Never Too Far Novel

“Thank you, Ethan.” Deep down, Josephine was touched by his gesture. I feel like he’s investing in the company for me.

“There’s no need to thank me. It’s always been your dream, no? And I’m glad I can make your dream come true,” answered Ethan in a low voice. That’s why I threw a lot of money in. I want her to be happy.

“How can I repay you?” Josephine bit her lip. Ethan has been a big help. I can’t just take advantage of him after he helps me with many things. A simple ‘thank you’ isn’t enough to express my gratitude.

“It’s not a big deal. I’m happy to help, really.” Ethan insisted on not taking anything from her.

However, Josephine still planned on giving him something in return. I can’t take it for granted.

…

Josephine smiled. “I don’t need anything.”

“I heard that you have been interested in the position of a news anchor. Since you’re excelling in your job and also studied broadcast communication back in university, I don’t see a problem in promoting you to a news anchor. It’s my fault for overlooking an employee as excellent as you and wasting your talents,” Atticus said.

Josephine let out a strained chuckle.

When the assistant returned to her office, she called Katrina out of spite. When the call connected, she cut to the chase. “Can you believe it, Kat? A while ago, Mr. Kowalski asked me to prepare the best tea we have for his guest. I thought he was seeing someone important, but it turned out to be Josephine. I don’t understand why she has gotten so lucky to the degree that even Mr. Kowalski has to grovel at her!”

“What? Is Josephine in a meeting with Atticus?” Katrina asked nervously.

“Yes. I think they’re talking about work. Anyway, I don’t think anybody can ever match her status in the company from this moment on.”

“I’ll be right there.” With that, Katrina hung up the phone.

Soon, she showed up in the corridor and arrived at the door of Atticus’ office. Due to her experience in eavesdropping, she was aware that she could open the door without alerting anyone in the office if she pressed the door handle hard.

As the assistant kept watch for her, she quietly pushed the door open and listened in to the ongoing conversation in the office.

Meanwhile, Atticus was offering Josephine a promotion to become a news anchor. He insisted on his offer. “Josephine, let’s do it this way—you take up Ain’s position first. I’ll assign her another job when she returns.”

“Is that really okay?” Josephine hesitated as she mused to herself, I’m just filling the vacancy when Ain is not around. It’s two years at most. After all, Ain needs such a long time to recover.

“There’s nothing wrong about it. I’m the director here. It’s up to me to decide whom I want to promote. Besides, you’re Mr. Quarles’ girlfriend. I can’t possibly allow you to remain a reporter and have you experience the bad weather. Mr. Quarles won’t like it,” Atticus explained.

Katrina was boiling in anger when she heard such words from Atticus. I’ve had enough! At that, she pushed the door open and stormed inside. “Atticus, that’s not fair! I’m not bad myself, aren’t I? I can also handle the position!”

Katrina didn’t bother to tone down her anger.

The commotion took Josephine aback. Has Katrina been eavesdropping this whole time?

Katrina turned to Josephine without warning and accused, “Josephine, do you have no shame at all? You can’t accept Atticus’ offer!”

“Why not? I believe that I’m competent,” Josephine arched her brows and countered.

“Hmph! You’re not the only competent person in the company. Others are also capable of taking this position.” Katrina huffed. “It’s just not fair to the others! What’s so special about her that you’re letting her take the job? Atticus, you promised me the same!”

“Don’t be ridiculous, Kat. We’re at work. It’s about business.” Atticus pulled a long face. Katrina had always been a nuisance to him.

“It’s unfair! I suggest going through an interview and a test. She has to do the same and pass if you want me to let the matter drop. Or else I’ll make it known among the employees.” Katrina refused to back down.

Josephine turned to Atticus. “I agree with her, Mr. Kowalski. We’ll do it fair and square.”

After that, Josephine rose from her seat and took her leave. Katrina followed suit and caught up with her, sneering, “Josephine, do you really think you can do whatever you want just because you have a big shot like Mr. Quarles to back you up?”

The accusation took Josephine aback, and she turned around to explain, “I won’t bring my personal life to work, or the other way around. I know the difference.”

“You would’ve accepted Atticus’ offer to promote you if I didn’t stop both of you in time, no?” Katrina crossed her arms, pleased to have sabotaged Josephine’s promotion.

“Honestly, I agree with you on this matter. We’ll do it fair and square,” Josephine answered calmly.

“Hmph! Are you really expecting me to believe it?”

“Suit yourself.” Josephine didn’t bother to explain further.

Since there was nobody around, Katrina shot Josephine a bold question. “Just how did you manage to wrap Mr. Quarles around your finger? You must’ve done something! Did you sleep with each other?”

