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?"

flashed a forced smile. "Perhaps the Vanguard

back on the sofa, her features alight

of great interest to my upper echelons. But I'm only interested in one thing." Vivienne did not

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

eyes, and the

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

she knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real ally had

naturally a loner, not one to seek out

had never

protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in her childhood,

name, wanted to recruit her into the

Wishful thinking, indeed.

his wine glass and leaned forward. "I was not exactly close

hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest

I. We'd often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen Pigeon, and I were assigned to the same squad, tasked with

gun, but Lark would not have it. She insisted the hostage not be harmed in any way.

remembered her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

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

I were rescuing someone. I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that's the best strategy." Karen had laughed warmly at

past, Vance rubbed his cheek. "Back then, I was young and hot-headed. I didn't see the point in Lark's actions. I

I went undercover that I finally understood.

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