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

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

woman’s gaze, and gave a slight nod.

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

none of your

drained the colour from Emma’s face, igniting anger,

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

Wed, 22

Long–awaited Reputation

fury. She had never met anyone like

85%會

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

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

Emma’s breath hitched, her

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

a few moments, Jordan

Do you need more money?” Jordan’s

just called you nouveau riche and

manners!”

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

her dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how he managed to

loud ‘click‘

to speak several times but found herself unable to do

Ericko’s grasp, prompting her to speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s no

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

Emma dreaded being involved with Ericko. As

him.

emotion, Emma felt her heart clenched painfully.

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

as Mia brought this issue to

his intention to transfer the money to her father was a clear