The Day Our Promise Breaks

"Alright."

Brooks glanced up at Evelyn. The light from the living room lamp was just right, and it seemed to add a certain glow to his gaze, making it almost impossible for Evelyn to meet his eyes directly. Unable to handle the intensity, she instinctively looked away and headed to the tea room for a breather.

After exchanging a few words with Brooks, Rosa found a reason to join Evelyn in the tea room.

Evelyn was busy making tea when Rosa came in, and she greeted her with a warm "Hey, Grandma." "What do you think of Brooks, Eve?"

Rosa was quite taken with Brooks. When setting Evelyn up, the Robinson family was the obvious choice. Brooks was her first thought, but she knew that while she saw Evelyn as a perfect match for anyone, Brooks might not see it the same way.

Rosa wanted to find a strong, supportive partner for Evelyn, not put her in a position where she'd feel undervalued. So, she initially passed on Brooks, opting instead for the youngest son of the Robinson family. He might not have much power, but his close bond with Brooks meant Evelyn would be well-protected as his sister-in-law.

To her surprise, Brooks had already agreed before she could even suggest anyone. At first, Rosa thought he had mistaken Evelyn for Sena, but it turned out Brooks was genuinely interested in Evelyn.

""He's really nice..."

But...

Before Evelyn could finish her thought, Rosa flashed a huge grin, interrupting with, "Tea's no good if it's cold."

She motioned for the servant to bring the tea, and Evelyn's words were left unsaid as Rosa led her back to the living room.

They settled back into their seats, with Evelyn on Rosa's left and Brooks to her right.

"Brooks, give Eve's tea a try. Does it suit your taste?" Rosa asked, her words laced with a hint of something more.

Brooks was sharp as a tack, and caught on immediately. He took a sip, savored it thoughtfully, and then turned to Rosa. "It's perfect, just the

way I like it." Content belost the

His compliment made Rosa's smile widen even more as she seized the opportunity, "And what about Eve?" Her question was almost rhetorical.

"Even better," Brooks replied, looking straight at Evelyn, his admiration crystal clear.

Evelyn was caught off guard and speechless from the moment the tea was mentioned. Brooks' open affection left her a bit flustered. "Eve thinks the world of you, too!" Rosa chimed in before Evelyn could gather her thoughts.

Brooks' gaze grew even softer.

In that moment, Evelyn felt a sharp, intense gaze on her, an invisible pressure pressing down. She

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instinctively turned to find Charles cold stare fixed on her. Her eye's cooled as she recalled the night's events.

Rosa noticed Evelyn's gaze shift to Charles and felt a pang of disappointment.

Charles didn't appreciate Evelyn. Did he really think she couldn't find someone better? There were plenty of great guys who'd be thrilled to be with Evelyn.

“Charles, just in time. I know you and

Brooks are business rivals, but our families will be one from now on.

Keep things civil, don't make it ugly, and don't put Eve in a tough Spot."

Charles caught the drift of Rosa's message, his expression darkening.