Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!-Chapter 312: Stealing Shares

Later that afternoon, the scheme was already set in motion.

A black sedan pulled up to the curved driveway of the Steele Complex. Out stepped a man and a woman, both dressed in sharp business attire that screamed old-money confidence.

The man, tall and broad-shouldered with salt-and-pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard, wore a tailored navy suit, his tie a subtle silk pattern that caught the light.

His companion, a striking woman in her mid-thirties with auburn hair pinned in an elegant chignon and piercing green eyes, sported a fitted gray pencil skirt and blazer.

They both carried leather briefcases, and they looked all business and no pleasure. At least that was

what their expressions gave off: polished enthusiasm and calculated poise.

They had badges of the company they represented, something called Morris & The Scottish. They were agents.

Of course Morris & The Scottish wasn't a real company. It was a hoax that Adam Scotland had created just for this very scheme.

These agents were here to exploit the vulnerability of Darren's absence.

With the Bitcoin Billionaire gone, this weekend was the best time to get those stocks.

They entered through the revolving glass doors, the atrium's cool air greeting them like a whisper.

At the reception desk, Beth looked up from her computer, her blonde ponytail bobbing as she adjusted her headset.

She was one of the few left on duty. When they got closer, her friendly-but-firm face greeted them.

"Good morning," she said. "How can I help you?"

The man stepped forward, flashing a disarming smile. "Good morning. I'm Mr. Ellis, and this is my associate, Ms. Vaughn. We're from Morris & The Scottish. A new capital company that seeks to own stocks and invest in promising business."

Ms. Vaughn chimed in. "We'd like to speak with Mr. Steele or one of his senior executives about potential stock purchases. We've heard great things about Steele Investments' portfolio."

Beth's smile faltered, her fingers hovering over her keyboard.

She glanced at her screen, confirming what she already knew. "I'm afraid Mr. Steele is out of the office today, along with most of the team. There won't be any major activities or meetings scheduled. It's a quiet weekend. Perhaps you could make an appointment for next week?"

The two agents looked at each other, pretending to be concerned with that news even though it was something they already knew.

Mr. Ellis leaned on the counter slightly, his voice smooth but insistent. "Surely there's something that can be done? You see, we're only in town for the day. This is a time-sensitive opportunity. Could there be someone available to discuss preliminary terms? We represent significant investors interested in acquiring a substantial block of shares."

Beth shook her head, her expression tightening. "I'm sorry, sir, but without Mr. Steele's approval, we can't proceed with any discussions like that. Company policy is strict on weekends like this."

"This is ridiculous," Ms. Vaughn chipped, her green eyes flashing with irritation. "This deal must be done today, receptionist. There are many other companies that we must meet."

Beth, who was already reaching for her phone to politely usher them out, paused and looked at her.

"I'm going to have to ask you to leave before I call security."

"Oh, please. That wouldn't be necessary," Mr. Ellis said with a charming voice.

Just as Beth lifted the receiver to summon security, someone stepped through the door and almost walked past them.

Mr. Caldwell, a portly man in his fifties with a balding head and a rumpled suit that spoke of a hurried arrival, strode in, carrying a briefcase and a coffee cup.

He was one of Steele Investments' key business associates, holding a significant stake in the company's stocks:

almost enough to sway decisions in Darren's absence.

He paused at the sight of the standoff, his bushy eyebrows knitting together. "What's all this about?" he asked, his voice gruff but curious, setting his coffee down on the reception desk.

Beth was immediately worried when she saw him. She knew the kind of man Mr. Caldwell was.

"Nothing to worry about, Mr. Caldwell. These visitors were just leaving."

"Nonsense." Ms. Vaughn seized the moment, stepping forward with a warm, persuasive smile. "Actually, Mr. Caldwell, we're from Morris & The Scottish Capital."

Caldwell's lips downturned. "I've never heard of that."

"Not surprising," Vaughn smiled. "We're here with a serious offer to buy shares at a premium. Given the market's volatility, this could be mutually beneficial, especially with Mr. Steele unavailable."

Beth's eyes narrowed. Were they just suggesting to intentionally purchase stocks in Darren's absence? To use as some kind of benefit?

This wasn't good.

Caldwell rubbed his chin, his eyes narrowing as he appraised them.

He owned a hefty portion of the company's shares, acquired during an early funding round, and the word "premium" sparked a glint of interest in his gaze.

"Is that so? Well, policy or not, I'm not one to turn away potential business. Come on in, we can chat in the meeting room."

Beth's face paled, her hand still on the phone. "But Mr. Caldwell, Mr. Steele—"

"It'll be fine," Caldwell interrupted, waving her off.

The agents looked at each other, smiled and followed Caldwell toward the elevators.

As they disappeared around the corner, Beth hesitated only a moment before dialing a number on her mobile.

This whole thing smelled like trouble.

