Let’s start all over again,shall we?

Chapter 185 Long–awaited Reputation

“Ms. Holland, I appreciate your kindness, but I don’t deserve this. Please take back the gift. Erick’s expression was gentle but detached, devoid of warmth, making it impossible to find fault.

His composed demeanour rendered him unreadable to Emma.

Despite holding onto hope. Emma had predicted Ericko’s refusal. Yet, she had practised her words iri

anticipation.

“Your birthday is coming up. Take this pen as an early birthday present,” Emma insisted, thrusting the box towards Ericko.

Ericko’s face remained expressionless as he simply replied, “Thanks for the pen. Ms. Holland.”

pen

Emma let out a relieved sigh, a glimmer of happiness warming her heart, diluting the unpleasantness of losing the auction from Maggie and Mia.

She had prepared ahead. If Ericko declined, she’d cite his upcoming birthday as the reason.

Given the acquaintance between the Hollands and the Adams, it was customary for her to give a gift. Refusing hers would raise suspicions. By using his birthday as an excuse, he’d find it harder to refuse.

Even if he accepted now, she could always give him another gift on his birthday, blending it with others and delivering it to his house. That way, hers wouldn’t stand out.

Emma had planned meticulously, so when she handed the pen to Ericko, her expression softened slightly.

Ericko didn’t glance at the pen. He simply stated, ‘Ms. Holland, you’ve spent money. Later I’ll transfer it to Mr. Holland’s card.

Emma’s smile wavered after just one sentence. Even she couldn’t smile.

He

appeared to have received her gift, yet he declined in this fashion.

There’s no need to be so formal. I insisted. It’s too polite of you to offer money,” Emma struggled to

express.

gain. Ms. Holland, I appreciate your kindness, so I’ll

unable to contain herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve

gaze, and gave a slight nod. “Ms.

Mia’s arrival, Emma, who stood behind her, quickly followed suit, eyeing Mia warily. “What’s your intention, Ms.

chuckled. “That’s none of your concern!”

Mia’s direct words drained the colour from Emma’s face, igniting anger, “I …

Her bossy and beautiful face, yet compassionate

22 May BB

Long–awaited Reputation

She had never met anyone like Mia

85%會

Ms. Gatlin’s lack of manners is quite revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted by this woman who repeatedly messed

eyes dimming slightly as she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I dare

hitched, her entire body trembling.

of mockery glinting in her eyes as she disregarded her phone and dialled Jordan’s number without hesitation.

Jordan

matter, Mia? Are you not enjoying yourself at the auction? Do you need more money?” Jordan’s voice rang through the line as soon

know the Hollands? Emma just called you nouveau riche and

manners!”

pale,

on, I’ll have a word with her dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how he managed to raise such a well-

abruptly ended the call, the loud ‘click‘ showing his heightened

times but found herself unable

“Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though

Adam will have to pay an additional hundred thousand dollars because of your little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has

being involved with Ericko. As Mia spoke, she instinctively glanced towards

him.

emotion, Emma felt her

that he would be irritated and think she was meddling, forcing him

brought

money to her father was a clear warning against repeating such