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.

pain, no gain. Ms. Holland, I appreciate your kindness, so I’ll accept the pen, Ericko

“Mr. Adam, I’ve heard

and gave a slight nod. “Ms.

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

“That’s none

drained the colour from Emma’s face,

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

22 May BB

185 Long–awaited Reputation

She had never met anyone like Mia

85%會

manners is quite revealing!”

captivating eyes dimming slightly as she locked gazes with

Emma’s breath hitched, her entire body trembling.

eyes as she disregarded her phone

Jordan

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

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

manners!”

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

with her dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how he managed to raise such a well-

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

to speak several times but found herself unable to do it

further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s

because of your little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat. How pitifull” Mia scowled, offering

involved with Ericko. As Mia spoke, she instinctively glanced

him.

any emotion, Emma felt

be irritated and think she was meddling, forcing

as Mia brought

to her father was a clear