"I'm glad you could come." David says as he reclines in his black leather chair, twirling a pencil in his fingers. Travis takes a seat opposite him and places his briefcase at his side.

"I thought maybe you had some information for me. About an associate position somewhere?"

"Actually I do." David enthuses, dropping the pencil in front of him. He leans forwards and placing his hand on a pile of papers, pushes them across the top of the antique desk.

"What's this?" Travis asks. He is a little hesitant about reading it, worried that he might be overstepping the mark.

"Your first case load."

"What?"

"I've got a proposition for you. There is a job here waiting for you at Elliott and Russo if you are interested."

"Great! You didn't tell me you were taking on new associates." Travis starts to flick through one of the dossiers on the desk.

"I'm not." David replies cryptically and watches as Travis becomes confused. "My partner in the firm, Bradley Russo is leaving us for the excitement of New York. I need a new one and I think you will be up to the job."

"I'm flattered," Travis stops himself from choking, "But you don't know anything about me…or my ability."

"My firm is greatly involved in corporate law and you said yourself that that is your specialty. I also heard you handled a high profile case for Pacific West Industries when you were living in London. I have no doubts you are the man for the job."

"I don't know what to say." Travis scratches his head and starts to think of how Adrienne will be impressed if he manages to get a new position. Especially one as lucrative as this.

"Take the job. I've already booked the sign writers for tomorrow and I think Elliott and Associates kind of makes me sound like an egomaniac. Tell me your name can go on the door as well."

Travis smiles widely, "You're on."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Guy walks down the driveway towards the garage hoping that Cassie hasn't taken her car to work with her. He wants to talk to her about the apartment situation but she had left by the time he woke up. He thinks how he should have forced her to stay at his apartment last night. Maybe he would have been able to catch her this morning. As he strides further down the driveway, he hears the purr of an engine behind him and turns around.

The Wheeler limousine starts to pass him but pulls to a halt. He waits as the darkened window rolls down and speaks impatiently. "What is it?"

"I thought you might want a lift." Julia pushes her head out of the window slightly. "Where are you headed?"

"Into the city. I have to see Cassie at Wheeler. But I don't want a ride from you thanks very much."

Julia sucks her cheeks in slightly upon hearing the name of the wretched Cassie. How in the hell did that tramp manage to snare someone like Guy? And away from me? "There's no need to be snippy. C'mon. Jump in. I'm not rabid you know."

"That's too bad." Guy shoots back dryly before sighing. "Alright I'll have a damn lift." He walks around the front of the limousine and stops the chauffeur from opening the door. He slides inside and puts his head back on the leather head rest. Julia is drinking a glass of mineral water and has files scattered on the pull down desk in front of her.

"You sure you didn't have an ulterior motive for this?" Guy asks wearily as the limousine begins to travel smoothly through the Napa countryside.

"Actually I did." Julia flips a file shut and takes a gulp of her water.

"What was it?" Guy rolls his eyes in response.

"I want you to do me…and yourself a favor. Cassie's baby is due in about a month and I want you to submit to a paternity test when it's born."

"Why would I want to do that?"

"Do you really want to raise a child that might not even be yours?"

Guy raises his voice, determined to set her straight. "I don't care if that child is not mine biologically. I will still be as much of a father as it will need."

"Until you start resenting it. And wondering…"

"Why did I agree to get in a car with you? I should've just flown to a war torn country and set myself up in front of a firing squad!"

"Good one." Julia winks at him before taking another sip of her water. "But whether you're angry with me or not, you'll realize I'm right…eventually."

* * *

Lauren enters the kitchen, fixing her hair with one hand and finishing her coffee with the other. "Oh. You're up." She seems surprised when she sees John sitting at the table. He is reading through something and she leans over his shoulder to sneak a peek. "What is it? A script?"

"Uh huh. For another horror movie. I might take it."

"You don't have to you know."

"Yeah but the money will help now that you're working at the foundation. We can't take things for granted like we used to."

