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. "Perhaps the Vanguard Agency does

am?" Vivienne leaned back on the

identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I'm only interested

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

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

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

as she knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard

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

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

was

admission carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest

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

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 herself injured, but

mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must come first-that was the creed of a Vanguard Agency

sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly.

"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

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

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