Never Too Far Novel

Chapter 1521-1530

Ellen ordered only one dish before handing over the menu to Jared, who ordered six dishes in one go. At that moment, her phone, which displayed Garrett’s phone number, rang and tightened her chest.

“Excuse me, Mr. Tillman, I have an incoming call.” She glanced at the room before taking a seat on the couch. “Hi, Uncle Garrett.”

“What are you doing, Ellen? Why haven’t you registered your name? Are you doing this because you don’t wanna share the money?”

“Sorry, Uncle Garrett, but I have work—”

“What’s so important about work? This is of utmost urgency! I need the money, so stop dilly-dallying!”

Tears of grievance pooled in her eyes, prompting her to lower her head. “It’s not on purpose, Uncle Garrett. I’m just busy with work—”

“I don’t care. You’d better give me the money by Friday while I’m still nice,” he threatened.

Ellen was a nonentity to Garrett’s family. Besides, she alone could do nothing even if they treated her like a rat. It was safe to say that money had awakened the evil in them.

“I’m sorry, Uncle Garrett.”

“You only have a few days. If you don’t settle the issue by then, I’ll cause a stir at your workplace. Let’s see if you’re allowed to work still when the time comes.” He hurt her with mean words before terminating the call.

Ellen’s body trembled as despair surged in her. If Jessica were here, she would not have allowed such a thing to happen.

Knowing that the call had ended, Jared swept a glance at her only to see tears trickling down and wetting her grey dress. He sprang up and crouched in front of her. “Did something happen?”

She blamed herself for showing her forlorn side to him, so she quickly wiped her tears off. “Nothing. Something flew into my eyes. That’s why.”

Yet, the unbidden tears streamed nonstop. Those gorgeous, teary eyes could easily make one feel bad.

The weird sensation flooded Jared again as he watched her crying, stifling his chest so hard that he could barely breathe.

“You can talk to me about anything.” His voice sounded airy.

Ellen bit her rosy lip. “Wouldn’t that be annoying?”

“Not at all. Just feel free to talk to me.” He seated himself next to her as he was all ears.

She took a deep breath while thinking, Where should I start first? I think he should know the entirety of the situation, or he won’t be able to follow.

“My parents passed away when I was young, so my uncle fostered my elder brother and me, but my brother left because of a serious illness. I didn’t even get to see him in his last moments.” Ellen felt hot behind her eyes, and he drew a few pieces of tissue for her since it was close to him.

She wiped her tears while continuing, “Then, my uncle sent me to my aunt’s place. Jessica treated me like I was her granddaughter. We only had each other, but life was great. To me, she was my grandmother.”

At that point, another stream of tears ran down her cheeks, and she choked on her voice. “But she left me too. I’m all alone again.”

Jared sympathized with her past. “So, is someone giving you a hard time now?”

“It’s all because of my grandmother’s demolished house. She did not apply for adoption, so she’s not my official guardian. Instead, my uncle is the one on the papers.”

“Now, my relatives want their share of the demolition payment. I’m still new to the company, and there’s a lot for me to catch up with, so I couldn’t go to the authority to transfer my name yet. My uncle called because he’s angry that I went to work instead of solving the issue first. If I drag things out any longer, he said he’s going to make a scene at work so that I’ll lose my job. ”

Now that Ellen recounted the whole story, she felt utterly helpless. She had no intention to be all crybaby in front of such a handsome guy, but she could not help it. It hurt too much.

“How could they? They’ve seriously gone overboard.” Even Jared was exasperated as an outsider.

“It’s not like I’m doing it on purpose, but I can’t apply for leave when there’s a handover going on. Astoria is going to leave the company to get married soon. If I don’t receive training for my jurisdiction these days, I won’t be able to continue my work,” she explained.

“The payment is meant for only you. They don’t have the right to take it from you. You don’t have to split the money,” he reasoned.

“But I-I’m not Grandma’s family on paper. I won’t be able to get the money either.” Ellen was at her wit’s end.

“You can if you apply for an adoption certificate. No one can take the money away from you.”

“But my grandmother is not around anymore. Is it still possible?”

“Why not? You’ve been living under the same roof for sixteen years, and she acknowledged your relationship. Even if the law is dead, you can find something to prove it.”

“It’s not as easy as it sounds. I’m stuck at the procedure.” Ellen had no alternatives to solve the problem.

