Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!-Chapter 114: Third Solid Investment

Mr. Castle narrowed his eyes at him. And after studying him for a while, he folded his arms and said, "I'm listening."

Darren launched into his pitch, keeping it sharp and engaging. "To be honest, many investors will see your restaurant as a sinking ship, but I like you Mr. Castle, and frankly z you are right, I like your daughter too."

The man grunted silently, respecting the confidence to be honest, but not a complete fan of the honesty itself.

"So I'll make you the best deal I can. One that shares your vision intertwined with mine so that we can both make a lot of money."

Mr. Castle nodded once. "Go on."

"I put in $250,000 upfront. We renovate, starting by modernizing the kitchen, keep that medieval charm but make it sleek, draw a crowd. New seating, top-notch gear. I have allies in media groups, a popular magazine and an even more popular reporter. We will hit marketing hard— use the magazine for ads, social media, themed nights like jousting feasts, four a month, thirty guests each at fifty bucks a pop. That's $6,000 monthly right there."

"But to give your restaurant an even bigger personality, we're going to create merchandise. Mugs, shirts, little keepsakes — another $1,500 steady. Daily dining? Picture 150 customers a day, $14 average spend. That's $63,000 a month. Total revenue will be $70,500. In a year, you're looking at $900,000"

Castle whistled low, leaning back. "That's almost a million dollars."

Darren tilted his head as though to shrug. "You've not taken off the costs."

"Oh." Castle realized. "That's true."

Darren continued. "Staff, ingredients, rent, that'll run $24,500 monthly. Leaves us $46,000 profit each month. Break-even's five and a half months — $250,000 divided by $46,000. After that, year one nets $322,000. Clean, simple, and yours to run."

"You're giving me all of the profit of year one?" Mr. Castle was surprised.

Darren pursed his lips in agreement. "Think of it as an ally beginner bonus. After year one, the budget increases and so do sales, both food and merchandise. A mathematical graph indicates a 99% increase. And a 20% increase for the year after."

Castle's jaw slackened slightly, then he laughed, a hearty sound. "Hell, you've got a mind for this, son. That's sharp as a tack. What are you trying to do? Make me a millionaire?" he chuckled. "Hell, if my ex-wife sees me back on top, she'd come back, wanting a cut."

Darren chuckled too, leaning back with a glint in his eye. "They always do. But don't you worry. Since you're my ally, my legal team will have your back. She won't touch a dime."

He paused, then added, "Now, from the second year, I'd want shares, of course — say, 30% of yearly profit. Fair split for the risk."

Castle rubbed his chin, then thrust out a hand without hesitation. "You are an incredible man, Mr. Steele! You've got a deal! Let's get our lawyers on it —how's next Tuesday?"

Darren shook it, firm and final. "I would like to get this completed before the month ends so next Tuesday works just fine."

Castle stood, clutching the watch and gloves. "Thank you so very much. Now, I'm telling you I'm going to go stash these and grab a shower. But what I'm actually going to do is go cry and thank the Lord for sending an angel."

Darren smiled, flustered.

"Penny'll keep you company— she's cooking something nice, looks like."

Darren smiled. "You raised a good daughter."

Castle chuckled, a proud gleam in his eye. "Yeah, I'm proud of her."

He shuffled off, leaving the room quiet save for the kitchen's soft clatter.

Moments later, Penelope emerged, her cheeks flushed a rosy pink. Darren was certain she'd been eavesdropping, no doubt.

In her hands was a tray: a steaming plate of herb-crusted chicken, golden roasted potatoes, and a side of buttery garlic bread, the aroma rich and mouthwatering.

Darren's stomach growled, his eyes watering at the sight. "Thank you," he said, taking the tray as she plopped beside him on the couch, now wearing home clothes.

He took a bite of the chicken — tender, bursting with flavor — and his brain melted into a puddle of bliss.

"How is it?" she asked, her voice bubbly but tentative.

Darren swallowed, not believing what he'd just tasted. "This is the most delicious thing I've ever tasted. You're really good — like, really really good."

Penelope beamed, her beauty radiant in the soft light, all golden hair and sparkling eyes. "Thank you! I'm glad you like it."

Darren went on to eating, savoring every bite.

She tilted her head as she watched him, then spoke with a softer tone. "I heard you and Dad. Are you really gonna do all that to help us?"

Darren nodded, swallowing. "Yeah. What happened to you guys sucks; soulless companies stomping out the little guy. I want to fix that."

She chuckled nervously when she asked her next question. "Did you... heh... uhm... Is that why you bought me all that stuff? So that my dad would agree to your investment deal?"

Darren looked at her, brows creased. "No," he said honestly. "No. Not at all. I bought you that because I wanted to. Okay? I'm never going to treat you like a means to an end."

Penelope's gaze softened, her eyes melted into his as her gaze locked on his face. She had gratitude shimmering within her, but it was edged with something deeper.

"Thank you, Mister," she said, almost a whisper. "You're helping us so much, and I don't even know your name."

Darren coughed, caught off guard, then laughed. "Oh. I… didn't realize. It's Darren. Darren Steele."

She repeated it softly, "Darren Steele," her voice testing it like a melody. "Thank you, Darren Steele."

Their eyes held, the air thickening as she leaned in, lips parting slightly.

Ding!

┏This person has grown deep affection for you┛

Darren's heart began to pound softly, and he mirrored her, drawing in closer. Their lips were inches away from clashing when the floor suddenly creaked.

Penelope sprang up, nearly toppling the tray, standing beside Darren with a guilty flush.

Mr. Castle turned to them and smiled, noticing the meal, "Oh, Mr. Steele! How's the food?"

Darren cleared his throat, smiling back. "Wonderful, Mr. Castle. Your daughter's a great cook."

Castle smirked, oblivious. "Ehhh, she learned from the best." He ambled away into the next room.

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Once he disappeared, Penelope and Darren exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter.