The investment went through the company’s usual review process.
Derek never knew I was connected to the fund.
To him, Northbridge Ventures was simply an investment firm that had recognized his potential.
Over three years, the various financing rounds and capital commitments grew to more than twenty-four million dollars.
Derek told everyone those investments proved he was a visionary.
I let him believe it.
I thought helping him succeed without taking credit was an act of love.
Looking back, I can see how badly I had confused generosity with good judgment.
I also ignored smaller warning signs.
When Derek’s company secured its first major funding round, he bought himself an expensive watch.
When I asked whether we should consider moving into a slightly larger apartment, he told me we needed to be careful with money.
He spent lavishly entertaining prospective investors but complained when I bought fresh flowers for our kitchen.
