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?"

in an awkward spot. He flashed a forced smile. "Perhaps

you even know who I am?" Vivienne leaned back on the

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

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

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

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

her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real ally had been

seek out friendships, so

mother's stories, Vivienne had never heard

had barely met

mother's name, wanted to recruit her into

Wishful thinking, indeed.

was not

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's

We'd often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark,

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

remembered her mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that

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

I'd have the enemy

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 can't guarantee your

undercover that I finally understood. Your

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