As the family gather in the spacious drawing room of the mansion, there is one noticeable absence…Constance. They shuffle around uncomfortably, wondering about the announcement they are waiting for and when Isabelle enters the room, they nervously take their seats.

"What's going on?" John whispers to Lauren. She shrugs her shoulders in response as Isabelle begins her address.

"Thank you for coming. I know it was a little short notice." She rubs her hands together and sighs. Signs of distress are showing on her face and around her blue eyes which have been surrounded by fine lines. "You'll have noticed that your grandmother…Constance…isn't here. A few days ago, she became ill and finally told me…that she is dying…of pancreatic cancer."

There are a few muffled gasps from the gathered group but Lauren and Donna both remain silent and keep their gazes focused on the older woman.

"How long has she got left?" Michael speaks up.

"A few weeks. Maybe months. It's possible she will have to go into hospital soon. The cancer's pretty far advanced."

"Can I go up and see her?" Lauren asks, her voice even.

"Yes, of course." Isabelle replies as Michael rises from his chair and walks over to place a protective arm around her. He pulls her in tightly and moves his eyes around the room, surveying the faces. One scene strikes him. In the corner, Donna is holding Jessica's hand in hers and talking to her softly. Michael can't help but be impressed. As he soothes his mother, a slight smile creeps across his face.

* * *

Lauren holds the letter in front of her as she enters her grandmother's bedroom and is surprised to see her sitting up in bed, reading a book.

"Hello." Constance smiles and removing her spectacles, places them down on the bed beside her. She notices the solemn expression on Lauren's face. "So they know do they?"

"Yes." Lauren replies weakly pushing her hair out of her face. "Mother just told everybody."

"I'll be getting a lot of visitors this afternoon then."

"Uh huh." Lauren takes a seat at the side of the bed and sits silently until Constance notices the envelope she is holding.

"What is that?"

"Something I need to share with you…with anybody." Her hands shaking she delves into the envelope and pulls out a letter in front of Constance's watchful eyes. She unfolds it carefully and hands it to her grandmother to read.

After a few moments of silence, Constance folds the letter and sighs. "I think you have some explaining to do."

San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

"Somebody wants to see you!" The nurse coos as she wheels baby Lucas into Cassie's hospital room. She is sitting on the bed, chatting animatedly to Guy and both their faces light up when their son is brought into them.

"Come here little guy." Cassie puts her arms into the cot and scoops Lucas up into her arms. She looks into his eyes briefly, her heart pounding and lying back on the bed, she holds him tightly. Guy reaches over and gently strokes the baby's tiny left hand, dumbstruck at how small it is.

"There is a little something we need to do." The nurse says pointedly, smiling.

"Oh…oh…yes of course." Cassie replies flustered as Guy furrows his brow in confusion. She starts to unbutton her blouse and looks at the nurse, amused. "Thank God he hasn't got teeth, that's all I can say."

The nurse laughs as Guy finally realizes what Cassie is doing. "Oh no…this is disgusting." He holds out a hand in protest, blocking his view.

"What?" Cassie asks exasperated.

"I don't wanna watch." Guy starts to leave.

Cassie smiles wickedly, "Oh Guy! I wanted you to help me out!" She winks at the nurse.

"You're not getting any help from me!" Guy replies emphatically as he exits the room and the two remaining women laugh heartily at his expense.

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

The words continue to chime in Lauren's mind as she recounts the story to Constance. "But that wasn't the last time I saw Megan. I got to hold her…before the family came to take her. I even tried to find her again a few years later but they had moved…and then I met John. I wasn't ready to tell him everything…"

"He still doesn't know…" Constance assumes.

"No. He doesn't. That's why I don't know what to do. How am I meant to tell him…that I have a teenage daughter he doesn't even know exists?" Lauren rubs her face with her hands and feels Contance's reassuring touch, brushing her cheek lightly.

"You'll get another letter you know. If Megan wants to find you…she'll keep looking until she does. The adoption agency can't keep stalling forever. Have you even replied?"

"No." Lauren whispers. "What am I meant to say?"

"I don't think you have a choice. Sooner or later, you're going to have to tell John everything. How have you kept this a secret for so long? Even your mother doesn't know."

"Because I didn't come back here. I couldn't face the possibility of seeing Ian…knowing that I gave birth to his child. And there were so many memories…"

"You'll always have those."

"But I don't want them!" Lauren's voice cracks and she grabs the letter, stuffing it back into the envelope carelessly.

"I know. But you have to face them. Wait until you are ready…and when the time is right…you have to tell John everything."

