Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!-Chapter 170: The Meeting

Darren had changed his mind at the last minute.

His meeting with Charles Nelson was no longer happening at La Villette, but rather at the newly refurbished building of Castle Cottage Restaurants.

Mr. Arnold Castle had taken Darren's money and made great use of it.

Everything Darren had instructed was done to perfection. The new building was like a gothic castle, made of black and gold.

While it had an indoor main design, it also offered the same outdoor restaurant that it once was. Though this time it was much bigger.

Golden lights hung high above in pumpkin-like bulbs, illuminating fancy tables and dishes.

People were here and there, dining and laughing, while soft music played.

Inside was like any other expensive restaurant. However, there were metal statues of knights and gothic design that gave the whole place its very own Franchise look.

Away from the main rooms itself, there was a private lounge. This room had been especially made from Darren's orders. It was a blend of rustic charm and modern elegance.

Though the functionality of the room was obvious, it still had an over the top design while maintaining the medical theme.

Amber lanterns hung from timber rafters, ushering their warm glows against the stone-textured walls. Velvet-lined booths nestled between wooden columns, and in the center of the lounge sat Darren Steele —relaxed, confident, and unmistakably in control.

He wore a fitted charcoal suit with a pale navy tie. A matte-black watch peeked from beneath his sleeve, tapping softly against the table as he rhythmically drummed his fingers, waiting.

Rachel sat at the center. The couch was a semi circle near full 360 degrees, with a round table in its center. She adjusted her position, a file in hand that she had ready to document important aspects of the discussion.

She and Darren shared a gaze and he nodded at her, while she smiled. They both knew that things were looking good for them and the company.

Moments later, Charles Nelson stepped in, sharp as ever. His navy double-breasted coat gleamed under the soft lights, and his polished oxfords made a subtle sound on the lacquered wood floor.

With him was a security guy, a tall, double chinned round man, almost a sumo wrestler and terrifying in his black suit.

Charles paused at the entrance, scanning the room, then walked in with a professional smile.

"Nice place," Charles said, extending a hand.

Darren stood to meet it with a firm shake, a smirk on his lips. "Figured you'd appreciate something less uptight than La Villette."

Charles chuckled, glancing around. "Did you find this place yourself?"

Darren's gaze wandered briefly toward the bar.

Penelope stood behind it, organizing glasses. She looked up, caught Darren's eye, and offered a shy wave before quickly looking away. Darren's expression softened slightly.

"I didn't find it," he said, turning back to Nelson. "This is one of my investments."

Charles blinked, then nodded slowly. "So this is yours. Or partly."

"I prefer influence over ownership," Darren replied as they both sat. "But yes. Castle Cottage is one of mine."

Charles exhaled softly, realization dawning. Darren had brought him to his turf to tilt the tension of the deal in his favor.

Being in ones domain increased confidence, didn't it?

It was a smart move so Charles could only smirk and respect it."

Rachel handed both men folders containing key documents. She sat down at the center allowing them space.

"Let's talk investment," Charles began. "We talked briefly at the party. So you know what I'm after, Darren. I'm interested in getting in early. Steele Investments is promising. More than promising, actually. I've seen the metrics. You've got something serious here."

Darren nodded slowly. "And you want a stake in it."

"I'm offering $10 million upfront for equity," Charles said. "I want a permanent shareholder seat, a priority vote on expansions, and soft veto powers on acquisitions exceeding $50 million."

Darren's face remained calm, but internally his mind processed each detail.

With the aid of the Investor System, of course.

Ding!

┏Investor Offer Analyzed: Moderate Control Clauses Detected Negotiation Advantage: 67% Recommended Strategy: Merge Institutional Leverage Request with Stake Terms. Risk: Minimal if leveraged against service exclusivity

Outcome: Strong Deal Possible. Edge with Data.┛

Darren leaned back. "That's a bold offer, Charles. And not a bad one. But you want equity and control."

Charles shrugged. "You know I'm not a silent partner."

"Then let's balance the scale. You want us to make Nelson Bank our exclusive financial handler, and I want your investment in my company. Let's do a no split usage. All corporate banking, fund allocations, future portfolio structures, everything goes through Nelson Bank."

Charles hesitated, brows raising.

"That's a huge ask," he said. "You're tying me up with every move your company makes."

"And you're tying me to every expansion vote," Darren replied evenly.

They paused.

A waiter arrived with coffee. Neither man moved to touch it.

Charles smirked. "This is why my people warned me about you."

"I hope it was flattering."

"I don't think you'd be flattered at all, Darren."

"You'll be surprised. Insults are usually backhanded compliments. The same way compliments can be backhanded insults."

Charles folded his arms. "Hehe. I'm not a woman that you're going to charm with words, Mr. Steele."

Darren smirked.

"You've got ambition. And a clear map to scale. But you're asking for complete banking exclusivity. That's not small."

"Neither is a seat at the table this early in the game," Darren said. "You'll be first on our official filings when we go public. Your bank handles our cash flow. In return, you're embedded in the biggest tech-investment venture of the decade."

Charles leaned back, eyes narrowing slightly. "Let's say I agree. You'd need to give me assurance."

"You'll get quarterly reports, internal performance access, and first-look rights at any upcoming verticals," Darren said. "Rachel, hand him the projection sheet."

Rachel stepped forward, slid a crisp white document across.

Charles scanned the figures. Trendteller, Trendteller+, the crypto arm, and the yet-to-launch retail analytics suite.

"We've mapped five expansions already," Darren continued. "Your bank rides with us through every one."

Charles set the sheet down.

"And you? What do you want in return— aside from my check and institutional support?"

Darren paused, then smiled.

"Stability. Trust. And the weight of a legacy bank behind our name. The Nelson family and Nelson Bank's name opens certain doors. Just like Steele Investments is about to."

Charles chuckled, finally reaching for his coffee. "You make a compelling pitch."

"That's because it's not a pitch. It's a reality. One you can buy into."

The two men held eye contact for a long moment.

Then Charles opened the folder again, pulled out a pen, and signed his section at the bottom.

"Done," he said, standing and offering his hand.

Darren rose to meet it, their handshake solid, grounded in both business and mutual respect.

He and Rachel shared a glance once again and she smiled faintly.

Ding!

┏You've gained a new ally!┛

┏Ally: Charles Nelson

Rating: A+┛