Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 1851-1860

“Don’t complicate matters, Dad! W-We just started dating.” Josephine was worried that her father and grandfather would force Ethan to be responsible for her the first time they met him.

“Okay! Let’s meet tonight.”

“I’ll check with him first and find out if he’s free.” Then, she ended the call with her father and dialed Ethan’s number.

“Hello!” Ethan answered in his deep voice.

“My dad is back and we’re going to my grandfather’s place for dinner as a family. I… I would like to invite you… If you’re free, that is?”

“Sure thing! I’m free,” Ethan replied with a smile.

“Of course, it’s not a problem as well if you don’t want to go. I just… We’re just having a meal together, that’s all.” Josephine didn’t want to push him into coming, either.

However, he felt that there was a need to meet her family, so he stated, “It’s about time that I visit your family.”

“Okay. We’ll meet after work, then,” she said and started feeling nervous after hanging up. Will Grandpa and Dad be happy with me and Ethan? Especially Grandpa, who is a stubborn and conservative person. It will be bad if he starts to pick on Ethan!

At that moment, a voice coming from behind the pillar next to her broke her chain of thoughts. “Have you heard? Miss Alford is going to be one of the interviewers this time! Someone told me that she’s very strict!”

“Yes, I just heard about this. With her on the panel, who will ace this interview? She’ll definitely create all sorts of difficult situations.”

Josephine’s heart skipped a beat. Known for her arrogance in the company, Tori Alford was not a friendly or approachable person. Josephine was about to get a headache just from worrying about that.

Right before she knocked off from work, her phone started ringing. Grabbing her phone, she saw that it was an unknown number. However, she picked up the call. “Hello, who is this?”

“Hi, is this Miss Jacobson?” the male caller with a hoarse voice asked.

“Yes, it’s me. May I ask who is on the line?”

“It’s me! Did you forget me because you’re too busy? I’m the vice president of Vital Corp., the man who asked for your number today!”

“Oh, I remember now! Hello, sir. When are you free for an interview?” Josephine asked anxiously.

“I’ll be away on a business trip for the next three days. We can schedule a time once I’m back.”

“Great! Let’s pick a time for the interview once you’re back, then.”

“Sure, Miss Jacobson.” It was rather obvious that the man on the other end of the line still didn’t want to hang up, but Josephine was in a rush to get off work. And so, she said, “I’m sorry, but I’m about to get off work. We’ll schedule a time later. Goodbye.”

After she hung up, she hurried to the elevators and accidentally bumped into a person when she turned a corner.

“Ow!”

Coincidentally, the person she walked right into was Katrina, who had a bad day because of Ethan. She pulled a long face at the sight of Josephine. “You’re doing this on purpose, aren’t you, Josephine?”

“I’m sorry! It was an accident,” Josephine apologized.

“I don’t think so. You just look down on everyone because Mr. Quarles has your back now!” Katrina yelled in anger.

Feeling rather speechless, Josephine reckoned that there was nothing she could do if Katrina wanted to put it that way. Instead, she rushed to the elevators, leaving Katrina behind to stomp her feet furiously. “Don’t be so smug now, Jacobson. Let’s wait and see how you end up later!”

The second Josephine left the building, she saw Ethan waiting for her in the sportscar. Pulling the door open, she then climbed in and heard him say with a smile, “Thanks for the hard work.”

“I don’t think it’s hard, working for you,” she said mischievously.

“Would you like to take the position of the lady boss right away and stop working for me?” he asked, planning to promote her status.

Josephine couldn’t stop herself from giggling. “Okay, let me think about it,” she said with anticipation.

Reaching out, Ethan ran his fingers through her hair. Although it had only been a few hours since he last saw her, he felt that he had missed out on so much already.

“Let’s go! My parents are waiting for us at home,” Josephine murmured.

While driving, Ethan commented, “I sent someone to buy some gifts, but I don’t know what your grandfather likes. I just picked out a few things.”

“So, what did you pick?”

“Some wine and supplements.”

“That’s great! Grandpa likes having a drink before dinner,” Josephine said in approval and reckoned that Ethan had a good eye for gifts.

At Josephine’s home, Heidi was a little surprised that Josephine hadn’t mentioned that she had a boyfriend before this. “That girl told me that she was working with a colleague for the past few days! Was she dating in secret?” she said, amused and helpless, realizing that her little girl was a grown-up now.

