CHAPTER 130: PLANNING THE PRIME MINISTER'S PARTY I

The next morning, James woke up to an empty bed. Diana was already gone. He dressed and headed downstairs. The house was quiet, like he'd encountered the day before.

A familiar sight greeted him: breakfast laid out, his lunch packed beside it. A pang of concern pierced him.

He found Nicodemus hovering in the kitchen. "Uncle Nic," he said, a subtle concern lacing his voice, "did Diana get sick while making breakfast?"

Nicodemus fidgeted, his usual easy demeanor replaced by a nervous tremor. "No, sir, but she did take her medicine."

James's frown deepened. Nicodemus's nervousness wasn't lost on him. He had noticed immediately with his sharp piercing blue eyes. "Look at me, Nicodemus," he said firmly.

Nicodemus gulped, meeting James's gaze. "What is it, sir?"

"Don't lie to me," James said, his voice low but steady. "Is everything okay with Diana?"

Nicodemus felt a lump form in his throat. He wanted to protect Diana, but he couldn't lie to James. "She barely ate anything, sir," he confessed. "She said she didn't have an appetite, but she forced some food down just to take her medication." It was for his Lady boss good, Nicodemus thought as he confessed.

James's frown turned into a full-blown grimace. He picked up his lunch bag, about to head out, when Nicodemus spoke again.

"Sir," he said hesitantly, "what about breakfast?"

James paused, a flicker of worry crossing his face. "Forget breakfast, Nic," he sighed. "I'll grab something on the go."

Nicodemus nodded sadly as James left the house. A heavy silence settled in the kitchen.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The meeting room crackled with tension. Everyone was racking their brains, desperate to find a winning formula for their upcoming events, especially the ministerial party just a month away. Diana scanned the faces around the table, a frown creasing her brow as she observed her department heads deep in thought.

"Come on, people!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation. "It's a black-tie event, as Vanessa mentioned. Think black tie! Let that be your inspiration."

All eyes turned to her, a collective nod rippling through the room.

"How about something magical?" the director of logistics offered tentatively. "Like… mullets and leg warmers, Atari and Pac-Man, Madonna and Michael Jackson…"

Diana shook her head, a small smile playing on her lips. "Nah, too 80s." She dismissed the idea with a gentle wave of her hand. A collective sigh swept across the table.

"Black tie signifies importance," Diana stated, her voice regaining its professional edge. "Our theme needs to reflect that." She turned to her secretary. "Vani, are you taking notes?" Vanessa nodded briskly.

"We could choose an elegant and timeless color palette," Diana continued, "such as black, white, gold, or silver. Incorporate these colors into the table linens, floral arrangements, and accent pieces."

The team nodded in agreement, their spirits lifting.

"Nice!" someone commented, and the room buzzed with approval.

"Our CEO is so smart," her Director of Confectioneries added with a grin.

A wave of laughter and appreciative murmurs followed, the tension in the room finally beginning to ease.