After another long minute, I set my phone down and crawl out of bed. Go to the bathroom and brush my teeth, wash my face. Staying in my pjs, I make a quick espresso before grabbing my laptop and sitting at the marble bistro table in the kitchen. The sun’s finally rising, orange rays of light slicing through the buildings.
I open my laptop and click into my email, ready to triage like I do every morning. I delete a few junk messages, then a message from a newer investor — one I courted for weeks — grabs my attention.
Subject: Urgent: Reputational Risk / LP Concerns
My stomach sinks as I click into the email, heat prickling at the back of my neck.
Tori –
I’ve been made aware of some chatter coming out of The Carrington Club last night involving you and a Coastal Crushers player. I don’t need the details and I’m not asking for them. What I will say is that in this business, perception is the only reality that matters. And right now the perception from my end isn’t good.
You know we backed you because you run a disciplined book and because your judgment is a differentiator in the space. But if your name shows up in a society column or gets wrapped into a hockey headline, it creates noise we can’t underwrite. This is how reputational risk starts.
Because of this, I’m pausing my commitment to the fund for the foreseeable future. I have great respect for your work and wish you continued success.
Best,
Graham Rockport
I skim the email, then re-read the damning words again.
And again.
Four times through and the nausea rolls through me.
Hearing chatter.
Fucking Eleanor.
Bennett’s hand at the small of my back, his breath warm against my cheek.
Reputational risk.
My entire livelihood is built on judgment, discipline.Being the safest pair of hands in the room. If investors start questioning that, I don’t just lose money.
I lose trust.
And trust is the only currency that matters in this business.
My fund doesn’t implode overnight. It bleeds out, low and slow. One LP at a time.
I hemorrhage everything I’ve worked for my entire career.
Dammit.
All because of one night. One stupid event I never wanted to attend in the first place.
Fingers hovering over the keyboard, I type a rebuttal.
Re: Subj: Urgent: Reputational Risk / LP Concerns
Graham –
Thank you for reaching out about the society gossip you’ve heard. While I appreciate your reasoning, I assure you nothing is distracting me from my fiduciary duties at the fund.
I’m fully invested in the success of the Prince Fund and remain as committed as ever to making the most sound investments on the Street.
Best,
