Never Too Far Novel

Once again, Jenna’s expression contorted in fury. “As long as I’m around, don’t you dare even think about marrying into the Quarles Family!” she threatened.

Josephine wanted to roll her eyes. Jenna thinks so highly of herself. “When did you, an outsider, get to have a say in the Quarles Family’s matters?” Josephine retorted.

“I’m not an outsider. Mrs. Quarles chose to me be her daughter-in-law when I was still a little girl!” Jenna crossed her arms and declared with confidence.

Josephine didn’t want to continue this conversation. She had the impression that Donna was someone wise and reasonable. I’m sure she can tell what kind of person Jenna is.

Therefore, Josephine simply washed her hands and left. Jenna looked into the mirror and saw her jealousy-filled expression, but the jealousy she displayed on the exterior was only the tip of the iceberg of what she truly felt.

From Mrs. Quarles’ reactions, it doesn’t look like she detests Josephine. Did Josephine manage to win her over in just a few hours?

No! I won’t allow it! Jenna had been eyeing the position of Ethan’s wife ever since she understood what it meant. She wasn’t going to let anyone take the title of Mrs. Quarles away from her quite so easily.

When Josephine returned to the table, Donna and Ethan had just finished their conversation. Josephine glanced at Ethan and saw that he seemed to be fairly relaxed. I guess his conversation with his mother went well.

Just moments ago, Ethan told Donna all about Josephine’s situation. Although the Jacobsons weren’t rich, they were elites in the political scene. A person couldn’t be judged based on wealth alone. Oftentimes, a person’s family environment contributed greatly to their character.

Donna gained a deeper understanding of Josephine, and at the same time, she felt even more disappointed with Jenna’s character and prejudiced views. Regardless of the situation, she hoped Jenna could be a decent person. In her eyes, being upright and kind was the key to a good life.

Jenna returned to the table as well. Once she sat down, she looked at Josephine and asked with a smile, “Josephine, if you and Ethan stay together, will you be moving to Dansbury to live with the rest of the Quarles Family?”

She purposely brought up an issue that was very important to Donna, and that was whether or not Donna’s only son would be moving to a different country. I’m sure she won’t be happy if she doesn’t get to stay with him in her old age!

“Also, are your parents supportive of you marrying someone and moving so far away? Will they choose to come and live with you in the future?!” Jenna tossed out yet another one of her supposed bombs. She wanted Ethan to know that if he married Josephine, her entire family would be tagging along with her. A man like him would be depressed by the prospects of that, right?

“That’s our business, Jenna. You stay out of it.” Ethan gave Jenna a warning look.

“I’m just asking a few questions!” Jenna pouted innocently.

Donna could tell that Jenna was trying to cause trouble for Josephine on purpose. “Jenna, I’ve been in the country for a few days now and I quite like it here. I think it wouldn’t be a bad thing to live out the rest of my days here.”

Jenna and Josephine were both stunned by Donna’s declaration. Josephine was deeply touched. She had a feeling that Donna was saying it for her sake.

Meanwhile, Ethan knew Donna well. If she liked Josephine, everything else could easily be settled. Even the two questions Jenna asked wouldn’t be a problem.

Jenna quickly tried to talk Donna out of it. “It’s nice here, Mrs. Quarles, but your family’s roots are in Dansbury! That’s your home!”

Donna smiled and said, “My mother came from this country. I spent a few years of my childhood here too! I do feel fond of this country.”

“You’ve lived here before, Mrs. Quarles?” Josephine was taken aback.

“I did between ages five to twelve. You could say that I spent the happiest years of my life here,” Donna said. Her most precious memories of her childhood consisted of her time in this country.

Jenna’s expression was a little stiff. “Oh!” she chuckled awkwardly. “I didn’t know you lived here as a child, Mrs. Quarles.”

Just then, the server brought their food over. Ethan immediately began filling Josephine’s plate for her as he instructed, “Eat up. You’ll need your energy.”

It was a perfectly ordinary expression of concern, but Josephine turned bright red. Even the tips of her ears were red. Ethan’s words sounded like a double entendre to her.

Donna understood the double entendre, but she pretended not to know, while Jenna caught the meaning and felt as if a boulder were crushing down on her chest.

“Okay. You don’t need to serve me. I’ll do it myself.” Josephine lowered her eyes in embarrassment.

Once lunch was over, Donna took Jenna by the hand and said, “Go for a walk with me, Jenna!”

