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.

to her, Dorothy had a surprised look.

Aguirre. How should

from now

was all but too willing to make this friendship happen. “Alright. I’ll help you.

said to her friends, “Cooperate with Miss Aguirre

to chase Ellen away, vacating a space as Jared’s companion, so that Dorothy could get close

sofa for not too long, a woman suddenly called

Ellen was a bit shocked. Selena? Why

upstairs, so she knew that Ellen was a sitting duck. If the plan goes well, she’ll be

you want from me?” Ellen had a somewhat

saw that you came with Young Master Jared. I didn’t

to comment on my

I told the 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.”

flushed face as she

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 right now,

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

stood up as well, for her objective of insulting 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

turned to look at

was crossing her arms, watching as the situation unfolded. “Aren’t you going to apologize for soiling the

dress was soiled shouted, “Are you blind?! Do you

didn’t mean it,” Ellen

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

expression changed. She bit her lips and replied, “It’s only fruit juice, so it can

now.” The woman was

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

she must leave the party! I don’t want to see her! Otherwise, if

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

forward to Selena’s plan working out so that

Selena hinted at the woman with her eyes. The next second, the woman took a glass of red wine and

dress was worth a fortune. Besides, she

you still standing here like a fool? Leave now! They’re not ones to be trifled with!”

up, wanting to look for Jared, but

smirked. “Trying to seek help from Young Master Jared? I think you can

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

that once my cousin leaves, you won’t

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

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

“Let go

good! Do you really think you hail from

for the woman whose dress got soiled, she crossed her arms and walked over menacingly. “Hm? Why are you still here? Are you really that eager to have wine splashed all over your face?” She then took a glass of red

expression, Ellen took a step back involuntarily as

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

that besides leaving, there was no other option left

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 that

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

was surrounded on all sides by these snobbish rich girls, who were using their

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

why should I leave? Are any one of you the organizer of this event? If not, then you don’t have the right to

stunned Dorothy, Selena, and her three friends, as they never

how thick-skinned do you have to be to say that! Things have already come to this point, yet you’re

you don’t want your dress

don’t want my dress anymore. But, if you splash that glass of red wine at

was you who soiled my dress

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 because

“Ellen Reiss, am I right? Do you know who I

“I don’t.”

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

now, while Ellen was like a lone soldier

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

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

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

we’ll teach you a

behavior.” Ellen

partner deserving of him is Miss

knowing that a person with a terrifying

you, then make yourself

Young Master Jared’s companion. If you still have

Dorothy, replying, “You know, how about you turn around and

Dorothy’s face flushed crimson red. None of them discovered the fact that Jared had been

body,

just stood there, motionless and speechless, his chilly aura

I’m your classmate from elementary school, Dorothy! Dorothy Joypur!” Dorothy immediately leveraged their past

ignored her and walked toward Ellen, asking, “What

tried to team up with my cousin to chase me away

around, his sharp, cold gaze sweeping across the four people, and

four women’s eyes widened at his words. Girl…

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

they were already a couple. How did

raise her status. Yet, before she finished processing her thoughts, the man held

Ellen felt as if an

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

none of you have the qualification to be

Dorothy’s face was both pale and flushed, making it quite an interesting spectacle. She was so embarrassed she wanted to bury her head in

nothing to do with us! It was her idea to chase Miss Reiss away.” One

and that she was her cousin. It was her idea to make us chase her

blushed furiously, matching the color of her bright red dress, making her beautiful

want to bully

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

yourself scarce.” Upon hearing this, Selena bit her lips before glaring at Ellen. Not thick-skinned enough to continue staying in the venue, she left for the

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

since Jared’s gaze made

was hailing a cab since she didn’t drive to the

ruined by you tonight!” Dorothy

having a good time throughout the night at the venue. Now,

“I was only helping

down on both of Selena’s shoulders. Being a hot-headed person, she slapped Selena

her cheek, Selena was angered to the point of

cheap dress. I wonder where she

We

valet drive her Ferrari out and parked right in front of

Selena was afraid of Dorothy’s money and influence, she did not insult them directly. Instead, she waited until Dorothy drove away

much stronger

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

upstairs by Jared into a lounge room. Her face was still a bit flushed

did not dare to

on the sofa, Jared

that I’ll eat you?” He was holding a glass of red wine,

in embarrassment. “Thanks for

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

Ellen blinked her eyes.

was just a quick kiss, he had already tasted the fruit-like sweetness from it, making him wonder what would happen if

was so unsatisfying. It was as if something

don’t hesitate to call me. Not even for a second,” Jared reminded. “No matter what I’m doing, I’ll put down everything and

protecting her. She remembered that her brother once said something

you, President

Ellen asked, “President

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

not too willing to tell others since he thought

thinking Connor must have taken advantage of this relationship to land her a job in Presgrave Group. And that

then the music started playing downstairs. Thinking he hadn’t been spending much time with Ellen tonight, Jared stood up and suggested, “Come on. Let’s have a

this, Ellen quickly waved her hands. “But I don’t know how to dance.” About the things

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

dance too, so she placed her hand

ten people dancing. The lights had been dimmed down too. Walking to the edge of the dance floor, they noticed that a lot of couples had already

the woman steps forward, and vice-versa. I think it’s just to create a romantic atmosphere since I don’t see anybody really

wrist being held by the man, she held onto

man then held her waist with both hands. “Follow my

his foot, yet Jared only

She rested her head on his

want to do this anymore.” Ellen gave up,

fine. Try again.” The

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

that the man never took his eyes off her face. His passionate gaze was akin to the universe, capable of making one lose

not a romantic, at this moment, she felt all warm and fuzzy inside, a

from behind, making her hug Jared tightly. Ellen blushed furiously, but due