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 smile.

even know who I am?" Vivienne leaned back on the sofa, her features alight with a

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

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

flashed in Vivienne's eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced

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

with the

to seek out friendships,

stories, Vivienne had never heard of

favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met

wanted to recruit her into

Wishful thinking, indeed.

leaned forward. "I was not exactly close with Lark.

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's

she joined the agency. She was stubborn, and so was I. We'd often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen

room for the hostage to be extracted unharmed. I was ready 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 herself injured, but managed to get the

remembered her mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one

was crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must come first-that was

not fully 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." Karen had laughed warmly at

the past, 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

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

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