Josephine exhaled. She could feel the irritation inside her grow. She turned around, not holding back the bite in her tone. “It doesn’t concern you.”

Katrina paused for a moment before she retorted, “Looks like I’m right. You’ve got to the home base.”

Josephine lost her patience, so she didn’t bother to reply. Meanwhile, a jealous Katrina was glaring at Josephine so hard that her eyes reddened. Ethan has a tall and strong body that rivals a model. Other men are no match for him. I would do the same if I were in her shoes. Sleeping with Ethan is something to boast about for the rest of my life. All I need to do is wait for Ethan to get tired of Josephine. At that time, it would be my turn.

Josephine returned to the office, but she heard the discussion going on around her. Most of the staff were envious and amazed. After all, Josephine was invisible around the company most of the time, so it was quite a feat that she knew the largest shareholder.

Besides, many women worked in the TV station, and most of them were beautiful. The broadcasters and news anchors, each with their own beauty, were the station’s image. How did a reporter like Josephine wrap the largest shareholder around her finger?

Meanwhile, a gorgeous woman walked into Atticus’ office, her purse in hand.

Atticus greeted her, “You’re early, Tori. I thought we were meeting up in the afternoon.”

Tori cut to the chase with her arms crossed, “Mr. Kowalski, I heard that there’s a replacement for the company’s largest shareholder. Why didn’t you tell me about that? Will you ever introduce me to him?”

“Oh! You’re talking about Mr. Quarles, I presume?”

“I heard that not only is he young and handsome, but he’s also wealthy. You should’ve introduced me to such a good man!” Even though Tori was smiling, she couldn’t hide the resentment in her expression.

Atticus didn’t need more words to understand Tori’s motives. She was a famous news anchor in the industry. Besides, she was also young and single. She had been dating some rich men before, but all her relationships ended up in a breakup.

Now that she was single, she was looking for her next target.

“Sure, I’ll arrange a meal with you and Mr. Quarles. It’s time to introduce our best television anchor to him.” Atticus didn’t dare outright reject Tori. After all, he spent a fortune to poach her. Furthermore, she was a well-known figure in the field.

“Mr. Kowalski, how did the reporter girl Josephine meet Mr. Quarles?” The same question was bugging Tori. This Josephine is quite something. She’s a step ahead of all the women out there!

“I’m not sure, but I guess they’ve known each other for a long time. After all, Josephine’s grandfather is quite famous in political circles. It’s natural if she knows all the big shots.”

His words convinced Tori. However, her face was filled with confidence as she decided to compete with Josephine for Ethan’s attention. She happened to come across the pictures in the group chat the other day. The pictures that captured Ethan’s face and body stunned her. Besides, the way he gave Josephine a Ferrari as a gift also surprised Tori. The most expensive gifts Tori had ever received were designer bags, but Josephine surpassed her achievement in a split second by receiving a sports car as a gift.

Previously, Tori was on a study trip outside the company and only returned this morning. I can’t believe I missed all the drama!

“All right, Mr. Kowalski. I hold you to your word about the meal between the three of us. I’m looking forward to getting to know Mr. Quarles better.”

With that, Tori left the office. Just when she started to make her way back to her office, she changed her mind and took a detour into the elevator. She pressed the button to the level where Josephine’s office was located. I wonder what Josephine looks like.

Meanwhile, Josephine was seated at her desk in the office. She was enjoying a cup of coffee while talking to Wren. The moment Tori stepped into the office, she caught the attention of a group of male workers. Walking around the office, she searched for a specific person until a nameplate came into view. Then, she raised her head and studied the face of the nameplate’s owner.

She indeed looks pretty. She could’ve become prettier if she paid attention to her appearance. However, nobody in the TV station can ever steal the spot of the company’s beauty queen from me!

“Miss Alford, are you looking for someone?” An assistant approached her.

“No, I’m not looking for anyone. I’m just walking around. Don’t let me keep you. You should return to work.” At that, Tori cast Josephine one last glance before turning on her heel and leaving.

After dealing with all the tasks at hand, Josephine was eagerly anticipating the arrival of the evening and meeting with Ethan. She couldn’t wait to see him after getting off work.

However, she planned to go home and see her mother as well. I need to tell Mom.

Josephine decided to ask, “Wren, can I bother you for a minute?”

“What is it? What can I help you with?”

“I’m calling my mother to tell her that I’m staying at your place for work purposes over the next week. I need you to cover up for me.” At the end of her sentence, Josephine was already blushing.

