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 have

know who I am?" Vivienne leaned back on

Healer, an identity of great interest

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

mother's name, a fierce glint flashed in Vivienne's eyes,

believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly, her tone laced with an

as she knew, when her mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her only

was naturally a loner, not one to seek out friendships, so the term

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

favorite protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met

wanted to recruit her into

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest to

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

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

her mother telling her this

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

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

asked if getting injured wasn't a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between

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

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 you can't

finally understood. Your mother's

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