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 pen, Ericko nodded, ready to depart

stepped forward, unable to contain herself, “Mr. Adam,

woman’s gaze, and

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

chuckled. “That’s none of your

drained the colour

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

Wed, 22

185 Long–awaited

with fury. She had never met

85%會

the Gatlins nouveau riche. Ms. Gatlin’s lack of manners is quite revealing!”

out cold chuckle, her captivating eyes dimming slightly as she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I dare you to repeat that in front

Emma’s breath hitched, her entire body

a gleam of mockery glinting in her eyes as she disregarded

Jordan picked up the

you need more

Hollands? Emma just called you nouveau

manners!”

Emma’s face was turning pale,

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

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

several times but found herself unable to do

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 with Mr. Adam, you

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

Ericko. As Mia spoke, she instinctively

him.

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

uneasy, worried that he would be irritated and think she

as Mia brought this issue

her father was a clear warning