“I didn’t. I spoke to one of the chemists at Wade. Researchers are rather boring, but they do love to talk shop.”
I shook my head. “One day you won’t be able to sleep your way to information.”
“I didn’t sleep with him.” She scrunched her nose. “It was simply drinks.”
“You’ve always been good at using your assets.”
“My asset is my mind. I question everything. Why is a large SPAC like GreenSphere interested in an insignificant small company like Wade?”
“I’ve been asking myself that ever since I got mixed up in this whole thing.”
“Biogen.”
“Biogen wants Wade?”
“Biogen wants to stop Wade from continuing their research. If Wade’s compound stops the accumulation of amyloid, Biogen’s drug that removes amyloid would be unnecessary. And they have their FDA approval. They want Wade’s research stopped. By owning the majority of the stock, they could accomplish that. Stop the funding for research.”
“Biogen is connected to GreenSphere?”
“My people are working on confirmation, but I sure as fuck think so.”
Leaning back, I shook my head. “And in that process Wade would get swallowed up.”
“A footnote on their portfolio,” Lena said, taking another sip.
“So, if this is true, why would GreenSphere back out of a deal with Butler?”
“They got a tip.” She smiled. “That’s why they rescinded their offer.”
“What tip?”
“When the SEC began looking at the Butlers’ investments, it led them to Biogen. Biogen has information about Wade’s research. That information hasn’t been publicly disseminated.”
“Inside information—from Butler?”
“Not sure of the source. This could end up being a legal mess.”
“And the McGraths are stuck in limbo with their stock, their home, and whatever else is frozen from the preliminary injunction?”
“My plan isn’t to kill Wade, Van.” Lena grinned. “You know, it’s like a puppy that needs to be nurtured.”
“Since when are you the nurturing type?”
“Okay, I’m attached—sentimental.”
“Never a good thing in business.”
She leaned back. “We make a good team when we set our minds to it. Wade must get close to bottom to truly fuck Marlin. Logan is heavily invested in Biogen.”
“Interesting. Two birds.”
“I have no desire to take down Biogen. But if Biogen is that concerned about Wade’s research, I’d say that Wade is onto something. Your sale of stocks, Aphrodite’s sale…panicked Butler. I’m sure the McGraths are shitting themselves, but with the injunction, Julia’s stock is safe.”
“It’s not valuable, but it’s safe.”
“It will be valuable. Once Butler sells, Wade will make a miraculous turnaround.”
“And my stocks?”