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

How

as a friend from now on,” said

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

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

as Jared’s companion, so that Dorothy could get close to him

sat on the sofa for not too long, a woman suddenly called out to her, “It’s really

was a bit shocked. Selena? Why is she

Ellen was a sitting duck. If the plan goes well,

from me?” Ellen had a somewhat cold

you came with Young Master Jared. I didn’t think that you guys had progressed so quickly! Ellen, you really know your

you to comment

that every woman here is from a prominent family, right? If I told the others that you’re only an assistant, a bottom feeder, what do you think they would say

slightly flushed face as she looked

But I know your background the best. I can

tell the whole world!” Finding this a bit annoying, Ellen took her glass of juice and stood

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

turned to

watching as the situation unfolded. “Aren’t you going

was soiled shouted, “Are you blind?! Do

I didn’t mean it,” Ellen

you did mean it! Never mind. I don’t want this dress

bit her lips and replied, “It’s only fruit juice,

Pay up, right now.” The

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

must leave the party! I don’t want to see her! Otherwise, if she stays here any longer, don’t blame me for acting

you to compensate them! Just leave! You can tell the young master that you had something

standing by the side, was very much looking forward to Selena’s plan working

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

Besides, she needed to return it, so she took a

are you still standing here like a fool? Leave now! They’re not ones to be trifled with!” Selena was urging her, acting as

up, wanting to look for Jared, but he was

“Trying to seek help from Young Master Jared? I think you can give up on that. He’s talking with his friends in

sight. Otherwise, I’m going to splash this on you and embarrass you.” The woman

you won’t pursue this matter further?”

If she does, then I’ll let this go. Otherwise, don’t blame me for what will happen,” answered the

her in the direction of the entrance. “Why are you still not leaving? Are you going to reimburse

go

immediately retorted, “I’m doing this for your own good! Do you really think you hail from some rich family? This is no place for people like you! Just look

arms and walked over menacingly. “Hm? Why are you still here? Are you really that eager to have wine splashed all over your

involuntarily as

there. I’m going to count to three. If you’re really not leaving, then you’ll be seeing what I’m capable of,”

pondered that besides leaving, there

she did not plan on butting in, but seeing that Ellen was being stubborn and did not want to leave made her a bit anxious. Holding a glass of wine in her hand, she stepped forward. “Miss, I heard

was in cahoots with these people. She realized that their goal

had never been bullied in school before. But right now, she was surrounded on all sides by these snobbish rich

Selena was afraid that Jared might return at any moment, so she started

the organizer of this event? If not,

words stunned Dorothy, Selena, and her three friends,

say that! Things have already come to this point, yet you’re still insisting on staying here!”

want your dress anymore, do

if you splash that glass of red wine at

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

then 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 Selena and the others for no reason at all. Just

Reiss, am I

“I don’t.”

of all, my father is good friends with the organizer of this event. So, I have the right to make you leave. Otherwise, I’ll call security over. Now choose: do you want to leave on your own two feet or be forcefully dragged out by the security?” Dorothy took advantage

since Dorothy was taking the lead now, while Ellen was like a

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

down his wine

and her cronies’ backs facing the event hall, only Ellen was facing the crowd, so when Ellen saw the man cutting through the

said to Dorothy, “What if

don’t, we’ll teach you a lesson

Ellen frowned

all because you’re monopolizing Young Master Jared. The only partner deserving of him is Miss Dorothy herself,” stated the woman in the soiled

not knowing that a person with a terrifying aura was standing behind

yourself scarce. Otherwise,

If you still

Jared heard all this, Ellen pointed with her chin at Dorothy, replying, “You know, how about you turn around and ask Young Master

seconds, they turned around in panic. All at once, Dorothy’s face flushed crimson red. None of them discovered the fact that Jared had been standing behind them all

body, quickly

there, motionless and speechless, his chilly aura still informed them that he was

leveraged their past relationship

Jared ignored her and walked toward Ellen, asking,

here tried to team up with my cousin to chase me away so that she could become your partner for tonight,”

turned around, his sharp, cold gaze sweeping across the four people, and asked, “Who gave

women’s eyes widened at his words. Girl…

actually Jared’s girlfriend? She’s

Selena didn’t expect that they were already a

before she finished processing her thoughts, the man

as if an explosion

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

have the qualification

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

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

Reiss is an assistant and that she was her cousin. It was her idea

furiously, matching the color of her bright red

didn’t want to bully Miss

to attract his attention. Although she had successfully done so, it was rage that was

scarce.” Upon hearing this, Selena bit her lips before glaring at Ellen. Not thick-skinned enough to

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

any longer since Jared’s gaze

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

were ruined by

two were the same because they had planned on having a good time throughout the night at the venue. Now, because of Selena’s plans, they had no choice

her heart crack. “I was only helping you guys.

her friends, who stepped forward and pressed down on both of Selena’s shoulders. Being a hot-headed person, she slapped Selena without saying anything. “This is what

Holding her cheek, Selena was angered to the point of

at that cheap dress. I wonder where she rented it

others? We were being angelic when

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

influence, she did not insult them directly. Instead, she waited until Dorothy drove away

Ellen was much stronger

breakdown and screamed, nearly going crazy. Suddenly, she hated her parents for not being rich enough and not being able to provide

a lounge room. Her face was still a bit flushed under the lights, and she did not look at him

not dare to

at the seemingly paralyzed woman sitting on the sofa, Jared

eat you?” He was holding a

him in embarrassment. “Thanks

me?” the man teased. It was because she was acting like a scared bunny that was

red lips, Ellen blinked her eyes. “How do you want me

already tasted the fruit-like sweetness from it, making him wonder what

so unsatisfying. It was as if something

like that next time, don’t hesitate to call me. Not even for a second,” Jared reminded. “No

protecting her. She remembered that her brother once said something

you, President

now, Ellen asked, “President Presgrave,

past, my family has always been thankful to them,” Jared replied. But he did not talk about

was not too willing to tell others since he thought that

advantage of this relationship to land her a job in Presgrave Group. And that was

playing downstairs. Thinking he hadn’t been spending much time with Ellen tonight, Jared stood up and

“But I don’t know how to dance.” About the things that she was

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

to dance too, so she placed her hand in his, allowing him to take the

floor had been prepared, with around ten people dancing. The lights had been dimmed down too.

steps. It seems easy enough. It’s just that the man steps back while the woman steps forward, and vice-versa. I

the man,

waist with

she accidentally stepped on his foot, yet Jared only held the

Ellen stepped on his foot again. She rested

Ellen gave up, announcing that she

fine. Try again.” The man

watched their footsteps and slowly tried to match his rhythm. Yet, she noticed the man’s long legs and thought,

the lights, she found that the man never took his eyes off her face. His passionate gaze was akin to the

a romantic, at this moment, she felt all warm and fuzzy inside, a smile tugging at the corner of

her hug Jared tightly. Ellen blushed furiously, but due to the dim