She didn't see a businessman. She didn't even see a person who deserved basic courtesy.
She saw a man in casual clothes and decided instantly that he didn't belong. I'll leave.
Darien's voice is quiet. Calm.
No need for an escort. He looks at Jerome.
I can find my way out, but Victoria isn't done. Oh, you'll be escorted.
I want to make sure you actually leave the premises and don't try to sneak into other meetings. She turns to the young guard.
Walk him all the way to the street. Make sure he doesn't come back.
The guard nods. Yes, ma'am.
Sir, if you'll come with me. The walk to the door feels like a mile.
Every eye in the lobby is watching. The woman on the couch is recording on her phone.
The concierge has stopped pretending to work. Darien keeps his head up.
His steps are measured. Professional.
Jerome walks beside him, not touching him, giving him space. At the door, Jerome leans in close.
"Sir," he whispers. "I'm really sorry about this.
I'm just doing my job." Darien gives him a small nod.
"You're doing your job. I understand."
I understand. Outside, the San Francisco morning is bright and cold.
Darien stands on the sidewalk for a moment, letting his heart rate settle. His phone buzzes.
Priya, boss, what happened? Victoria's assistant just called saying, "You left.
Change of plans. Cancel the LA meeting this afternoon.
Book me on the next flight back to New York." "But the $500 million?"
Priya asks. His voice is gentle but firm.
"I just got my answer. Book the flight."
Inside the lobby, Victoria smooths her suit jacket and turns back to the German investors with a brilliant smile. I am so sorry about that interruption.
You would not believe how many scammers try to crash these events. The silver-haired German doesn't smile back.
Victoria, that seemed harsh. Harsh.
Victoria waves her hand dismissively. Klaus, you have to be firm with these people, otherwise they think they can take advantage.
The other German is already standing, picking up his briefcase. We should go.
Our flight, but we haven't finished. We finished last week, Victoria.
Klaus's voice is cold. We told you no.
We only stopped by to be polite. They shake her hand quickly, professionally, and leave.
Victoria stands alone in the lobby watching them go. A small frown crosses her face.
Then she shrugs, pulls out her phone, and texts her assistant. That investor who just left, Cole or something.
Make sure his information is deleted from our system. Don't want his type thinking they can waste our time again.
She has no idea that his type is the only person who is actually going to save her company. And in less than 3 hours, she's going to find out exactly who Darien Cole is.
10:30 in the morning, Victoria's office on the 42nd floor. She's already forgotten about Darien Cole.
Her assistant, Jenny, knocks and enters holding a tablet. Her face looks pale.
Ms. Ashford, I need to ask you something. Victoria doesn't look up from her laptop.
Make it quick. I have a call with the board in 20 minutes.
The man at the Four Seasons this morning, the one security escorted out. What about him?