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?"

question put Vance in an awkward spot. He flashed a forced smile. "Perhaps the Vanguard Agency does have the

know who I am?" Vivienne leaned back on the sofa, her features

he straightened up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. "Specter Healer, an identity of great interest

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

eyes, and the casual indifference vanished,

Vivienne

as she knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard

naturally a loner, not one to seek out friendships, so the term 'friend' applied to very

her mother's stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone besides

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

invoking her mother's name, wanted to recruit

Wishful thinking, indeed.

his wine glass and leaned forward. "I was not

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest

from the 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,

have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon

her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

Vivienne that no matter what, one should never compromise their principles to achieve a

wasn't a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must come first-that was

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

the point in Lark's actions. I thought that if you can't guarantee your own life,

I finally understood. Your mother's

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