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.

your kindness, so I’ll accept

forward, unable to contain herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve

the woman’s gaze, and gave a slight

stood behind her, quickly followed suit, eyeing Mia

“That’s none of

words drained the colour

Adam!” Mia interjected. Her bossy and beautiful face, yet compassionate demeanour implied she understood everything.

22

185 Long–awaited

had never met anyone like Mia before!

85%會

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

gave out cold chuckle, her captivating eyes dimming slightly as she locked gazes with

her entire body

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

few moments, Jordan picked

matter, Mia? Are you not enjoying yourself at the auction? Do you need more money?” Jordan’s voice rang through the line as soon as

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

manners!”

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

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

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

but found herself unable to do

Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s no secret that you have unrequited love with Mr.

have to pay an additional hundred thousand dollars because of your little scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become

dreaded being involved with Ericko. As Mia

him.

any emotion, Emma

that he would be irritated and think

as Mia brought this

to transfer the money to her