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?"

Vance in an awkward spot. He flashed a

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

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.

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

acquainted," Vivienne said calmly,

with the Vanguard Agency, her only real ally

seek out

had never heard of anyone besides

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

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

his wine glass and leaned forward. "I was

a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest to

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

it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way.

remembered her mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

had said, was to teach Vivienne that no

that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety

confidently told her mother, "I'd make sure never to get hurt if I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that's the

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

finally understood. Your mother's actions were what every

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