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 forced smile. "Perhaps the Vanguard Agency

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

great interest to my upper echelons.

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

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

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

far as she knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real ally had been

one to seek out friendships,

had never

was someone Vivienne had barely

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

a hint of sincerity,

and I were rivals from the moment she joined the agency. She was stubborn, and so was I. We'd often butt heads, especially during a

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,

mother

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

this 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

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

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

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

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255