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.

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

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

woman’s gaze, and gave a slight nod. “Ms.

her, quickly followed

none

tone, Mia’s direct words drained the colour from Emma’s face,

Her bossy and beautiful

22

185 Long–awaited Reputation

quivered with fury. She had never met anyone like

85%會

is quite revealing!” Emma

captivating eyes dimming slightly as she locked gazes with Emma. “Alright. I dare you to repeat

her entire

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

moments, Jordan picked up the call.

enjoying yourself at the auction? Do you need more money?” Jordan’s voice rang through the line as soon as he answered.

you nouveau riche and accused me

manners!”

was turning pale, which was incredibly unattractive. She completely ruined Emma’s

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

‘click‘ showing his heightened anger, which

several times but found herself unable to do it

“Ms. Holland, let me make this clear. Even though it’s no secret that you

scams, and for no apparent reason, he has become a scapegoat. How pitifull” Mia scowled, offering genuine

with Ericko. As Mia spoke, she instinctively glanced

him.

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

money earlier, she felt uneasy, worried that he would be irritated

Mia brought this issue to

to her father was a clear