She Left She Thrived She’s Worth Billions novel Chapter 219

"Riley, once you win this pharmacology quiz, Melanie will have to resign. I'll be the one to replace her, and once I'm the head of the new anti-cancer drug project, I'll have you replace Adrian Mercer and become the top name in cancer research."

Evelyn spoke with absolute conviction, and Riley nodded repeatedly. "Sounds good, sounds good…"

This had been his career plan all along. Riley had been trying to develop a new anti-cancer drug for years without success. Now that the Hale Group was funding Adrian Mercer's studio and things were taking off, he naturally wanted a piece of the action. That way, if it succeeded, he could share in the credit.

Initially, Riley was certain that joining the project was in the bag. He never expected Adrian Mercer to reject him outright, with no room for discussion.

Riley had returned to the country to launch the second act of his career. He couldn't let it fail before it even started. So, he used Adrian's rejection as a pretext to issue a public challenge to Adrian—a pharmacology quiz competition—as a way to market himself.

Even if he couldn't get into Adrian's project, he could use Adrian as a stepping stone to jump to another major corporation, preferably Stellaris PharmaTech.

"Riley, if there's anything else you need my help with, just say the word."

Evelyn generously handed over all the materials she could get on the Hale Health Center's investment in Adrian Mercer's studio and the new drug's development.

"Thank you, Evelyn, but I actually don't need any of this."

Seeing Riley's confident expression, Evelyn asked curiously, "Are you already prepared, Riley?"

"Of course," Riley said with absolute certainty. He then leaned forward and lowered his voice. "I'm going to send a private message to Schrödinger's Pill on the forum and ask him to create the quiz questions. That way, I'll see the questions first and can prepare the answers in advance."

"Riley, you're a genius!" Evelyn's eyes lit up.

"That Schrödinger's Pill is highly respected right now. His questions are bound to be tricky and obscure. Adrian won't be prepared, so his chances of answering correctly will be much lower than mine. And then…"

As Riley spoke, he pictured himself becoming the leading figure in the industry's new anti-cancer drug development.

Preston, fresh from a shower, peeked out from the spare bedroom. His deep, dark eyes reflected the image of Melanie curled up on the sofa, engrossed in her phone. She was smiling, her expression excited.

Preston really wanted to ask what she was so happy about. He wanted to share in her joy.

But he didn't ask.

Melanie looked exceptionally focused. Preston felt he shouldn't disturb her.

***

Back at the Aureline Hotel, Riley exclaimed excitedly, "Here they are, here they are, here they are!"