October 21, 2025 — 4:20 AM
Solana Bay Villa — Study Nook
The villa was still. Outside, waves whispered against the rocks in their endless rhythm, and the salty breeze pushed gently through the mosquito screens. Inside, the only light came from the soft glow of Matthew's laptop screen, illuminating his focused face as he leaned over the keyboard in a plain white tee and sweatpants.
On the table beside him sat a matte black USB stick—slim, anonymous, and far more dangerous than it looked.
He had waited for the silence. For the moment when Angel and Aurora were deep in sleep. For the space to think clearly, without the gentle chaos of bottles, coos, and half-finished emails.
Now, he was here.
And so was it.