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.

don’t you head into the studio?” One of the crew members just so happened

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

heard that Katrina once had delusions of getting into a relationship with Ethan. She had

gleamed with a calculating look. A woman like Katrina is

with me to my office,” Tori called out

graces, so she quickly smiled and said, “Sure, Miss Alford. Did you need

in my office,” Tori

Tori’s office, Tori asked, “Josephine is now an anchorwoman. How do you feel

can I feel… I’m envious, of

honest, Josephine was merely lucky to get the job. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be

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 she’s anything great. She doesn’t have any real

get her out of that

I? She has already taken over Miss Ain’s

can get her out of that

up at once. “Really? Can I really take her

you think the audience will allow her to remain an anchorwoman if they find out she only got the position because she

about her? This is a great idea, Miss Alford!” Katrina was thrilled.

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

wanted Katrina and Josephine to fight

Katrina was cracking her head for an idea, Tori added, “If Josephine is removed from

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

Katrina

will be yours. The only problem is that Josephine’s hold on that seat doesn’t seem shakable right now. I can’t help you, even if I

only one

Let me handle

Josephine will officially take over the position in

my best. I’ll ask my sister for help.” Katrina wanted to

on the shoulder.

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

hadn’t been

seduce Ethan, but it didn’t work.

choice but to resort

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

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 wedge between her and Ethan. Maybe Ethan will dump her

with her work now. Instead, she called Ivanka and invited 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 wanted because of Josephine, she felt upset on her sister’s behalf. To her, Katrina’s standing in the company was also a reflection of

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

never liked

Ivanka!” Katrina suggested. She was certain

her hands, to the point that her life was filled with nothing but gossip and schemes. After thinking about it for a while, she recalled the news she saw a couple of days ago and sneered, “There’s nothing to it. It’ll be a piece of cake to destroy her reputation. You can create anything with a computer these days. Why don’t we just

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

to clear her name. Once this blows up, whenever the audience sees her face, it’ll be the only thing they can remember about her. I’m sure they’ll be put off by her presence and curse her out,” Ivanka said.

hugged her sister in glee.

need to make sure you find someone

never in Ivanka’s wildest dreams would she have thought that this

…

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

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

today. Hurry up and go

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

you come over?” Josephine walked over to Ethan and

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

because of him and

arm around her waist. “Alright. I’ll hang outside the

Josephine 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 mere reporter, had managed to become the boss’

see if she wants to

spend more time

have dinner with them. She also informed him that she had moved her things out of

how perceptive

free for dinner tonight, and… she moved back into the hotel.” He gave Josephine a

again? It also meant that something wonderful and somewhat embarrassing was bound

never tried to deny being physically attracted to Ethan. He was sculpted in all the right places.

go! We’ll have a good meal before heading home.”

who had confirmed

and have a good time

it, too. She looked forward to attending

a special gift and dessert for all the couples dining there today. Although Josephine was a

they returned to Ethan’s villa, Josephine wanted to go over her script for a while, but Ethan soon pinned her down in

had only been apart for a single night, but that was enough to turn Ethan into a starving wolf. She couldn’t help but wonder if he had been intimate with other women before

before she could dwell on that, his 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 cupping gently in his hands.

“Mmm… Ethan…” Josephine gasped.

my name again,” Ethan

him as she repeated,

pulled her closer and murmured, “I love

by his confession of love, Josephine allowed him to

work wasn’t about earning money. Instead, it was about fulfilling her dreams.

in a black sedan nearby that was fixed on her. Once her car was out of

has left for work, Miss Langley. Mr. Quarles

coming over soon. Keep an eye on things for

“Yes, Miss Langley!”

sexy dress. She was about to move forward

she was halfway there to Ethan’s house, the

Quarles has gone out, Miss

“What? What’s he doing?”

know. I’m

him and keep me

bodyguard called her once more. He followed Ethan and found that the latter had gone to the hotel where Jenna was staying. Evidently, he came to the hotel to

peeved. If she had known that Ethan would come to the hotel, she would’ve waited for

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

development to Jenna. “Miss Langley, Mr. Quarles has driven out of the

“Is he alone?”

see if anyone was sitting

would be heading out to meet with her old friends the next day. By now, Jenna had arrived at Ethan’s villa. The 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, she sauntered into the place as if she were the lady of

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

to the living room, and when she walked in, the couple-design items scattered all over the living room made her jealousy rear its ugly head. He’s even willing to do these

joy, Ethan’s car was heading back

herself up to him. She knew what men were like. She was going to stand naked in

reject a

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

then, the bodyguard reported to her, “Miss Langley,

don’t let anyone else discover you. I’ll handle the

expectantly and spotted the car. She closed her eyes and made a

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

came down from the back seat and said to the bodyguard, “Wait

Quarles,” the

you find any errors (

last time Donna stayed

pick him up from the hotel

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

said he was

was surprised, she didn’t read too much into it. As she looked at the door left ajar, she went over and opened it

and he would tell her to put on her clothes. She

Jenna rose from the couch

the person entering the room was Donna instead of

was inside the room, so she didn’t expect to

Quarles!” Jenna’s excitement turned into shame in an instant. She hurriedly picked up

had promised not to ruin Ethan and Josephine’s relationship, she still did such a

had been the one who returned instead of Donna,

thick-skinned Jenna was,

more. I don’t want to hear your

love Ethan! I can’t live without

with Josephine. You can’t be so selfish. You promised that you

of the woman before this, it was all

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

then shifted his attention to Jenna. “Please come with me,

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