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.

gain. Ms. Holland, I appreciate your kindness, so I’ll accept the pen, Ericko nodded, ready

contain herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve

halted, meeting the woman’s gaze, and gave

followed suit, eyeing Mia warily. “What’s

none of your

Mia’s direct words drained the colour from

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

22

185 Long–awaited

She had never

85%會

the Gatlins nouveau riche. Ms. Gatlin’s lack of manners is quite revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth,

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

Emma’s breath hitched, her

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

Jordan picked up the

auction? Do you need more

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

manners!”

was turning pale, which was incredibly

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

call, the loud ‘click‘ showing his heightened anger, which surpassed Mia’s.

but found herself unable to do it

speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s no

and for no apparent reason, he

with Ericko. As Mia spoke, she

him.

any emotion, Emma felt

that he would be irritated and

increased as Mia brought this issue to

intention to transfer the money to her