Chapter 55

Sienna hesitated as she approached Riley's family home. She hadn't visited often since getting married, and the thought of running into Riley made her anxious. But Riley's mother, Maggie, had been insistent, calling her several times and almost pleading for her to come by.

"How's married life treating you?" Maggie asked warmly as she handed Sienna a cup of coffee, her smile as sweet as ever.

Sienna looked down at her cup, stirring absentmindedly. "Nothing new, Mom," she said, still calling Maggie by the same name she'd used back when she was with Riley. "It's not like I married him for love."

Maggie chuckled softly, clicking her tongue. "It's such a shame, really. My Riley's been so tight-lipped about what happened between you two. I always thought you'd end up together." She sighed, taking a sip of her coffee.

Sienna's heart clenched at the mention of Riley, the unresolved tension between them still lingering. "Well, now that Riley's back, maybe we can finally talk and clear up any misunderstandings."

Maggie raised an eyebrow, her smile widening. "Speaking of Riley, she'll be here soon."

Sienna froze, her fingers tightening around the spoon. "Oh?" she said, trying to sound casual.

Maggie nodded, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "And I might discuss that offer I mentioned to you," she added, leaving Sienna no time to respond before they heard the sound of footsteps approaching.

Sienna turned her head just as two figures entered the dining area. Riley was the first, dressed casually in a muscle tee hoodie, black shorts, and white sneakers. A motorcycle helmet was tucked under her arm.

"Mom," Riley said, brushing past Sienna as she kissed Maggie on the cheek.

Maggie returned the kiss and smiled up at her daughter. "Aren't you going to say hello to Sienna?" she asked.

Riley stopped, glancing in Sienna's direction for the first time. Her eyes widened slightly as she met Sienna's gaze, but she quickly masked her surprise with a soft smile. "Hi, Sienna. Didn't see you there."

"Hi," Sienna replied, her voice quieter than she intended, forcing a small smile. She quickly looked away, her heart beating a little faster.

Riley's eyes lingered on her, though. She couldn't seem to tear her gaze away. Still as beautiful as ever, Riley thought, her mind momentarily lost in memories.

Before the moment grew too heavy, Maggie turned her attention to the woman beside Riley. "Zoey, it's so good to see you!" Maggie beamed, pulling the young woman into a hug.

"Madame," Zoey replied with a gentle smile, nodding respectfully.

"I hope Riley didn't give you too much trouble these last three years," Maggie teased, nudging her daughter.

Zoey laughed, glancing playfully at Riley. "Ms. Maggie, you know how Riley is—a handful, but I manage."

Riley pulled a face, rolling her eyes. "Backstabbing me right in front of my mother? Really now, Zoey?"

Sienna couldn't help the small smile that tugged at her lips. Riley, for all her changes, was still as stubborn and childish as ever.

She glanced over at Riley again, taking in the subtle changes. Riley's body had become more toned, her skin slightly lighter than before, and there were minimalist tattoos on her left arm. It was all so familiar, yet so new. She hadn't realized she'd been staring until Riley's gaze met hers once more. Sienna quickly looked away, her cheeks flushing.

Riley's expression was unreadable, but there was a softness in her eyes, something that tugged at Sienna's heart in a way she didn't expect.

Riley squinted at her mother and Zoey, both seated across from her, engrossed in a conversation about the progress report Riley had asked Zoey to prepare. Meanwhile, she sat beside Sienna, who was visibly trying to maintain her composure.

Riley sighed and leaned back into the sofa, her posture relaxed, while Sienna sat stiffly beside her, clearly flustered. "You know you can breathe calmly," Riley mumbled quietly, her eyes shut.

Sienna's heart skipped a beat at the soft remark, but her cheeks only reddened further. Come on, Sienna. Get a grip! she scolded herself inwardly, willing her nerves to settle.

Across from them, Maggie chuckled at something Zoey had said, then clasped her hands together, eyes twinkling. "Oh, Zoey, dear, my Riley must be keeping you busy with all that work. You really ought to take a vacation now and then, enjoy your youth while you can!" she teased, her tone light.

Riley straightened up slightly, ready to interject, but her hand brushed against Sienna's accidentally. Both of them froze, their gazes locking for a brief second, before they hastily pulled their hands away, each pretending the touch hadn't happened.

Zoey caught the moment and couldn't help but scoff lightly, though she tried to suppress her amusement. Clearing her throat, she turned to Maggie with a playful smile. "I might take you up on that vacation soon, Madame. Besides, I think it's about time I stop babysitting a certain grown child," she said, casting a mischievous glance at Riley.

Riley rolled her eyes and crossed her arms defensively. "As if I ever needed babysitting," she retorted, though there was a hint of humor in her voice.

Sienna glanced between them, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the fluster in her chest. Riley might be stubborn, but some things about her hadn't changed at all.

Maggie laughed softly, then turned her attention to Riley and Sienna. "Right, Riley. I mentioned this to Sienna earlier, but now it's time for you to hear it," she began, her tone light yet firm.

Riley sat up straighter, her eyes focused on her mother. "Go on," she said, curiosity piqued.

"As you'll be taking over the company soon, I want you to consider a new venture," Maggie continued, glancing between Riley and Sienna. "I think it's time for BioSynthix to collaborate with LunaVera. Specifically, I'd like you to work directly with Sienna Reed, the CEO."

Riley blinked, caught off guard. "Wait—what?"

Maggie smiled, as if anticipating her daughter's reaction. "It's just a proposal at this stage, something to explore. We'd need to research the market and gather data to see if this partnership could work. But I think it's time to bury the rivalry and focus on innovation, don't you?" Maggie shrugged as she handed Riley a tablet. "Here, take a look at the preliminary plan."

Riley hesitated before taking the tablet, scrolling through the presentation. As she skimmed the details, her mind raced. Work with Sienna? After everything? She glanced at Sienna, who was sitting quietly, her expression unreadable.

"You'll need to visit LunaVera branches together," Maggie continued. "And Sienna will visit BioSynthix locations in return. It's crucial that we gather feedback from employees and assess how feasible this partnership would be. I know it's risky, but business is about innovation, and this could open doors for both companies."

Riley put the tablet down, feeling overwhelmed. "Mom, aren't you getting a bit ahead of yourself? I mean, I understand innovation is important, but we've got a lot on our plate already. We're preparing to launch our new drug in France, and on top of that, I thought I came back to help with research for a new development?"

Maggie nodded, smiling warmly. "You did, Riley. And that's where this partnership comes in. Sienna had an idea that caught my attention. It aligns perfectly with our research goals, and frankly, it's only feasible if BioSynthix is involved. It's a win-win situation."

Riley rubbed the back of her neck, glancing again at Sienna. Her mind was spinning. She gulped, her thoughts jumbled as she tried to wrap her head around the idea.

Sienna, who had remained quiet throughout the conversation, finally looked up, meeting Riley's gaze. There was a flicker of something in her eyes—uncertainty, perhaps? Riley couldn't quite tell, but the weight of their history pressed down on her chest.

"Just... what the hell is happening?" Riley muttered under her breath.