This isn't aligned with how they meet in the Marvel comics, but we know Parker basically sells access to his soul in exchange for money and power. When Riri shows up at the pizza spot to fight The Hood,

Ironheart finally pulled back the curtain on the man pulling the strings – and supplying the Hood – behind Parker Robbins' daring grab for power in Chicago. But while he wears one face, fans will be pleased to know that his comic-accurate form is hiding in plain sight.

At its core, Ironheart explores how far people will go to make up for their past failings — and how those efforts can go wrong. Even a noble goal can lead someone down a dark path, the show suggests,