Chapter 273
Mirabella strolled leisurely into the exhibition hall, taking her time as she wandered through the displays. Of course, due to the museum’s strict policies, all the artifacts and treasures were secured behind special counters, safely ensconced under glass made of a unique material. Visitors were only allowed to admire the pieces from a distance of one meter.
The exhibition spanned two floors. On the ground level, artifacts dating from the 15th century to the late 19th century were showcased, and their value was beyond any conceivable estimate.
After perusing the first floor without finding what she had come to see, Mirabella made her way to the second floor. The second–floor collection was even more illustrious, with items so precious they could easily be deemed world–class treasures. The security here was tighter. than downstairs, with surveillance that left no corner unchecked.
Standing at the foot of the stairs, Mirabella casually adjusted the brim of her baseball cap as if by accident, then sidestepped towards a wall niche. She then slipped out a pair of seemingly ordinary glasses and put them on. Instantly, her vision was filled with a dense grid of infrared beams surrounding the rare exhibits. To trigger one would sound the alarm, and some of these. security measures were even potentially lethal. The designated pathways, set a meter from the displays, were the only safe zones.
Mirabella smirked, tilting her cap even further, and took a quick glance around the second–floor gallery. Less than a minute later, she removed the glasses and tucked them away.
At the center of the exhibition, under the most advanced security apparatus, lay an emrald. pendant adorned with an intricate pattern. Its splendor was enhanced by the focused lighting of the display case. The emerald was practically flawless. Its lifelike carvings were a testament to the craftsmanship of that era. Mirabella’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “Truly a stunning piece,” she murmured.
The second–floor gallery had other visitors apart from Mirabella, including a small group of onlookers and two people who stood with their arms crossed, seemingly engrossed in a conversation about the emerald – all in unknown language.
Meanwhile, Curtis emerged from the control room backstage and entered the first–floor exhibition through an internal passage. His sharp gaze swept over the visitors. Detecting nothing amiss, he slowly made his way upstairs.
His glossy dress shoes made a soft clack against the stairs. He was clad in a dark suit, and his aura was undeniably foreboding. Soon, he reached the top of the staircase and stood poised at the landing.
Through his earpiece, his team reported no unusual activity. His gaze first settled on the pendant display at the center of the hall before shifting to the crowd who was admiring it.
Mirabella glanced at her wristwatch and, seeing the time, decided to head to the restroom. She had only taken a few steps when she felt a piercing gaze sweep over her. Voices from downstairs suggested a security check was underway.
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Chapter 273
With a subtle narrowing of her eyes, she continued forward nonchalantly. The intense scrutiny lasted but a moment before moving away. She pressed her lips together, with a faint trace of concern flickering across her face.
Before she reached the corridor leading to the restrooms, the bright lights of the exhibition hall. suddenly went out. Darkness enveloped her, and panic ensued as startled cries echoed throughout the space.
In the enveloping blackness, Mirabella’s lips curled into a sly grin. She remained still, once again donning her night vision glasses. Her gaze, now unobstructed by darkness, focused precisely on the central display case housing the emerald pendant. The two peoplewho had been near the case were now nowhere to be seen.
