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,

stepped forward, unable to contain herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve heard so much about you.”

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

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

“That’s none

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

Her bossy and beautiful

22 May BB

Long–awaited

had never met anyone

85%會

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

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

Emma’s breath hitched, her

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

a few moments, Jordan picked up the

you need more money?”

just called you nouveau riche and accused me of having

manners!”

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

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

loud ‘click‘ showing his heightened

but found

attention shifted to the pen box in Ericko’s grasp, prompting her to speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s no secret that you have unrequited love

to pay an additional hundred thousand dollars because of your little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat. How pitifull” Mia scowled, offering

dreaded being involved with Ericko.

him.

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

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

discomfort increased as Mia brought this issue to

money to her