Chapter 205 Nia

• Nia's desk was usually clustered by that time of the day. Stacks of briefing papers, speech drafts, and coffee mugs formed a chaotic fortress around her computer screen, where she typed furiously on revisions for Vince's upcoming address on economic policy.
• It was mid-morning, the hub of activity outside her door a constant reminder of the machine that never slept. Nia pushed a strand of dark hair behind her ear, her blouse slightly unbuttoned from the stuffy air, revealing a hint of lace bra beneath. She needed focus on how to write a speech that aligned with Vince's voice in her mind, the way he'd deliver her words with that commanding yet gentle timbre but somehow, every few minutes, Vardo’s harassing touch at the gala would sweep into her mind, his intimidating body frame would make her jerk a bit on her chair.
• A knock interrupted her flow. Her assistant, Mia, poked her head in, arms laden with a black box tied in gold ribbon and a chilled bottle in a velvet sleeve. 'Delivery for you, Nia. From Harlan Industries. Again.' Mia's tone carried a bit of curiosity and warning, her eyes wide.