“I can help.” Jared could not resist the urge to intervene in the issue. Although he did not know why he could not bear the sight of her dwelling on sadness, it pained him to see her cry.

“Huh? You can?” As it was a situation where she needed help desperately, it warmed her heart to have someone offering help.

“Yes. I have a bunch of great lawyers who can help.”

“Really? That’s great! I can’t be any more grateful to you!” She expressed her gratitude vehemently to her savior.

The waiters began to serve the dishes just at the right time. Jared urged her to fill her stomach first and promised to seek help from a lawyer. “Ellen, you should keep the money for yourself. Don’t share it with others. They don’t see you as their family, so you shouldn’t mind them.”

“But—”

“As long as you become your grandmother’s legal adoptive daughter, it’s rightfully yours. No one can take them.”

Still, Garrett and the others’ forceful attitude seeped into her mind. “Got it.”

“Just tell me if you need anything.”

“No, you’ve gone out of your way to help me come this far. I shouldn’t trouble you anymore.” Ellen was grateful.

“Could you pass me your phone for a moment?”

She gave him her phone obediently, and the man frowned at the seriously damaged phone screen. Quietly, he dialed his number with her gadget.

“This is my number. Ring me up if there’s trouble.”

Sweetness and warmth sprang in her chest. She felt honored to have his contact number.

Following that, Jared even drove her home and eased her up by saying there was nothing to worry about regarding the demolition payment. His friend would be able to help her.

Despite the gratitude, Ellen felt sorry to have him take it upon himself. She made up her mind to do everything she could to repay his kindness in the future. If she did not have the chance to do so, she would remember everything he had done for her wholeheartedly.

At 9.00PM, she received a call from Connor. He heard of Garrett’s demand and assured her that he would meet Garrett to talk over it.

Ellen was aware that it would end up like water off a duck’s back to Garrett and the others anyway. They had proven their stance toward the situation and set their heart to get the money.

Now, she would be able to receive the money as long as she could receive an adoptive certificate to prove herself as Jessica’s granddaughter.

On the other hand, Connor was so livid that he lost his appetite for dinner. “How could they possibly do that? Who says that we must share the money with them?”

A guilty Olivia was standing behind him. “Probably because they’re jealous that Ellen will have the money all for herself.”

“What right do they have to demand the money? Aunt Jessica treated Ellen like her biological granddaughter, so she’s the only one with the rightful inheritance for that house.”

“That’s true, but Aunt Lilac is on the bread line. They won’t let such a chance slip through their fingers. Besides, Aunt Jessica didn’t legally adopt Ellen before she passed away.” She dared not reveal that she was the one who led Lilac behind the curtains.

After Connor attempted to pull some strings, he realized it was not something easy to be settled.

“Why don’t we give up on our share? I bet no one can stop Aunt Lilac.” Olivia was happy as long as Ellen would not get the money all for herself.

Bitterness crept into Connor as it would stave off his guilt if Ellen had that money to sustain her life.

Early in the morning, Ellen woke up to receive a notice from the human resource department. She was granted a three-day leave, but she thought it was strange because she did not apply for it.

While questions sprouted in her mind, she had another incoming call from the lawyer Jared introduced her to.

“Miss Reiss, are you available today? We can apply for the adoption certificate.”

“Yes, I am,” she quickly replied.

“Okay. I’ll be on my way to pick you up.”

She had packed up the necessary documents, hoping that they would be of help. Later, a black SUV parked in front of her, and a middle-aged man escorted her into the car. The sheer look of his neat suit was enough to tell that he was someone elite. His name was Burton Yarrow, and she addressed him as Mr. Yarrow. She narrated the whole story while they were on their way.

“Don’t worry, Miss Reiss. It’s not that difficult.”

“But I asked the authority, and they said it won’t be easy.”

“It’s okay. Just leave it to me.” Burton’s voice was as gentle as the spring breeze to Ellen. She figured that it was all thanks to Jared, whose friend was equally capable as he was.

Unbeknownst to her, Burton did not accept her case because of a friend’s request. It was an order from his boss, so how could he possibly not do as he was told? Not only was a failure not accepted, but he also had to treat her gently.

He could not understand how Jared came to know a poor girl. Although Ellen was a looker, they would not have had reasons to know each other.