Since Wren also had a boyfriend, she could understand the reason for Josephine asking for help. Therefore, she kindly agreed to help Josephine. “Sure. Call her. I’ll cover up for you.”

The pair headed to the pantry before Josephine dialed her mother’s number.

“Hello, Joey! Are you coming home tonight or are you working late today?”

“I haven’t finished my work. Mom, here’s the thing—I also need to stay at my colleague’s place over the next week. I’ll go home later and grab a few things before leaving for her place.”

At that moment, Wren took the phone and enthusiastically greeted Heidi, “Hello, Mrs. Jacobson. I’m Wren. Lately, we are working on summarizing an important work report, so we have to work together.”

“Oh! It’s you, Wren. Thanks for having Joey over. I’m counting on you to take care of her.” Heidi was instantly convinced by Wren’s words.

“Rest assured, Mrs. Jacobson. I’ll take good care of her!” Wren promised.

Josephine eventually took the phone back. “I have to go, Mom. I’ll go home and pick up some clothes later.”

“I’m not at home at the moment. You don’t need to wait for me.”

“All right, Mom.”

After Josephine hung up the phone, Wren couldn’t help but lean in and whisper, “Joey, did you move in with Mr. Quarles?”

to Josephine’s face. A

to be careful with such a

it isn’t destined to be mine, I can’t bend it

lot of admirers in our company, not to mention

their conversation short. She glanced at the screen.

answer it. I won’t keep you any longer.”

answered the call in a

be there in ten minutes. You can get ready now.” Ethan’s magnetic voice reached her

response. “All right. See you in ten

after grabbing her belongings. Since she made her relationship with Ethan public, she saw no

a long wait as the distant roar of the sports car’s

in the

she was told and informed him, “I want to go home first.

surprise flashed across Ethan’s fathomless eyes. “Have

to get to know you, and have you learn new

was a process to spend time together and get to know each other. Josephine doubted

hear that!” It was exactly what Ethan had

Josephine back to her house. Her mother was currently out with friends. Meanwhile, her father was always on a business trip. Thus, Josephine spent most of her

few things before returning downstairs. Even at this point, she was still a bit shy. After all, it was the

car and Ethan drove her back to the hotel. Josephine sighed in relief. She

the villa, and now he was sharing them with her. She was well aware that it was a rare opportunity to find

“It’s beautiful.”

you looking forward to moving in with me?” Ethan asked, reaching out his

nodded in

our new home this weekend. You can decide what you want.” Ethan was looking forward to decorating

build a family with this woman and live a peaceful life with her. This was the first time in twenty-seven years

by her side. However, there were many blank spaces she struggled to fill. For example, his family and his career. All

rational woman like her refused to think about it. All she wanted was to stay with him

desire deep down inside

profusely at his clear intention. “I-I

office this afternoon. Thus, even though she intended to make

his arms. He pressed a kiss intended as a

the most

grateful for such an unstable factor. After all, she was falling head over

Ethan’s phone rang. He grabbed it and glanced at

when are you coming back?”

“Half a year later.”

ongoing project at the North

narrowed his eyes. “I have a more important task at

When the words left him, her eyes fluttered open in disbelief. She allowed herself to immerse

he referring to me? Does it

while he was on the phone. He even bent down to kiss her on the head. The intimacy came

snuggled up against his broad chest, content with relaxing next to him. After a long day of work, she was extremely

rooms. Due to Ethan having a video conference, he asked Josephine to go to

However, she decided to read a book before sleep found her. After all,

was aware that aside from Katrina, the others might also think that she got the position through connections. However, Josephine hoped to get it with a clear conscience. She wanted the others to know that she was capable

matter. The most important thing

left the bedroom. Gently pushing his bedroom door open, she locked eyes with the man who opened his eyes at the light noise. Watching her slip

don’t have to send me off. My friend will be picking me up. Go back to sleep,

to send her off, but his alarm hadn’t gone off. Seeing that she was leaving, he suddenly reached out his hand and held onto

dressed professionally, giving her the appearance of being both elegant and capable. Ethan really didn’t want to let

“What are you doing?” she coquettishly murmured as she fluffed her

you all night,” Ethan said, blinking his eyes pitifully as if he were an aggrieved

sorts of images flashed across Josephine’s mind. Compensate? What does he

was having impure thoughts, the man sat up and drew her into his embrace. Then, he gave her a peck on the neck and said,

turned completely red. Fine.

