Never Too Far Novel

“Goodness! He is so handsome!”

“He must be buying it for his girlfriend!”

It turned out that two young ladies were secretly admiring Jared from a distance while they gossiped about him. At the same time, both of them couldn’t help but envy the lady whom Jared was buying the sanitary pads for.

Meanwhile, Jared appeared to be crouching down while looking closely at every single product to find the brand that Ellen sent him earlier without feeling uncomfortable at all. After that, he took two of every product that Ellen told him to buy and headed to the counter for payment. Then, he made his way back home as quickly as he could, unwilling to keep Ellen waiting for too long.

On the other hand, Ellen was sitting on the couch restlessly as if she had needles in her pants. At the same time, she had to use tissues as a substitute for a sanitary pad until someone opened the door and entered the place. Then, she quickly grabbed what she needed from Jared and rushed into the bedroom.

When she was finally able to heave a sigh of relief, she saw the man already waiting for her by the bathroom door. At the sight of Jared’s presence, the lady blushed in her cheeks, for it was her first time letting a man buy menstrual products for her. The next moment, Jared took Ellen to the couch and poured her a glass of warm water, which she happily took with her hands as if she no longer felt the pain with his love and care.

Later that night, Ellen went to sleep with her arms wrapped around Jared; that was the only way she felt secure and comfortably warm. When she opened her eyes the next morning, the man who lay beside her was already gone, only leaving a note behind. ‘Good morning, babe. I need to head down to the office first, but don’t worry. Someone will prepare you breakfast. Be sure to rest well.”

Ellen was stunned when she saw the note. She then got off her bed and stepped out of the bedroom, only to see a middle-aged woman cooking in the kitchen.

“Miss Reiss, I just made you some chowder and chicken soup. Would you like to have them now?”

“Um, who might you be?” Ellen asked.

“You may call me Felicia. I’ll be responsible for your meals and all the house chores from now on. Mr. Presgrave wants you to have enough rest.”

“Alright, thank you.” Ellen nodded as she was indeed hungry.

…

Meanwhile, an intense meeting was going on at Presgrave Corporation about a company that was on the brink of bankruptcy despite having a history of over a hundred years old in Xaswela. While its bankruptcy drew the attention of all huge corporations across the world, Presgrave Corporation was no exception at all. In fact, they wanted a piece of what was left of the company, so they were especially ambitious in acquiring the company.

Therefore, they came up with a meticulous plan to go about their acquisition, only to be caught off guard by a huge rival from Hogland. Thus, the people from Presgrave Corporation’s procurement department quickly found themselves in a tight spot, where they needed a quick solution to resolve their problem.

As soon as the meeting was over, Jared heard his phone ringing on the table. “Hello?” he said after answering it.

“Hello, Mr. Presgrave. My name is Hannie Quins, and I’m the person in charge of running the Quins Group. Thus, I would like to make a proposition with you on behalf of my family. When would you be free to meet up?” The young lady’s sweet voice sounded soothing, but her speech was not fluent.

Jared knitted his eyebrows, thinking it wasn’t appropriate for him to see Hannie due to their conflicting positions. “I’m sorry, Miss Quins. I don’t see a reason for us to meet up.”

“I’m sincere with my invitation, Mr. Presgrave. We may not meet today, but I’m sure we will someday. Actually, I’m more interested in you personally, so see you again soon.” Hannie hung up the call as soon as she finished her words.

Meanwhile, Jared put down his phone and went through the details that were left on his desk. When he flipped to the third page, he saw a rough introduction about the family members behind the Quins Group and set his eyes on a face under the third generation of the family tree.

It turned out that he had his eyes glued on the eldest child of the family behind the Quins Group, which was none other than Hannie, a lady who looked decently stunning in her looks and aura. Nevertheless, Jared only closed his eyes helplessly, feeling somewhat numb to the women who warmed up to him with an ulterior motive.

As he was no stranger to such circumstances, he didn’t feel surprised after receiving Hannie’s call at all. Instead, he was disgusted by her attempt to warm up to him.