“You’re too protective of her. She’s already twenty-five years old. It’s about time she moves out to live by herself,” Mills said to his wife. Regarding this, he was more open-minded compared to her.

“Could her boyfriend be Luke Clark? I think that boy is quite good. He was very friendly during the wedding.”

“Sounds good. At the very least, Dad approves of the boys from the Clark Family.” Even Mills agreed that it wouldn’t be bad if their son-in-law was Luke.

Just then, Josephine came in through the door connecting to the garden. Worried that Ethan would feel awkward, she turned around and hooked her arm through his as they entered.

In the living room, Mills and Heidi heard their footsteps and came out to take a look. When Heidi saw Ethan, her jaw dropped because the man was the last person she was expecting to see. Is he the guy Josephine has been dating recently? As the best man of the Presgraves’ wedding and a friend of Elliot, he must be a member of the gentry!

While she was still in shock, Ethan greeted them, “Nice to meet you, Mr. and Mrs. Jacobson. I’m Ethan Quarles, Joey’s boyfriend.”

Mills wasn’t expecting that Josephine’s boyfriend would be such a tall, dashing man with a sophisticated air about him. However, Heidi already answered warmly, “Welcome! Come on in. It’s Ethan, right? I remember you from the wedding.” Then, she turned to Mills and explained, “He was the best man during Young Master Elliot’s wedding.”

Hearing that Ethan was a close friend of the Presgraves, Mills reckoned that his personality and status would be better and higher than your average Joe.

“Dad, are you wearing the suit that Mom bought? You look very handsome!” Smiling brightly, Josephine grabbed Mills’ arm and added, “I was the one who picked it out. It makes you look younger, doesn’t it?”

Mills really liked this suit, and it turned out that his daughter was the one who chose it for him.

“What business is your family running?” For his daughter’s sake, he had to start questioning Ethan about his family background.

“My family is in the shipping business. I’m living with my parents in Dansbury, but we’re in the midst of migrating now. Soon, we’ll be residing in Averna,” Ethan replied.

“Shipping? What is the name of your company?”

“Cyrus International Shipping Limited. Our headquarters is in Dansbury and the executive rights are fully in my hands,” Ethan answered.

“Cyrus?” Mills repeated, turning to look at Ethan in shock. He couldn’t believe that the man sitting in front of him was the young master of the world’s leading shipping giant.

At the sight of how pumped up Mills seemed, Heidi couldn’t help but ask, “Mills, have you heard of Ethan’s company before?”

Next to them, Josephine smirked. Dad’s reaction is over the top!

“Of course I’ve heard of it before. The world’s top shipping company is called Cyrus. Ethan, could this be your company?”

“Yes, that’s my family business,” Ethan admitted with a nod and a chuckle.

Heidi almost blacked out at his answer. What?! My daughter’s boyfriend is one of the world’s richest men, eh? Initially, she thought that Ethan was just a rich young master from abroad, but his status made her jump out of her skin.

“Mom, Dad, it’s getting late. Shouldn’t we get ready and head to Grandpa’s?”

“Joey, I have some gifts to bring over. Come help me out.” After saying that, Heidi gave Josephine a look and beckoned her to come with her.

Following her upstairs, Josephine trotted into her room, and the moment the door shut, Heidi rushed to her and asked, “Joey, tell me the truth—are you guys really dating each other?”

“Yes, we are!” Josephine admitted, nodding.

“Honestly, I wish that you can marry a good and rich man, but… the difference between our family and Ethan’s is too great!”

“Are you worried, Mom?” Seeing the look on Heidi’s face, Josephine was a little afraid that her mother was against their relationship.

“I can’t help but worry because our family is not in the same class as him! The most blissful marriage is one between two families of similar backgrounds. With such a great difference, I’m afraid that you’ll turn into their servant if you marry him,” Heidi explained, expressing her concerns to her daughter. “The Quarles Family is too high in the hierarchy and there are only a handful of families within the country who are comparable to them. First of all, I hope you won’t marry far away, and secondly, I don’t want you to marry into a family of higher status. I just want you to marry a man with a stable income and live your life peacefully,” she said and sighed.

Looking into her mother’s worried eyes, Josephine didn’t know how she could comfort her. In the end, she said with certainty, “But I like him, and I’m in love with him.”

