"Some did. Most of those complaints were closed without substantive review. They were told there was no evidence or that the behavior reflected a misunderstanding. One engineer said she stopped raising concerns because the person responsible for reviewing them reported directly to the executive she was complaining about."
Darien looked toward the photograph of a young woman attached to an employee-interview summary. Her name was Simone Grant, and she had led a team responsible for one of Ashford's strongest products before leaving the company. The exit interview described a lack of advancement opportunities. The private account Maya had gathered told a more specific story: Simone had trained a less experienced colleague who later became her manager. When she challenged the decision, Victoria reportedly asked whether Simone had the polish required to represent the company.
"We shouldn't assume every allegation is true without reviewing it," Darien said. "But we shouldn't dismiss a consistent pattern because nobody filed a perfect complaint. If we invest, I want an independent assessment. And I want real protection for the people who speak to investigators."
James Porter, the firm's chief financial officer, joined the call a moment later. "Five hundred million dollars is a lot of exposure for an enterprise with that much leadership risk," he said. "We could acquire certain assets in a distressed sale later for far less."
"By then thousands of employees could be out of work, and customers relying on the platform could be scrambling for replacements," Darien answered. "The question is whether we can protect the product and the people without rewarding the behavior that got them here."
"You believe Victoria can change?" Maya asked.
"I haven't met her. That's why I'm here. People deserve a chance to show who they are before we decide for them."
James gave a dry laugh. "From everything we've read, she has shown quite a lot already."
"Then tomorrow may confirm it," Darien said. "Or it may complicate it. Either way, we have to see clearly."
The meeting invitation had been sent three weeks earlier. Priya Shah, Darien's executive assistant, had exchanged six emails with Jenny Lawson in Victoria's office, confirming the time, location, agenda, and identities of the participants. Darien's biography was attached, along with the firm's investment history and a proposed discussion outline. Priya checked the documents one last time and asked whether he wanted her to send a photograph. Darien declined; the biography included links to several profiles, and he assumed the chief executive of a company seeking half a billion dollars would read about the person considering writing the check.
In Victoria's office, Jenny printed the briefing packet and placed it beside the daily schedule. Victoria had been on the phone arguing with a prospective investor when Jenny entered. "The Cole Ventures meeting is tomorrow morning at nine," Jenny said, waiting for a break in the conversation. "The background materials are here. Mr. Cole is traveling specifically to meet you."
Victoria covered the telephone receiver. "Leave them on the desk. I know who I'm meeting."
"He'll be coming alone, and he prefers a casual dress code. I thought you might want to know."