In the meantime, a lady was wearing a long skirt by the window in a hotel’s presidential suite in the center of the city, keeping her ambitious eyes fixed on the building of Presgrave Corporation like a huntress spying on her prey.

A smile tugged on the lady’s red lips as she held a glass of red wine in her hand. When she unlocked her phone, it displayed a photo of Jared. It was the perfect airport photo, showcasing his handsome and captivating image.

Just then, her phone rang, and she glanced at it before answering the call. It was her father speaking in Hoglandish. “Hello, Dad.”

“Are you sure about this? I’m feeling a lot of pressure from your grandfather’s side.”

“Dad, trust me. My goal isn’t to take down that company. I just want to get close to Mr. Presgrave using this way. Don’t you want a son-in-law who is rich and powerful? He possesses all the qualities that I desire. I want to attract him.” The lady’s voice was filled with confidence as if capturing Jared’s heart was an absolute certainty.

“Alright, I’ll give you six months, and you can use the company’s resources to approach him.”

“Dad, if I don’t win him over, how is Grandpa going to give you the inheritance rights? Uncle Owen has already gained Grandpa’s favor. With Grandpa’s health failing, he could pass away at any time. I must fight for your inheritance rights while Grandpa is still alive,” Hannie firmly declared since marrying Jared was the best way to prove herself.

“Alright. I’m counting on you now.”

After Hannie hung up the phone, her assistant pushed the door open and walked in, holding the latest set of airport photos. “Miss Quins, this was just taken by our people.”

When Hannie took the photos and saw the photo of Jared holding hands with a young girl, her eyes narrowed a little.

“It seems that Mr. Presgrave has a girlfriend.”

“So what? I won’t let her get in my way. Compared to her, I have the upper hand.” Her eyes brimmed with confidence.

“Indeed, you’re not any less pretty than her. You will surely win him over.”

Hannie put down the photos, her eyes flashing with ambition and cunningness. Judging from how she was using her family’s power to compete in the acquisition, it was clear that she was serious about this. She was not just playing around. Therefore, no one could stop her. “Investigate her background. I want to know who she is,” she ordered.

…

On the other hand, Ellen had plenty of free time, so she spent the day learning how to cook from Felicia, trying to acquire a skill.

However, Jared had a social engagement tonight and said he would be coming home late. As such, she enjoyed her dinner alone, and Wanda left at 8.00PM after cleaning up.

Then, she waited for him on the balcony, looking out at the sea of lights outside. Although she was alone in such a large home, her heart was warm and full. This was because she knew that no matter how late it was, he would come back to her side. Sometimes, waiting was a happy thing for her.

Finally, around 9.30PM, the sound of the door opening came from outside. Hearing that, she quickly got up from the balcony and went to welcome him.

The man who came back had a slightly red face and a faint smell of alcohol on him. While feeling sorry for him, she hugged him and asked, “Are you tired?”

Jared hugged her waist and kissed her forehead affectionately. “Not anymore the moment I see you.”

In fact, Ellen could feel that he was under a lot of work pressure, but he never discussed work in front of her. How can he not be tired when he’s managing such a huge business empire? Yet, she could do very little, which made her feel rather guilty.

“I’ll take a shower, and then I’ll be with you.” Jared didn’t want to accompany her with the smell of alcohol on him for fear of affecting her.

He went to the bathroom, leaving his clothes on the couch. While hanging up his clothes, she noticed that there was a message notification on his phone. She reached for the phone and just wanted to take a glance, but when she swiped the screen, it unlocked at once.

A message then came into her sight. ‘Good evening, Mr. Presgrave. Would you like to go out for a drink tonight?’

The tone of the message sounded like it was from a girl. Startled, she placed the phone on the table and hung up his suit on the hanger.

However, the phone beeped again just as she returned to the couch. When she heard that, she wondered if it was the same girl from earlier.

Ellen reached out her hand and picked up Jared’s phone for another glance. Sure enough, a message with a somewhat sad tone came in. ‘Mr. Presgrave, I came from another country to invite you for a drink. Don’t you feel sorry for ignoring me like this?”