Yet, his only duty was to win the case; he had no right to butt in their business.

“Please come with me, Miss Reiss. I will need your signature or fingerprint later.”

With the prepared materials, Ellen followed him into an office, while Burton brought along some materials obtained from other means. Compared to her documents, they were more legally susceptible. The authorized person asked his assistant to fill out a document right after he perused them.

She filled up the document and inked her fingerprint on it accordingly. So, is this it?

As expected, she soon received a newly printed adoption certificate.

“Keep it. If you lose it by chance, you can reapply for another one. Now, I’ll accompany you to the demolition contractor to proceed with the demolition payment.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Yarrow. I can’t be any more grateful to you.”

“You don’t have to. Instead, Mr. Presgrave—”

Ellen was surprised when Burton mentioned that very person. “Aren’t you Mr. Tillman’s friend?”

Burton soon comprehended the situation and quickly corrected it. “Yes, yes. Mr. Tillman is the one you should thank. He asked for my help, but it was just a trivial matter to me. It’s nothing big.”

She nodded. “I will thank him.”

She received the demolition payment, which was worth about a million dollars. Her mind went blank the moment she comprehended the amount. Was it always this much?

“Congratulations, Miss Reiss. You’ll be able to live a better life with this money.”

“Thanks. I didn’t expect myself to have the privilege to enjoy such a fortune either.” Never in her wildest dream had she expected herself to be this lucky. Nonetheless, her heart still ached at the fact that Jessica passed away before the house was demolished. Otherwise, Ellen could have taken the chance to take her on a trip elsewhere.

Burton left after driving her home. She sat in the living room and stared at her online bank statement, which baffled her into speechlessness.

At that moment, her phone rang because of a call from Garrett, whom she did not have the nerve to leave hanging.

“Hey, Uncle Garrett.”

“Got the money yet?” It was an authoritative tone.

“Yeah.” She did not lie to him.

“What? For real? How much is it?” He was all excited about the idea to split the money.

“I have an adoption certificate, so I have the right to inherit the fortune. Sorry, Uncle Garrett.” She mustered a lot of courage to level with him.

“What?! Are you not going to share it? Ellen Reiss, you greedy brat! You can’t spend all of it on your own! I don’t care. You must split it among us.” The adoption certificate did not mean a thing to the persistent Garrett.

“Uncle Garrett, I’m the rightful heiress by the law. So… The money belongs to me.” She attempted to reason with him.

However, it enraged him. “And who exactly are you, Ellen Reiss? Don’t blame us for doing this to you. If you don’t do as we say, you’ll never get away from us.”

Tears of grievance wet her eyes, but she fought them back. “I’m truly sorry, Uncle Garrett.”

Subsequently, she ended the call. He spammed her with multiple calls thereafter, but she did not wish to answer them. Other relatives dialed her number in ones and twos, so she simply switched off her phone.

Knowing that they would fly to her place, Ellen decided to crash at someone’s place for the night to avoid them.

At the same time, Olivia received a call from Garrett. “Hey, Gary.”

“She’s ridiculous, Olivia. Ellen Reiss, that brat, got the money and doesn’t have the intention to share! She even mentioned having an adoption certificate.”

“How did she get that?”

“I don’t care how the hell she got it! I estimated the house price in that area and bet she has about a million. That brat is trying to hog everything!” Ire prevailed over his reasons. It was as if the money belonged to them.

Even Olivia could not help the jealousy. Although it was not a large sum to her, she rendered it ‘too much’ for Ellen, hence the need to split it up.

“You should be nicer to her. I bet she’ll split it among you guys,” she encouraged.

Garrett and his family did not intend to give in just like that. If they claimed their share, each of them would at least have a hundred thousand!

Meanwhile, Olivia tried to give Ellen a call, only to realize that the girl had turned her phone off. That’s weird. Where did she get herself an adoption certificate? Connor asked around, and they said it’s difficult to apply for one.

By then, Ellen was already hiding out at a hotel. When she recalled Lilac and her family’s attitude, anxiety and terror overcame her, for she never knew that her relationship with them would end up so ferocious.

While lying in bed, she grabbed her phone and suddenly remembered she had to thank someone, so she found Jared’s number and typed out her gratitude in text.

‘Mr. Tillman, thank you for helping me with such a huge favor. It’s thanks to you that I got back the compensation funds. Next time, I’ll treat you to a good meal.’

