The Day Our Promise Breaks

Wiona didn't want to see Evelyn tonight, but she knew full well that Brooks had seen right through her thoughts-he'd brought Evelyn here on purpose, just to make a point.

He wanted her to know that his mind was made up: Evelyn was the one he'd chosen.

Brooks greeted her coolly, "Mom."

Wiona's heart tightened with anger. She kept her face stern and shot Brooks a glare before heading downstairs.

Evelyn and Lauren greeted her politely, "Aunt Josephine."

Wiona only gave Evelyn a curt nod in response, her tone as chilly as her expression.

But when she turned to Lauren, her face immediately broke into a warm smile, her voice affectionate as she called, "Lauren."

She reached out, took Lauren's hand, and said, "Come, sit with me."

After making Lauren feel welcome, she barely glanced at Evelyn, tossing out a cold, "You can sit too."

Her favoritism was clear as day.

Brooks' expression darkened and he looked ready to speak up, but Evelyn tugged at his sleeve and shook her head slightly.

She knew Brooks wanted to stand up for her, but she didn't want him arguing with Mrs. Robinson on her account.noveldrama

After all, she was a mother too-she understood that Mrs. Robinson didn't have anything against her as a person. She just thought Evelyn, who had been married and had a child with Charles, wasn't good enough for the outstanding Brooks.

That was one of the reasons Evelyn had hesitated to move forward with Brooks in the first place.

But now that she'd taken that step, now that they were together, she was determined to win over the Robinson family.

Lauren let herself be led by Wiona, feeling a bit helpless inside.

She'd grown up under Mrs. Robinson's watchful eye-her brother and Brooks

were best friends, and the Hudsons and Robinsons were close.

So she was often at the Robinsons' house and had always had a great relationship with Mrs. Robinson.

That's why, when Mrs. Robinson invited her to dinner, she came right over-never expecting it to be this kind of dinner.

She'd had a crush on Brooks since she was a teenager, but Brooks had always treated her like a little sister.

She couldn't help how she felt, though.

This time, she'd come back from overseas determined to finally fight for her own happiness.

But she hadn't expected Brooks' heart to already belong to someone else.

The first time she saw the way Brooks looked at Evelyn, she knew he was in love.

So she buried her feelings deep again, not planning to confess and ruin things.

She just hadn't expected Chloe to try so hard to push her and Brooks together, making her feel even more awkward and out of place.

"Aunt Josephine, I designed this jewelry set myself. I hope you'll like

it." Evelyn took out the birthdiket

present she'd originally prepared for Mrs. Robinson.

She knew Mrs. Robinson loved elegant, vintage-inspired pieces, so she'd incorporated those elements, designing this set just for her, with great care.

But there'd been a small hiccup, and she hadn't managed to give it to Mrs. Robinson on her birthday. Tonight, she'd finally seized the opportunity.

Mrs. Robinson knew Evelyn was a jewelry designer, but not a well-known one- too ordinary, in her opinion.

Her taste was notoriously discerning. She didn't need to look to know Evelyn's work wouldn't live up to her standards.

But she couldn't snub someone offering a polite gift. Evelyn's manners were impeccable, and Wiona couldn't be rude.

"How thoughtful of you," Wiona said, reaching out to accept the box with a perfunctory smile. She passed it immediately to the butler, not even glancing inside.

She had no desire to open it.

"Mom!" Brooks' face grew colder.

He knew exactly how much time and effort Evelyn had poured into that jewelry set for his mother.

Evelyn stopped Brooks from speaking up for her again.

Wiona took in their silent exchange.

She was actually satisfied that Evelyn didn't act entitled or try to drive a wedge between mother and son. That proved Evelyn's character was sound.

But good character alone wasn't enough for her Brooks.

“Lauren, here's a little welcome-back present from me—the Starlight collection, designed by Sunny E. See if you like it."

"Sunny E.? That's the designer Olivia wore last time, right? I love her work. She's been so busy, it's impossible to get a custom piece from her these days. Thank you, Aunto Josephine." Lauren's eyes lit up.

She really did love it.

All the debutantes were raving about Sunny E. lately-everyone wanted a custom design.

"Lauren has good taste. Sunny E. is exceptional," Wiona praised, her words carrying weight.

Brooks watched the two women on the sofa, chatting animatedly over Sunny E.'s

jewelry, and the coldness in his eyes faded.

There was a touch of amusement in his gaze.

Wiona genuinely admired Sunny E.'s designs, but she was also pointedly

snubbing Evelyn, making her message clear.

She appreciated the gesture.

But not every designer's work was worthy of her.

She wanted Evelyn to recognize her own limits.

So while she chatted with Lauren, she kept stealing discreet glances at Evelyn watching as Evelyn, though clearly left out, still maintained a gentle, unruffled smile.