Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!-Chapter 324: Glamour and Brains

Darren nodded, finally breaking into a smile after the long day of stone faces. "Well, I'm truly flattered, Ms Monroe. It's not every day a Hollywood icon graces my business. I'm really intrigued by what your interests are."

Cheyenne wanted to smile. Even Darren was already being flirty! She could hear it.

The flirtatious undertone in his voice. Maybe it was unintentional, but it was enough to make Cheyenne shift in her seat.

There was the soft noise of her purple gown rustling as she crossed her legs, her eyes narrowing slightly at the easy banter.

Ava's own gown pooled elegantly around her, her posture straight but still relaxed, as the aura of confidence oozed out of her.

She had faced down directors and paparazzi alike. This was nothing to her.

She opened her portfolio with a graceful flick, but before diving in, she leaned forward, her blue eyes locking onto Darren's with earnest intensity.

"Thank you for having me, really. Now, I know what you're thinking." She smiled and bounced her head playfully. "Why on earth is a movie star like me interested in tech, crypto, and healthcare stocks? Hollywood's all glamour and scripts, right?"

"Look at that, Ms Monroe, you read my mind."

Ava smiled. "Allow me then to surprise you, Mr Steele. See, I'm not just an actress; I've built a brand empire on the side—production companies, endorsement deals. But my reason for wanting in on Steele Investments? It's a little bit personal. Deeply so."

Her voice softened, the flirtatious edge giving way to a touching vulnerability, her full lips pressing together for a moment as she gathered her thoughts. "Two years ago, my sister was diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. We bounced from specialist to specialist, but it was the innovative treatments from one of your acquired hospitals—the one with the AI-assisted diagnostics from Trendteller—that saved her life."

"You see it wasn't just a doctor, it wasn't just medicine; it was your ecosystem. Trendteller would not have come to existence without you and my sister would be dead. I owe you for that, Darren. But more than gratitude, I see the potential. I want to invest because I believe in scaling that impact."

She turned a page. "I want to use my platform to bridge Hollywood's influence with your tech. Imagine celebrity-backed campaigns for Delvarate's personalized health apps, or VR experiences in Trendteller for mental health awareness."

Darren listened vividly.

"You might be wondering what my plans are, might be wondering why risk involving yourself with the dramatic world of Hollywood. But I only want 3% shares, vested over a year, with me committing to advisory roles on public-facing initiatives. I'd bring visibility, partnerships with studios for data deals, and a network that turns your innovations into cultural phenomena."

She broke into a knowing smile, shrugging. "You can not tell me that you are not surprised."

Darren leaned back. At this point, his initial assumption had been shattered. Turns out Ava Monroe wasn't just Hollywood fluff; she was a woman with depth, strategy, and a personal stake that resonated.

All glamour on the surface, but she's got the brains to match.

But he had to crosscheck with the system. Darren activated Insight Protocol.

┏Insight Protocol Complete: Information on Ava Monroe is as follows┛

┏Estimated Value: $450 million┛

┏Primary Business: Acting career with side ventures in production (Monroe Studios) and tech (AI script tool app); endorsements in fashion and wellness┛

┏Owner: Self-managed empire with clean financials; no major debts┛

┏Current Status: Rising star with upcoming blockbusters; startup valued at $80M, aligned with AI trends like Trendteller┛

┏Public Reception: ★★★★★ (Beloved icon; philanthropy in health causes boosts image)┛

┏Tactics: Leverages fame for partnerships; collaborative, low-conflict style; history of loyal alliances┛

┏System's Advice: Low risk—personal motivation ensures commitment; high value in publicity synergies. Accept for brand elevation; monitor for Hollywood volatility┛.

Cheyenne leaned over to him. "What do you think?"

He looked at her. "I think it sounds really good."

"Too good to be true, mhm?"

He hesitated. "Maybe. But I don't get the sense that she's lying."

┏This person is telling you the truth┛

Cheyenne, her purple gown shimmering as she shifted, faced Ava to probe her more. However, she sounded a bit more jealous than she wanted.

"Impressive pitch, Ms. Monroe. You've got the star power, I'll give you that. You would be good for cross-promotions. But Darren, watch the media circus; Hollywood scandals could splash back on us. Still... her health angle? Touching, and strategic. I'd say she's worth considering if we cap her influence."

Darren nodded, his cold eyes warming slightly as he met Ava's gaze. He gazed at her for a while as she gazed back at him.

"You just have to take a chance on me. All of this I've promised with a very unlikely but possible Hollywood scandal being your only risk? That has to be a fine deal." She shrugged again. "You are the business people, tell me if I'm wrong."

Darren was quiet. She wasn't.

"You're not," Darren said.

Ava beamed.

"You've surprised me, Mrs Monroe. I thought you were all red carpets, but this is solid. Your plans align perfectly; the publicity alone could skyrocket Delvarate. Welcome to the team. You'll have 3% shares, as proposed. We'll draft the terms today."

Ava's smile lit up the room, genuine gratitude mixing with that playful flirtation. "Thank you, Mr. Steele, Miss Lamb. I'm truly excited for our partnership."

Darren quietly watched her leave, and once she did, a tense silence filled the room.

Cheyenne then started to laugh.

Darren looked at her. "What is it?"

She smirked, a playful smirk.

"You like her, don't you?" she said seductively.

"Don't be ridiculous."

"Oh come on. I've known you enough to recognize that look in your eyes when you see something you want."

Darren ignored what she said and gestured to the guard to bring in the next person. "We've got two more spots. Let's get this over with."

Darren's phone buzzed on the table, Kara's name flashing. He answered swiftly, his expression shifting to focus. "Kara? What've you got?"