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 forced smile. "Perhaps the Vanguard Agency does

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

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

mother and you were not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said

was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real

to seek out friendships, so the term 'friend' applied

had

someone Vivienne had barely met in her childhood, barely remembering

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

down his wine glass and leaned forward. "I was not exactly close with Lark. Quite the opposite, we were

of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest to hear

heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark,

did not leave room for 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,

her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should never

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

hurt if I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that's the best strategy." Karen

recounting the 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

finally understood. Your

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

Comments ()

0/255