"Alright. Do what you want." She says she steals a piece of toast from his plate and takes a bite out of it. She tosses it back town when he starts to grumble in protest and grabbing her cellphone, she heads to the door.

"Hold on!" John calls after her. "I need to ask you something."

"What?" Lauren quickly glances at her watch to make sure she won't be late. She has to meet Cassie at nine o'clock.

"You were calling out a name last night in your sleep."

"Was I?" Lauren tries to sound innocent and swallows hard.

"Yeah. You stopped after a while. It was weird though. I've never heard the name before."

"Who was it?"

"Someone called Megan." John contemplates finishing his toast but drops it back down, when he discovers that it has gone cold.

"Really?" Lauren replies shakily. "That's odd. I don't know anyone called Megan."

"Okay. I was just wondering." John flashes her a smile. "Have a good day."

"I will." Lauren grits her teeth as she runs down the hallway and gets out of the house as quickly as she can, hoping to forget what her husband has just told her.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"Nice office!" Guy exclaims as he steps inside. It is a relatively small but light room on the tenth floor of the building. Outside, workers begin to pile out of the elevators.

"Uh huh. And Lauren's next door." Cassie responds as she shuts the top drawer of her filing cabinet.

"She didn't get to keep her old one?"

"No." Cassie informs him quickly. "Julia's got it."

"Oh." Guy perches on the edge of the desk as Cassie moves busily around the office. "I need to talk to you about her."

"What about her?" Cassie stops her work and cocks her head to the side, waiting to hear of the latest crime.

"She talked to me this morning when I was on my way to see you. Nothing too interesting…but she wanted me to submit to a paternity test when Junior is born."

Cassie shakes her hair out of her face and crosses her arms. Despite the protective stature, vulnerability radiates out from her. "Do you want to?"

There is a slight pause, "I don't know. I think we should discuss it."

"Look Guy, if you want to do it, it's your right...I don't mind. I'm just…"

"You're just worried that I won't treat the child the same if I find out it's Jake's."

"Maybe." Cassie sighs. "I don't know. You've got this vendetta and everything…and you have a preoccupation with Ian Sanderson's body…you hate the Wheelers..."

"You don't need to worry about that…" Guy jumps up from the desk.

Outside Lauren waits impatiently for Guy to leave as she listens to the muffled voices inside the office. Hearing Ian's name has sent a shiver down her spine and she knows that Guy is still looking for an answer to what happened with the body. Taking a deep breath, Lauren walks away and heads into her office until Guy has left.

Donna's Apartment: San Francisco

"I don't usually make a habit of this." Michael grabs his jacket and puts it on carelessly.

"Neither do I." Donna appears from the bedroom, clad in only a night gown. They had refrained from making love ever since their first time last week but last night, it happened again.

"You're not upset about it are you?" He asks attentively.

"Not at all." Donna steps into the kitchen area of her apartment and turns on the tap, waiting for the water to reach an icy temperature before she drinks a glass.

"You just seem a little thoughtful this morning." He pushes her hair out of her face and stares into the azure depths of her eyes.

"I am." She confesses and turns to put her glass under the stream of water.

"What about?"

"Us of course." She smiles. "I just…want to take it slowly. We've done the sex thing and I'm not sure where we go from here."

"Well you don't need to worry. I wasn't about to pop the question quite yet."

"I know." Donna laughs. "But I need you to accept the fact that I can't just jump into a relationship too quickly. We need to take things one step at a time."

"I understand." Michael concedes and kisses her gently.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

As Guy heads over to the elevator, Lauren sees her opportunity and walks into Cassie's office, shutting the door behind her.

Cassie looks up from behind her desk and smiles, clearly still thrilled with her new job. "Oh Lauren, I'm glad you came in here. I need you to look over the Hadley grant."

"I will." She says quietly and wonders how to broach the subject she needs to talk about.

"What is it?" Cassie inquires, seeing the look of worry in Lauren's eyes.

"I have something I need to tell you. I trust you and I need to tell you the truth."

"Okay…" Cassie is apprehensive.

