Perhaps, when Karen heard those words all those years ago, she already knew there was a traitor within the Agency!
But why, knowing such a brutal truth, did her mother choose the most cowardly and useless way to end it all?
Could it be that Vance was hiding details about the call?
Vivienne sank back onto the couch, looking at Vance's face, which bore a striking resemblance to Darren. "I won't work for the Vanguard Agency. You don't deserve me."
A place that harbored the killer of her mother, a place that had not made any headway against the GTO in a decade, did not deserve her!
It seemed Vance had anticipated Vivienne's response and did not press further. He pulled out his business card and placed it in front of Vivienne.
"It has my number and email. If you ever change your mind, feel free to reach out. And if you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask. It appears I have slightly more pull than your fiancé right now, so I can certainly make things easier for you."
With that, Vance straightened his crumpled collar—wrinkled from Vivienne's earlier grasp—and stood to leave.
Melissa approached, her face etched with concern as she watched Vance.
He ruffled her hair. "It's just a minor issue, don't worry."
Melissa nodded. "You go mingle with the guests. I'll check on Vivienne."
Vance did not stop her and returned to the social whirl with a glass in hand.
Melissa walked over to find Vivienne back to her composed self, the business card now tucked away without a trace.
"Vivienne, did Vance say something to upset you?" Melissa asked cautiously.
Vivienne shook her head. "Auntie, we're fine. It's just a small matter. Where's Ronald? He texted me that he needed to see me."
Without pressing further, Melissa pointed to Ronald, who was deep in conversation. "Over there. I'll get him for you."
"No need, I'll go over myself," Vivienne said, spotting the people around Ronald and lifting the corners of her mouth in anticipation.
"Uncle Zachary, a partnership between us would be the icing on the cake for both our families," Ronald said, raising his glass to clink with Zachary's.
Vivienne left Percival by the side and made her way over just in time to catch Ronald's words.
What business did the Churchill family have with the Brooks family?
She approached, and, noticing her first, Zachary put down his drink and said, "Madam, you've arrived."
Ronald turned, his face lighting up with joy at the sight of Vivienne. "When did you get here, Vivienne?"
"I arrived before you, just resting over there," Vivienne replied with a light smile.
"You're just in time. I was discussing a partnership with Uncle Zachary, but he said we should run it by you," Ronald said as they found a quiet place to sit.
Zachary explained, "Madam, about the project you entrusted us with, we were considering moving it to Rivenwood. It's convenient since we're both based here, and fewer people know about it, there's less chance of interference."
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