WHITE GALA HOSTESS SMASHED CAKE INTO A BLACK CEO’S FACE—THEN THE CEO
WITHDREW $4.2 BILLION AND SHUT THEIR DEAL DOWN
PART 1
“You people never truly belong here.”
Victoria Ashford’s voice cut through the Grand Bellmont ballroom in
Manhattan.
The quartet faltered. Conversations stopped.
At the center stood Dr. Simone Carter, Black founder and CEO of Carter
Meridian Group.
Victoria, the white daughter of foundation chairman Charles Ashford,
lifted a dessert plate and shoved a slice of cake into Simone’s face.
Cream splattered across Simone’s coral gown.
Several guests gasped. A few laughed. Phones appeared.
Victoria smiled.
“Money doesn’t buy class.”
Simone wiped frosting from her cheek with two fingers.
Then she asked:
“Does Ms. Ashford speak for this institution?”
Nobody answered.
That silence would cost them billions.
PART 2
The Ashford Foundation gala publicly supported housing, arts grants, and
scholarships.
Privately, it was also a networking stage for Harbor North, the Ashford
