(MICHELE'S POV)
I make my way to the kitchen, careful not to draw attention. The tray of champagne flutes I've been carrying clinks softly as I set it down, then I dump the glasses into the trash.
Back out into the main hall, I spot two of our men dressed exactly like me. I raise a hand and signal them toward me.
"Psst. Hey, you two. Come here."
They abandon their trays and walk over immediately.
"This is the most important part of the mission now," I tell them quietly, keeping my voice low. "I'm going after the ruby necklace and the two of you are gonna be my backup. Stay behind me, watch my back, but don't get too close. Understand?"
"Yes, sir," they reply in unison, a sharp nod from both.
"Let's go."
I start moving and they fall in line, trailing a few steps back. As I walk toward the wing where the attendants wheeled out the auction prizes, I press the earpiece in my ear.
"Sandra," I mutter under my breath. "I'm going for the necklace now."