Jenna smiled and said, “Let’s get Eeth to come with us!”

“He still has work to do, so let’s not bother him. You can accompany me. There’s a church nearby that I’d like to see. Let’s head over there.”

Jenna was sorely disappointed that Ethan wouldn’t be coming with them, but since Donna had extended a warm invitation to her, she couldn’t refuse. She had to force herself to perk up and do something she didn’t want to do.

Josephine was still staring in a daze as Donna left. Ethan put his arm around her waist and sighed in relief. “Well, we survived my mom’s trial.”

Josephine blinked. “It’s over? Just like that?”

“Yeah. My mom likes you.”

She did sense care and kindness from Donna. She hoped Donna would recognize Jenna’s true nature and stop believing her words.

Donna and Jenna arrived at the church. Donna sat down on one of the pews and closed her eyes in prayer. On the other hand, Jenna was bored out of her mind. She eyed her surroundings listlessly and scorned the aged look of the place.

When Donna opened her eyes again, she saw Jenna’s restlessness and said, “Let’s walk around, Jenna.”

Jenna quickly took Donna’s arm, and the two walked around the grounds for a bit. At last, Donna sat down on a bench and began to study Jenna so closely that the latter started feeling uneasy.

“Why are you staring at me, Mrs. Quarles?” Jenna had to ask.

“You’re a good girl, Jenna. I hope you don’t stray off the right path.”

Jenna couldn’t quite understand what Donna was saying. “Before I came here, you told me a lot about Josephine,” Donna continued. “You said she was a materialistic, money-worshiping woman who’s rude and spoiled, but I didn’t see any of that from her.”

“Mrs. Quarles, you mustn’t be fooled by her act! It’s only natural that she acts like a Goody Two-shoes in front of you,” Jenna swiftly cautioned, her eyes filled with concern.

“Jenna, I know about your feelings for Ethan, but matters of the heart can’t be forced. If Ethan truly finds the person he loves, I will give him my support.”

Hearing this, Jenna realized that Donna had seen right through her lies. She turned scarlet as she stammered, “M-Mrs. Quarles… I-I really like Eeth so much.”

“I know, but relationships need to be a two-way street. Perhaps, Ethan only sees you as a younger sister. You’ll find someone better, Jenna,” Donna advised.

Jenna teared up. She immediately tried to convince Donna otherwise. “No, Mrs. Quarles. Please just give me a bit more time. I’m certain Eeth will fall in love with me.”

“Jenna, you’re an attractive girl from a good family. It’ll be easy for you to find a man who’s even better than Ethan,” Donna consoled.

Jenna’s eyes flashed with resentment. What did Josephine do?! How did she get Mrs. Quarles to accept her so easily?! I won’t allow this! I refuse to lose to Josephine just like that! Ethan’s a responsible man. If he ends up in bed with me, will he take responsibility for it just like he did with Josephine?

“I understand, Mrs. Quarles. I wish Eeth and Josephine the best, too. I was wrong for what I did, but it was only because I loved Eeth. But I’m mature enough to know when I should let go. I won’t try to disrupt their relationship anymore,” Jenna said with a look of shame and remorse. She had to maintain her facade of being a decent and sensible woman as she didn’t want Donna to shun her.

“That’s good. I’m glad you’re able to see things this way. I’m worried about your future, you know! After all, I’ve known you since you were a little girl and watched you grow up.” Donna was genuinely glad Jenna was able to be mature about the situation.

As Donna got to her feet, Jenna’s eyes flashed with discontent and malice. Who said I’m giving up? As long as Ethan isn’t married, I still have a chance. There’s no way I’d lose to Josephine.

On their way back, Jenna made a good showing of herself and took great care of Donna.

“Are you still staying with Eeth, Mrs. Quarles?”

“No. I’ll stay at the hotel with you. I don’t want to disturb them.” Donna had made peace with the situation. As long as the woman Ethan liked was a decent person with good character, it didn’t matter what her family background was. Furthermore, she felt more respect for the family when she heard Josephine’s grandfather was a well-known political figure.

She was sure Josephine’s family would’ve done a good job raising her to become an open-minded and farsighted person.

“Sure! Let’s stay at the hotel together. I haven’t had enough of my fun yet, so I want to stay a few more days!”

