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.

pain, no gain. Ms. Holland, I appreciate your kindness, so I’ll accept the pen, Ericko nodded, ready

herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve heard so much about

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

stood behind her, quickly followed suit, eyeing Mia warily. “What’s

none of your

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

interjected. Her bossy and beautiful face, yet

Wed, 22 May

185 Long–awaited Reputation

with fury. She had never met anyone like Mia before!

85%會

quite revealing!” Emma gritted her

she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I

hitched, her entire body

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

Jordan picked up

enjoying yourself at the auction? Do you need more money?” Jordan’s voice rang through the

Hollands? Emma just called you

manners!”

confidently recounted the incident. Emma’s face was turning pale, which was incredibly unattractive. She

dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how he managed to

the call, the loud ‘click‘

several times but found herself

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

little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has

with Ericko. As Mia

him.

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

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

brought this issue

the money to her father was a clear