Bitcoin Billionaire: I Regressed to Invest in the First Bitcoin!

"She's not picking," Sandy said, pushing her hair aside with a whip of her head as she sunk her phone back in her pocket.

"What about Darren?" Lila asked.

Sandy gave her a look.

"What?"

"We don't just call Darren in stuff like this. He's busy and he's already not himself. We report it later, not talk to him over the phone."

"Oh," Lila frowned. "Noted. But we still have to do something. My product has been selling wonderfully, if I don't expand it might start to dwindle."

"No it will," Sandy sighed. "This is important for you and for us."

They both glanced at the stage where Tyler still stood on.

He spread his arms, his voice rising with evangelical fervor. "We're not just offering grants or certifications. We're building pathways —legal infrastructure, corporate compliance, government endorsements, and, most importantly, visibility. Moon Enterprises has propelled over three hundred digital ventures to statewide success, and this year, we're opening doors wider than ever. Synergy, ladies and gentlemen, is the future."

He punctuated the last word with a wink, aimed at a cluster of investors in the front row. A few chuckled; others clapped with renewed vigor.

"Of course he winked," Lila whispered, her tone dripping with disdain. "He probably thinks he's auditioning for a cologne ad. I barely know this guy and he already pisses me off"

Sandy shared the feeling. "You have no idea. Surprised you don't know him, considering the many posts about him on social media —him stumbling out of Club Vesper at 3 a.m., arm around some woman, bottle of champagne in hand."

Lila smirked. "That's the guy? The cub is what they used to call him. Wait? Is it because Archibald Mooney is called the Lion?"

"That must be it."

"Hah! I remember now. He's a midlife crisis, minus the midlife. Throwing parties at his penthouse, flashing his daddy's money, and now playing gatekeeper to our future? It's insulting."

Sandy nodded, her voice hardening. "Still, he's not just an asshole; he's a calculated one. Those delays on our application? That's him flexing. He must have the committee and the event's coordinator in his pocket. We can't underestimate him."

The applause faded as Tyler stepped down from the stage, his grin unshaken as he moved toward the investor booths at the hall's edge. He clapped shoulders, flashed teeth, and tossed casual quips, his charm a polished weapon. The crowd parted for him, drawn to his orbit like moths to a flame.

Sandy straightened, her portfolio tucked under her arm. "Come. Let's get answers from him."

"Really?"

"Yes. Let's confront him and get an idea of what he might want before we report to Darren."

"Okay..."

They moved through the crowd with purpose, passing by Investors' booths and rich people in suits.

Once they got close to him, Tyler's eyes flicked up and his grin sharpened, a flicker of recognition dancing in his gaze.

"Well, well," Tyler drawled, straightening slightly but keeping his casual lean. "Miss Torres and Miss Meyers. A digital delight, gracing us with your presence."

Sandy didn't bother with pleasantries. "Our application's listed as 'Under Review.' Care to explain why?"

Tyler's smile didn't falter, but he raised a hand to his chest in mock surprise. "Under review? Oh, ladies, that's just the process. The committee handles all that nitty-gritty. I'm just the guy who gives the shiny speeches." He gestured vaguely toward the stage.

Lila stepped forward. "Your name's on the committee chair list, Tyler. Don't play coy."

He eyed her primally then chuckled. "I never expected you to look so beautiful, Miss Torres."

Lila frowned, jerking backwards.

"It's all technicalities, I assure you. We're thorough at Moon Enterprises. Gotta make sure every product meets state regulations, you know? Compliance is king. Wouldn't want any… experimental algorithms slipping through the cracks, would we?" His eyes flicked between them, but stayed longer on Lila. "You are a beautiful delight."

At first, she had no rebuttal. But then Lila gathered herself. "I don't get swayed so easily, daddy's boy. Especially not with words."

He locked his lips. "We'll see."

"Trendteller's platform is operational in three sectors," Sandy chimed in. "Media, finance, and logistics. It's been stress-tested, audited, and certified. There's no reason for a delay."

Tyler tilted his head. "No reason? Come now, Sandy. A platform like yours —disruptive, ambitious— needs extra scrutiny. It's not personal. Just diligence." He paused, his gaze sharpening. "Besides, Darren Steele's a big boy. He can handle a little waiting, can't he?"

Lila's eyes flashed, and she took a step again, closing the distance. "If you're trying to block us, Tyler, do it openly. Don't hide behind bureaucratic games. We're not here for your amusement."

For a moment, Tyler's facade slipped, his grin tightening into something colder, more calculating. Then he laughed, tapping both women on the shoulders in a gesture that felt more condescending than friendly. "Block Darren Steele? That'd be crazy. The man's a star, shining so bright." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'd hate to be the one to cast a shadow."

Then he turned to Lila. "I was hoping you'd take more steps closer to me. Or do you want me to be the one to close the distance, my beautiful CEO?"

Lila chuckled. "You can. If you want your face caved in."

"Ha ha he he ha! Oh how brutal. Hands as soft as those should never be forced into fists," he lowered his face and whispered into her ear. "I'll be keeping an eye on you, my pretty one. In the meantime..."

He straightened, brushing imaginary lint from his blazer. "Enjoy the summit, ladies. Lots of opportunities out there." With a final wink, he turned, sauntering toward another group of investors, leaving Lila and Sandy rooted in place, their fury a tangible heat.

Sandy's hands balled into fists, her voice low and venomous. "This asshole hasn't changed at all. He's almost like Ryan, but dumber. Is he trying to declare a war with us? Has he forgotten what happened to the other guy who held the position he holds now?"

Lila, a little flustered, shook her head, her eyes tracking Tyler's retreating figure. "We weren't able to gather any idea of why he would be doing this, were we?"

"We were."

"What?" Lila snapped her head at her. "But he didn't say anything."

"He didn't have to. He speaks so much louder with his body language and the stupid look on his face."

She turned around. "Now come, let's go!"

Lila followed her, but after taking a few steps, she glanced over her shoulder, catching the figure of Tyler Mooney one last time.