Chapter 225: The Deal

“You know, new drugs always need test subjects,” Kason explained, his voice smooth as ever. “These are all volunteers.”

Volunteers! Sierra almost laughed out loud. Kason actually had the nerve to say that with a straight face?

“We have signed agreements with all of them,” he added. “They willingly consented.”

Sierra raised an eyebrow. “That’s all?”

Kason smirked. “More or less.”

He was lying. She could tell. Everything he had shown her so far was what he wanted her to see—the kind of research that, while unethical, could still be justified under the right circumstances. The real horrors were hidden elsewhere. But where? This was the lowest level; there was no deeper floor.

She frowned slightly, deep in thought.

“Something on your mind?”

She hadn’t noticed Kason leaning in until his voice was practically against her ear. Sierra’s instincts kicked in. She immediately stepped back, hand twitching toward her pocket—but she stopped herself just in time.

She met Kason’s gaze without hesitation and said, “I was just thinking… Money really can buy anything.”

Kason blinked in surprise. Then he burst into laughter. “That’s right! Money can even buy life itself!”

His amusement faded slightly, and he sighed, shaking his head. “I wasn’t lying before, you know. If you had agreed earlier, your grandmother could have been saved.”

Sierra’s fingers curled. She lowered her gaze, her voice even. “It was her choice. I respected it.”

“You’re so damn stubborn,” Kason shook his head. Then, suddenly, he grinned. “So? What do you think? Worth joining?”

Sierra pretended to hesitate. Finally, she gave a small nod. “Fine.”

Kason’s grin widened.

Chapter 225: The Deal

Sierra tilted her head, lips curling slightly. “I am interested in a new project.”

Kason’s eyes darkened with excitement. For him, Sierra wasn’t just a person; she was an investment. Her talent was rare. If he could pull her into his world completely—

“Let’s head to my office to finalize things.”

Just as they sat down, the phone on Kason’s desk rang. He picked it up, listening intently. As he did, Sierra noticed something. His expression changed. And twice—twice—his eyes flickered toward her. Her pulse quickened. Shane. That phone call had to be from Shane.

Kason hung up without saying much. She didn’t ask. Instead, she leaned back in her chair and said, “Before we continue, I have conditions.”

Kason raised an eyebrow.

“I get to pick my research focus. And I want fifty percent of the profits.”

Kason let out a short laugh. “Fifty percent? Do you even know how much money we’re talking about?”

He thought she was being greedy. But really—she was testing him. And the fact that he didn’t immediately agree told her something important. There was someone above him—Kason wasn’t the only one making decisions here. As she expected.

Kason leaned back, looking her over with new scrutiny. He was still thinking about that phone call. The voice on the other end had been Shane’s. One sentence: “Don’t contact me again.” Then, the call ended.

Chapter 225: The Deal

Shane had been working with them for years. Why cut ties now? What had changed? His first suspicion had been Sierra. After all, she was the only new factor in this equation. But now? Looking at the way she was fighting for a better deal? The way she was obsessed with profit? She didn’t seem like someone working against him. Just a ruthless businesswoman. Maybe, maybe he had been too paranoid.

Kason exhaled. “Fine,” he said. “I can’t approve this on my own. I’ll need to discuss it.”

Sierra smirked. “Do it quickly.”

She stood, ready to leave. Then she paused. “Oh, one more thing,” she said casually. “That dog. I want it.”

Kason looked at her, amused. “Why?”

Sierra’s lips curved. “I’m curious. Let’s see if it really only stays loyal to its first owner.”

Kason’s grin returned. “You’re full of surprises.” But he didn’t refuse.