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

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

tall and handsome; she, elegant and beautiful-they

glanced at Evelyn, Brooks was quick to introduce her.

the affection in his

poised and gracious, exchanged greetings

about an issue-something had

it himself, so he suggested Evelyn grab something to eat and promised he'd be right

Evelyn nodded.

regal in a designer gown and

Robinson, Evelyn stepped

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

and contemptuous. "Exactly. A nobody from some backwater town, father unknown, trying to marry into the Robinson family? You

mother looked at Evelyn as if

for Evelyn, her son wouldn't have ended up in prison three years

turned his back

child, suffering behind bars-and Brooks

Evelyn, her resentment

had a preferred daughter-in-law in mind, so she seized the

Robinson said

was how she

but she'd also spent years with Charles and even

Only someone

thought of Lauren, the more Mrs. Robinson looked down on

Harper family might not rival the Robinsons,

Lauren had both pedigree and devotion; she'd