CHAPTER SEVEN
SPREADSHEETS AND VILLAINS
Five years prior
Jace breathed a sigh of relief as he gathered his documents, happy with the way his presentation had gone. Just as he was about to step down from the podium, he noticed a man in the front row making his way towards him.
The man who approached Jace was a towering figure with broad shoulders and a no nonsense attitude. His presence exuded confidence and power, making heads turn in his direction as he walked towards the podium. Jace couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the man’s aura, wondering how someone could command such authority in a room full of industry experts.
As the man reached the podium, he extended a meaty hand towards Jace. “Frank Grant, nice to meet you,” he said in a voice that sounded like a chainsaw.
Jace hesitantly shook his hand, wondering what this man could want from him. “Jason hall , pleasure to meet you too,” he replied.
Frank leaned in close to Jace “You know, I really liked your presentation,” he said, his eyes narrowing. “I think we could do great things together.”
Jace couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy at Frank’s words. “What did you have in mind?” he asked cautiously.
Frank’s smile widened, revealing a set of perfectly straight, white teeth. “Let’s just say I have some ideas for battery-powered vehicles that could revolutionize the industry,” he said cryptically.
Jace raised an eyebrow. “And why would you share those ideas with me?”
As Frank straightened up, he threw his shoulders back and let out a booming laugh. “My dear Jace, let’s just say that I have a knack for investing in promising ventures. And I have a feeling that you and your company are going places.”
Jace had heard of Frank Grant, or as he was known in the business world, “The Grant”. The man was a legend in the startup scene, with a reputation for having a Midas touch when it came to investing. He could make your business soar to new heights, or send it plummeting to the depths of despair faster than you could say “venture capital”.
It was said that Frank had a sixth sense when it came to spotting promising startups, and his network of contacts spanned the globe. He had a private jet, a yacht, and a summer home in the Hamptons that was bigger than most small countries. Some even whispered that he had connections to the Illuminati, and that he was secretly controlling the world from behind the scenes.
Frank Grant’s reputation was not just built on the size of his wallet, but also on the power he wielded in the industry. If Frank decided to drop your company, it was like being thrown out of a plane without a parachute – you were going to hit the ground hard and fast, with no other investors willing to catch you. It was like the business equivalent of being excommunicated by the Pope, except with less chanting and more spreadsheets.
Jace’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He had heard rumors about Frank’s vast wealth and connections, but he hadn’t expected him to take an interest in their company. “Well, that’s very kind of you,” he said, trying to keep his tone neutral. “But we’re not really looking for investors at the moment.”
Frank’s smile didn’t falter. “Oh, I understand that. But I think you’ll find that my resources and expertise could be invaluable to you. Think about it, Jace. The possibilities are endless.”
Jace couldn’t deny that Frank’s offer was tempting, but he wasn’t sure he could trust a man who seemed to ooze confidence and wealth like some kind of Bond villain.
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