Affairs Of State (FRESH ◆)

"The optics are catastrophic, Elias," his Chief of Staff, Sarah, said, her voice tight. "The leak didn’t just expose the trade negotiations. It exposed the motive . If the public finds out this was a personal favor for a donor, the 'affairs of state' become the 'crimes of the century.'".

"Elias, you can't be serious," Sarah whispered. "The party, the legacy—"

He stood up and walked to the window, looking out at the manicured lawn of the Rose Garden. For years, he had balanced the weight of the nation against the weight of his own conscience. Now, the scales were broken. He thought of the young aides like Michael Lawson , who came to D.C. with fire in their eyes and ended up as kindling for the very fires they meant to extinguish. "Draft the resignation," Elias said quietly. The silence returned, heavier than before. Affairs of State

The heavy mahogany doors of the Situation Room muffled the chaos of the West Wing, but inside, the silence was even louder. President Elias Thorne sat at the head of the table, his reflection caught in the polished wood—a man whose face had aged a decade in four years.

Elias didn’t look up. He was thinking of the letter in his pocket—the one from his daughter, who hadn't spoken to him since the campaign began. She had seen the rot before he did. He had entered this office promising a " More Perfect Union ," but now he was just another man trying to keep the walls from closing in. "The optics are catastrophic, Elias," his Chief of

"The legacy is a lie, Sarah," he interrupted, turning back to the table. "I’ve spent four years managing the state of affairs , but I forgot how to manage my own soul. Let the truth be the final affair of state.". Affairs of State: A Political Thriller | C. A. James

"We have two hours before the press briefing," Sarah continued, sliding a folder across the table. "We can blame a mid-level aide, or we can go for a full-scale cybersecurity distraction.". Elias finally looked at her. "And what about the truth?" If the public finds out this was a

Sarah gave a short, mirthless laugh. "Truth isn't a currency in this town, Elias. It's a liability.".