“Alright. Let’s stay a little longer.” Donna wasn’t in a rush to leave either. She hoped that when the time was right, Ethan would arrange for her to meet with Josephine’s family so that the two sides could get to know each other better.

Jenna was secretly pleased that Donna wouldn’t be staying with Ethan. It would make things easier for her to seduce him. Jenna believed that as long as Ethan was home alone without Josephine, she would get a chance to carry out her plan.

When Josephine returned to the company, she carried on with her trial broadcast. Ethan accompanied her to work as well. Even though he was well-off enough to provide for his future wife and family, he wanted Josephine to pursue her dreams and he was willing to help her with it.

Inside the studio, Josephine sat at the desk with poise and sophistication. The broadcast director went over and said, “Good luck, Joey. You’re going live soon. You’ll be greeting the nation.”

She nodded. “Got it. I’ll get ready.”

Once she was on camera, she became a natural. Her pleasant smile and gaze complemented her clear, crisp voice. There was a unique kind of steadiness to her tone, and she had used it to perfection.

Tori kept standing outside the studio to eavesdrop. She hoped to see Josephine embarrassing herself, but she didn’t expect Josephine to be a natural at the job. Who would believe that this was her first broadcast?

It proved that Josephine was indeed someone worthy of the job.

Will Josephine set her sights on my position as the primetime news anchor someday? Tori thought to herself. If she wants it, all she has to do is say the word.

That was the reason why Tori didn’t want Josephine’s trial broadcast to be a success. I have to make her crack under the pressure of a national audience and leave the studio.

you want to listen to the broadcast, why don’t you head into the studio?” One of the crew members just so happened to walk

throat and said, “I’m just here to get something.” Then, she turned to

corner, she spotted Katrina. She heard that Katrina once had delusions of getting into a relationship with Ethan. She had even caused quite a bit

gleamed with a calculating look. A woman like Katrina is the best

with me to my office,” Tori called out

into Tori’s good graces, so she quickly smiled and said, “Sure, Miss

talk when we’re in my office,” Tori said

seats in Tori’s office, Tori asked, “Josephine is now an anchorwoman.

feel… I’m envious, of

Josephine was merely lucky to get the

to Katrina’s ears. “You’re absolutely right!” she quickly agreed. “I had a feeling she relied on her connection with Mr. Quarles to get into that seat. It’s not like

you want to get her out of that

She has already

have to think of something, of course! If you can get her out

really take her place? But… how

think the audience will allow her to remain an

the scandals about her? This is a great idea, Miss Alford!” Katrina was thrilled. She didn’t expect to find

the problem is how can we make up a scandal for her?” Tori acted as if she couldn’t think of something. She wanted

Katrina and Josephine to fight

was cracking her head for an idea, Tori added, “If Josephine is removed from the position, I’ll write a letter of recommendation for you in support

Tori’s recommendation and her brother-in-law’s connections, she

Katrina asked

even if I want to!” Tori sighed. “I would much

if she was only one step

Let me

will officially take over the position in

my sister for help.” Katrina wanted to use everything within

Katrina on the shoulder. “I trust you.

Tori smirked derisively. How can someone like her be an announcer? She’s only fit

if she hadn’t been worried about her future. Josephine was too much

it didn’t work. She had no idea

no choice but to resort to

planted a seed of greed that festered inside Katrina. She felt as if Josephine was the only thing standing in her way right now. As long as I get rid

from the position. It was all because of a scandal that broke out. How can I implicate Josephine in a scandal too? If I do a good job, I might even get to drive a

her out for a chat at a cafe. Ivanka was also a domineering woman. When she found out that Katrina didn’t get what she

of something, Ivanka! Miss Alford said she’d recommend me for the position, and with you helping me out, too, I’ll surely get

worry! I’ll help you. I never liked that Josephine woman,

plan together, Ivanka!” Katrina suggested. She was certain

a couple of days ago and sneered, “There’s nothing to it. It’ll be a piece of cake to destroy her

those kinds of R-rated content creators, say she was once involved in the adult entertainment industry, and make sure the news blows

blows up, whenever the audience sees her face, it’ll be the only thing they can remember about her. I’m

sister in glee. “You’re

You just need to make sure you find someone who

in Ivanka’s wildest dreams would she have thought that this plan would end up sending

