The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 561

As the city lights flickered to life, a sleek black Mercedes-Maybach rolled up to the entrance of the Grand Regency Hotel.

Tonight was Mrs. Robinson's birthday—and also the night Brooks would finally introduce Evelyn to everyone.

Evelyn felt things were moving a bit quickly, but deep down, she wasn't opposed.

During her five years with Charles, she'd always been kept in the shadows.

Charles had never acknowledged her.

That unequal relationship had taught her: a healthy romance should flourish out in the open, not be hidden away like some shameful secret.

So, when Brooks mentioned he wanted to officially introduce her to his family, friends, and all his business associates on his mother's birthday, Evelyn hadn't said no.

She'd decided to commit to Brooks; she would nurture this relationship, working with him to win over the Robinson family.

"Don't worry," Brooks soothed her as they pulled up. "My mother's already agreed."

Previously, when Brooks had stood up for Evelyn against Charles's influence, Mrs. Robinson had blamed Evelyn for Brooks' troubles and had disapproved of their relationship. She'd even pressured Evelyn to break things off.

But a little over a month ago, in a hospital room, Evelyn had finally admitted her feelings for Brooks.

He'd rented out an entire bistro, decorated it beautifully, and confessed his love to her.

Once they were officially together, Brooks wasted no time telling his mother: he wanted to marry no one but Evelyn.

When Mrs. Robinson saw how determined he was, she finally relented, agreeing to let him bring Evelyn to her birthday party.

Brooks took Evelyn's hand and led her

elite, everyone dressed to the nines, but as

couple-he, tall and handsome; she, elegant and beautiful-they looked like they'd stepped out of a

Evelyn, Brooks was quick

hide the affection in his

poised and gracious, exchanged greetings with Brooks's business

manager approached Brooks about an issue-something had gone awry

himself, so he suggested Evelyn grab something to eat

Evelyn nodded.

Brooks left than Mrs. Robinson, regal in a designer gown

Robinson, Evelyn stepped

cut her off with a

"Exactly. A nobody from some backwater town, father unknown, trying

at Evelyn as if she were the root

for Evelyn, her son wouldn't have

have turned his back on

suffering behind bars-and Brooks had refused

Evelyn, her

daughter-in-law in mind, so she seized the opportunity to humiliate Evelyn and put her in her

said nothing,

how she really

she'd also spent years with Charles and even had a daughter with him. The fact that Evelyn and Charles still had lingering ties was more

Only someone like Lauren—a well-bred, accomplished young woman—was worthy of

Lauren, the more Mrs. Robinson looked down on

rival the

and devotion; she'd been waiting for Brooks