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?”

question sent a blush to Josephine’s face. A few seconds

good! You have to be careful with

always belong to me. And if it isn’t destined to be mine, I

of admirers in our company, not

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

keep you any longer.”

in a sweet voice,

now.” Ethan’s magnetic voice reached her

response. “All right. See you

then went downstairs to wait for Ethan after grabbing her belongings. Since she made her relationship with Ethan public, she

as the distant roar of the sports car’s engine grew even louder until the car rolled to a stop in front of her. The

in the car,”

“I want to

eyes.

to get to know you, and have you learn new things about

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

hear that!” It was exactly what Ethan had in

sent Josephine back to her house. Her mother was currently out with friends. Meanwhile, her father was always on

into the house and simply packed a few things before returning downstairs. Even at this point, she was still a bit shy. After all, it was the first time she lied

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

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.”

Ethan asked, reaching out his hand

nodded in

stuff for our new home this weekend. You can decide what you want.” Ethan was looking

this woman and live a peaceful life with her.

her future plan with him by her side. However, there were many blank spaces she struggled to fill. For example, his family and his career. All of them were located

it. All she wanted was to stay with him as long as she could and never

head and locked eyes with Ethan. She saw desire deep down inside his eyes. It was lust—he

was blushing profusely at his clear

afternoon. Thus, even though she intended to make it

in his arms. He pressed a kiss intended as a punishment to her cheek. “It’s all right. I can

matters the most is

she was falling head over heels for Ethan at the

rang. He grabbed

Master, when are you coming back?” Ethan’s subordinate

“Half a year later.”

project at the North Pole? Don’t you need to supervise it

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

her

he referring to me? Does it

phone. He even bent down to kiss her on the

against his broad chest, content with relaxing next to him.

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

next day. However, she decided to read a book before sleep found

that she got the position through connections. However, Josephine hoped to

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

door open, she locked eyes with the man who opened his eyes at the light noise. Watching her slip in quietly like a cat, he put his arms under his head before asking with a smile, “What’s

back to sleep,

intended to send her off, but his alarm hadn’t gone off. Seeing that she was leaving, he suddenly

appearance of being both elegant and capable. Ethan really didn’t

you doing?” she coquettishly murmured

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

flashed across Josephine’s mind. Compensate?

and drew her into his embrace. Then, he gave

face turned completely red. Fine.

then dashed out the door so that

pick her up, so she hailed a cab instead.

Atticus’ call. Atticus asked Ethan if they could meet for lunch because he had

restaurant near

Miss Jacobson along,”

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

enough for him to have my company,” Tori said as she sat with her legs crossed. She had dressed up on purpose today since she had requested that

bring Josephine along? She

we not bringing Josephine then?”

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

Mr. Quarles will definitely

what, I want to have lunch alone with Mr. Quarles today. Do you understand?” Tori declared arrogantly. She was now the most famous newscaster in the

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

in satisfaction when she

outdoor interview. It was about a wastewater treatment issue at a company. Many reporters were dispatched previously

coordinated with the photography department and arranged for the company’s car to be in front of the main entrance

interview location at around 11.00AM. However, as they were about to enter, the company’s

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

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

the videographer. Then, he turned around and pushed Josephine hard as well, causing her to lose her footing and

assistant quickly

a sharp stone, resulting in a bleeding wound. However, she

the hospital

of me from now on! Get lost right now!” the

return to the car to seek further instructions from their group leader. Their group leader instructed them to wait and

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

opened the door and said to him, “Welcome, sir. Please come

walked in, he noticed a

who had just entered. As she looked at him dazedly, she felt her heart glowing with

cannot even come close to capturing his

am Tori Alford,

Ethan

say he would bring Josephine

so I’ll be

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

Josephine, Atticus had arranged for another woman from the

else on.” He turned around

of Ethan, stopping him from leaving while winking at him. “Mr. Quarles, I really want to know you more. Could you please grant me

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

and stated, “It’s just a meal, Mr. Quarles. Furthermore, you’re

heard that. “I’ll

the door and walked out, leaving Tori stunned and flushed

admiration for them? All the men I’ve encountered have never turned down a lady who hurled herself at them! Ethan’s words

can Ethan be so

car.

asked

outdoor interview today,” Josephine answered. However, her colleague accidentally tugged on her wound at this point, causing her to cry out

happened? Are you hurt?” Ethan asked concernedly when

fine. I just fell and

being wounded. “Where are you? I’ll be right

to. My work is not done yet. I’ll see you tonight!” Josephine quickly ended the call as she did not want Ethan to come. Furthermore, the interview she had to conduct today was of utmost importance, and she had to get

colleague said, “Josephine, there’s a posh car stopped in front of the entrance. That must be the car of one of the company’s senior managers. Let’s go over

Josephine grabbed the microphone and rushed over, completely ignoring her

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

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

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

you show us the examination report of your company’s discharge to

mere reporters. What right do

because we are reporters that we have the responsibility to report on this topic to the public and be their voice. Please answer my question, Mr. Cooke,” Josephine stated bluntly as she looked

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

to accept my

reasonable explanation. Give me your contact number and I will find a time for the interview,”

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

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

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

Dane left. “We’re getting an exclusive interview, Josephine! If our company can influence the following rectification of wastewater handling, we will have truly helped the

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

Let’s go for

Josephine announced generously, “Lunch

Thank you, Josephine!

working for Josephine! She will undoubtedly be our boss

to take care of

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

and drove to a nearby restaurant

However, when he arrived at the place, she was nowhere to be seen.

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

“Where are you?”

Where are you?” Josephine

front of the company that you

surprised her. “What brings you here? I’m having lunch nearby with my colleagues. Have you had your lunch yet?” she asked, to which Ethan coldly answered, “What do

felt sorry for him. “Come and