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?"

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

back on the

of great interest

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

Vivienne's eyes, and the casual indifference vanished, replaced by

and you were not, I believe, acquainted," Vivienne said calmly, her

was with the Vanguard Agency, her only real

seek out friendships,

her mother's stories, Vivienne had never heard of

Percival, was someone Vivienne had

name, wanted to recruit her into the

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest to hear

We'd often butt heads, especially during a live exercise not long after she joined. Lark, Ashen

hostage not be harmed in any way. We argued, but ultimately, Ashen Pigeon sided with her, and I backed down. Lark took

remembered her mother telling

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

had said, was to teach Vivienne that no matter what, one should

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

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

see the point in Lark's actions. I thought that if you can't guarantee your own life, how

not until I went undercover that I finally understood. Your

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