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 on the sofa,

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 did not

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

Vivienne's eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced by an

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

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

not one to seek out friendships, so the term 'friend'

stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone

Percival, was someone Vivienne had

mother's name, wanted to

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest to hear

butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I

a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way. We

her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never compromise their principles to

injured wasn't a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must come first-that

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 laughed warmly at

Vance rubbed his cheek. "Back 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

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

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