Whatever Marissa's worries when she first headed off to work that morning; the expression on Caleb's face that met her when she reached the office added a new one to the list.

"You look well." he said, in his usual blunt way.

Marissa would usually accept her boss's brusque tones with the kindness that underlined his words, but today his expression was troubled.

"It's good to be back." said Marissa carefully. "Is something wrong? Was the contract with Joossen accepted?"

A slow unreadable smile spread across his lips.

"Joossen accepted the contract without dispute. The sale is going ahead."

"Well that's good news." said Marissa somewhat relieved.

Caleb nodded.

"Which mean we are starting our negotiations with Chandler, and they have added a few unexpected stipulations that I need to discuss with you."

"Okay." said Marissa slowly.

"You'd better come through to my office." he said leading the way.

…

Caleb sat behind his desk as Marissa nervously took a seat opposite him.

"So what do we need to discuss?" she asked

Caleb leant forward, making a bridge of his fingers as he spoke.

"Chandler has added a new term to their condition of sale at the same time offering the use of their distribution network as a sweetener… Their condition is they want you."

"Sorry?" said Marissa surprised.

"As a condition of sale, Chandler wants you to join their company."

"But I'm not a commodity to trade… And why do they want me? Chandler have plenty of lawyers, they don't need more!"

"Because I think Adam has seen what I see. You've an amazing business mind..."

Marissa frowned and shook her head to dismiss the compliment.

"No you do." insisted Caleb. "We wouldn't be talking to Chandler, yet alone close to a deal without your input. And the Joossen contract is all you."

"But I'm not a business woman." insisted Marissa.

"You could be." said Caleb. "Chandler want to offer you a position with the same hours and a one third wage increase with the option of becoming a partner. It's a good offer."

"Do you want me to go?" Marissa asked.

"What I want and what this company needs isn't always the same thing."

"…And you need this sale." Marissa concluded.

Caleb's steady expression never changed.

"I need this sale." said Caleb. "But this is your choice."

Marissa sighed.

"I don't want to give up what I love." she said sadly. "And I love being a lawyer. I've worked hard for it!"

"Then maybe you should talk to Adam." said Caleb. "Find out what he really wants from you."

Marissa sat back in her chair.

"I know what he wants." she said. "He wants to secure his legacy… And being AJ's mom, I'm family... I'm as much a part of the Chandler clan now, as AJ or Scott so he wants me close."

She sighed.

"I guess I need to go and talk to Adam. If I have to, I'd be sorry to go."

"Not sorry as I will be to see you go." said Caleb. He sighed too. "Just let me know what you decide. I've got a lot riding on it!"

…