After sending that text, she did not expect he would reply so quickly, ‘You don’t have to thank me. The money is supposed to be yours in the first place.’

Ellen wanted to tell him more about her current situation but went against it later because she did not want to bother him, so she bid him goodnight.

The following day, she did not dare to turn on her phone because her phone would blow up once she did.

That was because the Andino siblings were out looking for her! Moreover, they found out from Olivia where Ellen was working—the Presgrave Group’s reception area. That was why the Andino siblings decided to wait for her there.

With Selena’s help, she received news that Ellen had not been coming to work these two days because she was on leave and would return to work tomorrow. Therefore, the Andino siblings knew when she worked as well.

When Selena heard from her mom that Ellen had received a million dollars of compensation funds, she, too, was jealous. All her current expenses did not even reach such a massive amount, yet Ellen had already become rich overnight.

Selena also knew that Lilac’s family was chasing after Ellen for her compensation funds, and her thoughts were the same as her mom’s—both wished that Ellen would divide and distribute the money among them. There will be an exciting show at the company tomorrow. I’ll get Mom to inform me, and I’ll head to the lobby to watch the show!

On the other hand, Ellen was ready to head back to work. At 8.30AM, she arrived at the company and changed into her uniform. Then, she sat in her seat and began organizing the documents.

“Ellen, someone came looking for you yesterday. He says he’s your relative,” said the colleague beside her, who leaned over.

Shock took over Ellen’s face. “What did he look like?”

“It was a man, but he doesn’t have a good attitude. Did you offend some big shot?”

Hearing that, Ellen became nervous as she remembered that Selena knew where she worked, so Garrett and the others should be aware too.

“No, they’re my relatives,” Ellen answered honestly. Please check at N/ôvel(D)rama.Org.

“What kind of relatives are they? I would’ve thought they came here to settle scores with you!”

At that moment, Ellen felt like she was sitting on pins and needles. Will they be coming again today?

Around 9.30AM, Selena received a call from her mom, saying that the Andino siblings had left home. Her lips hooked into a smile as she thought, This time, Ellen will lose her job! That’s not all, for she will also be humiliated!

At 10.00AM, Ellen suddenly felt anxious. It was then that she saw the Andino siblings appear at the entrance to the lobby, and her face instantly paled. Though they were the ones who were being unreasonable, they seemed more assertive and terrifying.

“So, you do work here, Ellen,” Garrett called out. He was already in his late forties, yet he did not look like an elder. Instead, he behaved more like a debt collector.

“Ellie, we don’t mean to make things difficult for you. Just divide the money according to how we discussed it! Hm?” Nicole suggested gently.

“I won’t share any of the money with you.” Ellen decided not to give in at the last moment. No matter the reason, she did not need to share her money.

It was not out of greed but to defend her rights.

“Hmph! Look at this brat. She’s so greedy at a young age and wants to keep all the money to herself.” Garrett’s tone was filled with sarcasm while looking at his siblings.

“Ellen, if you want to continue working here, you’d better do as we say. Or else, we’ll cause a huge commotion and make you lose your job!” Ajax Andino also took his stand.

“You can’t do that. This is a workplace. You can’t cause a scene here,” Ellen anxiously told them.

“Sir, this is not the place for that, so please leave,” the receptionist warned them sternly.

“What does this have to do with you? If you interfere with our matters again, I’ll mess with you too!” Garrett roared.

By then, Selena had arrived and was watching the scene with her arms crossed. She came forward and greeted, “Uncle Garrett, you came.”

“Lena, come. Be the judge of this situation. Ellen agreed to share the money but then changed her mind. How could she do that?” Nicole grabbed Selena and pulled her over to their side.

The receptionist noticed that things were worsening, so she immediately called security. “Is this security? Some are causing a scene in the lobby.”

Just as she spoke those words, Garrett dashed over and snatched the phone away from her. His actions were so savage that they startled Ellen, and she came out from behind the reception table and pleaded, “Uncle Garrett, please stop causing a scene here! I beg you. Please leave!”

“If you don’t give us our share of the money, you’ll never know peace here!” Garrett threatened.

Instantly, Ellen broke down as tears pooled in her eyes. She felt so weak and helpless at that moment.

Meanwhile, Selena watched happily without uttering anything, wanting to see how Ellen would end this commotion.

