Victoria had rehearsed answers on the plane.
Stress.
Funding pressure.
A misunderstanding.
Lack of briefing.
None survived the question.
“Because I was biased.”
Darien waited.
Victoria forced herself to continue.
“Because you were Black.”
Her voice broke slightly.
“And because your clothes did not match my idea of someone controlling that much capital.”
Darien nodded once.
“That is the first honest thing you've said to me.”
Victoria looked down.
“I am sorry.”
“I believe you feel sorry.”
She looked up.
“That doesn't mean you are changed.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
Darien leaned forward.
“Your messages kept saying you didn't know who I was.”
Victoria flinched.
“Yes.”
“Why is that relevant?”
“It isn't.”
“It is relevant to you.”
She said nothing.
“You keep returning to my identity because part of you still believes the injustice was that you accidentally mistreated a billionaire.”
“No.”
Darien held her eyes.
“No?”
Victoria's throat tightened.
“Maybe at first.”
Silence.
She nodded.
“Yes. At first.”
Darien leaned back.
“That matters.”
“I understand.”
“Yesterday, you had me removed in about three minutes.”
Victoria looked at the table.
“You have been sitting in my lobby for almost seven hours.”
She looked up.
“You noticed.”
“I notice most things.”
He folded his hands.
“Interesting difference in patience when you need something.”
Victoria took the hit.
Did not defend herself.
“I came because three thousand employees should not lose their livelihoods because of what I did.”
Darien's expression changed slightly.
“There it is.”
“What?”
“The investment.”
“Yes.”
“You still want it.”
“Of course I do.”
“So the apology and the money are connected.”
Victoria breathed in.
“Yes.”
At least she was honest.
Darien looked toward the door.
“I appreciate that answer.”
“Mr. Cole, if you never want to work with me again, I understand.”
“Do you?”
“No.”
She almost smiled bitterly.
“I'll hate it.”
Darien's mouth moved slightly.
“But I will understand.”
Victoria placed both palms on the table.
“The company is eleven weeks from a liquidity crisis.”
“I know.”
“We employ more than three thousand people.”
“I know.”
“Our core product is viable.”
“I know.”
“You've done the diligence.”
“Eight months.”
Victoria's voice softened.
“Then you know those people didn't do this.”
Darien was quiet.
“Yes.”
“That is why I'm asking you not to punish them for me.”
Darien looked at her for nearly thirty seconds.
Then opened a folder.
“I am not offering to rescue you.”
Victoria did not move.
“I am willing to reopen diligence under conditions.”
Her breath caught.
Darien slid a document across the table.
“These are not punishment terms.”
Victoria read.