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?"

a

who I am?" Vivienne leaned back on

straightened up, 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.

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

Vivienne said calmly,

was with the

one to seek out friendships, so the term 'friend' applied

had never heard of anyone

her mother's favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest

moment 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 Pigeon, and I were assigned to the

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

her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

someone. I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that's the best strategy." Karen had laughed warmly at that, her eyes

young and hot-headed. I didn't see the point in Lark's

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

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