The conversation had taken a turn, and it was clear that light-hearted banter was off the table.

"Vance, let's cut to the chase." Vivienne bit into a strawberry, savoring the burst of sweet, succulent flavor.

Vance sipped his wine, his gaze shifting between Vivienne and Percival.

"Vivienne, what do you know about Percival here?" He asked, nodding subtly towards Percival.

Vivienne tilted her head, eyeing Percival from head to toe. "Inside out," she declared.

Percival nearly choked on his Chardonnay.

What on earth was she talking about?

Were they not here for a formal discussion?

Vance was clearly taken aback, not expecting such a forthright answer from Vivienne.

Nor had Vivienne expected to say it, but seeing Percival's stern and ascetic demeanor, she just could not help herself.

Not everyone could understand the world of someone who cared about looks like she did.

Vance regained his composure and chuckled. "Well then, you must be familiar with his work. I was wondering if you might be interested in joining him professionally?" Percival coughed, glancing at Vance.

Was he suggesting Vivienne join the Vanguard Agency?

Vivienne speared another strawberry with her fork, the juice coating her taste buds in satisfaction.

"Director Vance, are you sure you can afford to hire me?"

in an awkward spot. He flashed a forced

leaned back on

his eyes piercing into Vivienne. "Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I'm only interested in one thing." Vivienne

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

glint flashed in Vivienne's eyes, and the

I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly, her tone

with

mother was naturally a loner, not one to seek out friendships, so

her mother's stories, Vivienne had never

Percival, was someone Vivienne had

her mother's name, wanted to

Wishful thinking, indeed.

was not exactly close with

hint of sincerity,

was I. We'd often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I were assigned

hostage to be extracted unharmed. I was ready to use a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in

remembered her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

to teach Vivienne that

had asked if getting injured wasn't a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's,

sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that's the best strategy." Karen had

then, I was young and hot-headed. I didn't see the point in Lark's actions. I thought that if you can't guarantee

went undercover that I finally understood. Your mother's actions

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