He literally wrote an op-ed about it in the Wall Street Journal. It's his whole thing.
He doesn't wear suits. Everyone knows this.
Victoria sinks into her chair. The leather squeaks.
The sound makes her flinch. Can we fix this?
Marcus pulls out his phone, starts scrolling. His jaw tightens.
Cole Ventures was our only option. Victoria, we've been rejected by 23 other firms.
Cole was interested because of our tech. He spent 8 months researching us.
8 months. So, we apologize.
We explain. We He invests based on character.
Marcus looks up from his phone. He said it in every interview.
He doesn't care about pitch decks. He cares about leadership, about how people treat others.
The words land like stones. Victoria tries Darien's number again.
Voicemail. She doesn't leave a message this time.
She opens her laptop, types an email with shaking fingers. Dear Mr. Cole, I want to sincerely apologize for the confusion this morning.
It was a hectic day and I failed to properly review my schedule. I would be honored to reschedule at your convenience.
Our entire team is excited about the possibility of partnering with Cole Ventures. Warmest regards, Victoria Ashford.
She hits send. The whoosh sound feels final.
Marcus is still scrolling his phone. Oh no.
What? Klaus posted something.
He shows her the screen. The German investor's tweet doesn't name anyone, but it's obvious.
Witnessed a shocking display of unprofessionalism at a SF meeting today. How you treat people says everything about character.
Business ethics.
It already has 240 retweets. Victoria's phone rings.
She jumps. But it's not Darien.
It's Richard, the board chairman. Victoria, I just got off the phone with Klaus.
He said you threw someone out of your meeting this morning. There was a misunderstanding.
He said you refused to shake the man's hand, that you called security on him, that the man was Darien Cole. Silence.
Richard, I can explain. Do you understand what you've done?
His voice is cold. Ice cold.
We need $500 million to survive. Cole was our last option.
Our only option. And you humiliated him in a hotel lobby.
It was a mistake. I'm trying to reach him.
Trying? Richard laughs.
It's bitter. Victoria, I've worked with Cole before on another deal.
When someone disrespects him, he doesn't give second chances ever. It's not about ego.
It's about values. The line goes dead.
Victoria tries Darien again. Voicemail.
She emails again. Mr. Cole, I realize my behavior this morning was unacceptable.
I would like the opportunity to apologize in person. Please give me a chance to explain.
1:00 p.m. , no response.