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

city's elite, everyone dressed to the nines, but as soon as

she, elegant and beautiful-they

at Evelyn, Brooks was quick to introduce her.

hide the affection in

poised and gracious, exchanged greetings with

about an issue-something had gone awry with a

it himself, so he suggested Evelyn grab something to eat

Evelyn nodded.

Mrs. Robinson, regal in a designer gown and

Robinson, Evelyn stepped forward.

Robinson cut her off with a sharp, mocking tone. "Chloe? Do you really think you're on a first-name basis?

nobody from some backwater town, father

looked at Evelyn as if she were the root of all

son wouldn't have ended

have turned his back

behind bars-and

Evelyn, her resentment

Mrs. Robinson didn't like Evelyn and had a preferred daughter-in-law in mind, so she seized the opportunity to

said

was how she

lack the family background to help Brooks, but 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

think her son was? Brooks was exceptional. Only someone like Lauren—a well-bred, accomplished young woman—was worthy of

the more Mrs. Robinson

might not rival the Robinsons, but

devotion; she'd been waiting for Brooks