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.

kindness, so I’ll accept the pen,

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

gaze, and gave a slight nod. “Ms.

followed

none of

the colour from Emma’s

it. You’re after Mr. Adam!” Mia interjected. Her bossy and beautiful face, yet compassionate demeanour

22 May

185 Long–awaited

with fury. She had never

85%會

is quite revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted by this woman who repeatedly messed up

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

breath hitched, her entire

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

Jordan picked

Do you need more money?”

know the Hollands? Emma just called you

manners!”

pale,

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

the loud ‘click‘ showing his

several times but found herself unable to

me make this clear. Even though it’s no secret that you have unrequited love with Mr.

pay an additional hundred thousand dollars because of your little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat. How pitifull” Mia scowled,

with Ericko. As Mia spoke, she instinctively glanced

him.

emotion, Emma felt her

uneasy, worried that he would be irritated and

increased as Mia brought this

transfer the money to her father was a clear