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?”

sent a blush to Josephine’s face. A few seconds later, she nodded lightly. “I

good! You have to be careful with such a boyfriend, though,” Wren reminded

it isn’t destined to be mine, I can’t bend it to my will.” Josephine had no idea about how she should react to

our company, not to mention that he’s an influential man. Just be careful,”

Josephine’s phone rang, cutting their conversation short. She glanced at the screen. “It’s

should answer it. I won’t keep you any longer.” With that,

call in

can get ready now.” Ethan’s

a response. “All right.

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

the distant roar of the sports car’s engine grew even louder until the car rolled to a stop

in the car,” he

“I want to go

across Ethan’s fathomless eyes. “Have you decided to move in

Josephine nodded. “Yes, I want to get to know you,

know each other. Josephine doubted they could maintain their relationship without

It was exactly what Ethan

out with friends. Meanwhile, her father was always on a business trip. Thus, Josephine spent most

Even at this point, she was still a bit shy. After

in relief. She did not bring any work home with her, so she had

photos of 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.”

me?” Ethan asked,

nodded in excitement.

weekend. You can decide what you

peaceful life with her. This was the first time in twenty-seven years that

filled with her future plan with him by her side. However, there were many blank spaces she struggled to

wanted was to stay with him as long

suddenly raised her head and locked eyes with Ethan. She saw desire deep down inside his eyes. It was lust—he was hoping he could make

blushing profusely at his clear

though she intended to make

into laughter before holding her tighter in his arms. He pressed a kiss intended as a punishment to

matters the most is that she’s

grateful for such an unstable factor. After all, she was falling head over heels for Ethan at the moment. She needed some time to think about

him. At that moment, Ethan’s phone rang. He

when are you coming back?” Ethan’s

“Half a year later.”

at the North Pole? Don’t

“I have a more important task at hand than the

up against Ethan like a kitten. When the words left him, her eyes

me? Does it mean he prioritizes me

even bent down to kiss

his broad chest, content with relaxing next to him. After a long

separate rooms. Due to Ethan

read a book before sleep found her. After all, she wanted to prove herself worthy

However, Josephine hoped to get it with a clear conscience. She wanted the others to know that she was capable

opinions don’t matter. The most important thing is for me to stay true

the bedroom. Gently pushing his bedroom door open, she locked eyes with the man who

have to send me off. My friend will be picking me up. Go back to sleep, hmm?” Josephine kissed Ethan on the cheek and added, “I’ll contact you

realized that Josephine had awoken half an hour earlier. He intended to send her off, but

of being both elegant and capable. Ethan really didn’t want to let her

“What are you doing?” she

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

images flashed across Josephine’s mind. Compensate? What

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

face turned completely red.

door so that Ethan wouldn’t

so she hailed a cab instead. After reaching the company, she devoted

asked Ethan if they could meet for lunch because he had some job matters to

meet you at a restaurant near the company. Bring

Miss Jacobson

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

She had dressed up on purpose today since she had requested that Atticus set up a meeting with Ethan so

we bring Josephine along?

bringing Josephine

simply find an excuse and tell him Josephine is

Mr. Quarles will definitely

outdoor interviews. Mr. Kowalski, no matter what, I want to have lunch alone with Mr. Quarles today. Do you understand?” Tori declared arrogantly. She was now the most famous newscaster

I’ll arrange something outdoors for Josephine to attend to later. I’ll also find an excuse to skip that

satisfaction when she heard that. “Thank you, Mr.

the reporters’ office, was assigned an outdoor interview. It was about a wastewater treatment issue at a company.

the company’s car to be in front of the main entrance by 10.30AM. She

at the interview location at around 11.00AM. However, as they were about to enter, the company’s security guard arrogantly stopped them. “Get lost! We

pollutants in your company’s discharge far exceed the legal limit! We’ve come to seek clarification from the relevant department,” Josephine stated

isn’t such a thing. Get lost now, or I’ll have to chase you all away forcefully.” The security guard had been directed by his superior to prevent any reporters from entering at

videographer. Then, he turned around and pushed Josephine hard as

right?” Her assistant

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

Let’s go to the hospital

of me from

and the others had no choice but to return to the car to seek further instructions from their group leader. Their group

stopped in front of a high-end restaurant punctually at noon. Atticus had already reserved a private

opened the door and said to

in, he noticed a woman seated on the couch inside the room, but it wasn’t

her eyes wide in surprise when she saw the man who had

cannot even come close to capturing his

I am Tori Alford, a newscaster in the company. Nice to

Atticus?” Ethan

he would bring

Mr. Kowalski suddenly has something urgent to attend to, so I’ll be accompanying you for lunch today, Mr.

He already knew what Atticus was up to when he saw the unruliness and admiration in Tori’s

another woman from the

got something else on.” He turned

Quarles. Why are you leaving so quickly?” Tori quickly stepped in front of Ethan, stopping him from leaving

simply narrowed his eyes and asked, “Don’t you know

a little awkward. She quickly regained her smile and stated, “It’s just a meal,

dimmed when he heard that. “I’ll never allow anyone

door and walked out, leaving

have never turned down a lady who hurled herself at them! Ethan’s words today truly hurt

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

exiting the restaurant, Ethan called Josephine. Josephine was having her wound bandaged by her colleague in the car. When

Ethan asked

interview today,” Josephine answered. However, her colleague accidentally tugged on

Ethan asked concernedly when he heard

I just fell and scratched my

bear Josephine being wounded. “Where

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

front of the entrance. That

grabbed the microphone and rushed over, completely ignoring her

he saw Josephine and the others

the person stepping out of the car. It was Dane 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 above the permissible limit, and all nearby water sources have been

our company is done in accordance with the

us the examination report of your company’s discharge to

he heard that. “You are mere reporters. What right do you have to request to

the public and be their

ulterior motive in his mind and said, “Okay. I’ll agree to an interview with you. Let’s set another date and time

willing to accept my interview, right?” Josephine wanted to be

course. Our company will provide everyone with a reasonable explanation. Give me your contact number and I

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

face lit up with an evil smile after obtaining Josephine’s phone number, but he quickly put on a decent front and responded, “Okay. Give

touched Josephine’s shoulder lightly and murmured, “I’ll see you

after Dane left. “We’re getting an exclusive interview, Josephine! If our company can influence the following rectification

right. Let’s get

Let’s go

was hungry, Josephine announced

Thank you, Josephine! Love

will undoubtedly

Do remember to take care of us by

fun of me? Do you still

stopped their teasing and drove to a nearby

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

the food was already being served at the same time. Hearing her phone ring, she

“Where are you?”

Where are you?” Josephine

in front of the company that you

Have you

and join us. I’ll send you