The Million-Dollar Heart

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?"

He flashed a forced smile. "Perhaps the Vanguard Agency does

leaned back on the sofa, her

and he straightened up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. "Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I'm only interested in one thing."

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

a fierce glint flashed in Vivienne's eyes, and

not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly, her tone

knew, when her mother was with the

naturally a loner, not one to seek out friendships,

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

favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest to

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 live exercise not long after she joined. Lark,

the hostage to be extracted 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, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon sided with her, and I backed down. Lark took a risk, got herself injured, but managed to get

remembered her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never compromise their principles

if getting injured wasn't a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety and

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 best strategy." Karen had laughed warmly at that, her eyes filled

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 own life, how can

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