The elevator whisked Caldwell and the agents up to the executive floor, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered panoramic views of the city through the dome's translucent shell.

In the meeting office, a handful of other sponsors and business associates who Caldwell had invited for a 'talk' today were present.

They were five in total, including a sharp-eyed woman named Ms. Hargrove, a venture capitalist with a keen nose for deals; Mr. Lin, a tech investor from Singapore; and three others sipping coffee and reviewing tablets.

Caldwell gestured for everyone to sit, taking the seat beside the head of the table where Darren usually sat.

"Alright, folks. These are Mr. Ellis and Ms. Vaughn from what was it again… ?"

"Morris & The Scottish Capital."

"Yes, that. They've got an offer on stocks. Let's hear them out."

They all made faces, surprised at the sudden change of pace.

Mr. Ellis cleared his throat, projecting confidence as he opened his briefcase and distributed glossy proposals.

"Thank you, Mr. Caldwell. As you know, Steele Investments has seen impressive growth, but with Bitcoin's recent dips and regulatory whispers, diversification is key. We're prepared to buy up to 15% of outstanding shares at a 20% premium over current market value. It will be paid in cash, no strings."

Ms. Hargrove leaned forward, her pen tapping the table. "That's quite generous. But I'm confused as it does seem quite sudden."

Caldwell laughed. "Everything is sudden to you, Hargrove."

"No really. Why now? And why have this meeting behind Steele's back? He's the visionary here. If he's away, maybe we wait."

Caldwell waved a hand. "Nonsense. Darren's off, spending time wherever he likes . This is business, not a social club. A premium like that? We could reinvest elsewhere, hedge against any crypto crashes. I'm in for my full block, that's 8% right there."

Mr. Lin frowned, crossing his arms. "I'm intrigued, but selling without Darren feels off. He's turned this into a powerhouse. He might see this as betrayal. My shares are tied to his tech ventures.Trendteller's AI is gold."

Ms. Vaughn leaned in, her voice silky and seductive, her eyes locking on Lin's with a persuasive glint.

"Mr. Lin, think of it as opportunity, not betrayal. With this cash infusion, you could expand your own portfolio. We've modeled the projections: Steele's stocks could stagnate with upcoming SEC scrutiny. Take the premium now; it's a sweetheart deal, tailored for visionaries like you."

They all looked at each other and then began to converse about it, wondering if this was a good move.

One associate, a nervous man named Mr. Patel, voiced the worry outright. "I don't know... selling behind Darren's back? He's got enemies, but he's always protected our interests. This might tank the company. My own company's future is in these shares."

Caldwell slammed his fist lightly on the table, his face reddening with enthusiasm. "Patel, you're overthinking. Darren's a genius, but geniuses get complacent.

"We don't have to put all of our shares, just an amount you're willing to wager. This premium covers any risk, can you imagine 20% over market? That's millions for each of us. And from what I just researched, this company seems reputable; they've got the liquidity. Guys, let's not miss this boat."

Ellis nodded, building on the momentum. "Exactly. We're talking immediate wire transfers. No dilution, no board seats. And it's very clean cash."

He handed them papers. "Here. Ms. Vaughn and I have run the numbers: your collective holdings could net over $300 million today. Imagine reallocating that into stable bonds or emerging markets while Steele's empire weathers the storm."

Hargrove bit her lip, her calculator app open on her tablet. "Make it 25% premium, and I'm sold. But I want guarantees… I don't want any clawbacks if the market rebounds."

Vaughn smiled coyly, crossing her legs. "You're a business woman, Ms. Hargrove. 22% then. That is as much as our client is willing to go. But for you, Ms. Hargrove, we'll throw in priority access to our private equity fund. It's exclusive, high-yield. Tempting, isn't it?"

The woman smirked. "You are speaking my language."

However, the debate dragged on for a while as they were still not in unison with the deal. Voices rose in argumentative volleys; Patel pushing back on ethics, Lin haggling over terms, Caldwell bulldozing objections with tales of past deals. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Adam Scotland's agents played it masterfully, their offers laced with flattery and urgency, eyes gleaming as the room tilted in their favor.

They exchanged subtle glances, inwardly thrilled at how smoothly the plan was unfolding. The absence of Darren Steele and his loyalists really was making this smooth and easy.

These associates were ripe for persuasion.

Finally, Caldwell stood, clapping his hands. "Alright, we're in agreement. 22% premium it is. Let's draw up the papers."

"Great! I'm happy you've decided on this."

The agents shared a glance. It worked! Adam Scotland—and Richard Morrison—was going to own stocks in Darren Steele's company.

Ms. Vaughn took out the paperwork from her briefcase, but just then, the door burst open, and someone strode in purposefully.

"Hmm? You didn't think all of Darren's major employees were gone, did you?" Brooklyn Baker said.