March 15th.
Gotham City — Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall.
The sky above Gotham was heavy with gray clouds, the kind that never truly brought rain, only pressure. Inside the Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall, however, everything was bright, orderly, and meticulously controlled—at least on the surface.
In the director's office on the top floor, two people sat facing each other on a black leather sofa, their conversation calm, measured, and filled with professional courtesy.
One was a middle-aged man wearing a tailored charcoal suit. His hair was neatly combed back, and his expression carried the subtle tension of someone standing at the edge of a major gamble. He was Danilo Ofe, Director of the Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall.
Opposite him sat a woman in a sharp business outfit. Her posture was straight, her legs crossed neatly, hands resting on her knee. She looked composed, efficient, and quietly confident. Her name was Biska Kernell, the official representative responsible for the Smithsonian Museum's loan of the world-famous Hope Diamond.
"Welcome to Gotham, Miss Kernell," Director Ofe said warmly, leaning forward slightly. "It's an honor to host a representative from the Smithsonian Museum."
"You're too kind, Director Ofe," Biska replied with a polite smile. "I'm here primarily to discuss the security arrangements for the exhibition. I hope you won't find me overly cautious. We have absolutely no intention of interfering with the internal operations of your exhibition hall."
Her tone was respectful, even modest, but her eyes were sharp—observant, calculating every reaction.
"Of course, of course," Director Ofe said quickly, nodding. "The Hope Diamond is no ordinary exhibit. Given its value and… reputation, extreme caution is not just reasonable—it's necessary."
He paused for half a second before continuing, as though weighing his words.
"If anything were to happen to it while under our care, the responsibility would fall entirely on us."
That was not an exaggeration.
In Gotham, responsibility often meant ruin.
The Hope Diamond was not just priceless—it was infamous. A jewel surrounded by centuries of rumors, misfortune, and alleged curses. Wherever it went, trouble seemed to follow.
And Gotham City already had more than enough trouble.
In theory, a diamond of this caliber should have been fiercely competed over by the world's most prestigious museums. Under normal circumstances, exhibition halls would fight tooth and nail for the chance to display it, even paying enormous sums for a short-term loan.
But Gotham was not normal.
The moment the Smithsonian Museum announced plans to bring the Hope Diamond to Gotham, the response from major institutions was… silence.
Then refusals.
Then quiet withdrawals.
What should have been a prestigious opportunity quickly turned into a burden no one wanted to touch.
The Hope Diamond had become a hot potato.
In the end, the Smithsonian Museum had even prepared to cancel the Gotham exhibition entirely—not because of any specific criminal threat, but because no major venue was willing to host it.
After all, this was Gotham.
A city where crime wore capes, madness wore smiles, and disasters arrived like clockwork.
Whether it was jewel thieves, costumed criminals, or so-called "gentleman thieves" who enjoyed dramatic entrances and theatrical exits, Gotham attracted them all.
Yet just as the Smithsonian Museum was preparing to abandon the plan, the Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall stepped forward.
It was not the largest exhibition hall in the city, nor the most famous. Compared to international institutions, Orpheus barely registered on the global stage.
But Director Ofe saw opportunity where others saw disaster.
To him, hosting the Hope Diamond was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.
If the exhibition succeeded, Orpheus would become famous overnight.
And so, cooperation was reached.
"May I ask," Director Ofe said carefully, "when your side plans to officially schedule the exhibition?"
Biska nodded, already anticipating the question.
"I understand your concern. To clarify, I'm not here today to impose any requirements. My purpose is to coordinate future arrangements."
She straightened slightly.
"The exhibition will officially open on March 31st and run through April 4th, lasting five days in total. Approximately one week prior to the opening, the Hope Diamond will be escorted to Gotham under strict security."
Director Ofe let out a quiet breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"I see. That gives us enough time to finalize all preparations."
He stood up from his seat.
"Verbal explanations can only convey so much. If you don't mind, Miss Kernell, I'd like to personally show you the security systems we've installed."
Biska rose as well, curiosity flickering across her face.
"I'd be delighted."
---
The two walked through the exhibition hall together, passing through wide corridors and reinforced doors.
Director Ofe spoke with visible pride.
"To ensure the success of this exhibition, we've spared no expense. Our systems were sourced directly from Wayne Group, LexCorp, and S.T.A.R. Labs."
As he spoke, he activated various devices: invisible laser grids, pressure-sensitive flooring, biometric scanners, adaptive surveillance drones, and automated containment barriers.
Each piece of equipment hummed quietly, precise and lethal in its efficiency.
"These systems are designed not just to detect intrusions," Director Ofe continued, "but to isolate threats instantly. Any unauthorized movement triggers a layered response."
Biska observed everything carefully, her gaze sharp and unhurried.
"I must admit," she said at last, "this exceeds my expectations."
She turned to look at him directly.
"Frankly, I believe your security measures surpass even those of the Smithsonian itself."
Director Ofe smiled, both flattered and relieved.
"You honor us."
After the tour, they returned to the director's office.
Director Ofe poured himself a glass of water, taking a long sip.
"This," he said, setting the glass down, "is the absolute limit of what we can do."
Biska nodded approvingly.
"You've done an excellent job, Director Ofe."
She glanced at her watch.
"I need to return and submit my report. Thank you for your time."
They shook hands.
Biska turned and left the office, her footsteps fading down the corridor.
---
Once she was gone, Director Ofe leaned back in his chair.
A wide smile spread across his face.
Fame. Prestige. Recognition.
He could already imagine the headlines, the surge of visitors, the sudden elevation of Orpheus from obscurity to international acclaim.
The Hope Diamond would change everything.
Bang. Bang.
A sudden knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he said, quickly straightening his posture.
The door opened.
And Director Ofe froze.
Standing there was Biska Kernell.
His smile vanished.
"Miss Kernell?" he asked slowly. "Why are you back?"
She frowned, confusion crossing her face.
"Back?" she repeated. "Director Ofe, what do you mean? I just arrived."
The color drained from his face.
He stared at her, eyes widening in disbelief.
"That's impossible," he whispered.
Biska's expression shifted from confusion to concern.
"Director Ofe… are you feeling unwell?"
The room fell silent.
Two identical realities clashed in that moment.
One woman who had already left.
And the same woman who had just arrived.
They stared at each other, neither speaking, the air thick with unease.
Something was wrong.
Deeply wrong.
---
Elsewhere.
Thurston Mansion.
Dean sat in the dimly lit living room, scrolling through the news on his phone.
> "The Hope Diamond exhibition will be held from March 31st to April 4th at the Orpheus Jewelry Exhibition Hall. The exhibition will last five days. Ticket price: $8 for adults…"
Dean's eyes narrowed slightly.
The name lingered in his mind.
Hope Diamond.
Gotham.
Five days.
A slow smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Interesting," he murmured.
Very interesting.
Somewhere in Gotham, plans were already in motion.
And whatever was coming…
It wouldn't be simple theft.
It never was.
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