Chapter 149

Rose adjusted the black bow tie of her server’s uniform, checking her reflection in the service elevator’s mirrored wall. The disguise was perfect, hair tucked under a cap, face subtly altered with makeup to change her bone structure. No one would recognize her as the woman in the green dress who had shown herself to Camille earlier.

That had been the distraction. This was the real plan.

“Two minutes,” the man beside her said, his Russian accent thick even in those two words. Anton Bessonov had sent his best, Mikhail, a man whose hands had ended many lives. Tonight, those hands carried a black duffel bag that would end many more.

Rose nodded, glancing at her watch. “Security will be focused on the ballroom now. The maintenance corridors should be clear.”

The elevator stopped at the basement level. When the doors opened, Rose peered out first, confirming the hallway was empty before stepping out. Mikhail followed, his movements fluid despite his large frame.