Chapter 72

Riley listened intently to Izzy's explanation, determined to extract every ounce of information until Izzy was completely drained. This was the only way to put an end to the issue and restore their names and reputation.

"Two years ago, I got wind of your research development project—something you planned to use for BioSynthix's innovation. The offer was lucrative, Riley. You know how it is in this industry—money drives everything. So, I took it," Izzy began, her eyes never leaving Riley's, a sly smile curling on her lips. She leaned her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her palm, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "I found someone inside your company to work for me."

She paused, clearly enjoying the tension in the air.

"You know the saying: if you have the money, you have the power. I used my connections," Izzy continued, her voice dripping with amusement. "I'm sure by now you've figured out who it is, right? Mr. Kim," she chuckled, shaking her head in mock disbelief. "Imagine that—he worked at BioSynthix for almost fifteen years, and with one snap, he lost it all."

Riley sighed as she removed her wristwatch and glasses. Izzy scoffed and shrugged. "Satisfied?"

Riley didn't bother to reply; her focus remained on her questions. "Who offered you the money?"

Izzy sighed, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Come on, Riley. Is this really the game you want to play?"

Riley clicked her tongue and locked eyes with Izzy. "Just answer the question. In the end, it'll benefit you."

Sienna could only watch in silence, struggling to understand Riley's intentions. She noticed Riley gradually removing her accessories. Nyx and Harriet cursed under their breath, while Mia's hand rested on Sienna's arm, as if to keep her from rushing over to slap Izzy again, like in the past.

Izzy threw her head back and laughed. "There are influential people out there who want your family to fall."

Riley nodded. "But who are they?"

Izzy raised her brows. "Don't you want to ask your little girlfriend there?" She gestured toward Sienna. Nyx, Harriet, and Mia turned to look at Sienna as well.

Riley laughed. "I could, but I'm asking you specifically."

Izzy cleared her throat. "You know, there are two companies I'm working with. The first is the third-party distributor that received the vials of medicine you specifically developed. The second is the company of your little girlfriend over there—yes, LunaVera."

Riley ran her fingers through her hair and tugged at her collar. "So, there are two companies involved. Who are the people you're working with directly?" she asked, stepping closer.

Riley noticed the smirk on Izzy's face, as if she believed she had the upper hand. Riley sighed. "What about Mr. Arthur Reed? Is he the one you're working for?"

Izzy shot her an intrigued look but remained silent. "Right, as you said, money is everything." Riley nodded and walked over to the table where the two duffel bags sat. "Shall I revise the terms and conditions for you?" she added, tapping the bags.

"I suppose this is in your best interest," Riley remarked as she opened one of the duffel bags and pulled out a stack of cash. "How about I offer you five million Swiss francs? Would that suffice? Plus, I'm willing to engage in sexual intercourse with you—however you want."

Izzy's laughter echoed in the room, heightening the tension, and Sienna couldn't help but clench her fists. Why are you doing this, Riley? she thought, anxiety coursing through her.

"You're really going through with all of this, huh? Well, why would I let this opportunity slip away?" Izzy replied, her interest piqued. Riley nodded and picked up the document again, jotting down a few changes before signing it. She approached Izzy and slammed the document onto the table. "Sign it," she insisted, pushing the pen toward Izzy.

With a laugh, Izzy took the pen and eagerly signed the document. Riley retrieved it and stepped back. "So, are you ready to answer the questions now?"

Riley cleared her throat and chuckled as she slowly unbuttoned her loose polo shirt, tossing it onto the table to reveal a razorback tank top underneath. Noticing how Izzy had suddenly become cooperative now that money was involved, she reached into her back pocket with a sigh.

"So, you're saying that LunaVera's former CEO, Mr. Arthur Reed, is behind all of this? He offered you money in exchange for your services?" Riley pressed, her tone unwavering. Izzy nodded, a hint of pride in her demeanor. Riley clicked her tongue. "But who manipulated the vials? Who added the additional substances?"

Izzy tilted her head, feigning boredom. "Who do you think has the capability to do that? LunaVera has research facilities as well. It would be easy for them to compromise the vials before putting them on the market."

"Didn't you realize that BioSynthix's downfall created an opportunity for LunaVera to rise to the top? Two years ago marked the beginning of their reign, Riley," Izzy said, a smile curling on her lips. "Manipulating things within the LunaVera facilities—how foolish of Mr. Reed, don't you think?"

Riley remained silent, recognizing that Izzy was beginning to buckle under pressure, perhaps because of the money involved. "It's a shame his wife hasn't figured out how her husband has tarnished their company by sabotaging BioSynthix's development," Izzy laughed.

Riley chuckled softly and shook her head. "Really?" she said, pulling out her phone from her pocket.

"I suppose you heard everything on your line, Mrs. Reed?" Riley remarked, raising her phone to her ear while pressing something on the screen. Sienna stood up, her eyes wide with shock.

"You what?!" Izzy exclaimed, abruptly rising from her seat.

"I told you, I'm playing a game with you, Izzy," Riley said, placing the phone down and picking up the document. She pulled a lighter from her front pocket, igniting the paper before tossing it into a drum a few meters away. "Consider our deal terminated."

"What the hell are you—" Izzy began, but Zoey stepped in to silence her as the door swung open, revealing Sienna's mother.

"Ma..." Sienna uttered, her voice barely above a whisper. Izzy turned, her expression shifting to horror.

"What the hell did you do?!" Izzy roared, her fury palpable, but Riley only smiled playfully.

"Our conversation has been recorded, Izzy. Just like what you did to me before, I've returned the favor," Riley said, her voice calm yet sharp. "You can pretend nothing's happened, but I'll make sure you and your little partners pay for this." She stepped closer, leaning in to whisper in Izzy's ear. "So go ahead, tell Mr. Reed what I've done. Let's see if he can do anything about it now."

With that, Riley turned on her heel, walked over to a nearby chair, and sat down with a heavy sigh. The room was heavy with tension, everyone stunned by the outcome of Riley's actions.

Vivian, Sienna's mother, approached Riley quietly, handing her a sealed vial. "You've done your part. Now it's time I do mine," Vivian said as Riley accepted the vial.

"Ma?" Sienna called out, walking toward her mother, her gaze shifting between Vivian and Riley. "What's going on?"

Vivian cleared her throat, glancing at Sienna. "Riley's been working with me... to uncover your father's plans."

Riley chuckled softly, the tension slightly lifting. "Your mother reached out to me while I was still in France."

Sienna blinked in disbelief, her mind racing. "Wait—hold up. What?"