The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第26章 The New Arrival

     Two weeks had passed since the tense conversation with Kenji about his possible relocation. The days had been consumed with back-to-back interviews, reviewing portfolios, and poring over performance metrics from candidates across the region. Eden had spent late nights in her office, sifting through profiles and narrowing down her list.

Out of dozens of applicants, only a few had impressed her. In the end, her decision came down to more than numbers; she wanted someone ambitious but disciplined, persuasive but trustworthy. Riston Carver checked every box. A well-known agent in the region with a track record of landing high-profile accounts, his name carried weight—and now he was about to walk through her door as the newest regional sales manager for Aoki Global.

As Eden sat at her desk reviewing orientation notes, her phone buzzed. She glanced down and her heart skipped.

Kenji: Boarding my flight back to Hokkaido. Finally leaving India. I can't wait to see you.

A smile spread across her face, the tension in her shoulders easing. She typed back a quick reply before she could stop herself: I can't wait either. Safe flight.

The phone buzzed again almost immediately.

Kenji: My assistant is planning a formal engagement party for us. Next weekend. On the yacht in Hakodate Marina. I hope you know what this means. This will be...a night to remember.

Eden leaned back in her chair, staring at the message. A formal engagement party. Their engagement wasn't just a secret wrapped in candlelight and family anymore—it was about to be introduced to the world in grand Kenji fashion. She bit her lip, a flicker of nerves crossing her chest, but quickly steadied herself. A mental note formed: she needed to start searching for a wedding planner soon.

The soft knock at her office door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she called.

The door opened, and Riston Carter stepped in. Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a tailored navy suit, he carried himself with a confidence that immediately explained his reputation. His sharp jawline and easy smile didn't go unnoticed by the women clustered outside her office, whispering and peeking through the glass. Eden could already hear the hushed giggles from the hallway.

"Ms. Hayes," Riston said smoothly, extending a hand. His voice was deep, steady, practiced. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. Thank you for trusting me with this opportunity."

Eden rose, taking his hand firmly. "Welcome aboard, Riston. I've been looking forward to this day. We have a lot to do, and I trust you're ready to hit the ground running."

His smile widened. "Absolutely."

As she guided him through his first day's agenda, Eden couldn't help but notice the ripple effect his presence was already causing in the office. The women seemed captivated, the men intrigued—or wary. She tucked the observation away. Talent was talent, but charm had its own gravity. And she would need to make sure that Riston's persuasive reputation worked for Aoki Global's benefit, not distraction.

For now, though, Eden allowed herself a rare moment of quiet satisfaction. She had secured a strong hire, Kenji was on his way home, and their future—though daunting—was beginning to take shape.