The Day Our Promise Breaks

Brooks stood next to Evelyn, watching her with a mix of tenderness and genuine concern. He hadn't mentioned to Evelyn that he'd looked into the mystery surrounding Charlie and Sandy's kidney donors. However, any trace of

information had been deliberately wiped clean. There was only one person who could pull off something like that-Charles. He was hell-bent on protecting Dahlia, come what may.

Evelyn finally stopped when she was about to collapse from exhaustion, and a bit of the gloom clouding her heart started to lift. "Brooks, it's getting late. We should head back," she said, noticing it was nearly eleven.

"Okay," Brooks replied, taking her hand again as they left the indoor amusement park and headed back to the car. While he buckled Evelyn's seatbelt, he noticed a hint of sadness still lingering in her eyes. Worried about leaving her alone, he gently asked, "How about staying over at my place tonight?"

"What?" Evelyn turned to him, clearly surprised.

The moment the words left Brooks' mouth, he realized how they might be taken the wrong way. Panic hit him as he met Evelyn's gaze. The last thing he wanted was for her to think his intentions were anything but genuine. Quickly, he stumbled over his words, "Evelyn, I didn't mean it like that. I have no ulterior motives... Well, I do care about you... I mean, that's not what I meant..."

"I know you're just worried about me," Evelyn cut him off with a warm smile, easing his flustered state.

Brooks was relieved she hadn't taken it the wrong way, but he couldn't help but feel embarrassed by his own reaction. Usually cool and collected, he found himself losing his composure around Evelyn more often than not. Trying to mask his discomfort, he cleared his throat and offered, "Would you be okay with staying at the Grand Luxe tonight?"

The Grand Luxe was a hotel under the Robinson Group's portfolio. Brooks realized his earlier suggestion might have been too forward. To Evelyn, he was just someone who'd helped her out a few times-someone she appreciated, but nothing more. A hotel stay seemed like the best option.

"Alright," Evelyn agreed, feeling worn out both physically and emotionally. She was also worried about running into Charles at Maple Garden and had no energy for that tonight.

Half an hour later, the sleek black Maybach pulled into the Grand Luxe's underground parking. Brooks had a standing reservation for the presidential suite there. He led Evelyn to the top floor, where the hotel manager was already waiting at the suite door. Despite his curiosity, the manager kept his eyes forward as he handed Brooks the key card, knowing this was the first time Brooks had brought a woman here.

"Get some rest. I'm just next door, so call me if you need anything," Brooks said,noveldrama

giving Evelyn the key card without stepping inside.

"Okay," she replied, taking the card.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Brooks waited as Evelyn entered her room and locked the door before heading to his own suite next door.

Evelyn was exhausted. As she got ready to shower, she noticed that Brooks had arranged everything perfectly. The air was infused with a calming aroma of essential oils. A small smile crept across her face as she felt her icy heart gradually thaw under his thoughtful care. Just as she was about to slip into the bath, her phone buzzed. In the misty bathroom, she figured it was Brooks, so she paused, reached into her jacket, and pulled out her phone, only to see an incoming video call from an unfamiliar number.