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.

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

stepped forward, unable to contain herself, “Mr.

gaze, and gave a slight nod.

followed suit, eyeing Mia warily. “What’s your

chuckled. “That’s none of

drained the

bossy and beautiful face,

22

185 Long–awaited

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

85%會

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

cold chuckle, her captivating eyes dimming slightly as she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I

breath hitched, her entire body

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

few moments, Jordan picked

Mia? Are you not enjoying yourself at the auction? Do you need

Emma just called you nouveau riche

manners!”

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

word with her dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how he managed to raise such a well- mannered daughter!”

the call, the loud ‘click‘ showing his heightened anger,

times but found herself unable to do it

grasp, prompting her to speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s no secret that you have unrequited love with Mr. Adam, you

scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat.

involved with Ericko. As Mia spoke, she instinctively

him.

impassive, devoid of any emotion, Emma felt

that he would be irritated and think she was meddling, forcing him to pay

discomfort increased as Mia brought this issue to light.

his intention to transfer the money to her father was a clear warning against repeating such