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.

took Evelyn's hand and

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

she, elegant and beautiful-they looked like they'd stepped out of

glanced at Evelyn, Brooks was quick to introduce her. "This is

couldn't hide the affection in his

exchanged greetings with Brooks's

then, the event manager approached Brooks about an issue-something had gone awry with a surprise he'd planned for

suggested Evelyn grab

Evelyn nodded.

Mrs. Robinson, regal in a designer gown

Evelyn stepped forward.

before a woman trailing behind Mrs. Robinson cut her off with a sharp, mocking tone. "Chloe? Do you really think

"Exactly. A nobody from some backwater town, father

if she were the root of all

for Evelyn, her son wouldn't have ended up

Brooks wouldn't have turned his back on their

suffering behind bars-and Brooks had refused

Evelyn, her

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

Robinson said

how she

for her son. Not only did Evelyn 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

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

the more Mrs. Robinson looked down

not rival the Robinsons, but in Manhattan,

and devotion; she'd been waiting for Brooks for