"Right. I'll start from the beginning." Lauren hesitates. "Fifteen years ago…I was raped."

"I know." Pushing back her chair, Cassie stands up. "I probably shouldn't do, but in that house…things come out quickly."

Almost ignoring the interruption Lauren continues, "The man who did it…he provoked my mother…and…she killed him. I know you and Guy found the body…I reburied it in woods in San Francisco. I also know that Guy wanted to use his discovery to help his vendetta…"

"I won't let him." Cassie puts a hand to her eye and stops herself from crying as she sees the emotion building up in her new found friend. "You're secret is safe Lauren."

"Thank you." Lauren breaks down, her lip trembling. She chokes back the tears that threaten to fall and without words, she moves forwards and takes Cassie in an embrace.

San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

Jessica opens the door apprehensively and is first struck by the darkness. Blinds have been closed and only a minimal amount of sunlight is allowed to enter the room. She steps quietly over to the bed and Amber turns to face her.

"Hi." She mutters, slightly taken aback. "I'm Jessica. Tommy's girlfriend."

"Yeah, he told me you were coming to see me. I need to thank you." Amber coughs.

"What for?" Jessica asks softly.

"Paying for my treatment. You're so generous."

"It's nothing." Jessica tries to assure her, uncomfortably.

"It is to me. And I doubt you were too pleased when Tommy…told you at the beginning."

Amber coughs again and reaches weakly for a glass of water which Jessica hands to her. "That doesn't matter now." She soothes.

"As long as you know that I didn't mean for this to happen…"

"Believe me, I know." Jessica smiles and placing the glass back on the night stand, she takes Amber's frail hand in hers.

Outside, Tommy doesn't watch. He is more concerned with the news that Dr Baxter has just broken to him. "Hours? What do you mean?"

"Her condition is deteriorating rapidly Tommy. She's even beginning to lose her sight. She might make it to tomorrow but…I don't think she'll be that lucky. I'm sorry." Dr Baxter pats his arm.

"Does she know?" Tommy turns and watches Amber through the window. She seems to be getting on well with Jessica.

"Yes. She knows."

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"Congratulations!" Adrienne cries and suddenly runs out of sight. Travis stands in the hallway as he sees his wife disappear into the cellar.

"What are you doing?" He asks suspiciously.

"Getting this!" Adrienne reappears, clutching a dusty bottle of champagne and beckons him to follow her into the kitchen.

"You don't need to…" His protest is cut off by an explosive pop and the cork from the glass bottle shoots across the room into a painting.

"I'm proud of you Travis." Placing two glasses on the counter, she pours liberal amounts of the amber liquid into both and finally calming herself, she hands one over to her husband.

"Cheers." He taps her glass with a ringing clink and starts to drink the champagne, savoring the taste. He puts his glass down and moves towards Adrienne. Tenderly, he puts a hand on her cheek but she stiffens as she feels his touch. "I couldn't have done it without you." He comments, seemingly oblivious to her displeasure.

"Yes you could." She brushes his hand away and puts the glass down with a sniff. "Ooo this stuff goes to your head." She giggles, trying to change the subject.

"I know." Travis whispers and he moves forwards for a kiss. Suddenly Adrienne ducks out of the way and he almost stumbles as he tries to regain his balance.

"No Travis." She exclaims and starts to walk away.

"Why?" He demands angrily.

"Because I don't want to!" The slamming of the door punctuates her exit from the room and defeated, Travis pours himself another glass of the champagne.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"You interfering old bitch." Cassie spits as she walks into Julia's office and slams the door behind her. A flake of wood falls off and Julia grimaces.

"Nice entrance." Her finger moves slowly towards the intercom. "But I think you belong downstairs."

"Don't you dare." Cassie slams her hand down the intercom.

"Ow!" Julia cries out as she pulls her hand away quickly. "If you don't leave, I'm going to call security."

"Not before I've finished what I came to say. I heard what you said to Guy this morning and not too surprisingly, I didn't like it one bit." Cassie moves away from the intercom.

