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?"

Vance in an awkward spot. He flashed a forced

Vivienne leaned back on the sofa, her features alight with

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

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

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

you were not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced with an enigmatic

was with the Vanguard Agency, her only

to seek out friendships, so the term

mother's stories, Vivienne had never

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

now Vance, invoking her mother's name, wanted to

Wishful thinking, indeed.

leaned forward. "I was not

admission carried a hint of sincerity, piquing

especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon,

not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way.

remembered her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

purpose of sharing this story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one

crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must come

if I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now

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

that I finally understood. Your mother's actions were what every operative should aspire

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