Chapter 4

The modulator altered my voice, rendering it low and gravelly as I addressed the roomful of investors through the video conference screen. "Golden Retriever Capital's strategy is unconventional, yes," I said, leaning slightly forward. "But our results speak for themselves. We're offering a unique opportunity for savvy investors to get in on the ground floor of something revolutionary."

The room was silent for a moment, the only sound the soft hum of the audio equipment. Then, a man in a tailored suit with a skeptical expression spoke up. "Ms. Golden, while your returns are certainly impressive, we can't help but…