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?"

flashed a forced smile.

you even know who I am?" Vivienne leaned back on the

"Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I'm only interested in one thing." Vivienne did not respond, her

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

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

not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly, her

mother was with the Vanguard

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

stories, Vivienne had never heard of

someone Vivienne had barely

mother's name, wanted to recruit her

Wishful thinking, indeed.

down his wine glass and leaned forward. "I was not exactly close with Lark. Quite the opposite,

a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest

heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I were assigned to the same

to use a tranquilizer gun, but Lark would 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 took a risk, got

remembered her mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what,

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

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 over willingly. Now that's the best strategy."

hot-headed. I didn't see the point in Lark's actions. I thought

I finally understood. Your mother's actions were what every

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