The Red String Between Us: Part III Eternal Thread

第33章 Cracks in the Celebration

     The engagement party had stretched into the late evening, the yacht glowing like a jewel on the dark water. Laughter spilled across the deck, glasses clinked, and music swelled, but underneath the polished surface, tension simmered.

Eden had just excused herself from a conversation with one of Kenji's cousins when she caught sight of Mallory by the bar. Her cheeks were flushed, her laughter a little too sharp, and the half-empty glass of champagne in her hand wasn't her first of the night.

Moments later, Mallory drifted closer, her eyes narrowing as she took in Eden's gown and the diamond ring glittering under the lantern light. Her smile was syrupy sweet—but her words cut.

"Well, doesn't someone look the part tonight," Mallory drawled, swaying slightly. "Silver hoops and all."

Eden steadied her voice, keeping it calm. "Mallory, maybe you should slow down on the drinks. Why don't I get you some water? We can step—"

"Water?" Mallory's laugh rang out, shrill and edged. "Don't pretend you're worried about me. You're just enjoying the show, aren't you? Playing the perfect fiancée while parading on Kenji's arm. Should have been me."

A few nearby guests turned their heads. Eden's stomach sank. She stepped forward, lowering her voice. "Mallory, please. People are watching. Let's not do this here."

That was enough to ignite the fuse. Mallory's hand flew in a sharp wave, nearly sloshing champagne over the deck. "Don't patronize me, Eden! You think you've won something? That just because he gives you a card and a shiny ring you're untouchable? Yeah, I saw it on your desk.":

Kenji moved instantly, placing himself at Eden's side, his posture taut with controlled authority. "Mallory." His voice was low, warning. "That's enough."

But Mallory wasn't finished. She took two uneven steps closer to Eden, her hands gesturing wildly, her tone slicing through the music and chatter. "She doesn't—"

Before she could finish, two members of Kenji's security detail appeared, discreet but firm. One touched her arm gently, the other stepped between her and Eden.

"Ma'am, we're going to have to ask you to leave the party." one said, guiding her toward the interior of the yacht.

Mallory resisted at first, hurling one last glare at Eden. But the security's steady insistence left her with no choice. She was escorted away, her heels clacking unevenly against the deck until she disappeared from view.

The silence that followed was heavy. Guests turned back to their conversations, but the ripple of unease remained. Eden stood frozen, her hands trembling slightly.

Kenji pulled her into his embrace, his hand pressing against the small of her back as if shielding her from the world. "Shh. Don't let her shake you," he murmured, his voice calm but unyielding. "She's gone now. You're safe."

Eden let her forehead rest against his chest, closing her eyes. "I didn't want a scene. I just wanted tonight to be beautiful."

"It is beautiful," Kenji said softly, tilting her chin up so she would look at him. His eyes held nothing but steadiness. "One outburst doesn't change what this night means. Mallory can't take away what we have."

The music rose again, the party pressing forward, but Eden stayed tucked against Kenji's side a moment longer—grateful for his presence, and aware that Mallory's shadow wasn't going to disappear easily.