After reading the message, she felt her heart wrench a little. This girl is pursuing Jared so aggressively. Who is she?

When Jared came out of the shower, she was watching TV, so he approached her with some moisture on his body and pulled her into his arms. The fresh scent of the shampoo mixed with his masculine scent was enticing.

“Piggy,” he called her nickname as he kissed her.

However, she could only look at him apologetically. “I accidentally saw a message from a girl on your phone. She seems to be flirting with you. Do you want to explain?”

Startled, he quickly took his phone, and after reading the two messages, his expression became serious. “Her name is Hannie Quins, and she’s the successor of a competing company. There’s no need to pay attention to her.”

“It seems like she’s interested in you.” Ellen blinked.

At that moment, Jared lowered his head and rubbed his chin against her cheek affectionately. “The only woman in this world who interests me is you.”

When she heard that, her heart melted, and the hint of jealousy that had just arisen in her disappeared upon his gentle and firm gaze. “I believe you.” She snuggled into his arms. He’s the person I trust the most in this world.

“No matter what you see or hear, don’t be pissed first. I will explain everything to you,” he said as he stroked her head. Although he couldn’t control those outsiders, he knew that his heart would always firmly love her.

Warmth filled Ellen’s eyes as she nodded again. Suddenly, she hissed in pain as her lower abdomen ached again.

Immediately, Jared placed his warm palm on her lower abdomen, using his temperature to relieve her pain. His large palm was more effective than a heating pad.

After a while, she felt much better.

“It’s late already. Let’s go to bed.” After saying that, Jared reached out his hands and carried her with ease. “You’re too skinny. You need to eat more at home during this time.”

Ellen protested, saying, “No, I want to lose weight.”

allowed to lose any more weight!” he commanded

into his arms. “Are you going

Jared didn’t

him and said, “I’ll eat

placed her on the bed, a strong sense of

held in Averna, and Jared was planning to take Ellen there for

same time, Hannie had also received an invitation. Although she was not in her home country, her influence

she could even become his dance partner! Growing up with too much confidence, she believed that winning over a

at a dress shop under the protection of Jared’s bodyguards, and the entire store was

over a year had passed since they last met. She

aura; there was a calm and delicate look in her eyes.

refreshing aura that had a healing effect. She was the type that would be loved by both men and women, making people naturally

way, Miss Reiss.” The store manager led her

her to the second floor, and the store manager recommended the latest evening gowns. She believed that Ellen had her own eye for

green evening gown

this evening gown perfectly suited her. When she tried it

have such great taste, Miss Reiss. This evening gown suits you so

Ellen. It appeared elegant at first glance, yet

in a green evening gown that seemed to embody the

feel like he was falling in love for the first time, no matter when he

it beautiful?” Ellen gently twirled the hem of her dress before him,

knew his

in a gold evening gown that

at the thought of meeting Jared tonight, even though she knew

bones—she loved taking what

she looked at his photo on

banquet began at 6.30PM. Averna was exceptionally lively tonight as the wealthy and powerful gathered at

list was strict and exclusive, accepting only those who were exceptional and truly deserving of an invitation.

the bodyguards behind the black car

security guards knew the people in the car were VIPs and obediently took a

in suit pants stepping out of the car before it was followed by a young man who was exceptionally handsome under the light, exuding a graceful and noble aura

car to lead a girl wearing a green gown out of the

so pretty! The security guards could only take a quick glance before lowering their eyes. The girls who came tonight were all beautiful, but this one was particularly

of the guests as she confidently waved at the camera. Throughout the year

a chess

he might have hindered her growth instead of helping her. Only by breaking away from the people who supported her could she truly grow

affectionately, and he even tidied up

had really grown up and

500 people. The stars were shining brightly tonight, and the air was filled with the fragrance of red wine and luxury.

