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

“Mr.

and gave

arrival, Emma, who stood behind her, quickly followed suit, eyeing Mia warily. “What’s your

chuckled. “That’s none of your

words drained the colour from Emma’s face, igniting anger,

Her bossy and beautiful face, yet compassionate demeanour implied she understood everything.

22 May

185 Long–awaited Reputation

had never met anyone

85%會

nouveau riche. Ms. Gatlin’s lack of manners is quite revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted by this woman who repeatedly messed up her

gazes with Emma. “Alright. I dare you to repeat that in front of my father

her entire body

eyes

Jordan picked

you not enjoying yourself at the auction? Do you need more money?” Jordan’s voice rang through the line as soon as

do you know the Hollands? Emma just called you nouveau riche and

manners!”

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

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

loud ‘click‘ showing his heightened anger, which surpassed

but found herself

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

scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat. How pitifull” Mia scowled,

with Ericko. As Mia spoke,

him.

impassive, devoid of any emotion, Emma felt her heart clenched painfully.

earlier, she felt uneasy, worried that he would be irritated and think she was meddling, forcing him to pay her hundred thousand dollars.

increased as Mia brought this issue to light.

her father