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

to contain herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve heard

woman’s gaze, and gave a slight nod.

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

“That’s none of

merciless tone, Mia’s direct words drained the

Mia interjected. Her bossy and beautiful face, yet

Wed, 22

Long–awaited Reputation

She had never met anyone like Mia before!

85%會

revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted by this woman who

as she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I dare you

her

gleam of mockery glinting in her eyes as she disregarded her phone and dialled Jordan’s number without

Jordan picked up the call.

Do you need more money?” Jordan’s voice rang through the line as soon as

you nouveau riche and

manners!”

pale,

hold on, I’ll have a word with her dad. I’ll ask Mr.

‘click‘ showing his heightened anger, which

but

speak further. “Ms. Holland, let me make this clear.

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

with Ericko. As Mia spoke,

him.

remained impassive, devoid of any emotion, Emma felt her heart clenched painfully.

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

Mia brought

money to her father