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

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

he straightened up, his eyes piercing into Vivienne. "Specter Healer, an identity of great interest to my upper echelons. But I'm

"Karen's daughter," Vance said.

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

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

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

not one to seek out friendships, so the term

stories, Vivienne had never heard of anyone besides

protégé, Percival, was someone Vivienne had barely met in

wanted to recruit her

Wishful thinking, indeed.

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

admission carried a hint of sincerity, piquing Vivienne's interest to

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 a hostage

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, Ashen Pigeon

mother telling her

Ashen Pigeon was Micah.

to teach Vivienne that no

between one's

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

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

finally understood. Your mother's actions were what every operative

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