Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!-Chapter 118: Company Launch! (1)

The city stirred awake beneath a crisp, cloudless sky, its skyline stretching into a blue so clear it almost seemed intentional—like the universe had cleared the canvas for something important.

It was the Company Launch Day for Steele Investments.

Darren had made sure everything was perfect for today. To be fair, Rachel had done most of the work, but only because she demanded it.

As for other things that didn't concern the party itself, he tried to complete every other aspect of the business. Including the system.

The investment on Apple stocks and the Housing Market came back fruitful. After tax cuts, he claimed $397 million from the Apple investment and $808 million from the Housing Market investment.

With that, he quickly paid off the renovations loan and was left with a whopping amount of 705 million.

While he used a lot of it to fund the company launch, Darren added 200 million into the Bitcoin Investment Fund, 100 million into another investment on Apple Stocks Investment Fund, and another 100 million for future solid investments.

Out of that 100 million, he took out $250,000 and a bonus $100,000 for Mr. Arnold Castle to begin the renovation of Castle Cottage.

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On Tuesday, they had finalized the contract and the system had registered Castle as;

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┏Ally: Arnold Castle

Company: Castle Cottage Restaurants

Rank: C (Presently upgrading)

Information: Although a weak ally, his loyalty and respect for you places him very high.┛

┏Loyalty: 10/10┛

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That meant that Darren was done with the Seeing is Believing Quest, and Start of an Empire would be completed as well once the launch was over.

The system gave him a 100% performance review and another Character Bonus. Hopefully, he could unlock a new Feature soon.

With all of that taken care of, the only thing that was left to begin the empire, was the launch of it.

From every corner of downtown, cars threaded through wide boulevards, honking softly as they entered the Meravaurd Avenue.

But, regardless of the tall skyscrapers around, All roads, it seemed, led to one place: The Steele Complex.

From a distance, the Complex resembled a glass jewel nestled amidst a sea of steel giants.

But unlike the rigid, towering skyscrapers around it, the Steele Complex curved gracefully — a domed marvel of architectural ambition.

Its translucent shell caught the sun at angles that made it gleam like it was glowing from within. The sight of it alone made drivers slow down. Pedestrians stopped to stare. It was new, bold, and impossible to ignore.

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Outside, black cars, limos, and private sedans pulled up in elegant procession. Valets in dark uniforms opened doors, ushering guests out into the red-carpeted entrance where hostesses with clipped smiles handed out name tags in polished leather sleeves.

Paparazzi flashes erupted every now and then, catching a prominent investor or a well-known public figure.

Darren was surprised by the names Rachel had managed to bring into his part.

There was Adam Scotland, a man who kept glancing around like he was studying the place jealously. Regina Zurich was here as well, sister of young Zachary Zurich, who ruled the family business. Charles Nelson was there too, sitting stylishly and watching the event.

Then, most of the time visitors were from Darren's fanbase as Mr. Duckling. He had done an online invitation where only those who were picked had had a card sent to them by mail.

Inside the grand atrium, there was warm ambient lighting and soft gold tones. The floor was made of marble and reflected all of the light like a mirror.

A tour guide was taking some curious individuals around the offices, showing off the areas where the separate activities would be carried out.

The air was perfumed with cologne, wine, and success.

A jazz trio in the corner played something light, something vintage, as waiters in white gloves navigated the floor, offering flutes of champagne and delicate hors d'oeuvres served on black trays.

Other guests moved through the atrium, speaking in hushed, excited voices— introductions made, hands shaken. There was an undercurrent of buzz. Not just celebration. Anticipation.

Rachel stood near the main networking booth, she was wearing a silk emerald gown, beautiful and kind to her figure. Her hair was styled and curly, perfectly covering one eye like Jessica Rabbit.

She greeted the familiar faces she had invited, directed curious strangers, and checked that the staff were in place.

Kara was already at the IT booth with her friend, Miranda, laughing over conversations. Sandy, as expected, had posted up near the finance panel, surrounded by curious investors already.

This was her area of expertise. Speaking to people, explaining things. She'd done it for years and she did it perfectly today as well.

Jonathan Vance and Daisy Chen acted more like a guest, since their jobs were mainly outside the business of it. They both sat at the VIP, drinking and smiling.

Amelia, now fully a part of the company, was the primary touring guide, reading out of a manifesto Rachel made while also adding her input.

Simon Wilkes, Edward Blane, and Marilyn Standard moved through the crowd like well-oiled gears in the Steele machine, also doing their parts.

Darren, meanwhile, had already made his rounds outside.

Now he stood near the central balcony overlooking the hall. He saw some of his college friends amongst the crowd, sitting on a table.

Tamara Johnstone was there, and so was Alison. He was more surprised to see Eddie Turner. Was he still in Gareth's company?

Darren was sure.

Sophie McClain had met with him up on the balcony. First thing she said with a smile was; "Still no Ava Monroe?"

Darren chuckled. "I mean... this isn't enough?"

She looked down at the crowd. "It is. To be fair, you've done something wonderful here, Darren." Then she looked at him. "But it's still no Ava Monroe."

They laughed.

"Let me run your story," she insisted over her glass of rosé. "The rise of Steele Investments. Brooklyn is already busy interviewing all the guests."

Darren smiled faintly, watching the blonde hair beauty scurrying about with her blue pencil skirt, the microphone in her hand and her poor cameraman trying to keep up.

"Just like her. Always eager to tell the news." He then looked at Sophie. "So what's the deal? Is she signed exclusively to your magazine yet?"

Sophie sighed. "No. Not yet. We're still just partners. She can upload her stories to other media if she wishes. What Brooklyn values now is her freedom it seems. Especially after Business Everyday."

"Hmm." Darren noted.

"What?"

He shrugged. "Don't tell her but I'm thinking of hiring her as my PR manager."

Sophie smiled knowingly. "Another one. Gosh, Darren. You don't get satisfied, do you?"

Darren raised a brow. "What does that mean?"

But Sophie was already leaving.

"Hey. Soph."

"What did she want?"

Darren quickly turned to his side and saw Rachel standing beside him. He looked back, Sophie had already disappeared into the elevator, smirking at him as it closed.

"Nothing, I think she was just insinuating that I surround myself with a lot of women," he replied.

Rachel didn't look at him. "Well, isn't it true?"

He looked at her.

She looked at him.

He creased her brows.

Hers remained straight.

"Are you ready for your speech?" she asked softly.

"Well, not if you're making me nervous."

Rachel chuckled. "I'm sorry, sir. I was only pulling your legs."

Darren exhaled. "I really did not expect such a crowd. Almost everyone is here, everyone I—"

He stopped talking, recognizing the scent of a perfume that he could not mistake.

It was jasmine and sandalwood — delicate, layered, haunting.

He turned sharply, eyes narrowed.

There, just beneath the edge of the staircase, stood Lily.

She looked stunning, if a little lost. Her eyes had been staring at him for a while now, wide and heavy with unspoken weight.

"Please Darren…" she stepped closer, voice barely audible over the music. "Please..."

Darren stared at her.

"Can we just talk?"