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.

Ms. Holland, I appreciate your kindness, so I’ll accept the pen, Ericko nodded, ready

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

and gave a slight nod.

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

“That’s none of your concern!”

direct words drained the colour from Emma’s

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

22 May

Long–awaited Reputation

never met

85%會

they call the Gatlins nouveau riche. Ms. Gatlin’s lack of manners is quite revealing!” Emma gritted her teeth, disgusted by this woman who repeatedly messed up

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

her entire

in her eyes as she disregarded her phone and

few moments, Jordan picked up the

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

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

manners!”

face was turning pale, which was incredibly unattractive. She

I’ll have a word with her dad. I’ll ask Mr. Holland how he managed to raise such a well- mannered daughter!”

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

speak several times but found herself unable to do

this clear. Even though it’s no secret that you have

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

with Ericko. As Mia spoke,

him.

any emotion, Emma felt her heart clenched

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

Mia brought this issue to light.

to her