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.

stopped. Brooks took Evelyn's hand and led her

the nines, but as

handsome; she, elegant and beautiful-they looked like they'd stepped

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

the affection

poised and gracious, exchanged

approached Brooks about an issue-something had gone awry with a surprise he'd planned

so he suggested Evelyn grab something to eat

Evelyn nodded.

Robinson, regal in a designer gown and surrounded by admirers,

Evelyn stepped

behind Mrs. Robinson cut her off with a sharp, mocking tone.

woman, Michael's mother, chimed in, her eyes cold and contemptuous. "Exactly. A nobody from some backwater town, father unknown, trying to marry into

at Evelyn as if she were the root

for Evelyn, her son wouldn't

Brooks wouldn't have turned his

only child, suffering behind bars-and Brooks

Evelyn, her

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

Robinson said nothing,

how she really

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 than Mrs. Robinson

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

more she thought of Lauren, the more Mrs. Robinson

Harper family might not rival the Robinsons, but in Manhattan, they were

Lauren had both pedigree and devotion; she'd been