Suddenly, Nicole grabbed Ellen and ordered, “Ellen, come with us!”

“I’m not going anywhere.” Ellen struggled to break free. Following that, she felt a large palm delivering a slap on her snowy-white cheeks, leaving a vivid palm print.

She went deaf for a few seconds, and everyone else on the scene was rendered shocked. Yet, the culprit remained unfazed. “If you disobey us again, I’ll punish you!” ordered Garrett.

Just as he was about to drag her away, an angry voice suddenly hollered in the lobby. “Let her go.” That voice sounded cold and sharp, which stunned the Andino siblings and made them turn around.

As Ellen was in front of them, she looked up and saw Jared approaching her. Instantly, she was surprised and embarrassed—surprised because he came to her rescue and embarrassed because of her situation.

Selena was also one of the first to turn around. Her eyes instantly bulged, and her lips parted slightly as her mind was blank yet excited at the man’s appearance. Oh my gosh! It’s him! It’s Young Master Jared!

While she was frantically tidying up her hair and clothes and revealing what she thought was a beautiful and elegant smile, Jared arrived beside Ellen. Then, he glared at Garrett, who was gripping her wrist, and shoved his hand away before drawing her to his side, threatening, “Who gave you permission to cause a scene here?”

Back at the reception, the receptionists were also shocked. Oh my! Who is the man that came to Ellen’s rescue? Isn’t that the president?

At that, Selena’s emotion turned from surprise to shock. How is this possible? How did Ellen and President Presgrave know each other? And why is he protecting her?

Meanwhile, the Andino siblings were eyeing the young man who had suddenly appeared. Garrett snorted. “Ellen, even if your boyfriend comes to your rescue, you’d still have to leave with us today.”

Ellen’s originally blushing face had now turned even redder. She had just muttered the word ‘he’ when she saw Jared turning to look at her and declare, “Yes, I am her boyfriend.”

He used his eyes to hint at her not to explain their relationship because he needed an identity to interfere with this matter anyway. Hence, acting as her boyfriend seemed like a good idea.

Ellen blinked blankly for a few seconds. Then, her heart started racing, and her cheeks became even warmer.

On the other hand, Selena felt like she was about to faint, and her nails were digging into her palms. She could not believe that Ellen was now Jared’s girlfriend. Moreover, Ellen did not deserve nor have the right to be his girlfriend!

Yet, the man held Ellen’s cold wrist and announced, “With me here, you will never get to mistreat my girlfriend.”

Garrett was used to acting unreasonably. For the sake of money, he was not afraid of the young man before him, even though he knew he was not a pushover at first glance.

“I don’t f*cking care who you are, but Ellen has to leave with us.” He was even cursing at Jared.

“Uncle Garrett…” This time, it was Selena who panicked because, as their relative, she would never allow them to be rude to Jared.

At that moment, eight tall and burly security guards surrounded them, with two standing before Jared to protect him.

“Do you think I’m afraid of you? Even if your president is here, I’ll still take her with me.” Though Garrett was acting arrogantly, he was terrified. He did not want to go to jail without snatching a single penny.

The security guard leader wore a stern face as he warned, “Sir, our president is standing right before you. If you dare to treat him impolitely, we will throw you out of this building.”

Ellen was scared out of her wits, but when she heard the security’s words, she was so shocked that she could not register what was happening. The president of Presgrave Group is standing before us? Isn’t that… Jared?

Meanwhile, Selena took a few steps back in shock as she dared not stand beside the Andino siblings anymore. She hid at the side and enviously watched Ellen, who was standing before the tall and well- built figure, looking small and frail.

On top of that, Selena looked at the man she thought she would never meet again suddenly appearing before her, and her heart began thumping wildly.

When the Andino siblings heard that, they were dumbfounded. What? This young lad is the president?

Instantly, they were terrified by the young man’s identity.

Nicole tugged on Garrett’s clothes. “Garrett, let’s head back!”

However, Jared was not going to let them off so readily and threatened, “The compensation fund belongs to Ellen only, so if I find out whichever one of you tries to take that from her, I will get my lawyer to send you to jail.”

“By what means? We are supposed to get a share in the compensation. What’s more, we are her elders.”

“You are all money-grubbers bullying a weak woman because of money. Do you think you’re worthy of being her elder?” Jared reprimanded without mercy.

