Borja Residence, Manila
2130 Hours
Matthew set down his glass carefully on the small table beside his chair, savoring the last moments of quiet solitude. Below him, the glittering lights of Manila stretched out endlessly, a vast web of activity he could never truly escape, no matter how high his balcony might sit above the city streets.
His phone buzzed gently, breaking the fragile peace he'd just managed to carve out for himself. Glancing at the screen, he saw Angel's name displayed. She rarely called at this hour without something important.
He picked up, speaking calmly. "Yes, Angel?"
Her voice carried clearly, professional yet tinged with mild curiosity. "Sir, sorry to disturb you this late, but you've received a rather significant invitation. The Sy family is hosting an exclusive gathering this weekend, and you've been specifically asked to attend."