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 I’ll accept the pen, Ericko nodded,

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

woman’s gaze, and gave a slight nod. “Ms.

arrival, Emma, who stood behind her, quickly followed suit,

none of your concern!”

direct words drained the colour from Emma’s

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

Wed, 22 May BB

Long–awaited Reputation

She had never met anyone like

85%會

riche. Ms. Gatlin’s lack of manners is quite revealing!” Emma gritted

as she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I dare you to repeat that

hitched, her entire body

pursed her lips, a gleam of mockery glinting in her eyes as she disregarded her phone and dialled Jordan’s number

few moments, Jordan

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

just called you nouveau riche and

manners!”

turning pale, which was incredibly

a word with her dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how

call, the loud ‘click‘ showing his

but found herself unable to

to speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear.

additional hundred thousand dollars because of your little scams, and for

Emma dreaded being involved with Ericko. As Mia spoke,

him.

any emotion, Emma felt

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

as Mia brought this issue

to transfer the money to her father