Lauren looks up at Constance's pale, sickly face and calming herself, she reaches over and hugs her grandmother.

Bay Café: San Francisco

"You came together." Tommy looks up from his coffee cup on the table and sees Donna and Jessica approaching.

"Yes." Donna replies, noticing Jessica's somber silence.

Pushing his empty cup to the side of the table, Tommy looks at Jessica who has taken a seat by his side. "So what was the idea you had?"

Jessica clasps her hands together and speaks slowly, her emotions causing her to be a little quieter than usual. "Since Amber's death, I've been thinking more and more about the money just sitting in my account. And I've also found out a little about the Wheeler Foundation."

Donna fiddles with a sugar packet on the table and waits for Jessica to continue.

"What I want to do…is open a clinic for sexually transmitted diseases…in Amber's name."

"You really want to do this?" Tommy asks, taking her hand in his.

"Yes."

"I think this is a great idea." Donna enthuses and drops the sugar packet. "Did you want me to help out? Is that why you invited me?"

"Yes." Jessica smiles. "I want you to oversee the project. That is if you agree."

"I'm not an expert on STIs…"

"I know." Jessica raises a hand. "But you know the hospital. And when I contacted the board, they told me that I really needed a doctor to liaise with them. I have the backing of the foundation and most probably the board. Will you be in on this?"

Donna waits for a moment but suddenly a slight grin creases her lips. "Yes. I'll do it." She watches happily as Tommy and Jessica beam at her reply.

"Now. We've just got the other news to break." Tommy reminds Jessica as Donna watches them quizzically. "And somehow…I don't think anybody is going to like it."

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

Looking up from her vantage point at the side of the pool, Adrienne notices Travis entering the kitchen and abandoning her thoughts about Greg and Julia, she immediately jumps up to go and see him.

"Did you come home for lunch?" Noticing a crease on her beige slacks, she brushes them down and walks over to a cupboard to prepare her own snack.

"Yes. I'm going to do some paperwork here." Travis removes his blazer and puts it on a chair at the small kitchen table which is rarely ever used.

"It's good to see you're fitting in. And David seems like a very nice man. Do you get on well?"

Travis eyes her suspiciously as he pours himself a glass of water. "Yes we do. Why?"

"I was just wondering." Adrienne shrugs and heads back out to the pool, clearly not interested in pursuing any further conversation with her husband.

However, not content with this, Travis follows her through the open door and crossing his arms, stands on the patio, watching as she begins to eat her sandwich. "I've been thinking." He begins.

"Yes." She replies sharply, annoyed by his presence.

"How do you feel about getting away for the weekend. Somewhere secluded. It's been a while since we've really been alone together without any distractions."

"What's the point?" She puts a hand over her mouth as she chews on her lunch.

"I already told you. To spend some time together."

"We're doing that now aren't we?"

"Yes…but…no…" Travis replies exasperated. "Real time. When was the last time we spent a whole day in bed?"

"I don't know. A couple of months ago?"

"Try years."

"Well we've both been very busy haven't we." Adrienne tries to reason with him.

"And now's our chance to alter that." Travis rubs the back of his neck.

"Okay!" Adrienne snaps. "If you want to go somewhere, fine. Make the arrangements."

"I'm glad you're so enthusiastic." Travis whispers to himself as he heads inside and Adrienne turns back to her lunch, grimacing.

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

"Like hell you are!" Julia yells, slamming a pile of papers down on her desk. "I don't want you to have anything to do with this."

"You can't make the decision for me." Jessica shouts back as Donna stands quietly by the door. "It's my money."

"And who managed to get all that money for you after the farce of your father's will?"

"We all know how you got it mom." Jessica points out.

"It's for your future. What good is it going to do, opening a clinic?"

"A lot of good." Donna steps forwards. "There are plenty of sick people out there who would appreciate the chance to get treated. I think you should be proud that you have such a philanthropic daughter."

"Excuse me, but what has this got to do with you?"

"I want her to oversee it." Jessica replies.

"Oh great." Julia rolls her eyes. "Two bleeding hearts."

"I don't know what your problem is Mrs Wheeler but anybody in their right mind should be able to see that this is a very worthwhile cause."

"I'm not debating that. But I do not think it is a suitable use of my daughter's money." Julia stands rigid. "Now I don't want to discuss this any further. If you would please leave, I have an appointment."

Infuriated, Jessica storms out of the office, quickly followed by Donna who takes one last, disapproving glance at Julia before she leaves. The triumphant smile on her face says it all and for the first time, Donna realizes just who she is dealing with.

