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.

Evelyn's hand and

the city's elite, everyone dressed to the nines, but as soon as Brooks and Evelyn walked in, all

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

Evelyn, Brooks was quick

the affection

and gracious, exchanged greetings with Brooks's

approached Brooks about an issue-something had gone awry

to check on it himself, so he suggested Evelyn

Evelyn nodded.

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

Evelyn stepped

trailing behind Mrs. Robinson cut her off with a sharp,

cold and contemptuous. "Exactly. A nobody from some backwater town, father unknown, trying to

looked at Evelyn as if she were the root of

wouldn't have ended up in prison three

have turned

child, suffering behind bars-and Brooks had

Evelyn, her

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

said

was how she

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

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

of Lauren, the more Mrs. Robinson

the Robinsons, but in

and devotion;