Ellen’s palms were drenched in anxiety. In the meantime, she felt sad for herself. After all, who would want to be enemies with their relatives?

Still, she got to witness her relatives’ true colors because of this incident. A human being to another, they did not even treat her like one while fighting for a share of the money. As of now, she could still feel the burning pain on her cheek.

Selena stood by the side, feeling hurt and uncomfortable as she watched Jared protect Ellen by speaking up for her and backing her up. Who am I? Just a speckle of dust that he won’t care.

“Get out of my company.” After warning them, Jared ordered security to kick them out of the company.

Receiving the order, the security guard leader beckoned the others. “Get them out of here.”

Therefore, the Andino siblings were pathetically dragged toward the door. Garrett yelled while trying to push the security guards away. “Ellen, you b*tch! I will not give up on this. You can’t hide from me forever.”

When Selena saw her family getting kicked out, she immediately seized the chance and clutched Ellen’s arm. Then, she asked concernedly, “Ellie, are you alright?”

Stunned, Ellen looked confusedly at her concerned face. Hasn’t she always acted like she doesn’t know me?

“It’s all my fault. I wanted Uncle Garrett to stop, but he had already slapped you. They are so mean. We’re his family, after all.” Selena’s inexplicable words made her seem like she was also a victim in this incident.

Jared’s gaze landed on Selena, which she mistook as recognizing her. However, she was not expecting him to ask, “Ellen, who is this?”

“She’s—”

“I’m her cousin. We’re very close, just like real sisters. Thank you for saving Ellie, President Presgrave. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known what to do!” Selena’s visage was full of gratitude as she carefully observed the man before her. At that point, her heart was pounding out of her control.

He’s so handsome.

At that point, Jared was still holding Ellen’s hand. She finally noticed it and quickly withdrew her wrist, looking at him. “Seriously, are you the president of this company?”

He no longer hid his identity and nodded. “Yes. I’m Jared Presgrave, the current president of Presgrave Group.”

When Ellen heard that, her eyes widened as she stared at him in shock. Heavens! The man who helped me is not an employee here but the president! Who am I to deserve his help?

Standing beside them, Selena felt relieved. So, President Presgrave is only pretending to be her boyfriend. If that’s the case, does that mean I still have a chance?

“President Presgrave, thank you so much.” She thanked him as though she had also received his help.

“You’re welcome.” After Jared said that, he looked at the palm print on Ellie’s face, and a trace of distress flashed across his eyes. “Do you want to go to the hospital and get your face checked out?”

“No need. It’s fine.”

“Why don’t you come to my office and apply some ice?” he offered.

Ellen considered rejecting the offer, but Selena beat her to it and answered, “Sure. Thank you, President Presgrave. I’ll accompany Ellie there and help her with it.”

When Ellen heard that, she gazed at Selena in shock. When did she become so enthusiastic? However, she soon noticed something suspicious—Selena’s gaze was filled with admiration for him.

“Let’s go, then!” Jared was still worried that the swelling on Ellen’s face might not subside, so he led her to his office. She did not want to trouble him and could not help but follow because Selena had dragged her along.

At the company’s entrance, the Andino siblings were sitting on the steps, complaining about what had transpired.

“When did Ellen get to know the Presgrave Group’s president?”

“He’s her boyfriend! Now, we won’t be able to get the money.”

“What’s there to be afraid of? If Ellen refuses to give us the money, we’ll keep bugging her and make her life miserable.” Garrett was used to being outrageous. Also, he had recently gone gambling and desperately needed money to pay off his debt, so he would not give up on this shortcut to obtain money.

It was Ellen and Selena’s first time visiting the president’s office, so they were astonished by the squeaky-clean floor, extravagant corridor, and the clouds outside the window.

Meanwhile, Selena’s gaze was glued onto Jared’s elegant back. Looking at that man was already an enjoyable experience and talking to him was a huge privilege. Before, she would not even dare to imagine things like marrying him and living the rest of her life with him, but now, she did.

Not only that, she wanted to realize her wish. She would exercise all efforts to pursue, obtain, and become his wife.

Since her tight grip on Ellen’s arm hurt, Ellen whispered, “Selena, I can walk on my own.”

Selena was tired of holding her anyway, so she let go of her before leaning toward her and asking, “When did you know Young Master Jared?”

