Chapter 17
It was not that these institutes were churning out junk.
Research was a wild ride with multiple tracks. Science wasn’t just about proving what was right–it was about debunking what was wrong.
Some researchers spent their whole lives just to show one idea’s a dud. And the money it cost? A total money pic
Cyrus’s lips tightened, his thoughts guarded. “I need a drug still in the lab. Code name: 311”
“What?!” Briar’s eyes bugged out, her stomach lurching “You’re seriously after a drug that’s not even half–cooked?”
The last drug he’d bought at a price that could fund a small country. -was fresh off animal trials, not even cleared for humans.
Is this dude reckless or just done with life?‘ she wondered. Now he wants something still in petri dished?
Briar’s brain raced. ‘Drug 311 sime virus–blocker, still in early R&D, not even close to animal testing.
‘No wonder even his deep pockets couldn’t score it. A drug that raw? The institute would sooner torch their lab than let it out!
Cyrus ignored her shock, cutting to the chase. “Can you get it?
“No way! Briar snapped, her patience fraying. Give it up. Doesn’t matter how much you pay–it’s not happening?”
“Yeah?” Cyrus raised an eyebrow, his gaze piercing.
Briar caught his look and rolled her eyes. “Don’t give me that look. It’s a no–go
“I can get you into the Supervision Department.”
“You already tried that bait,” she shot back, arms crossed
Cyrus tilted his head, his eyes glinting “But you’re tempted, aren’t you?”
Briar froze, her mind buzzing ‘Damn. he’s riglu.
She didn’t answer, and Cyrus, Jeaned in, voice low. “I only need half a gram.
That stopped her cold. It wasn’t just the Overnight Bureau offer–she wasn’t that desperate.
But this was her shot to get close to him. On his turf, stagging that file back was no cakewalk
Plus, she was dying to know why he’d risked it all to steal that file from HQ
Her face darkened, her gut twisting
Cyrus’s voice stayed cool. Think it over, Ms. Shepherd
Briar took a deep breath, her eyes flicking aside. Tine. Gimme your number. I need time”
“Sure.” Cyrus nodded, unfazed.
She yanked out her phone and handed it over.
Cyrus glanced at the screen, smirking faintly. “Nice fix on this screen. Ms. Shepherd, Quick work.
Briar’s stomach flipped–he was fishing. But he had no proof, and she wasn’t biting.
“New phone,” shesaid with a smug grin
Cyrus didn’t push, just typed his number, called his phone to save hers, and handed it back.
“Cool” Briar nodded sharply, pocketing her phone. “We done? I’ve got boot camp this afternoon.
“You’re in Cordanland now, Ms. Shepherd,” Cyrus said, his voice icy. “Keep it clean.”
Briar’s jaw clenched, her temper flaring. I don’t need your lecture! Where are you even taking me? I’ve got boot camp.
Cyrus shot her a glance, calm as ever. “Dinner, Ms. Shepherd”
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Chapter 17
Briar opened her mouth to argue, but the cars speeding by ourside told her he wasn’t taking suggestions,
She huffed, swallowing her anger. Screw it. Supervision Department.. I’m coming!
Cyrus was trouble, and she was in way over her head.
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