"Whether you like it or not, it had to be said. That child you are carrying…" Julia looks down at Cassie's stomach, "Could be my grandchild! I have a right to know the truth."

"You don't have any rights. And after everything you've done to me and the Wheeler family, you shouldn't expect any favors."

"If I have to force you to agree to a paternity test I will. There are many lawyers who would be more than willing to take on the case."

"Well if you can get David out of your bed for long enough then feel free to hire him. I'm not scared of you."

Julia walks around the desk and starts to reply, her face only inches from Cassie's. "You should be. If I get the chance, I'll take that child away from you for good."

"No!" Cassie lashes out and shoves Julia into the wall. Suddenly, she cries in pain and feels her stomach as a stream of water begins to trickle down her leg.

"What?" Julia panics. "What's wrong?"

"The baby!" Cassie cries, breathing heavily. "I think it's coming. Call an ambulance quickly."

"Great." Julia bellows and picks up the phone, dialing 911. "This is the last thing I wanted to do with my day."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

"Mother, this package came for you." Isabelle enters Constance's bedroom and waits for her mother to come out of the bathroom.

"Oh. Thank you." Constance says, snatching the bag quickly.

"I'm going to get Pilar to fix lunch. Is there anything you want?"

"No. I'm not hungry."

"Okay." Isabelle smiles and exits the room.

After a brief period of time, Constance fumbles with the bag and manages to open it. Reaching inside she pulls out a bottle of pills and checks the label. Just what I needed. She thinks and walks into the bathroom. Opening a cupboard, she pulls out a plastic container and flips open the lid. Inside, there are many pills of different colors, all of which should have been taken in the last couple of weeks. Twisting the cap of the plastic bottle, Constance lets the contents fall into the container and she presses the lid down firmly.

"It's only a matter of time." She says aloud as she drops her bottle into a trash can.

San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

"What is it?" Cassie cries as her physicican enters the room and consults with the nurses already present. They look concerned as they stare at a clipboard and the doctor turns to talk to Cassie who is breathing heavily after her second set of contractions.

"The baby is a month premature…" He begins.

"I know!" She screams. "But it's going to be okay right?"

"We think so. But we can't put it through the stress of a natural birth. We're going to have to get you down to theater immediately and do a caesarian section."

"But it won't harm the baby…"

"No. It may be the only way the baby will survive."

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

Julia walks back into her office from the elevator and lets out a deep breath as she shuts the door. Cassie has been taken to the hospital and Julia called Guy to send him there. Although she doesn't know why. It's not as if she owes them any favors.

Or does she? The thoughts of the baby whiz around in Julia's mind and she goes over to her chair, collapsing into its depths. Spinning round, she focuses her attention on the view from the window. If only Jake was here, she thinks to herself, clutching her head in her hands. Why did everything have to go wrong? This was not how it was meant to be.

Julia does not notice the tear falling down her cheek but turns suddenly when she hears someone entering her office. Greg Masters stands in the doorway but his businesslike expression changes immediately when he sees the hurt expression on Julia's face.

"Are you okay?" He asks, somewhat redundantly. After the seduction debacle in his office, he feels a little uneasy trying to be her friend.

"Yes. I'm fine." She realizes that she is crying and horrified, quickly wipes the tear away with the back of her hand. "What do you want?" She snaps, composing herself.

"Well I came to talk to you about the solar energy project…but seeing you like this…"

"I said I'm fine!" She yells.

"No you're not." He walks over to her and she gets up from her chair.

"If you must know…I was thinking about my son."

"Yes, I'm sorry about what happened…"

"So am I…and I'm so lonely." She cries, collapsing into his arms.

He holds her tightly, stunned by the show of emotion on her part and tries to soothe her. However, he doesn't notice the slight grin on her face.

"It'll be okay."

"No it won't. I need someone Greg."

"I know you do." He is trying to fight back the sudden feelings he is having for her, but it isn't working. He pulls away and cupping her face in his hands, kisses her lightly.

"What about Isabelle?" Julia tests the waters. The last thing she needs is for him to have a sudden attack of guilt.

