Chapter 129
When Rosa heard Charles’ remarks, she felt a stab of pain, believing Charles was dismissing Evelyn and using her status to hurt her. Rosa’s face clouded over, and she shot Charles a fierce look.
Even though Brooks was present, Rosa didn’t entirely shield Charles from the consequences of his words. She didn’t bother to hide her displeasure either, gripping Evelyn’s hand tightly and silently offering her comfort. With a hint of sternness, Rosa addressed Charles,
“What status are you talking about? Haven’t I made it clear? Eve is my granddaughter and a part of the Jenkins family.”
This hadn’t been publicly declared before because of Charles and Evelyn’s situation. If it became official, they’d be siblings, making their relationship inappropriate. Yet, she never imagined Charles would use this against Evelyn someday.
“I’ll choose a good day to officially make Eve my granddaughter. From then on, she’ll be recognized as a member of the Jenkins family,” Rosa declared, both to chastise Charles and elevate Evelyn’s standing in front of Brooks, decisively cutting off any chance of Charles and Evelyn being together.
Charles’ composure crumbled, his eyes darkening with a stormy intensity.
“Brooks, it’s getting late. You should head home and get some rest. Eve, would you mind seeing Brooks out?” Rosa, simmering with frustration, patted Evelyn’s hand and stood up from the couch. She didn’t spare Charles another glance. Charles was truly horrible, and nothing he said was bearable.
“Sure,” Evelyn and Brooks chimed in unison, locking eyes for a brief moment. From Charles’ vantage point, the room seemed to chill a few degrees. Evelyn ignored this and stood to escort Brooks out.
Charles remained on the couch, watching the pair leave together. His expression grew colder, and his gaze almost menacing as it followed Evelyn.
Silence hung in the air. As Evelyn passed by the household staff, she kept her words to herself. It wasn’t until they reached Brooks’ car that she spoke, “Mr. Brooks, can we chat for a moment in the car?”
Hearing her formal address, Brooks’ eyes flickered with a hint of disappointment, though he kept it hidden, and responded warmly, “Of course.”
He courteously opened the car door for Evelyn, shielding her head as she got in, then moved to the driver’s side and joined her inside.
“Mr. Brooks, going on that date
wasn’t really my idea. Rosa has been incredibly kind to me, and when she suggested it, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse, so I went along with it,” Evelyn explained candidly. “Rosa misunderstood me. When I said you were kind, I meant you’ve helped me a lot and are genuinely a good person.”
Brooks listened intently. “Are you still in love with him?” he asked, referring to Charles. His face was obscured by the shadows cast by the lights at the entrance of the Jenkins family estate.
“No,” Evelyn replied without hesitation. She knew he was talking about Charles. “I’m not in the right place for love right now.”
With Charlie’s revenge still unfulfilled, her heart wasn’t open.
Brooks spoke gently, “In that case, how about we join forces?”
“Join forces?” Evelyn looked at Brooks, puzzled.
Brooks switched on the car light. Under its glow, he seemed different from the man in the living room earlier. The usual slight smile was gone, replaced by a serious demeanor. His eyes were sharp, his voice steady and calm. “You’re not interested in blind dates but don’t know how to turn Rosa down. You’ve cleared things up with me today, but once Rosa hears our date didn’t pan out, she’ll continue setting you up.”