Master Tillman, this way please.” The waiter led them to a sofa exclusive

waiter and handed a glass of

locked her eyes on the man sitting elegantly on the couch. Her gaze showed a hint

native language, “Not bad. I wasn’t expecting such

interesting. The stronger

find a strong husband for her father’s inheritance. Since her father had no sons and only one

bring back an influential son-in-law to the family, she could secure her father’s inheritance, and Jared was

offer you another drink?” A young man beside her tried to please Hannie, who was known as Hogland’s first

Hannie was not coming for them. “No, thank you. I need to greet other guests,” she said as she picked up her red wine and headed toward

by step, Ellen quickly noticed her. This young girl emitted an aggressive aura, which forced

Good evening,” Hannie greeted

on her, and he narrowed his eyes slightly. He asked in a cold voice, “Who

on the

had an icy expression, and

thought that

cleverly, not realizing how she had offended Jared. She only wanted to

cautious than before. “Don’t

just like the text messages she sent last

for and protect

encountering such a situation as Jared’s girlfriend could be frustrating and annoying, Ellen realized that she couldn’t avoid it. Instead, she needed to face it head-on and

“I can tell that

felt relieved and touched. The feeling of being trusted was worth

meet some

heart skipped a beat; this meant that he would

They were friends of his father and had worked under

tell that a man introducing someone in this situation would usually introduce

She is

heard that name before?” Madam Hurney exclaimed in surprise, her eyes fixed on Ellen.

and

husband really admires you! He’s your loyal fan, and I also like you so much.” Madam Hurney gushed with admiration, which left Elle a little embarrassed by the

your kind words,” Ellen

to see such an excellent girlfriend,” Madam Hurney praised,

you are absolutely right. Meeting Ellen is the greatest blessing of my

final game. I was

right. Everyone around me speaks highly

you hold your wedding, we’ll definitely be

taken aback by the newfound attention from the elite. While thinking about

the esteemed elders alongside Jared. Hannie was surprised to see the warm welcome that Ellen

many people would put on a show, but the affection Ellen received from the elderly was real, and it caught Hannie’s attention. She was unwilling to lose to this ordinary girl. Hannie had investigated

missed a recent piece of news as

due to having too much juice. She noticed Jared and the elders were still chatting, so she whispered, “I’m going to the

you want me to come with you?” Jared asked

with such a thing. “You can chat with

Ellen walked toward the restroom. Meanwhile, Hannie saw this as an

but at that moment, someone approached her.

Reiss!” Hannie greeted

turned to her and

learned English because I like your country,” Hannie said

From the news she had seen in the past, she had some understanding of this family and was surprised to

heard of

“Yes.” Ellen nodded.

can we

you, Miss Quins. Sorry.” Ellen didn’t

I’m here to collaborate with Jared,” Hannie said

but she

“Miss Reiss, I really like Jared and want to date him.

lightly and said, “Why should I feel

this, Ellen would panic. After all, her identity

be with me?” Hannie directly offered money

was only dating Jared. Thus, she quoted a price of one billion, hoping

money has nothing to do with me, and I don’t need it even if I’m poor. Also, he is my boyfriend. I’d

an ordinary girl. Are you overestimating your own charm?” Hannie mocked with

point in talking with her and

of competing with me,” Hannie threatened with unprecedented confidence as if she had already won

think that

her eyes; it was clear that these were tricks she had honed through her experience in her social circles, but they were

to the banquet hall, where Jared was waiting for her in the corridor outside the restroom. He

dinner yet, and since there was a buffet

at the restaurant, sporting her usual exaggerated expressions as she attempted to showcase

and her to bump into the table.

“Don’t play

Tillman has noticed me!” Hannie said shamelessly as she

side and felt anger brewing

to them, eating and staring at him

man, a girl like Hannie would’ve easily won him

on Hannie’s face to let her

feeling extremely annoyed. He was

to

can you get me a glass of juice?” Ellen

a drink on her table, Jared still got up and went to get her

Ellen, Hannie naturally walked through the aisle

gaze was already fixed on him. A pair of legs stretched

late because she had

crawled up in pain

my fault you don’t pay attention when you walk. Why

you.” She knew that Ellen