The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第24章 The Weight of Decisions

     The next morning, Eden walked into Aoki Global's headquarters with her mind already sharp on the problem ahead. The air outside still carried the faint crispness of Hokkaido's late summer mornings, but inside the glass building, the mood was tense.

In her office, Eden paused, staring at the diamond ring on her finger. Its brilliance caught the morning light, scattering fractured rainbows across her desk. For a moment, she smiled, remembering the arch of roses, the violin, Kenji's voice trembling as he asked her to marry him.

But this was work. And here, her ring wasn't just a symbol of love—it was a beacon, a distraction, maybe even an invitation for whispers she wasn't ready to entertain. Quietly, she slid it off her finger, placed it into a velvet-lined drawer, and closed it. A small pang tugged her chest, but she squared her shoulders. Eden Hayes, CEO, was who she needed to be now.

The issue came down to Yuko, one of the regional sales managers. A major client had escalated a complaint, stating they no longer wanted to deal with Yuko at all. They had gone further—demanding that Aya take over their account directly. Eden had called a meeting to discuss next steps, with Mallory present as liaison.

The conference room carried a strange energy the moment Eden walked in. Aya sat poised, professional, but her eyes flickered briefly toward Mallory with something unsaid—resentment, history, something Eden couldn't quite pin down. Mallory's expression was neutral, though her posture was sharper than usual, almost defensive. Eden filed it away, but chose not to address it. Not yet.

"Thank you both for joining me," Eden began, her tone clipped but calm. "We've had an official request from Takamura Holdings to reassign their account. They've asked for you specifically, Aya."

Aya nodded once. "I understand. If it's the client's preference, I'm willing to take on the responsibility."

Mallory's voice cut in, smooth and measured. "It's important we weigh the impact of this carefully. Transitioning accounts can sometimes create ripples. Still—if this secures the relationship with Takamura, honoring their request is the logical choice."

Eden watched them both carefully. The air between them was charged, a quiet static that neither addressed outright. She let the silence stretch, then gave a single decisive nod. "Then it's settled. Aya will take over the Takamura account. Yuko will be informed today."

At that moment, a soft knock came at the conference room door. An assistant entered with an enormous bouquet of white lilies and a box wrapped in deep red ribbon. "Delivery for Ms. Hayes," she said.

Aya's eyes flicked to the flowers, then to Eden. Mallory's lips pressed into a thin line. Eden felt her cheeks warm but managed a polite smile. "Thank you. Please leave them in my office."

As the assistant left, Eden refocused. "Now—let's handle Yuko."

She and Mallory later pulled Yuko into a separate meeting. Keeping Mallory as a witness to the encounter. His face reddened as Eden explained the decision with calm professionalism. "The client has requested reassignment. Effective immediately, Aya will be taking over their account. We appreciate your contributions, Yuko, but this is the best course for the client relationship."

His jaw tightened. "You're siding with them over me? After everything I've done for this company?"

"This isn't about sides," Eden replied firmly. "It's about preserving one of our most critical partnerships."

Yuko slammed his hand on the table, voice rising. "This is outrageous. I won't be humiliated like this." He shot up from his chair, glaring first at Mallory, then at Eden. "You can run this company without me. I quit."

The door rattled as it slammed shut behind him.

Mallory exhaled slowly, shaking her head. "Well. That answers that."

Eden sat straighter, already pulling her composure back around her like armor. "Then it's final. I'll call the board this afternoon and inform them myself. The role will be posted immediately."

Later, before dialing into the board meeting, Eden lingered at her desk, her gaze falling on the closed drawer where her engagement ring rested. Her hand hovered for a moment before she turned away, exhaling. Work came first. Always had. Always would.

She gathered the bouquet into her arms, inhaling the rich fragrance of fresh blooms, their petals brushing softly against her cheek. Setting them gently on the edge of her desk, she plucked a piece of chocolate from the box and let it melt on her tongue before unfolding the small note tucked inside.

The handwriting was bold, unmistakably his.

To: Eden
From: Your Fiancé

Enjoy the flowers and your favorite treat. I'll be back soon. I can't wait to have you on my yacht again—the memories of us are they're driving me crazy.

Xo, Love, Kenji

Her lips curved into an involuntary smile, her heart fluttering as though he were whispering the words directly into her ear.