’re really not leaving, then you’ll

such circumstances, Ellen pondered that besides leaving, there was no

seeing that Ellen was being stubborn and did not want to leave made her a bit

their

on all sides by these snobbish rich girls, who

being foolish and just leave.” Selena was afraid that Jared might return at any moment, so

the organizer of this event? If not, then

friends, as they

already come to this point, yet you’re

think you don’t want your

But, if you splash that glass of red wine at me, then you’ll have to pay

by this. “It was you who soiled my dress first. Now, I’m just mimicking your actions, so why do I have to reimburse

you won’t be paying me. You’ll be paying him instead,” replied Ellen calmly. Right then, she was livid since she was being bullied by

darkened. “Ellen Reiss, am I right? Do

“I don’t.”

call security over. Now choose: do you want to leave on your own two feet or

lead now, while Ellen

second floor. Jared, holding a glass of red wine in his hand, walked out, wanting to look for Ellen. Yet, he did not think that Ellen would be surrounded by four women when he was about to reach the exit. Although he didn’t know what they were talking

a cold gaze, Jared put down his wine and walked toward the

the event hall, only Ellen was facing the crowd, so when Ellen saw the man cutting through

said to Dorothy, “What if I don’t leave? What

don’t, we’ll teach you a

behavior.” Ellen frowned in

Master Jared. The only partner deserving of him

still feeling smug, not knowing that a person with a terrifying

you know what’s good for you, then make yourself scarce. Otherwise, I’ll be announcing

deserving to be Young Master Jared’s companion. If you still have a brain, then

with her chin at Dorothy, replying, “You know, how about you turn around and ask Young Master Jared that? Does he like the idea of you being his

All at once, Dorothy’s face flushed crimson red. None of them discovered the fact that Jared had been standing behind them all this while,

left her body, quickly

Jared just stood there, motionless and speechless, his chilly aura still informed them that he was very, very

Jared! Do you still remember me? I’m your classmate from elementary school, Dorothy! Dorothy Joypur!” Dorothy immediately leveraged their past relationship to suck Jared up, trying to make him remember her while she

and walked toward Ellen, asking,

over here tried to team up with my cousin to chase me away so that

arm around Ellen, Jared turned around, his sharp, cold gaze sweeping across the four people, and

eyes widened at his

was actually Jared’s girlfriend? She’s not just a female

didn’t expect that they were already a couple.

her to raise her status. Yet, before she finished processing her thoughts, the man held her cheeks and forced

that moment, Ellen felt as if an explosion went

hand, the four women were jealous and embarrassed, for they had to endure Jared kissing another woman right in front of them, showing

of you have the qualification to be

spectacle. She was so embarrassed she wanted to bury her head in the sand

was her idea to chase Miss Reiss away.” One of Dorothy’s friends quickly made Selena the

assistant and that she was her cousin. It was

furiously, matching the color of her bright red dress, making her beautiful dress seem lackluster in

“That’s right. Jared, we didn’t want to bully Miss

who originally wanted to attract his attention. Although she

this matter for the sake of your parents. Now, make yourself scarce.” Upon hearing this, Selena bit her lips before glaring

in a bit of a daze, as the kiss disconnected her

any longer since Jared’s gaze made them feel like they were trash that

Selena left, Dorothy and the others followed suit, unfortunately bumping into her after they went down. Selena was hailing a cab since she didn’t drive to the event. Besides, leading to the hotel was a very long stretch of

by you

had planned on having a good time throughout the night

her heart crack. “I was only

hinted at her friends, who stepped forward and pressed down on both of Selena’s shoulders. Being

was angered to

that cheap dress. I wonder where she rented

actually dared to mock others? We were

really was wealthy, so she had the valet drive her Ferrari out and parked right in front of Selena.

she did not insult them directly. Instead, she waited until

much stronger in this regard

rich enough and not being

the event hall, Ellen was brought upstairs by Jared into a lounge room. Her face was

was as if she did not dare to look into

at the seemingly paralyzed woman sitting on the sofa, Jared had a

you?” He was

looked at him in

was because she was acting like a scared bunny that was

her eyes. “How do

already tasted the fruit-like sweetness from it, making him wonder what would happen if they

as if something was in his head, affecting

bullies you like that next time, don’t hesitate to call me. Not even for a second,” Jared reminded.

protecting her. She remembered that her brother once said something similar, stating to tell him if she ever got bullied and he would rush over at the first

you, President Presgrave.”

now, Ellen asked, “President Presgrave,

replied. But he did not talk about the heart transplant, as he did not want Ellen to know

was something that Jared was not too willing to tell others since he thought that this

must have taken advantage of this relationship to land her a job in Presgrave Group. And that was how she

Thinking he hadn’t been spending much time with Ellen tonight, Jared stood

waved her hands. “But I don’t know how to dance.” About the things that she was not adept at, she was afraid

teach you. It’s easy.” Jared reached out, insisting on dancing

she wanted to dance too, so she

only to see that the dance floor had been prepared, with around ten people dancing. The lights had been dimmed down too. Walking to the

the man steps back while the woman steps forward,

her wrist being held by the man, she held onto the man’s broad

then held her waist with both hands.

foot, yet Jared only held the

rested her head on his chest

this anymore.” Ellen gave up, announcing

fine. Try again.” The man encouraged

slowly tried to match his rhythm. Yet, she noticed the man’s long legs and thought, My word. Jared’s legs

looked up, under the lights, she found that the man never took his eyes off her face. His passionate

Ellen was not a romantic, at this moment, she felt all warm and fuzzy inside, a smile tugging at the

into her from behind, making her hug Jared tightly. Ellen blushed