Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!-Chapter 175: Deal with the Fakes

After reading the email, Darren had gone on to do an extensive research on Delvarate and their whole stitch.

To be fair, it wasn't that extensive of a research, it was just as much as time permitted him, especially with Grant's legal issues pressing down on him.

He found Delvarate intriguing enough. Their ideas for a software for warehouse automation was very catchy and sure to bring in money. In fact, the more he studied them, the more promising they looked which led him to ask one question.

Why the hell would the Sinclair Group let go of a startup such as this?

Difference in goals and objectives was such a lousy reason to him, considering they had signed a contract before and such things were usually discussed then.

The whole thing started looking way too good to be true.

Nevertheless, he couldn't just let this opportunity fly past him because he was uncertain of a tinsy bitsy thing, and so, he reached out to the creators of Delvarate and agreed for a meeting on Thursday.

It was Thursday.

The private conference room on the 5th floor of the Steele Complex's West Wing was a sleek, modern space trimmed with obsidian black walls and brushed chrome lining.

The panoramic windows overlooked Los Alverez's central business plaza, but the drawn curtains today ensured full privacy.

A digital projection board hummed softly on the far wall, currently displaying Darren Steele's company logo alongside the flickering placeholder text: "Pending Presentation."

Darren sat at the head of the conference table, dressed in a tailored charcoal suit and an open-collared slate shirt. At his right side sat Amelia, as Secretary of Investments, it was necessary that she was part of these meetings.

She was prepared, her notebook open and stylus ready. She wore her usual sharp blazer and carried the air of someone who was always prepared to do what was asked of her.

Although, after her last mission— when that happened —she was yet to tell Darren anything about it.

She wondered if she ever would.

Amelia took a peek at Darren, wondering how he would react. Protective? Possessive? Unbothered? Angry?

Someone, she forgot completely about how he would react and realized that what she was thinking about was how she would want him to react.

Thankfully, before Darren could catch her moping, the doors opened, snapping her awake from her thoughts.

Jonah Crest and Ethan Vale entered, dressed in slim business wear that tried a little too hard to scream confidence.

Jonah, the leaner of the two, had slicked-back hair and a faint nervous sheen across his brow. Ethan, bulkier, wore a pair of glasses and carried a laptop. They looked like perfect startup founders: hungry, hopeful, and hiding something.

"Gentlemen," Darren greeted with a subtle nod. He didn't stand, only gestured them to the waiting couches. "You're on time. I appreciate that."

"Thank you for meeting with us, Mr. Steele," Jonah said, offering a tight smile as both men took their seats. "It's an honor."

"You've prepared your pitch?"

Ethan nodded and synced his laptop to the screen. With a tap, the placeholder faded and was replaced by a glowing logo: Delvarate — Neuro-Integrated Real-Time Operations System.

"Delvarate," Jonah began, his voice practiced. "Is a next-generation neuro-link logistics system designed to interface with human neural input for instantaneous fleet management, warehouse automation, and inventory recalibration."

Amelia arched a brow, instantly interested.

Jonah continued, his voice smooth. "Traditional logistics rely on structured input: screens, commands, interfaces. Delvarate shortens that. We turn trained thoughts into action. Through a neural band or implant, an operator can manage multiple autonomous delivery systems, update smart inventory algorithms, or trigger real-time rerouting... with a thought."

Darren leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable. "So this is the sci-fi fantasy that Sinclair Group and Moon Wealth have been up to. Surprised they would give it up."

Ethan and Jonah shared a glance that Darren caught.

"It also sounds very dangerous. Tell me, what safety protocols are you working with?"

Ethan jumped in. "We've integrated three-phase neural dampeners, AI-assisted override systems, and a biometric tether protocol that prevents accidental cross-signals. And, if necessary, Delvarate has a full hardline kill-switch for physical shutdown."

"Sounds expensive."

Jonah smiled. "It is. But that's where the opportunity lies. There's no true competitor for full-spectrum neuro-logistics. We're first. And we intend to stay first."

Darren glanced at Amelia, who gave the faintest nod. "I know that."

He leaned forward after a sigh.

"Now," Darren said, his voice shifting into its usual cool steel, "Why don't we address the headline? Moon Wealth Management and Sinclair Group pulling out of your venture? That kind of fallout isn't small."

Jonah's smile faltered for the slightest second.

"It was... strategic misalignment," he said quickly.

Ding!

┏This person is being dishonest┛

Ethan tried to cover. "Our vision shifted. We wanted to pivot Delvarate into a more open-source-friendly architecture. They wanted tighter control. We felt it compromised our values."

Ding!

┏This person is being dishonest┛

Darren offered nothing but silence. The kind that made men rethink their lives. He drummed two fingers on the table, then asked, "And you think my company aligns with your values?"

"Absolutely," Jonah jumped in. "You're forward-thinking, solution-driven. You invest in disruption, and you don't shy away from risk. After what you did for Trendteller, how could we not come running to you to help us next? You're the kind of leader we want."

Ding!

┏This person is being slightly honest┛

But Darren lifted a brow. 'That's an interesting one.'

Then he returned to the duo. "Flattery doesn't pay dividends, Mr. Crest. Let's focus on numbers."

Ethan exhaled in visible relief. "We're looking to raise 3.5 million in a two-phase injection. First for equipment and operator expansion, second for regional licensing. We'll give 11% equity, and a board observer seat."

Darren tapped his pen once. "Board observer?"

"You wouldn't be voting. But you'd have insight into every major operational discussion."

"And if I wanted voting rights?"

Jonah looked hesitant. "That would take a higher figure. Maybe... six million?"

Darren nodded slowly, feigning consideration. "Let's say I'm interested. But I'd prefer to close things formally. We don't do backroom handshakes at Steele Investments."

"Of course," Ethan said quickly. "We understand."

Darren stood. "Good. Then let's finalize this tomorrow. Sagomoto Offices, 10 a.m. I like the place. Comfortable chairs, excellent coffee."

The boys stood, almost too eagerly. "Are you serious?! I can't believe it, Mr. Steele! Thank you! Thank you so much! We'll be there."

They extended a hand, and Darren shook both.

"One more thing," he added smoothly as they turned for the door. "No last-minute surprises. If there's anything in your legal structure I should know before then, you tell me now."

The two looked at each other again, half-scared.

"Everything is good, sir," Ethan said.

"Yes. No surprises, Mr. Steele," Jonah added.

Ding!

┏They are both being dishonest┛

"Good," Darren replied, nodding as though he believed him.

When they were gone, the room fell silent again.

Amelia stepped forward, arms crossed.

Darren didn't look at her. He only continued to glare at the closed door.

Then he asked quietly, "Do you smell it too?"

She glanced at him. "Smell what?"

His eyes narrowed icily.

"A rat."