…

the studio, Josephine was doing another test run of reporting the news when she saw the man standing at the door with his arms crossed. She couldn’t stop herself from smiling ever so slightly and ended up misreading two words as

broadcast director didn’t know what was happening, but when he turned around and spotted

enough for today. Hurry up and go off your date with

Ethan was too handsome. Everything from his height and figure to his face was

over?” Josephine

with you anymore, or I’ll end up affecting you,” Ethan remarked with a chuckle as he

her lines earlier because of him and nodded. “That’s right.

laughed and put his arm around her waist. “Alright.

away. The two were open with their affection even when they were in the office, much to the envy of the

fact that Josephine, a

mom and see if she wants to have

go ahead. I want to spend more time

she said she wouldn’t have dinner with them. She also informed him that she had moved her

at how perceptive his mother

for dinner tonight, and… she moved back into the

again? It also meant that

deny being physically attracted to Ethan. He was

before heading home.” Ethan took her hand and led her to

he got a call from his subordinate, who had confirmed the purchase of the concert

relax and have a good time tomorrow,”

to it, too. She

The restaurant even prepared a special gift and dessert

over her script for a while,

a single night, but that was enough to turn Ethan into a starving wolf. She couldn’t help

tongue pressed against hers, and she could no longer think of anything. The sensations sent bolts of electricity right down to her toes. She felt as if she were a precious gem he was

“Mmm… Ethan…” Josephine gasped.

my name again,” Ethan commanded

to him

pulled her closer and murmured, “I love you,

his confession of love, Josephine allowed

next morning, Josephine went to work. To her, work wasn’t about earning money. Instead,

in a black sedan nearby that was fixed on her. Once her car was out of sight, the man in

for work, Miss Langley. Mr. Quarles is alone

be coming over soon. Keep an eye on things for me,” Jenna

“Yes, Miss Langley!”

a sexy dress. She was about to move forward with

there to Ethan’s house, the bodyguard

has gone out, Miss Langley. Are you still

“What? What’s he doing?”

I’m

eye on him and keep me updated.”

gone to the hotel where Jenna was staying. Evidently, he came

If she had known that Ethan would come to

the exit of the hotel’s basement parking lot. He didn’t want to get too close out of fear that Ethan would find out he was helping Jenna with this. If that happened, there was no way the bodyguard could get away

the parking lot, and the bodyguard quickly reported this development to Jenna. “Miss Langley, Mr.

“Is he alone?”

if anyone was sitting in

last time she was here, she secretly stole a peek at the password Donna keyed in to get into the house and seared it to memory. Now,

matter what I do, it’s all because I love Ethan, she thought to herself. I’m willing

and when she walked in, the couple-design items scattered all over the living room made her

with the bodyguard, and to her absolute joy, Ethan’s car was heading back to the house. Doesn’t that mean

was going to

a man possibly reject a woman who’s throwing

and took a shower. She moved around as if she owned the place and used Josephine’s toiletries to get herself all squeaky clean, humming a tune the whole time. Once she was done with the shower, she

bodyguard reported to her, “Miss Langley, Mr. Quarles’ car has

away, and don’t let anyone else discover you. I’ll handle

She closed her eyes and made a wish.

the couch. She wanted Ethan to see her the moment he

from the back seat and said to the bodyguard, “Wait here. I’ll be right back after

Quarles,” the

any errors ( broken links, non-standard

last time Donna stayed there, she

Ethan was waiting for Josephine to pick him up from the hotel for

room on the second floor, where she had stayed before. She opened the wardrobe and took out three boxes of expensive jewelry. Then, she arrived at the living room on the second floor and heard some

said he was

to the third floor and realized the noise came from the master bedroom. Although she was surprised, she didn’t read too much into it. As she looked at the door left ajar, she went over and opened it to make sure Josephine was

would be astounded when he saw her, and he would tell her to put on her clothes. She just had to hug

Jenna rose from the couch and stood there

person entering the room was Donna instead of

room, so she

shame in an instant.

ruin Ethan

been the one who returned instead of

how thick-skinned Jenna was, she was

face fell. “Say no more. I don’t want to hear your explanation,

I can’t live without him!” Jenna yelled

mean you have the right to ruin his relationship with Josephine. You can’t be so selfish. You promised that you would stay out of their relationship, but

Jenna’s actions outrageous. If she had any good impression of the woman before

Donna said to him, “Get Miss Langley out of my son’s villa, and don’t let

Quarles.” The bodyguard then shifted his attention to Jenna. “Please come with

chance! I’ll do better than Josephine and prove to be