“A few days ago,” Ellen replied.

How lucky. She knew him at the company and even got him to stand up for her!

After entering the president’s office, the two cousins sat on the couch, where Ellen sat restrainedly. Then, Jared’s assistant came over with an ice pack, and Selena immediately took it and offered, “Let me do it.”

Ellen did not dare to let her arrogant cousin do such a task for her, so she retrieved the ice pack and insisted, “I’ll do it myself.”

Later, the assistant brought over some coffee with desserts and fruits. Jared’s long figure was sitting before them, and his every move permeated with a noble and elegant aura.

“You can call me if they come to you again. I’ll let the lawyers handle the situation.” His gaze landed on Ellen’s figure.

Selena glanced at him and noticed his glistening eyes that gently settled on Ellen. At that moment, she felt jealousy burning within her.

More importantly, if she interpreted correctly, Ellen had his private number!

Heavens! That was something she could not have asked for.

“President Presgrave, you can rest assured that I will tell my parents about this and let them do justice for Ellie.” Selena desperately wanted to get the man’s attention.

However, he merely glanced at her before looking back at Ellen. “No matter what, you can come to me if you face any problems.”

Ellen was applying the cold compress and felt embarrassed while asking, “President Presgrave, why are you so kind to me?”

Selena, too, was curious about this.

Jared knew that every Ellen-related thing he did was certainly something he would not usually do, but he felt willing to do all that. That was a new revelation for him.

“Isn’t it good that someone’s nice to you?” he asked with a smile, revealing his dazzling row of snowy- white teeth.

Both Ellen and Selena were stunned by his smile, especially the latter. That was the first time she saw his smile, and she found it mesmerizing.

Blushing, Ellen felt especially restrained before this man. She could act so naturally with him back then because she thought he was just an employee and they were at the same level.

Yet, now that his identity suddenly ‘upgraded’ to the Presgrave Group’s president, she found herself way out of his league!

It made her feel so self-deprecated that she thought she was undeserving of his kindness.

“Regardless of my identity, you can still treat me as your friend,” Jared added.

Selena thought that if she came up with them, she could find a chance to talk with him and get to know each other. However, at that moment, she could only sit on the sideline and watch him all nice to Ellen, which was torturous.

“President Presgrave, we’ve met before. Do you remember me?” Selena suddenly mentioned their past encounter.

Jared gazed at her and narrowed his eyes, asking, “Have we?”

“Yes, I came to greet you when you were at the golf range last time.”

After thinking about it, he finally remembered that incident. “Oh! My apologies, I don’t recall that event.” After saying that, he shifted his attention back to Ellen and smiled. “But I do have a deep impression of her.”

By now, Ellen’s cheeks were hot enough to fry eggs. She was never afraid of being humiliated before anyone, but for some reason, she was terrified of embarrassing herself before him.

“Did you guys meet on that day as well?” Selena asked in shock.

Ellen nodded and asked, “Why did you tell me your name was Jared Tillman?”

“Tillman is my mom’s last name. I told you that because I didn’t want you to know my real identity.” He laughed again as he thought teasing Ellen was fun.

She puffed out her cheeks and accused, “And I thought you were just an employee at Presgrave Group!”

“As I’ve said, you can still treat me as your friend. You don’t have to feel pressured because of my identity.” He sighed.

Selena nudged Ellen. “Ellie, how could you blame President Presgrave? He’s only trying to help.”

Though her words seemed like she was blaming Ellen, she intended to sow discord between them.

Yet, Jared’s hooked into a smile. “Yes, it’s my fault for not telling you my identity in the first place. To compensate for it, how about I treat you to dinner tonight?”

As soon as Ellen heard that, she shook her head. “No, I should be the one treating you!”

“That works too. You’re rich now, so you can do that.” Jared was teasing her.

His reply made Ellen burst into laughter as she looked at him and asked, “Tell me what you’d prefer. It’s on me.”

Drowning in jealousy, Selena told herself that she had to find a way to join their dinner tonight!

After exiting the president’s office, Ellen returned to her workspace while Selena followed her to the lobby and grabbed her shoulder. “Ellie, can we talk?”

Selena was way too enthusiastic today, so it stunned Ellen and made her uncomfortable. Perhaps it was because they had not spent much time together since young, so she did not know much about Selena. All she knew was Selena had a cold personality and lived a life similar to a princess at home.

