Chapter 186: Do You Hide Something From Me?

Emma was bombarded with a flurry of scolding remarks, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Although the phone wasn't on speaker, the small crowd and Mr. Holland's loud voice ensured everyone could hear his rage.

Fricko showed no reaction, as if the words hadn't registered.

Mia offered Emma a sympathetic look. "Poor Ms. Holland," she murmured. "Her father may scold her, but not this harshly."

Indeed, happiness often hinges on perspective.

"Dad, I'm still at the banquet. Let's discuss this when I'm home," Emma interjected, ending the call and handing back the phone.

Mia glanced at Emma, a grin playing on her lips, but not quite reaching her eyes. "Ms. Holland spends so much money. It's not surprising Mr. Holland is furious. Unlike me, I'm more frugal. Even though I like this pen, I don't have the heart to spend money on it."

A peculiar silence fell over the crowd. Everyone in Aquapolis was aware of Mia's lavish lifestyle. The onlookers' eyes scanned Mia's latest designer watch—worth a city-center house—as well as the numerous bracelets adorning her wrist, before landing on her multi-million-dollar necklace. Yes, Ms. Gatlin was indeed known for herfrugal pronouncements.

Mia remained calm under their scrutiny, her ability to spout nonsense with a straight face only growing stronger.

After a moment, Mia turned to Ericko, flashing a smile. "I heard from Maggie that this pen is lovely, but I couldn't bring myself to buy it. I wonder if Mr. Adam would let me admire its beauty?"

Ericko's attention was drawn to Mia's face. She had long, curly hair like seaweed—thick and voluminous—coupled with a tall and attractive physique. Her appealing eyes held a sleepy charm, unexpectedly alluring, much like a gorgeous Persian cat.

"No way! Mia, what are you plotting now?" Emma cast a frightened glance at Ericko and spontaneously objected.

Ericko immediately handed Mia the lovely black box. His slender, immaculate fingers, with their well-trimmed, faintly pink nails and delicate white crescents, enhanced the elegance of his hands. "Thank you," Mia accepted it without hesitation.

A bitter taste filled Emma's mouth, and her heart sank as she watched Mia grasp the pen, unable to shake off her irritation and anxiety.

Mia took the pen from the box, skillfully twirling it in her hand. This maneuver prompted gasps from Emma and her friends, who feared it would slip and fall.

Ericko remained composed, examining the pen, which seemed to come alive in Mia's delicate hand. He couldn't help but admire Mia's discerning eye; the pen was undeniably stunning.

Mia withdrew the pen cap, revealing a slight ink smudge on the tip—likely left by Emma, who had previously filled it.

"It's so beautiful," Mia sighed sincerely, though her tastes generally ran to more extravagant items.

"Do you like it? Then, it's yours," Ericko offered kindly.

Mia was momentarily stunned. What? She'd been planning to request the pen for Maggie, to pique Emma's curiosity, but hadn't expected Ericko to be so generous.

Maggie and Nathael, seemingly absorbed in each other, didn't approach Ericko. He seemed to have sensed Mia's close bond with Maggie, prompting the gift. Emma was taken aback, feeling as if struck by lightning. Her eyes grew hot, and tears threatened to spill over.

"Ericko!" Emma exclaimed incredulously, her eyes filled with skepticism and anticipation. Have I misinterpreted his words? She prayed Ericko would refuse Mia.

Mia beamed. "In that case, I graciously accept." Turning to Emma, she smiled. "I must also thank Ms. Holland for her generosity."

Emma pressed, "Ericko, are you really giving her the pen? Why does Mia deserve this?"

Ericko's expression turned icy. "As it's my possession, I believe I have the right to decide its fate."

Mia added fuel to the fire. "Indeed. Mr. Adam transferred money to you; how can this be considered a gift? Will you take advantage of this situation?"

A sour taste filled Emma's mouth. She glared at Mia with red-rimmed eyes before turning and fleeing.

Mia glanced at the pen before returning her gaze to Ericko. "Are you truly giving this to me?"

"I've said it, so there's no reason to break my word," Ericko responded warmly and decisively.

Chapter 186: Do You Hide Something From Me?

"Then thank you, Ericko," Mia replied, her tone ambiguous but not overly polite.

"Thank you for being there for her all these years," Ericko said again, his gorgeous eyes overflowing with warmth.

Mia chuckled softly, her captivating gaze assessing him as she carefully spoke, "There's no need to thank me. After all, I'm not doing this for you." Meanwhile, Maggie hadn't been able to fully enjoy the banquet.

Nathael's kiss made her knees weak. "When do you need the manuscript?" he whispered. "Would you like to come to my place and pick it up?"

Her thoughts raced; she felt shaky. Leaning against the wall, she gazed up at the man she hadn't seen in days. "Do you have it at your place?"

As soon as the words left her mouth, her cheeks turned pink, and her ears burned. Her voice was sultry and unnecessarily suggestive, making her feel she'd done something wrong.

Nathael gazed down at her, his fingers delicately brushing her earlobe. His voice was smooth and deep. "Why do you think I suggested you come home with me?"

Maggie's throat tightened, her cheeks still ablaze, but she maintained her composure. "I just asked. What's on your mind?"

Nathael chuckled, his expression ambiguous. "You know what I'm thinking."

Maggie's mouth dried up, her cheeks growing warmer, but she kept a straight expression. "Mr. Harris, I truly don't know. I genuinely don't know."

As if afraid he wouldn't believe her, she added firmly, "I genuinely don't know."

Nathael slowly released her, taking two steps back and pulling out a cigarette. His dark eyes looked concerned. "Do you want to find out?"

Maggie's thoughts were briefly interrupted by his careful movements. She pressed down on his hand as he was about to light it. "Don't smoke." His wounds hadn't fully healed.

"Okay," Nathael said, ceasing his actions. He didn't smoke regularly, but there were times when he felt troubled. Before, it was because he couldn't bear to see her with Joseph; now, he couldn't control his emotions and craved what he couldn't have.

Maggie was mildly upset watching him gently return the cigarette to its case, as if he hadn't been injured. She gazed up at him and asked carefully, "Nathael, do you hide something from me?"