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?"

question put Vance in an awkward spot. He flashed a forced smile. "Perhaps the Vanguard Agency does

Vivienne leaned back on the sofa, her features

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

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

Vivienne's eyes, and the casual indifference vanished,

mother and you were not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly,

as she knew, when her mother was with the

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

mother's stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone besides

her mother's favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in her childhood, barely remembering his

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

glass and leaned forward. "I was

carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest

She was stubborn, and so was I. We'd often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I were assigned to the same squad, tasked with

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

mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

that no matter what, one should never compromise their principles to

Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's

understanding, Vivienne had confidently told her mother, "I'd make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy hand them

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 your own life, how can you protect the people or the

understood.

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