Chapter 74

Thursday arrived. As usual, I slipped on the mask that had become my shield and identity and made my way to Garcia's penthouse. Bruno, one of Garcia's men, welcomed me in with his familiar grin. Bruno had become a surprising comfort in this strange, high-stakes world. He had transformed from a cautious stranger into a genuine friend in just a few days. He was easygoing, always cracking jokes, his laughter disarming and warm. Everything about him contrasted with Garcia, who radiated a cold authority that chilled the air around him. Where Garcia was all steel and shadows, Bruno was light. "I have to say," Bruno began as we walked through the sleek hallway, "Masked Apollo—your name caught me off guard. Intriguing, mysterious." I smiled beneath the mask. "Is that so?" He nodded, eyes twinkling. "Trust me, when I first heard your name announced and saw you on that stage… I wanted to know more. But you know how it is—I can't breathe without the boss's permission." I let out a soft chuckle. "