“Selena, is there anything else?” Ellen asked curiously.

Selena smiled and took Ellen’s hand into hers. Next, she looked at Ellen warmly. “Ellie, could you forgive me for everything I did in the past? I want you to know that I didn’t mean to ignore and not greet you.”

Ellen shook her head. “I’m not mad at you.”

Selena knew that Ellen had a meek temperament and could be easily convinced. Furthermore, now that she had taken the initiative to approach Ellen, she knew she would be delighted to become friends with her again.

“I knew you wouldn’t get mad at me. You’re my darling cousin, after all. Ellie, I would like to have dinner with you guys tonight. Is that alright with you?” Selena expressed her suggestion quite impatiently.

Shocked, Ellen thought, Have dinner with us tonight? She considered her words for a moment before rejecting her, “Selena, is it alright to treat you to dinner tomorrow? I’ve got a dinner with President Presgrave tonight.”

At that point, Selena’s expression darkened, and she became angry all of a sudden. “Ellie, what do you mean by that?! Is this because you don’t want to introduce me to President Presgrave?! Are you worried about me disrupting your date with him?”

Naturally, Ellen was not clueless. Earlier on, she had seen how Selena looked at Jared, and she realized that Selena had fallen for him. As such, Selena’s enthusiasm currently was because she wanted to join the dinner appointment tonight.

“Selena, I don’t mean it that way. This dinner appointment is to thank President Presgrave for his help. If you wanna get to know him, you can invite him for dinner personally next time.” Ellen truly did not want her to join the dinner because she was worried that Jared would be displeased.

Just as Selena thought she was one step ahead of Ellen, she found herself disappointed, for she had underestimated things. That brat seriously doesn’t want me to join her!

She instantly huffed and said, “Ellen, you’ve never regarded me as your family member, huh? If I could invite President Presgrave, I would not be begging you right now! Both of us work at Presgrave Group together, and it would be great for our future progress if we could get to know the boss. That’s why, I’m begging you, please let me join your dinner tonight!”

Her words were menacing. Furthermore, there was a hint of plea and tyranny in her voice.

Ellen felt the pressure from Selena and fell silent for a moment. At last, she shook her head anyway and rejected her. “I’m sorry, Selena. I can’t agree to that.”

Instantly, Selena’s expression turned ugly, and she snorted angrily. “My parents took you and your brother in back then, but you show no gratitude to my family at all. You’re such an ingrate!”

At that, Ellen turned as pale as a sheet and pursed her lips. However, she could only bear the brunt of her ugly words.

Selena realized she could not convince Ellen, so she no longer swallowed her pride to beg her. She glared at Ellen before turning around haughtily to leave the place.

Meanwhile, Ellen heaved a sigh and returned to the reception area, where she was surrounded by people.

“Gosh! Ellen, when did you get to know President Presgrave? Why is he so kind to you?”

“Earlier on, President Presgrave said that you were his girlfriend. Is that true? You’ve been keeping this a secret for so long!”

Jared had merely started work at the company less than three months ago, so the receptionists were not familiar with him. At that moment, Ellen was undeniably the person they admired the most.

“You guys have misunderstood the situation. Earlier on, President Presgrave was just trying to lend me a hand. The two of us…” Ellen blushed, but she clarified their relationship quite firmly, “The two of us are strictly colleagues, so don’t misunderstand.”

“Does that mean President Presgrave was a hero saving a damsel in distress earlier? Ellen, you’re so lucky!”

Despite their words, Ellen was fully aware of her position and realized that Jared merely tried to lend a helping hand; he did not have any other underlying motives.

She started to ponder which restaurant to treat him to dinner tonight and could not help herself as she started to research restaurants in the area. Finally, she found a Mediterranean place with great reviews, so she sent the restaurant’s introduction page to him for his opinion.

‘Okay. You can book it!’ Jared was fine with that.

As such, she booked the two of them a window seat and looked forward to finishing work.

At that moment, the receptionist sitting by the far end shot Ellen a fleeting jealous look. The receptionist had just started work not long ago, so she was also a newbie like her. However, there was a stark difference in the way they were treated.

Ellen was suddenly the center of attention among the other longer-serving staff, while the receptionist could barely get a reply from the others when she raised a question.