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.

so I’ll accept the pen, Ericko nodded, ready to depart

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

and gave a slight nod.

her, quickly followed

“That’s none of

merciless tone, Mia’s direct words drained the

after Mr. Adam!” Mia interjected. Her bossy and

Wed, 22 May

Long–awaited

had never met anyone like Mia

85%會

revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted by this

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

Emma’s breath hitched, her

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

few moments, Jordan picked up

Mia? Are you not enjoying yourself at the auction? Do you need more money?”

Hollands? Emma just called you nouveau riche and accused me of having no

manners!”

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

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

the call, the loud ‘click‘ showing his heightened

several times but found herself unable

Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s

your little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat. How

dreaded being involved with Ericko. As

him.

remained impassive, devoid of any emotion, Emma felt her heart

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

brought this

intention to transfer the money to her father was