Mirabe strolled leisurely into the exhibition hall, taking her time as she wandered through the disys. Of course, due to the museum’s strict policies, all the artifacts and treasures were secured behind special counters, safely ensconced under ss made of a unique material. Visitors were <b>only </b>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 thete 19th century were showcased, and their value was beyond any conceivable estimate.


    After <b>perusing </b>the first floor without finding what she hade to see, Mirabe 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–ss treasures. The security here was tighter. than downstairs, with surveince that left no corner unchecked.


    Standing at the foot of the stairs, Mirabe casually adjusted the brim of her baseball cap as if by ident, then sidestepped towards a wall niche. She then slipped out a pair of seemingly ordinary sses 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 rm, and some of these. security measures were even potentially lethal. The designated pathways, set a meter from the disys, were the only safe zones.


    Mirabe smirked, tilting her cap even further, and took a quick nce around the second–floor gallery. Less than a minuteter, she removed the sses and tucked them away.


    At the center <b>of </b>the exhibition<b>, </b>under the most advanced security apparatus,y an emrald. pendant adorned with an intricate pattern. Its splendor was enhanced by the focused lighting of the disy case. The emerald was practically wless. Its lifelike carvings were a testament to the craftsmanship of that era. Mirabe’s eyes sparkled with admiration. “Truly a stunning piece,” she murmured.


    The second–floor gallery had other visitors apart from Mirabe, 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 unknownnguage.


    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 <b>his </b>way upstairs.


    His glossy dress shoes made a soft ck against the stairs. He was d in a dark suit, and his aura was undeniably foreboding. Soon, he reached the top of the staircase and stood poised at thending.


    Through his earpiece, his team reported no unusual activity. His gaze first settled on the pendant disy at the center of the hall before shifting to the crowd who was admiring it.


    Mirabe nced 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.


    10:4


    With a subtle narrowing of her eyes, she continued forward nonchntly. The intense scrutinysted 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 ckness, Mirabe’s lips curled into a sly grin. She remained still, once again donning her night vision sses. Her gaze, now unobstructed by darkness, focused precisely on the central disy case housing the emerald pendant. The two peoplewho had been near the case were now nowhere to be seen.