Let's Start All Over Again, Shall We (Maggie and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 185

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 pain, no gain. Ms. Holland, I appreciate your kindness, so I’ll accept the pen, Ericko nodded, ready to depart

Mia stepped forward, unable to contain herself, “Mr. Adam, I’ve heard so much about you.”

Ericko halted, meeting the woman’s gaze, and gave a slight nod. “Ms. Gatlin.”

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

Mia chuckled. “That’s none of your concern!”

With a merciless tone, Mia’s direct words drained the colour from Emma’s face, igniting anger, “I …

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

Chapter 185 Long–awaited Reputation

Emma quivered with fury. She had never met anyone like Mia before!

“No wonder 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 her affairs.

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

“You!!!” Emma’s breath hitched, her entire body trembling.

Mia pursed her lips, a gleam of mockery glinting in her eyes as she disregarded her phone and dialled Jordan’s number without hesitation.

After a few moments, Jordan picked up the call.

“Ericko, I want you to have this pen. Don’t think too much. If you want to thank me, just invite me to

Chapter 185 Long–awaited Reputation

dinner another day… Emma’s voice wavered, and her eyes turned red, as she attempted to salvage some dignity.

Mia arched her eyebrows in surprise.

Why does she have such audacity?!

Before either Mia or Ericko could respond, Emma’s phone suddenly rang. When she saw her father’s incoming call, her expression darkened even more..

Emma assumed it must be about a dispute at the auction and Jordan’s call, and answering it would look bad. She promptly ended the call, unwilling to subject herself to embarrassment in front of Ericko and

Mia.

“Oh, why isn’t Ms. Holland picking up?” Mia’s smile took on a sly edge, relishing the unfolding drama.

“I don’t need your concern, Ms. Gatlin, Emma retorted icily.

Just then, a friend who usually got along well with Emma and Beth approached with a phone in hand, “Emma, Mr. Holland called me. He said your phone wasn’t reachable, and Beth had to leave early.”

Emma’s complexion drained with a single sentence, her gaze darkening as she looked at the newcomer.

Idi’t!

She purposely ignored the call, but her friend insisted on bringing the phone to her!

Emma suppressed her anger and reluctantly answered, “Dad.”

“All your foolish antics have spread like wildfire! I warned you not to provoke the Adams, yet here you are dragging the Gatlins into this mess! Do you think Jordan is a pushover? How utterly foolish!!!” her father’s. voice seethed through the phone.