"We don't need to talk about her."

"What are you doing this evening?" She asks.

"Spending it with you. I'll pick you up at nine." He starts to exit the office, wondering whether he has made the right choice…or whether he is making the biggest mistake of his life.

San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

"Where is she? Where's the baby?" Guy shouts out as he rushes carelessly into Cassie's hospital room. He is expecting to see a bevy of doctors and nurses but instead, Cassie is lying in bed. There is not even a sign of the baby. "What's happened?" Guy stops dead in his tracks.

"It's alright." In a flash, Cassie's expression brightens, "I had to have a caesarean because the baby was premature."

"You mean it's here?" Guy asks excitedly.

"He is here. He's been taken to the ICU as a precaution. And I am just a little groggy." She chuckles.

"I got so worried when I came in and he wasn't here…"

"I bet you did. But unfortunately, we've got an illegitimate child on our hands. Are we going to do something about it or let it live a life of shame?" She smiles wickedly.

"I've taken care of it." He snaps his fingers loudly and the room is graced with the presence of an elderly minister clutching his bible in his hands.

"Congratulations Mrs Wheeler." He says.

"Thank you." She replies, overwhelmed by Guy's gesture.

"I know we're in a hurry…but I want to see my baby first."

"Then you're in luck." Cassie looks over at the door as a nurse enters pushing a small trolley. On top, is a plastic box with the tiny baby lying quietly inside. Guy rushes over immediately and studies the tiny figure wriggling slightly. Its eyes seem to be closed but its slight gurgling makes it clear that it is awake. On the side of the box, there is a label saying "Lucas Richardson."

"Lucas?" Guy asks, surprised.

"After my father." Cassie informs him.

"Okay." Guy puts his finger into the box and laughs as his son curls his own tiny fingers around it. "Welcome to the family Lucas."

Red Store Restaurant: San Francisco

Greg taps his wine glass and steals a quick glance at his watch as Isabelle peruses her menu slowly. He has two hours until he has to collect Julia. But can he get through the meal without spilling the beans?

"You're very quiet." Isabelle sets her menu down on the table top and sips her wine.

"Am I? I'm sorry. I'm just a little preoccupied with work."

"Oh. It's not a guilty conscience then." She jokes, not noticing the horrified expression on Greg's face.

"Of course not. What have I got to be guilty about?"

"Nothing. I was just joking Greg." Frowning, Isabelle places her glass down and stares at it, feeling uncomfortable about the silence that is hovering over them. What is going on?

"You know what?" Greg begins. "I'm actually feeling pretty ill. I'm sorry. I just don't think I can make it through dinner. I'm coming down with something."

"Oh." Isabelle says, somewhat shocked. She starts to fumble for her purse.

"Can I give you a ride home?"

"Yes please." She replies sharply, feeling a little humiliated. She is sure that there is more to this than meets the eye. Have I done something?

"Thanks." Greg stands and tosses money down onto his place to pay for the drinks. "Maybe we can do this again tomorrow or something."

"Fine."

San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

Amber's room is silent except for the sound of machines buzzing and the beeping of the respirator which she has been hooked up to. She is no longer conscious and Jessica watches, heartbroken, at the labored breathing process Amber is going through.

Tommy is sat on the opposite side of the bed holding Amber's hand as Dr Baxter places a hand on the switch of the life support system. It only takes a second for her to switch it off and Amber's body does not move. She lies on the bed, still in death, with Tommy stroking her hair tenderly.

"Bye bye Amber." He says, his voice straining. Bending over to place a kiss on her forehead, he accepts that the end has come.

Elliott House: San Francisco

"It was nothing, really." David insists as he pours a glass of wine for Adrienne. She is seated on a sofa in the living room and watches him, smiling.

"Of course it was. You didn't have to give the job to Travis. Why did you?"

"Because I trust in his ability. You should too, you know." David adds, remembering everything Travis told him about their crumbling marriage.

"I do." Adrienne takes the glass from him and nods appreciatively.

"I'm surprised he didn't come with you. Don't tell me he's set to work already."

