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?"

in an awkward spot. He flashed a forced smile. "Perhaps

leaned back on the sofa, her features alight with a unique

"Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I'm only interested in one thing." Vivienne did not respond, her gaze

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

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

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

mother was with the Vanguard Agency, her

not one to seek out friendships, so

mother's stories, Vivienne had

someone Vivienne had barely met in her

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

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

of sincerity,

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, Ashen Pigeon, and I were assigned to the same squad,

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

mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

of sharing this story, Karen had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should

a compromise. Karen replied that while protecting oneself was crucial, between one's safety and the hostage's, the hostage must

I'd have the enemy hand them over willingly. Now that's the best strategy." Karen

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

that I finally understood. Your mother's actions

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