As the city lights flickered to life, a sleek ck 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 rtionship 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 tomit to Brooks; she would nurture this rtionship, 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 med Evelyn for Brooks'' troubles and had disapproved of their rtionship. 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.


    The car stopped. Brooks took Evelyn''s hand and led her inside.


    The ballroom was filled with the city''s elite, everyone dressed to the nines, but as soon as Brooks and Evelyn walked in, all eyes turned to them.


    A striking couple-he, tall and handsome; she, elegant and beautiful-they looked like they''d stepped out of a magazine.


    People greeted Brooks warmly, and when they nced at Evelyn, Brooks was quick to introduce her. "This is my girlfriend, Evelyn."


    He couldn''t hide the affection in his gaze.


    Evelyn, poised and gracious, exchanged greetings with Brooks''s business partners.


    Just then, the event manager approached Brooks about an issue-something had gone awry with a surprise he''d nned for Evelyn.


    He needed to check on it himself, so he suggested Evelyn grab something to eat and promised he''d be right back.


    Evelyn nodded.


    No sooner had Brooks left than Mrs. Robinson, regal in a designer gown and surrounded by admirers, made her entrance.


    Seeing Mrs. Robinson, Evelyn stepped forward. "Chloe-"


    She didn''t even finish before a woman trailing behind Mrs. Robinson cut her off with a sharp, mocking tone. "Chloe? Do you really think you''re on a first-name basis? Know your ce."


    Another woman, Michael''s mother, chimed in, her eyes cold and contemptuous. "Exactly. A nobody from some backwater town, father unknown, trying to marry into the Robinson family? You really think you''re worthy?"


    Michael''s mother looked at Evelyn as if she were the root of all evil.


    If it weren''t for Evelyn, her son wouldn''t have ended up in prison three years ago.


    And Brooks wouldn''t have turned his back on their family.


    Her only child, suffering behind bars-and Brooks had refused to intervene.


    Seeing Evelyn, her resentment red.


    She knew Mrs. Robinson didn''t like Evelyn and had a preferred daughter-inw in mind, so she seized the opportunity to humiliate Evelyn and put her in her ce.


    Mrs. Robinson said nothing, tacitly agreeing.


    That was how she really felt.


    To her, Evelyn wasn''t good enough for her son. Not only did Evelynck 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 could stomach.


    What did Evelyn think her son was? Brooks was exceptional. Only someone like Lauren—a well-bred, aplished young woman—was worthy of him.


    The more she thought of Lauren, the more Mrs. Robinson looked down on Evelyn.


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


    a force. Lauren had both pedigree and devotion; she''d been waiting for Brooks for years.


    Evelyn met the usations with


    steady resolve. "Whether I''m worthy or not is between Brooks and me. It''s not for you to judge-especially not someone who raised a rapist and tried everything to shield him."


    Her words were calm but cutting.


    Michael''s mother turned red, then white, speechless. Such scandals weren''t umon among the elite, but to have it thrown in her face-she couldn''t respond.


    Mrs. Robinson''s brow furrowed ever so slightly.


    Her attitude set the tone for the whole room. Those who''d been wondering which family''s heiress Brooks had brought tonight were shocked to realize Evelyn was an outsider, with no pedigree.


    A pretty face was fine for a mistress, but as a wife for Brooks Robinson? Not a chance.


    Evelyn had known dating Brooks would mean facing this scrutiny.


    Her career was just beginning. To these people, she really didn''t measure up.


    She knew Brooks didn''t care, and she was working hard to prove herself, but under so many watchful eyes, the pressure was suffocating.


    Mrs. Robinson didn''t defend her.


    She''d deliberately sent Brooks away, wanting Evelyn to see just how wide the gulf was between her and the Robinsons.


    She hoped Evelyn would take the hint and step aside, leaving Brooks and Lauren to their destined match.


    As the whispers about Evelyn''s unworthiness grew louder in the ballroom, a deep, maic voice suddenly rang out at the entrance.


    "Who says she''s not worthy? As a Jenkins, Evelyn is worthy of anyone."