Scott and Brooke were holding a private meeting to discuss the latest stock reports for Chandler Enterprises. They had been keeping Adam from the worst but there was no denying the facts the business was in ruins and they could see no way of coming back especially in the current financial climate. Investors were just too touchy with their money – only interested in a sure thing, which Chandler without Adam didn't seem to be. Without the backers there was no business.

"What can we do?" asked Scott putting down the disappointing report.

"We need to find another way to finance the company." said Brooke matter-of-factly. "There must be other avenues we can try."

Scott pulled his fingers through his hair. His great new start was crumbling down around him and being tied to the office meant he was missing out on being there for Madison and their new baby. This more stress than he signed up for and it was just getting worse and worse.

"I can't believe that Adam trusted me with his company and I've ruined it." he groaned.

Brooke grasped his wrist to drag him back from his self-deprecation.

"This was not you. The rot had set in long before you took the helm. JR ruined this company with his bully-boy tactic and wasteful disregard to good business practice. He made Chandler more enemies than friends."

Scott nodded; he'd been caught up in enough of JRs schemes to know she was telling the truth - like his back-handed attempt to take over Courtland Electronics after Palmer died… Maybe it would have worked out if they'd invested more in electronics – computers companies at the moment seemed to be the only thing going well…

"Would a partner help the business?" Scott asked suddenly.

"A partner?" asked Brooke. "I'm not sure Adam would approve…"

"But we need to regain our backer's confidence; we need to align ourselves with a recognisably successful business."

"You have someone in mind?" asked Brooke.

"Well Erica Kane is helping us all she can."

"Yes…" said Brooke slowly.

"She has joint shares with Caleb in Courtland Electronics – if we go into partnership, they will have the advantage of our transport networks and international links and we can benefit from their reputation as a solid dependable business."

"You think Caleb Cooney would want to help the company that tried to ruin him?" asked Brooke incredulously.

"It wouldn't hurt to ask." said Scott, a hint of hope in his eyes. "I mean what is the alternative?"

…