"No." She laughs. "He was….um…just doing something in the city I think. Running an errand maybe. I don't actually know." She laughs again, but more uneasily this time.

"Oh." David responds. "Well it's good to see you again. We'll probably be seeing a lot of each other, now that Travis and I are working together."

"Maybe that's not a bad thing." Adrienne replies, her eyes twinkling slightly.

"Maybe."

Donna's Apartment: San Francisco

"Could that film have been any worse?" Donna grumbles as she heads to the bedroom to change.

"Not really. But it's left me with a god awful headache." Michael stands aimlessly in the middle of the living room and looks at the walls. There is little in the apartment to give it a personal feel. The tables are free of any family photographs and the whole place is without clutter. Glancing around, Michael spots Donna's purse sitting on the kitchen counter, where she left it and he rejoices as he sees a packet of aspirin sticking out of the top.

Walking over, he puts his hand in and wraps his fingers around the aspirin packet.

"What are you doing?" Donna's harsh tone interrupts him and with a start he drops the packet to the ground.

"I was just getting something for my head…" He justifies.

"So you thought you should go through my purse." She exclaims angrily and walking over to it, she rapidly flips it shut.

"No…I…"

"I don't care what you were doing. But don't ever do it again do you hear me?" She warns. Her attitude is like nothing Michael has ever seen before. She is usually so warm and caring. Where has all this come from?

"I understand." Embarrassed and angry, Michael pivots and starts to walk towards the doorway to leave but Donna's voice calls him back.

"No, don't go." She breaks down. "I'm sorry. I'm just a bit of a private person. I'm not used to this sort of thing."

"Okay." He concedes and heads back over to her. But whatever is in her purse, she doesn't want him to see it. And he watches it suspicious, determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

The exciting sensation immediately takes over Julia as she steps into Greg's bedroom for the first time. Not only is she pleased to have succeeded, but she has got the one thing Isabelle never thought she could take.

"I'll just get changed." Greg starts to head towards the bathroom.

"Don't bother." Julia purrs and places a hand on his chest, preventing him from moving further. She reaches up and brushes her lips against his sensually. He moans with satisfaction and puts his hands on her shoulders, sliding her jacket off to the floor. At the same time, she starts to unbutton his shirt and he places his arms around her hungrily.

Greg lifts Julia up, and she wraps her legs tightly around his waist as he takes her over to the bed and places her down, resting on top of her.

"I wanted you from the first moment I saw you." She exclaims, dropping her blouse to the floor.

"Me too." He groans and presses himself against her tightly, ready to make love.

* * *

Adrienne shuts the front door silently and drops her car keys into her purse, happy that she managed to get to know Travis' new partner. She has noticed that he is home too, having spotted his car in the driveway. Hopefully he will be asleep. She thinks to herself as she starts to ascend the wooden staircase, treading softly to avoid making any noise.

Once she reaches the landing, she turns to her left and makes her way down a wide hallway towards her bedroom. She sighs with relief when she fails to see a light under her door but notices one coming from her father's bedroom. Without warning the door opens and hearing the soft sounds of an unfamiliar woman's voice, a startled Adrienne jumps backwards into an alcove. "What the hell…" She mumbles to herself.

Watching intently, she sees Julia Wheeler come out of the bedroom and hesitate as she kisses Greg passionately on the lips. She is fully dressed but Greg is wearing only a pair of boxer shorts. Adrienne gasps with shock but places a hand over her mouth to avoid garnering any attention. Julia strides confidently past her down the darkened hallway and Greg smiles radiantly before shutting his bedroom door.

"Oh my God." Adrienne whispers as she slips out of the alcove and into her own bedroom. "I'd never have guessed it…"

Next on Power and Deception

-Julia and Jessica argue over Amber...

-Tommy comes to a controversial decision...

-Cassie and Isabelle anger Guy...

-Lauren confesses her shocking secret to Constance...

-Constance deteriorates...

-Michael stumbles upon something confusing...

-Isabelle's life begins to fall apart...