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.

listen to the broadcast, why don’t you head into the studio?” One of the crew members

“I’m just here to get something.” Then, she

of getting into a relationship with Ethan. She had even caused

calculating look. A woman like Katrina

to my office,” Tori called out

always tried to get into Tori’s good graces, so she quickly smiled and said, “Sure, Miss Alford. Did you need

when we’re in my

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

I feel… I’m envious,

the job. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be good enough to

on her connection with Mr. Quarles to get into that seat. It’s not like she’s

you want to get her out

already taken over

can get her out of that

eyes lit up at once. “Really? Can I really take her place? But… how

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

Remember Zuri Lindahl from NBO News? Didn’t the audience boycott her because of the scandals about her? This is a great idea, Miss Alford!” Katrina was thrilled. She didn’t expect to find a way

for her?” Tori acted as if she couldn’t think of something. She

Katrina and Josephine to fight

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

her brother-in-law’s connections, she was most bound to fulfill

will?” Katrina

problem is that Josephine’s hold on that seat doesn’t seem shakable right now. I can’t help you, even if I want to!” Tori sighed.

was only one step away from

Miss Alford! Let me handle this. I’ll think

hurry. I heard Josephine will officially take over

help.” Katrina wanted to use everything within her means to pull Josephine

Katrina on the shoulder. “I trust you. I’m sure

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

herself with the likes of Katrina if she hadn’t been worried about her future. Josephine was too much of a threat for

work. She had no

choice but

as if Josephine was the only thing standing in her way right

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

that Katrina didn’t get what she wanted because of Josephine, she felt upset on her sister’s behalf. To her, Katrina’s

you helping me out, too, I’ll surely get to become an anchorwoman like I always dreamed of. You know that’s always been my

I never liked

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

too much time on 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 edit some of those kinds of photos and

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

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

sister in glee. “You’re amazing,

make sure you find someone who can keep

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

…

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

was happening, but when he turned around and spotted Ethan standing at the back, he realized

today. Hurry up and go off your

of envy. Ethan was too handsome. Everything from his height

come over?” Josephine walked over to

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

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

waist. “Alright. I’ll hang outside the door and eavesdrop next

with their affection even when

that Josephine, a mere

me call my mom and see if she wants to have dinner together tonight,”

I want to spend more

called up Donna, she said she wouldn’t have dinner with them. She also informed him

how

dinner tonight, and… she moved back into the hotel.”

we can stay together again? It also meant that something wonderful and somewhat embarrassing was

tried to deny being physically attracted to Ethan. He was sculpted in all the right

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

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

can relax and have a

She looked forward to attending the concert

time together during dinner. The restaurant even prepared a special gift and dessert for all the couples

to Ethan’s villa, Josephine wanted to go over her script

enough to turn Ethan into a starving wolf. She

electricity right down to her toes.

“Mmm… Ethan…” Josephine gasped.

Ethan commanded in

clung to him as she

Ethan pulled her closer and murmured, “I love you,

his confession of love, Josephine allowed him to have complete control

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

nearby that was fixed on her. Once her car was out of sight, the

for work, Miss Langley. Mr. Quarles is

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

“Yes, Miss Langley!”

sexy dress. She

she was halfway there to

gone out, Miss Langley. Are

“What? What’s he doing?”

know. I’m

keep me updated.”

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

had known that Ethan would come to

wait near 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

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

“Is he alone?”

couldn’t see if anyone

certain that Ethan had to be alone. Last night, Donna said she 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

all because I love Ethan, she thought to herself.

door leading to the living room, and when she walked in, the couple-design items scattered all over the living room made her jealousy rear its

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

like. She was going to stand naked in front of

a man possibly reject a woman who’s throwing herself

get herself all squeaky clean, humming a tune the whole time. Once she was done with the shower, she put on her almost completely see-through nightgown

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

let anyone

expectantly and spotted the car. She closed her eyes

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

seat and said to the bodyguard,

Mrs. Quarles,” the

find any errors ( broken

out from the backseat to be Donna instead of Ethan. The last time Donna stayed there, she left behind some jewelry. Therefore,

pick

wardrobe and took out three boxes of expensive jewelry. Then,

he was going

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

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

enough, Jenna rose from the couch and stood

person entering the room

she didn’t expect to see a

turned into shame in an instant. She hurriedly picked up a bathrobe

hidden agenda. Although Jenna had promised not to ruin Ethan and

Josephine had been the one who returned instead of Donna, their relationship

how thick-skinned Jenna was, she was ashamed and

no more. I don’t want to hear your

love Ethan! I can’t live without him!” Jenna

with Josephine. You can’t be so selfish. You promised that you would stay out of their relationship, but you did such a thing behind my

any good impression of the woman before this, it was all gone now. She only felt disgusted

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

Mrs. Quarles.” The bodyguard then shifted his attention to Jenna.

do better than Josephine and prove to be a wonderful