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.

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

herself, “Mr.

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

her, quickly followed suit, eyeing Mia warily. “What’s your intention, Ms. Gatlin?”

none of your

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

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

Wed, 22 May

185 Long–awaited Reputation

fury. She had never met anyone like

85%會

of manners is quite revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted

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

Emma’s breath hitched, her entire body

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

a few moments, Jordan picked up the call.

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

you know the Hollands? Emma just called you nouveau

manners!”

incident. Emma’s face was turning pale, which

ask Mr. Holland how he managed to raise such

call, the loud ‘click‘ showing his

but found herself unable to do

pen box in Ericko’s grasp, prompting her to speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though

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

involved with Ericko. As Mia

him.

emotion, Emma felt her

be irritated and think she was meddling, forcing

Mia brought this

transfer the money to her father was a clear warning against