WHO AM I

BEHIND THE MASKS

The night of Renzo's party arrived quicker than Lila expected. The mansion stood towering against the night sky, lights spilling from every window as if it was a beacon for chaos. The air was thick with the scent of freshly cut grass, mingling with the laughter and booming music that echoed from inside.

Lila stepped out of the car, adjusting the strap of her dress nervously. Cathy and Jasper flanked her, each wearing expressions that ranged from curiosity to concern. The closer they got to the front door, the more Lila felt the weight of the night bearing down on her.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Cathy asked, her voice barely audible over the thumping bass.

Lila nodded. "I need to. There's something going on here, and I won't be able to rest until I know what."

Jasper grinned, clearly in his element. "Well, I'm ready to cause some trouble. Let's do this."

They pushed open the large front doors and were immediately swallowed by the crowd. People danced, laughed, and shouted over the deafening music. Renzo had spared no expense—every inch of the place screamed extravagance, from the glittering chandeliers to the fountain of champagne in the center of the room.

Lila's eyes darted around, scanning the crowd. She was looking for something—or someone—that felt out of place. Eli hadn't said much since his confession about working for his uncle, but Lila had a gut feeling that tonight was the night everything would unravel.

"Lila, over here!" Jasper called, dragging her and Cathy toward a large group of people. "You've got to meet someone."

Before Lila could respond, they were face to face with Renzo. He was grinning, dressed in a ridiculously expensive-looking suit, his signature smirk in place.

"Well, well, well. Didn't expect to see you here, Lila," Renzo said, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"I figured I'd see what all the fuss was about," Lila replied, forcing a smile.

"Always the curious one." Renzo winked, then turned to the man standing next to him. "This is the guy I wanted you to meet—Phillip."

Phillip extended his hand with a smile that seemed genuine, but Lila couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than met the eye. He was older, probably in his thirties, and carried himself with a quiet confidence that contrasted with Renzo's loud personality.

"Nice to meet you, Lila," Phillip said, his voice smooth. "I've heard a lot about you."

"Really?" Lila raised an eyebrow. "From who?"

Phillip smiled but didn't answer. Instead, he turned to Renzo. "I'll leave you to enjoy your party, but remember what we talked about. It's important."

Renzo nodded, suddenly serious. "Yeah, I got it. We'll catch up later."

As Phillip walked away, Lila exchanged a look with Cathy. Something about that interaction felt... off.

"Who is that guy?" Cathy whispered, watching Phillip disappear into the crowd.

"I don't know," Lila admitted, "but I'm going to find out."

"Good luck with that," Renzo said, overhearing them. "Phillip's a man of mystery. But hey, stick around, and maybe you'll get some answers. You never know what might happen at one of my parties."

Lila forced another smile, but inside, her nerves were buzzing. She had no idea who Phillip really was, but it was clear he was involved in whatever Eli had gotten tangled up in.

The night dragged on, with Lila trying her best to mingle and act casual, but her mind kept spinning. As people drank and danced, she kept glancing around, waiting for something to happen. And then it did.

Eli appeared.

He slipped through the crowd, looking tense, and Lila's heart skipped a beat. She watched as he made his way toward Renzo, pulling him aside for a private conversation. Their words were drowned out by the music, but the looks on their faces told her everything she needed to know—something big was going down.

"Should we go over there?" Cathy asked, noticing Eli too.

"No," Lila whispered. "Let's wait. We'll figure this out."

Before they could move, the lights in the mansion suddenly dimmed, and a hush fell over the crowd. A spotlight hit the center of the room, and Renzo, ever the showman, grabbed a microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, his voice booming through the speakers. "I hope you're all having a great time because the real party is just getting started!"

The crowd cheered, but Lila could barely focus. She was watching Eli, who seemed to be growing more anxious by the second.

"And now," Renzo continued, "a surprise guest has arrived. Let's give it up for my friend—someone you won't forget."

Lila's stomach twisted as another figure stepped into the light. It was Phillip. But this time, he wasn't smiling. He looked deadly serious.

"Tonight," Phillip said, his voice cold and commanding, "marks the beginning of something new. But first, there are a few things we need to take care of."

Lila's heart raced as the room seemed to shift. She had a bad feeling about this.

What does Phillip's arrival mean for Eli, and how does it tie into Renzo's strange behavior? The answers may be closer than Lila thinks—but they won't come without a price.