Chapter 161: Now onto the Next

"Looking back, I was also skeptical when you proposed to me to short the cryptocurrency stocks. I'm going to bet on you again," Bridget announced. "Also, I'm going to pull in some partners in mine in Europe to invest, but it's going to be difficult as we have no proof that your concept works," she continued, her expression serious yet optimistic.

"But given your history of turning bold ideas into reality, I think it's worth the risk."

"Wait...what do you mean you have shorted the crypto market?" Antoinette flickered her gaze to Bridget. "Is it related to the crypto crash that happened in 2024?"

Bridget simply nodded in confirmation.

"Wait...Michael," Antoinette turned her head to Michael, her gaze locking on him. "So you predicted that the crash is going to happen in 2024?"

"Well it's a prediction based on the trend of the crypto market at that time, and I don't think we were acquainted prior to me meeting Bridget in a casino where I proposed her to invest in a risky gamble that turned out to be quite profitable," Michael responded calmly, reflecting on the unconventional but strategic move they made.

"Indeed, it was a profitable venture," Bridget acknowledged, "and that's why I'm willing to take another leap of faith with Michael's new project."

"How much did you get from the short?" Antoinette inquired, not leaving the topic.

"About 1.5 billion US dollars," Michael revealed, eliciting a shocked gasp from Antoneitte and those around them. "We agreed to split it 50-50 so we both got ourselves 750 million each," Michael continued, his tone matter-of-fact but with a hint of pride in their successful venture.

Antoinette was visibly impressed, her expression softening as she considered the financial prowess Michael had demonstrated. "That's no small feat," she admitted. "What a waste that we weren't in contact at that time."

"It was regretful indeed, but it's going to be the same here. I'm embarking on a new venture here that could revolutionize health care. Not investing in it will be a regret in the future," Michael stated confidently.

Even an investment of one billion dollars would grant you a substantial stake and ensure your influence in the decision-making process."

Of course, Michael doesn't have to say all that, Antoneitte is already aware of it, and matching the investment would mean those two ladies will have a 50 percent share of the company. In order for him to operate, he'd need a 51 percent share to maintain control.

"Bridget, your investment is quite huge. If you do that, then there is no need for you to call your European partners. Lower your investment to at most one billion dollars so we can spread the risk and bring more diversity to our investor pool," Antoneitte suggested thoughtfully.

"How much are you going to invest in the first place?" Bridget asked Antoneitte.

"About half a billion dollars," Antoneitte revealed and continued. "250 million dollars each. I'm playing it safe but to me, you look like you are getting greedy."

"Greedy? Let's just say I trust Michael on this one," Bridget said.

Sensing the tension, Michael intervened. "Okay, that's enough. Look, I don't have control over how much you are willing to invest in my company, but Mrs. Estolas has a point. Bridget, your investment is a lot bigger than what we initially discussed. While I appreciate your confidence in the venture, we need to maintain a balanced share distribution to ensure the long-term success of the company."

Bridget nodded, understanding Michael's point. "Alright, I'll adjust my investment to one billion dollars in total then, five hundred million for each enterprise. This should give us more room to bring in other investors and maintain a healthy equity distribution."

"That sounds like a more balanced approach," Michael approved. "With Bridget and Antoinette's combined investment of 1.5 billion dollars, we'll have a solid start. I'll contribute the rest to meet our initial capital requirements and retain majority control."

Antoinette, now satisfied with the arrangement, relaxed back into her chair. "Sounds like a plan. Let's proceed with these numbers then."

Michael nodded to Juliet, who swiftly updated the contracts to reflect the new investment figures. "With these adjustments, we're set to move forward. We'll have a diversified investment pool, and with our collective expertise and resources, I'm confident we'll make significant strides in revolutionizing the healthcare industry.

Now for the next step, we need permits, licenses, and permission to test the drug and the Medipod to humans."