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

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

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

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

her mother's name, a fierce glint flashed in Vivienne's eyes, and the casual

were not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said

when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only

seek out friendships,

had never heard of

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

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's

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

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

remembered her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must come first-that was the creed

her mother, "I'd make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy

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

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

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

Comments ()

0/255