Grace Li felt a sense of relief wash over her, like she had just removed a heavy set of shackles.
Though the road ahead was filled with uncertainty, she knew deep down that Nova Capital was no longer the place for her. The actions of Benjamin Harris and his daughter, Scarlet Harris, had crossed a line she could no longer ignore. In the highly competitive job market in the U.S., facing setbacks is normal, but she couldn't continue silently enduring, letting her grievances accumulate.
If she stayed and allowed Scarlet Harris to gradually take over the company and become her direct superior, she would only sink deeper, becoming more insignificant and exploited. It was better to leave while the situation hadn't completely soured, while there was still time to exit with some dignity.
She had spent six years at Nova Capital, starting as a rookie and gradually rising to become a managing director, finding a career she loved. Every corner of the office held countless memories for her. She hoped that when she left, it would be with grace—like a dancer making a poised exit—not like a failure running away in shame.
Over the next two months, she decisively halted her search for new investment opportunities. It wasn't necessary anymore. However, she continued to manage the existing projects with professionalism and dedication. In the venture capital industry in the U.S., the success of a project directly affects one's career reputation and future.
On the last day of July, Grace Li, with mixed feelings, submitted her resignation. She was soon called into that familiar, oppressive office by Benjamin Harris.
As an investment director, she was a mid-level manager, and it was unavoidable to have a brief, professional conversation with her boss before leaving.
Benjamin Harris looked unusually serious, like the calm before a storm. Grace Li had always been an outstanding employee—hardworking, responsible, and with sharp insight. Most of the projects she had worked on were doing well, and she had earned a solid reputation in New York's venture capital circles.
Losing her would be a huge loss for the company, like a ship losing a seasoned first mate.
At first, Benjamin Harris tried to keep the tone light, feigning a sense of familiarity, "Grace, your resignation really caught me off guard. What happened? Why the sudden decision to quit?"
The last time, Benjamin Harris had tried to make her take the blame, but she had refused decisively. However, since he was her boss and there were still many professional matters that needed communication, Grace Li had continued to maintain a cordial professional relationship with him. He probably thought she had moved on, that it was as if nothing had happened.
But it was precisely that incident that made Grace Li lose all hope in the company. She knew she couldn't continue sinking in such an unfair environment.
At this moment, Grace Li's expression was calm, but her eyes showed unwavering determination, "Mr. Harris, I've thought this through carefully. I've gained a lot from my time at Nova Capital, and I really appreciate everything you've taught me. However, I have other plans, which is why I've made this decision." Her words were brief and polite.
Benjamin Harris stared at the resignation letter in silence for a long time, clearly thinking about how to salvage the situation. "Grace, we've known each other for years, and I've always been very satisfied with your work. I truly hope you'll stay. You've only been in this position for three years, and during this time, the projects you've worked on have produced great results, like the recent DS exit with a twelvefold return. The projects you worked on will continue to bring in results in the next two years. I'll make sure you get your fair share. Don't you think it's a shame to leave now?" He tried to lure her with generous incentives, which was a common tactic used in the U.S. to try to retain employees.
It would be a lie to say it wasn't tempting. These projects were like carefully cultivated fruit trees—she had poured so much effort into them, and now, just when they were ready to bear fruit, she had to walk away.
Who wouldn't feel the sting?
But she knew that her projects would keep coming. If she stayed just because she couldn't part with them, she would never escape the cage that trapped her.
Benjamin Harris and his daughter had assumed she wouldn't leave easily, so they had treated her with such disrespect, thinking they could use her as a pawn.
But they didn't realize that her heart had already grown cold toward this company. She no longer had any illusions.
Grace Li remained resolute, her tone firm and unwavering, "It may be a shame, but I have other plans, and I must let go."
Benjamin Harris pressed, "What exactly are your plans?" His gaze carried a mixture of curiosity and caution. In this highly competitive industry, the future paths of talented individuals were always of great interest.
Before submitting her resignation, Grace Li had anticipated this question and had already figured out her future plans. She knew that if she started a business in New York—where space was limited, the venture capital industry was highly developed, and the circles were small—she would inevitably encounter Benjamin Harris and many colleagues and peers in the future. In New York's venture capital world, connections were tightly woven, and even small actions could spark a chain reaction.
Given that, lying would only make future interactions awkward. It was better to be honest. After all, starting a business after gaining a solid foundation in this field was nothing extraordinary. Every year, countless professionals with dreams ventured into entrepreneurship.
"To be honest, Mr. Harris, I'm planning to start a business with a friend." Her voice was clear and firm, without a hint of hesitation.
Benjamin Harris wasn't surprised. It seemed like he had expected this. He simply asked casually, "Venture capital?"
Grace Li nodded, "Yes, exactly." Her eyes sparkled with hope and anticipation for the future.
Benjamin Harris took a deep breath, feeling that her idea was overly naïve, like a child unaware of the harsh realities. "Grace, I don't think this is a wise choice. You've been in the industry long enough to know that very few people actually succeed and sustain their businesses in the long run. In New York, the venture capital industry is extremely competitive. Every year, thousands of new companies are formed, but the vast majority collapse within a year. You need to understand that starting a business isn't easy—funding, networks, markets—every aspect can break you." He tried to dissuade her by warning her of the harsh realities, and his words were a common piece of advice given to many U.S. entrepreneurs before they started.
"It's true, my partner and I have considered the risks, but we still want to give it a try," Grace Li wasn't deterred by his words. Her resolve stood firm like a mountain.
Benjamin Harris didn't believe Grace Li could accomplish anything with her current connections and finances. He was certain she would lose everything within a year. "Grace, speaking from experience, I still urge you not to take such a high-risk gamble. After all these years in investment, you should understand where the money comes from, where it should be invested, and how long it takes to see returns. Blind confidence will leave you with nothing. There are too many failures in this industry, and I don't want you to become one of them." In the U.S. business environment, the failure rate for startups was indeed high—cash flow problems, market competition, and other factors could quickly lead to a project's demise. Though his words were harsh, they reflected the reality of the situation.
Though Benjamin Harris' words stung, they highlighted the brutal truth of the business world. "Thank you for the advice, Mr. Harris. I know the road ahead will be tough, but I've made up my mind," Grace Li's eyes reflected a tenacity. She was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Benjamin Harris could see that Grace Li was determined, and he knew further persuasion would be pointless. He had said all he could. While he respected her, the company would continue without her, and he had no reason to force her to stay.
"Alright, if you've made up your mind, then that's that," he said with a resigned wave, a hint of regret on his face.
"Thank you, Mr. Harris."