Begin Again

The polished marble floors of The Serenity Establishment hummed with the quiet efficiency of a well-oiled machine. Charmaine Serenity, seated at her expansive desk, meticulously reviewed a quarterly report, the soft glow of her monitor illuminating her focused expression. Her secretary, Adam Harper, stood at the doorway, a respectful presence.
"Good afternoon, Miss Serenity," Adam greeted, his voice a low, unobtrusive murmur. Charmaine gestured him in, her posture effortlessly straightening as he entered, closing the door softly behind him. She valued Adam's attentiveness, a trait honed from his previous role as a PA to a renowned lawyer.
"An invitation from Villianex was sent," Adam announced, scrolling through his tablet. "You're invited to a gathering party for their new CEO. It starts from 8 to 11 PM. Today." He paused, looking up. "Your father informed Khair that you will attend in his stead and make the welcoming speech."
Charmaine froze, her fingers hovering over her keyboard. Villianex? A new CEO? And she was expected to give a speech? A faint, unsettling feeling began to stir within her, a premonition of a past she thought long buried.