Resigning as Editor-in-Chief of Mode was easier than Daniel had expected. He had anticipated all sorts of resistance from his mother when he announced to her that he was quitting. Instead she had listened calmly while he explained his reasoning: He wanted to venture out into the world and see what he could accomplish on his own – not as Bradford Meade's son. He'd never done anything like that in his life and he wanted to give it a try. Mode wasn't his brainchild…it was his father's. And if he never got a chance to prove his own merit he would always regret it.

"Ok darling." Claire had responded "If that is what you really want to do then I think you should do it."

"Really?" He had expected to have to use a lot more arguments. It never failed to surprise him how different his mother was from the way his father had been. "That means Wilhelmena would be solely in charge…" he needed to make sure his mother had understood all of the implications.

"She more than capable of running Mode." His mother had replied. "And as long as she keeps her she-devil claws away from the rest of Meade, then I'll work peaceably with her."

"Thanks mom." Daniel had felt extremely relieved.

"But what about you? I assume you've worked out a plan?"

"Yeah." Daniel hadn't been sure how his mother would respond to this next part. "I'm going to London."

Claire had raised her eyebrows and stifled a smile. "London…interesting choice."

"I need to talk to Betty." Daniel had figured he might as well be honest.

"They have phones in London, Daniel. It doesn't require uprooting your entire life and flying across the ocean to talk to her." His vague admission had amused his mother and she wasn't going to let him off that easy.

"You know what I mean, mom. I need to spend some time with her. Figure out what's going on in my head."

"Don't you mean: figure out what's going on in you heart, dear?" Claire had teased.

"Mom…" Daniel had warned. He hadn't been ready to admit to his mother that he was in love with Betty. He'd barely come to terms with it himself. When had this change of feelings started anyway?

After he'd had the conversation with his mother he'd gone to tell Wilhelmena. She had seemed surprised although, truthfully, it was hard to distinguish any expressions from Wilhelmena.

The next few weeks had flown by. The lawyers had drawn up all the necessary papers. The final edits to the 100th Anniversary Edition were complete and he had written his final letter from the editor. Most of it had been done in automatic. He hadn't really felt like he'd been at Mode for the past few weeks. His body had been there but his mind had been, literally, 3000 miles away.

They had kept Daniel's decision quiet from everyone, especially the media. There was no point getting everyone worked up into a frenzy until the deed was done. Daniel was going to finish up the editing of the 100th Anniversary issue, then immediately after, hand the reigns over to Wilhelmena. In fact, they had opted not to schedule the press conference about his resignation until his very last day.