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.

appreciate your kindness, so

to contain herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve

and gave a slight nod. “Ms. Gatlin.”

stood behind her, quickly followed suit, eyeing

chuckled. “That’s none of your

a merciless tone, Mia’s direct words drained the colour from Emma’s face, igniting anger,

I get it. You’re after Mr. Adam!” Mia interjected. Her bossy and beautiful

22 May

185 Long–awaited

had never met anyone like Mia

85%會

is quite revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted by this

captivating eyes dimming slightly as she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I dare you to repeat that in front of my father

her entire

her lips, a gleam of mockery glinting in her eyes as

moments, Jordan

you need

the Hollands? Emma just called you nouveau riche and accused me

manners!”

turning pale, which was incredibly unattractive. She completely ruined Emma’s

dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how he managed to raise such a well- mannered

the call, the loud ‘click‘ showing

but

attention shifted to the pen box in Ericko’s grasp, prompting her to speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear.

additional hundred thousand dollars because of your little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat. How

Emma dreaded being involved with Ericko. As Mia spoke,

him.

impassive, devoid of any emotion, Emma

would be irritated and think she was meddling, forcing him

increased as Mia brought this issue

her father