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?"

He flashed a

who I am?" Vivienne leaned back

into Vivienne. "Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

fierce glint flashed in Vivienne's eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced by

not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced with

far as she knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real ally had

loner, not one to seek out friendships, so the term

stories, Vivienne had

favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in her

now Vance, invoking her mother's name, wanted to recruit her into the

Wishful thinking, indeed.

set down his wine glass and leaned forward. "I was not exactly

carried a hint of sincerity,

We'd often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long

would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon sided with her, and

her mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should

while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must come

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 laughed

see the point in Lark's actions. I thought that if you can't guarantee your own

was not until I went undercover that I finally understood.

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