If anyone were to inquire within S Country's Special Intelligence Unit about Vivian's exceptional qualities, the seasoned Captain of Team A, Aiden, would undoubtedly respond:
"She possesses the art of reading minds!"
While this description leans towards hyperbole, Aiden genuinely struggles to find a more fitting term.
Every member of the unit undergoes rigorous training in lip-reading, intelligence gathering, and more. Junior members can deduce an individual's background from their attire and belongings, whereas senior members analyze speech patterns, accents, and habits to discern origins and thoughts. Vivian excels in this area, rapidly extracting personality traits from external cues and employing remarkable tactics to penetrate psychological barriers, effortlessly fostering camaraderie and extracting vital information.
She stands as both a rare talent and an intimidating presence.
"Above all, it's hard to keep secrets from her when she wants to know," Aiden concludes with lingering trepidation.
Now, Vivian is pulling down Ethan's hand that shields his face, her mesmerizing eyes locking onto his, as if to pierce through his soul. He feels exposed, as if there's nowhere to hide from those piercing eyes. His heart pounds like a hunted prey, the sound echoing in his ears.
When her hand reaches out, he flinches, wanting to evade, but she merely strokes his cheek tenderly.
"What are you worried about?"
Her simple query instantly shatters his facade. He ducks his head to avoid her gaze, but her touch remains.
Accustomed to handling everything alone, he's long forgotten how to share vulnerabilities. He presses his lips together stubbornly, refusing to speak.
Observing his expression and the report, Vivian crosses the expanse of the desk to stand inches from him.
"I told you, with me here, you don't have to worry about these things," Vivian waves the report, reciting names of individuals.
Ethan stares at her in astonishment. The list includes not only relatives who never accepted him but also those he considered allies.
"Who are these people?"
"I didn't include them in the report because I'm not sure yet, but they've all had contact with those who attempted to attack the jewelry exhibition. I suspect they're the employers. I'm investigating and looking for weaknesses. Once found, you can control them or eliminate them entirely. They won't threaten you anymore."
Seizing the moment of Ethan's shock, Vivian audaciously settles on his thigh, leaning in. Her confident, bold expression looms large in Ethan's vision, dismissing his earlier concerns as insignificant.
"With me, I'll carry those burdens for you. Focus on what you want to do."
She's Vivian, former elite of the Special Intelligence Unit! To fail against such minor threats would be a disservice to her reputation.
The challenge lies in rebuilding the network and resources she once had, which would take time. Otherwise, she'd already have neutralized these threats.
"You don't need to worry about anything, understand?" Vivian's hand grazes his face, lingering affectionately.
For a moment, Ethan is at a loss. Since his parents' passing at eighteen, no one has spoken such comforting words to him.
Everyone demanded strength, resilience, and for him to protect the family legacy from greedy relatives. No one cared about his grief or his youth. Overnight, he was forced to mature into his current persona, hiding the sorrowful, helpless boy within.
Yet Vivian, this self-proclaimed time traveler, arrogant and brilliant, exceptionally skilled, and prone to unpredictable, audacious acts—he can neither fathom nor trust her. Yet, here she is, offering to be his support, his shield, urging him not to worry.
Can he truly rely on her?
Her gentle, tender touch lures him into a moment of indulgence.
Is it possible?
As a man, can he allow himself to show weakness and depend on a woman?
"Of course, isn't that why I'm here with you?"
Ethan can't help but entertain the thought that Vivian crossed time for him.
For the first time, he initiates, wrapping his arms around Vivian, drawing her close, his head resting on her shoulder.
"You mentioned a special reward. What is it?"
Could he believe that Vivian's kindness stems from genuine affection?
Perhaps he could give her a chance, lower his guard.
Vivian, without hesitation, responds, "Let me fuck you once?"
Her hand, already wandering towards Ethan's hip, confirms she's not jesting.
Ethan stiffens, hastily dislodging Vivian, angrily exclaims, "Don't even think about it!"
He retracts his earlier words!
He shouldn't have trusted this woman!
