CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND ELEVEN - Some Bonds Are Born In Silence

As they finished their lunch and headed back to the office, Nia found herself looking at the town with new eyes. The charming storefronts, the friendly nods from passersby, the way the sunlight glinted off the Hudson River in the distance - it all seemed to whisper of possibilities, of new beginnings. Back at the office, Nia threw herself into her work with renewed energy. Patricia assigned her first big task - creating a presentation for an upcoming client meeting. "Don't worry if you don't finish it today," Patricia said. "It's not due until next week." But Nia was determined to prove herself. She pored over the client files, researched industry trends, and put together a draft presentation that she was proud of. When she finally looked up from her computer, she was surprised to see that the office had emptied out, and the sun was setting outside her window. As she gathered her things to leave, Patricia emerged from her office. "Nia? You're still here?" Nia nodded, suddenly nerv