door so that

have any friends to pick her up, so she hailed a cab instead. After reaching the company, she devoted all her attention

call. Atticus asked Ethan if they could

meet you at a restaurant near the

surely bring Miss Jacobson along,”

on the couch and stated, “Mr. Quarles asked me to bring Josephine together

It’s enough for him to have my company,” Tori said as she sat with her legs crossed. She had dressed up

bring Josephine along? She will only ruin my

not bringing Josephine then?” Atticus

not! When we reach the restaurant later, simply find an excuse and

Quarles will

her out for some outdoor interviews. Mr. Kowalski, no matter what, I want to have lunch alone with Mr. Quarles today. Do you understand?” Tori declared

for a while before nodding his head. “Okay. I’ll arrange something outdoors for Josephine to attend to later. I’ll also find an excuse to skip that lunch. You’re going to

she heard

who was in the reporters’ office, was assigned an outdoor interview. It was about a wastewater treatment issue at a company. Many reporters were dispatched previously to conduct interviews on the

be in front of the main entrance by 10.30AM. She was always serious about her

However, as they were about to enter, the company’s security guard arrogantly stopped them. “Get lost! We do not accept

the pollutants in your company’s discharge far exceed the legal limit! We’ve

lost now, or I’ll have to chase you all away forcefully.” The security guard had been directed by his superior to prevent

became agitated and started pushing the videographer. Then, he turned around and pushed Josephine hard

Her assistant quickly went over

palm had landed on a sharp stone, resulting in a bleeding wound. However, she waved her hand and said, “I’m

bleeding! Let’s go to the hospital

up any reporters who appear in front of me from now on! Get lost right now!”

instructions from their group leader. Their group leader instructed them to wait and when the

Ethan’s car stopped in front of a high-end restaurant punctually at noon. Atticus had already reserved

opened the door and said to him,

he noticed a woman seated on the couch inside the room,

on the other hand, stared with her eyes wide in surprise when she saw the man who had just entered. As she looked at him dazedly, she felt her

of his photos cannot even come close to capturing his

Ethan. “Hello, Mr. Quarles. I am Tori Alford, a newscaster in the company. Nice to meet

Atticus?” Ethan

Atticus say he would bring

to attend to, so I’ll be accompanying you

what Atticus was

bringing Josephine, Atticus had arranged for another woman from the

got something else on.” He turned around and

stepped in front of Ethan, stopping him from leaving while winking at

and asked, “Don’t you know my girlfriend works

Tori a little awkward. She quickly regained her smile and stated,

heard that. “I’ll never allow anyone

the door and walked out, leaving Tori

them? All the men I’ve encountered have never turned down a lady who hurled herself at

really that captivating? How can Ethan be so enthralled by her that he didn’t even look

the car. When she heard her

you?” Ethan asked

outdoor interview today,” Josephine answered. However, her colleague accidentally tugged on her wound at this

you hurt?” Ethan asked concernedly when he

and scratched my palm,”

bear Josephine being wounded. “Where are you? I’ll

quickly ended the call as she did not want Ethan to come. Furthermore, the interview she had to conduct today was of utmost

said, “Josephine, there’s a posh car stopped in front of the entrance. That must be the car of one

Josephine grabbed the microphone and rushed

managers who stepped out of the car. When he saw Josephine and the others running toward him, he

Cooke, the vice president of the company. With that, she immediately pointed the microphone at him and asked, “Mr. Cooke, is your company’s wastewater discharge in accordance with the law? According to the relevant department, the pollutants in your company’s discharge are way

in our company is done in accordance with the law,”

report of your

“You are mere reporters. What

responsibility to report on this topic to the public and be their

in his mind and said,

my interview, right?” Josephine

your contact number and I will find a time for the interview,”

out a piece of paper and wrote her number on it before handing it to him. “Please make arrangements for the interview as soon

phone number, but he quickly put on a decent front and responded,

shoulder lightly and murmured, “I’ll see you next

an exclusive interview, Josephine! If our company can influence the following rectification of wastewater handling, we

in response. “You’re right. Let’s get fully prepared for the

Let’s go for

hungry, Josephine announced generously, “Lunch

you, Josephine! Love

all working for Josephine! She will undoubtedly be our boss in the

Do remember to take care of us by

at that. “How dare you all make fun of me? Do you still want the

teasing and drove to a nearby

quickly asked Atticus for the location where Josephine went for the interview. However, when he arrived at the place, she was nowhere to be seen. He quickly pulled his phone

food was already being served at the same time. Hearing her phone ring, she smilingly answered the call and said, “Hello, Mr. Quarles. Is there anything

“Where are you?”

Where are you?”

of

with my colleagues. Have you had your lunch yet?”

sorry for him. “Come and join us. I’ll send you