Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!-Chapter 201: Can I Come With?

The wax cracked cleanly beneath Darren's thumb.

Inside the envelope, the letter was printed on thick parchment, silver-lined and delicately textured like something designed for nobility.

When Darren thought of it, he remembered that Archibald also owned a printing press, Moon Papers. The half thought brought into perspective once again the amount of wealth Archibald had amassed through multiple channels.

The scent of expensive cologne lingering from the paper brought his thoughts back to the present. It was as if the air around Archibald Mooney himself had been bottled in it.

When Darren fully opened it, acknowledging the beautiful calligraphy, he went on to read:

Moon Enterprises

Executive Office of the Chairman

Archibald Theodore Mooney

Mr. Darren Steele,

You are cordially invited to a private supper hosted by Chairman Archibald Mooney. The gathering will take place tonight at Le Château de la Lune, Los Alverez. You will be directed to the private reserved lounge, Eldar. A table has been arranged within the North Lounge, accessible by invitation only.

Arrival Time: 8:30 PM

Dress Code: Formal Black

Security: Cleared under Steele Investments, Argent Security

Privacy Protocol: Level-6 Discretion

With honesty, this is not a negotiation. This is a conversation.

Kind Regards,

Marius Gorran

Private Secretary to the Chairman

Darren stared at it for a long moment, the weight of the moment sinking in with each line.

"Can I come with?" Olivia's lovely voice came from beside him as she leaned in to see.

He turned slightly to his left, eyes scanning her dainty face. She faced him and smiled.

Her face was just a few inches away from his own, one brow lifted, her arms rested on the curves of her waist. Her green hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and that same glint of ambition rested behind her gaze.

"I mean... that's a little intense for a dinner," Olivia's voice came from behind. "If I didn't know I would think Mr. Mooney was going to propose."

"You read it?" he asked.

She shrugged. "I've been waiting helplessly for you to break that wax seal. And yes, I have eyes."

He set the letter down and folded the envelope precisely. "So what do you think?"

"I think you should dress your absolute best," Olivia replied, walking past him toward the window overlooking Mauravard Street. "My dad always hated Archibald Mooney, but he still respected him. Heck, I'm completely stunned that he invited you to a dinner."

She turned to him and grinned. "Well, it's not just a dinner, is it?"

Darren pursed his lips. "It isn't?"

Olivia chuckled. "Did you really expect that you were just going to have supper with the Lion of Business?"

"Of course not," Darren replied.

"It's a message, Darren. Most likely a warning. Or... a recruitment attempt." She shrugged. "Maybe Mr. Mooney sees what I see when I look at you and he wants your skills in his company."

Darren said nothing. His eyes returned to the silver-embossed logo. Le Château de la Lune was one of the most elite dining lounges in the entire state. The kind of place where billion-dollar mergers began with the pop of a bottle.

And it also belonged to Archibald Mooney, because of course it did.

The direct translation of the name read, The Moon Castle. It was one of Archibald's earliest business acquisitions, and had grown to be a gathering house of the elites of the elites.

Archibald shared one strategy with Darren, and that was using homegrown to tilt the control of a discussion in their favor.

Though Darren was unsure if someone like Archibald Mooney even needed that. Clearly, regardless of wherever he was, as long as it was in this state, power would always be his upper hand.

"So..." Olivia spoke lightly, sitting on his desk and swinging her legs. "Do you want me to come with?"

His brows lifted slightly.

"Not into the dinner," she clarified, "but I could wait outside. You know. Make sure you don't get poisoned or drugged or kidnapped by billionaire cultists."

He scoffed at that. "No need. But thanks for the concern."

She stepped closer, gaze softening. "I mean it. Archibald Mooney doesn't just invite people out of curiosity. This is chess. He either wants to strike a deal or remove a piece from the board."

"I know."

"Let me come with you. I think it'll be good. There are many games Archibald could try to play in this meeting, Darren. I think when he sees me, the daughter of his colleague, he'd be thrown off. Even if only slightly."

Darren creased his brow. She was right about that."

They stood in silence for a moment, the city humming softly beyond the glass. Then, with a smile on her face, Olivia changed the subject.

"By the way, I listened to your advice and I spoke to the streaming service founders over the phone."

He glanced at her. "You're going with them?"

"I think so. They've got traction, but no structure. Good product, poor packaging. Which means they're exactly what I need for Olive Run's first success story."

He nodded. "When's the meeting?"

"I scheduled it for tomorrow. 10 AM, downtown. I want you there."

"I might be busy with my team's report but..." He caught her judgemental expression. "I think I can make it."

She smiled. "Good. But don't say it like it's optional. You're backing me. You're showing up."

"And I will."

"Perfect."

She stepped away from the window and moved toward the side table, pouring herself a glass of water. Then, casually:

"Do you think your invitation has anything to do with my father?"

Darren looked up, surprised. "Your father?"

She met his gaze. "They're not just colleagues. They're rivals too. He and Archibald go way back. Old rivals. Old allies. It blurs sometimes. But if Archibald thinks you're cozy with me, he might see you as trying to get in through the Sinclair door."

"Am I?"

She tilted her head, considering. "Maybe. But you're smarter than that. You don't need my name to get through doors. You have your own keyring. Besides, my dad and I aren't on the best of terms right now."

Darren stood up and sunk his hands into his pockets. "Maybe you should start working on your daddy's issues before you start bossing me around, Olivia."

Their eyes lingered for a moment longer. "If you don't want me bossing you around then do something about it."

Olivia turned to leave.

"Just remember," she said over her shoulder, "if you get eaten alive tonight, I'm claiming your entire whiskey cabinet."

"I'll write it into the will," Darren replied.

She paused at the door.

"Dress sharp, Darren. I'd hate to outdress you to your own reckoning."

She left, the echo of her heels fading.

Darren turned back to the letter.

Le Château de la Lune. Archibald Mooney. Dinner. War or alliance?

He looked down at his black cufflinks, then at the clock.

'I should prepare.'