Heidi was aware that no woman would be able to resist a man with Ethan’s looks and status. “I know and I feel you. How far are you guys into the relationship

Josephine answered, “Well… we just

stage of the relationship they were in. Josephine was at an age where

him normally.” In the end, Heidi decided not to place any pressure on Josephine.

also came as a surprise to Mills that Josephine had started dating a man with such an impressive background after not seeing her for a week. After observing Ethan’s mannerisms for

Josephine. To his pleasant surprise, not only was Ethan ready to reside in Averna, he had

we’re still at home.

taking

car parked in front of their house. From one look at the color, he knew that the car was meant for

that Josephine would look at her relationship with Ethan with a clear head despite the material gifts, and not get caught up with monetary gratification. Emotional satisfaction was also

the way to Peter’s place, Mills filled Heidi in on his conversation with Ethan. He did so much for Joey in such a short period of time, huh? she thought in surprise and couldn’t help but recall the Presgrave wedding the last time.

so attracted to Joey?” Heidi asked,

rather impressive and admirable strength, which is the energy she carries with her. A determined, persistent energy

You can just compliment your daughter without taking one for yourself

in high spirits when Josephine

Josephine didn’t say anything. Ethan’s deep-set eyes saw through

pressure on your

have any

them that we’re good together,” Ethan murmured as he turned to her with a determined look in his

lips curved into a pleasant

a small garden, where

Peter last saw Josephine, and he missed his granddaughter very much. As such, he instructed his caretaker to prepare a

hopped off with the presents in her hands. “Dad, we have an extra guest

“Who is that?”

“He’s Joey’s boyfriend.”

boyfriend? Is it

picked for herself

consider marriage soon.” Even Peter carried the

in from the garden. Their hands were so full of gift boxes that

so many presents as well?” Heidi

my first visit to Old Mr. Jacobson’s place, after all,” Ethan replied with a smile. When he saw Peter coming out

judging from his looks, he reckoned that Ethan was of mixed

jumped in and cutely tugged on Peter’s arms.

said in

was exuding. Only those who had been in a high position for a long time could

Ethan into the house,”

that it was not yet dinner time, she wanted to take Ethan out on a walk so that Peter couldn’t bombard him with questions. Hence, she answered, “Grandpa, I’ll take him for a walk in the

ahead!”

Josephine murmured, “Come for a walk with me! I spent a lot of time here when I was growing up and am very attached

nodded and went with her for a stroll at the park nearby. He knew that she was helping him, so he followed her

Peter sighed. “Is Joey going to marry

her decide on how she’s going

I hope that she can stay in

the same way and for a while, she wasn’t sure whether she should be glad

a walk at the same time. Josephine went over to a swing and sat on it while Ethan pushed her. Delighted, she started swinging and raised her head to look at the sky above. The stars and the moon were

Peter had even placed a bottle of wine on the

because both Peter and Mills were experienced drinkers. Furthermore, they preferred strong alcohol,

had simply been too long since anyone had a drink with Peter, so he changed the wine to whiskey.

that Peter was about to refill Ethan’s glass with whiskey,

one more. This will be the last. After

in her eyes, she gazed at Ethan, who assured her, “I’m alright as long as

Then, Peter ate a few mouthfuls of food before heading upstairs to turn in for the night. As Mills wasn’t fit to drive anymore, he decided to stay the night with Heidi and asked Josephine to drop

left, “Watch out while you’re driving, Joey, and don’t

leaving now. Take care of Grandpa and Dad,” Josephine

we’ll be taking our leave,

have a good sleep after you get home, and drink lots of water!” It was Ethan’s first visit to the Jacobsons and he ended up drinking so much, which made

alright.” Ethan flashed her a smile, and Josephine led him toward the parking lot,

and she watched him while waiting for a red light to turn

two pictures of Ethan in secret while he was asleep.

pictures for a few minutes. It’s not that I have amazing photography skills, but he’s simply too gorgeous! she thought. No matter how I take his pictures, they all end up looking elegant, like he

we’ve reached the hotel. Wake up.” Reaching out

the woman in the driver’s

picked up her purse from the backseat, and decided to accompany him for the night because she was worried. Nevertheless, helping a six-feet-three man

where she swiped the room card and opened the door.

electrifying excitement through Josephine’s heart. After Ethan finished the water, he lay on the chaise lounge lazily, and his eyes began roaming all over her. Glassy and mesmerizing, his big and charming eyes which carried a trace of drunkenness surveyed her

a bath? I’ll

to take a

that I’m still on my period? Shaking her head, she said, “I

a thought and extended his hand to her.

right to his arms before planting a kiss on her cheek. Her cheek burned from his lips, and she held his face in her hands, returning his kiss. There were multiple instances when she wanted to

pleasant surprise. One could always feel whether another person liked them, and he could feel that Josephine loved him deeply, which was more precious than any gift in the

bath, okay?” Then, she pecked his lips rewardingly and turned to head into the bathroom to run a

bathroom about ten minutes after she started to let the water run. He had even taken off his shirt outside, coming in topless and

head around, her heart skipped a beat and she turned back right away. “You

and soaking himself in the bathtub. Meanwhile, Josephine took a shower in the guest room. Before this, she had left a set of pajamas here, which served as a great convenience whenever she wanted to spend the night here. Tonight

hair and finishing his bath, Ethan came out of the bathroom with only a towel draped around his waist. Even though he felt at ease with Josephine in the same room, she kept her eyes fixed on his towel, thinking, Will that towel fall off unexpectedly and… Blushing brightly,

then kissed her cheek.

shook her head, afraid that none of them could catch any sleep if they shared the same

and planted a kiss on her cheek again, not forgetting another on her lips. Turning limp from

fresh, pleasant smell lingered on

drop me off at work tomorrow. I can go to work

“Are you driving?”

“Yes.”

stroking her head and giving her a kiss. “Good

slept soundly and had sweet dreams. She went to the office early the next morning and heard that the results for the exam questions that were submitted last night would be announced in the afternoon. Like everyone else, she, too, hoped that she would score good

“Joey, have you seen the name list published by the company? Just as expected, you’re number one

and saw that the administrative department had published the names of people who had passed the exam. Her name sat at the top of the list. She breathed a sigh of relief, glad that

and was coming out with a cup of freshly brewed tea when a colleague congratulated her, “Joey, I saw you

Josephine smiled and nodded in

eh? After all, her boyfriend is the biggest shareholder in the company!” After Katrina’s comment, the other colleagues around them turned to look at Josephine with odd looks in their eyes. Just a second ago, they were envious of her, but now, it struck them that they weren’t in the position to

Did I say

might as well read more books. It must be quite upsetting to be at the bottom, doesn’t

It was true that Katrina was at the bottom of the list this time. After all, how could she have scored good results when

you should build your own knowledge. As you’re always relying on connections for protection, you’re only capable enough to be an assistant,”

Katrina became the topic of discussion instead. Compared to Josephine, Katrina was more likely to be the one who got her way through connections. At the end of the day, it wasn’t news that Josephine was hardworking, and her performance had always

she felt when she couldn’t do anything to Josephine. However, when she thought further about it, she realized that

her on the phone. “Hey, Ivanka! I’m so mad

made you mad now?” Ivanka asked from the

me a hard time because she managed to seduce Mr.

to pacify her sister instead, “Alright, don’t stoop to the same level

no idea how

have to check with

“What? Who said that?”

the messages in Atticus’ phone where she secretly asked a favor from him to arrange a meeting with

as well? Looks like things will get interesting from now

not a single man could escape from her grasp. Although the situation was hopeless for Katrina, she didn’t want Josephine to hit the jackpot either. She would rather have

if they’ve been

admitted that he had created an opportunity for them and they probably had a meal together already,” Ivanka said. She was annoyed by Tori as well because the latter

have a thing! Ha! And

let any woman close to him,”

and won’t let any other woman approach him,” Katrina assured and after making small talk, they ended the

with her long hair, thinking that all she had to do was wait for Tori to pick on Josephine. No, I have to let Josephine find out about this before that happens. That will affect her mood and she’ll get into a confrontation with Tori during the

with Wren, and a nosey female colleague asked Josephine, “Oh, are you still having canteen food

every day or hire a private chef to prepare delicious meals for you?” another

boss, please treat us kindly, Josephine! After all, we’ve known each other for such

couldn’t help but reply with

were you, I would have resigned and become a

just let someone else do this tiring job. Don’t get

“Regardless of who I’m dating, I don’t want to lose my goals. I like this job very much because I

of a sudden, and her colleagues thought that she had no

pantry and wanted to return to her report after making herself a cup of coffee. However, Katrina made use of this opportunity and dragged another colleague who was usually close

clue. What

secretly went on a date with Mr. Quarles,” Katrina

said and her hand trembled. The hot liquid splashed and scalded her a little, but she bore with it because she wanted to hear what Katrina would

move, huh? Mr. Quarles is so charming that even Miss Alford has her eyes on him.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255