The Day Our Promise Breaks

Chapter 564

Charles's movement as he got into the car noticeably faltered.

His large hand, braced on the car door for support, trembled.

That long-lost note of concern in Eve's voice crashed over Charles's heart like a tidal wave.

Eve still cared about him.

But the fleeting happiness lasted only a moment.

Bitterness followed right after.

Charles knew better than anyone: the only reason Evelyn-who'd always treated him so coldly—showed him any concern tonight was because he'd finally told her, in front of everyone, that she was now officially Ms. Evelyn Jenkins of the Jenkins family. She could finally let go and feel at ease.

She understood. By saying that, he was making it clear: he wouldn't trouble her anymore.

Afraid she'd notice anything unusual, Charles forced down the bitterness inside. He turned to Evelyn, his expression composed, and said, "It's nothing. I just scraped my leg a little a couple of days ago. No big deal."

Since he said that, Evelyn didn't press further.

She'd blurted the question out on instinct.

Whether he was hurt or not had nothing to do with her anymore.

But Charles's leg really couldn't hold up any longer. He offered Evelyn a gentle smile, then bent to get into the car.

As soon as the door shut, Charles's self-control crumbled.

Slumping back against the seat, his breathing turned ragged and harsh.

Aiden, witnessing it all, blanched.

He didn't dare delay any longer, slamming his foot on the gas as the car sped away from the manor.

Evelyn didn't watch the car leave.

The moment it disappeared, she pulled her gaze back-only to find Brooks still staring after it, his expression clouded with worry.

She asked, concern in her voice, "Brooks, what's wrong?"

snapped out of it, his tone gentle.

Josephine's birthday. You've been gone too long already.

and slipped her arm through his, letting

I'm so sorry about earlier. I didn't know my

accept Evelyn in front of him, only to attack her at the dinner party, picking at her

have to apologize. I'm

kindness Brooks had shown her over the years. Especially that night, just over

your life for me. I'll do everything I can to

of her field-not just to fulfill the dream she'd shared with Charlie, but

and in that instant, realization struck. Evelyn

gratitude in her eyes hadn't come from being moved by

Brooks's heart sank.

her hand unconsciously

her brow

to be with me because you think I saved

caught off

kind of

was no "if"

was about to ask Brooks why he'd say such a

the place for such

emotions well, but his

As soon as he could, he made an excuse to step aside

assistant, instructing him to look into Charles's

off the phone, he returned to

to Charles's appearance, no one in the lavish ballroom dared look down

Evelyn had

only an

she'd personally designed as a birthday gift for Mrs. Robinson, the

Brooks's face darkened.

more, so he took her hand and led her out. They

executive assistant,

how, during the fire, Charles had pushed Evelyn toward him only to have his own leg trapped under a

confirmed

hidden news of his injury from

hadn't specifically asked, he would never have known

been hurt in