San Francisco General Hospital: San Francisco

Knocking the open door cautiously, Dr Harold enters Cassie's room and smiles as he sees her and Guy sitting on the bed with baby Lucas. He is holding a clipboard with papers attached and taking a pen from his pocket, he hands them over to Cassie.

"What are these?" She asks, accepting the pen.

"The release forms you asked for. Lucas has been completely checked out and we see no problem with you going home as soon as you like."

"Great." Cassie is ecstatic as she carefully hands the baby over to an appreciative Guy and starts to scrawl on the forms. When she has finished, she hands the pen and the clipboard back to Dr Harold. "Is there anything else I need to do?"

"A health visitor will call you at the number you gave us to arrange some home visits. You know…just to make sure you're not having any problems. It's all routine."

"I look forward to it." Cassie responds honestly although she never thought she would feel this way about a baby. She could never stand them.

"Okay. Take care." Dr Harold leaves the room and Cassie jumps up from the bed to start packing her belongings.

"Back to my place then?"

"You have got to be kidding." She opens up the small wardrobe and pulls out her clothes.

"Well where else are we going to go? I have already told you I am not living with the Wheelers."

"I know. That's why I've got another place lined up…" She keeps her back to him.

"How the hell did you get the money for that?"

Cassie clears her throat, "Isabelle bought it."

There is a frightening silence and Guy stops, rocking the baby, infuriated by what his wife has just told him. "I am not moving into a house bought by her."

"Well, sorry but we don't have another choice. We have a child now Guy. You need to get your priorities straight!"

Guy stands, still holding tightly onto his son. "I don't know how you could do this…and I'm never going to forgive you for it."

Wheeler Corporation: San Francisco

Pushing her paperwork to her side, Lauren accepts the fact that she can not concentrate on her work after her conversation with Constance this morning. The only thing that she can think about is Megan. What she looks like…whether she's happy…and how Lauren should tell John.

Desperate to block the worries for a while, Lauren notices the day's newspaper on the corner of her desk and picking it up, she flicks through it. The stories are the same as always. Rape, murder, carjacking. But it is when Lauren reaches the middle of the paper that a story catches her eye and it sends an immediate shiver down her spine. Her eyes widen as she sees a grainy black and white photograph of Oakwood Forest…where Ian is buried. For a moment, she thinks that her secret has been discovered but the headline is enough to quell her fears as far as that is concerned.

"No…" Lauren gasps as she reads it. Feelings of panic and anxiety begin to consume her.

San Francisco construction company begin work on Oakwood Forest development

Horrified, Lauren quickly shuts the paper and through the terror, tries to work out how she is going to stop Ian's body from ever being discovered.

* * *

The buzz of reporters hits Julia immediately and stunned, she peers out of her office door before facing them. They are gathered in the foyer, harassing Julia's secretary. What the hell do they want?

Bracing herself, Julia opens her door and is immediately blinded by the flashing bulbs of cameras which take endless pictures of her. Wide eyed, she pushes her way through to the center of the commotion and tries to speak over them. However the questions are shot at her like bullets.

"Mrs Wheeler, is it true that you have refused a charitable offer to open a clinic for people affected by AIDS?"

"Well I…" She is cut off.

"Do you hold an objection to the disease?"

"Do you not think this reflects badly on the company Mrs Wheeler?"

"Wait!" She yells and holds up a hand. "This is all untrue. I don't know where you got your information from. I just…did not feel that funding the clinic was the right thing to do…"

The crowd begins to roar again and breathing heavily, Julia begins to panic. Through the reporters, she sees a familiar, smiling face watching the whole debacle. Donna raises a hand and waves provocatively, grinning proudly as Julia fends off the grasping photographers.

"Alright. I am going to allow funding for the clinic. This has all been a gross misunderstanding. If you would all like to gather in the press room on the fourth floor I can give you all the information you need. I can not address everybody up here so would you please go to the press room."

As the mass of people begins to disintergrate, Julia breaks her way through and notifies her secretary to have the security guards open up the conference room. Donna is in clear view now and still watching with a satisfied smile on her face. Julia scowls and heads towards the elevator.

Guy and Cassie's House: Napa Valley

"Is this some sick joke?" Guy asks bitterly as he pulls up on the driveway.

"No. It was for sale and Isabelle thought you might like it."

It is the same house that Guy lived in with the Garrett family and as soon as he had seen it, he was furious. The façade is the same as it was all those years ago and just as neat and tidy as when Rose had been around to see to its uptake. The only difference is that another car is parked in the driveway…Isabelle's.

Silently, Guy jumps out of the car and waits for Cassie to walk round with Lucas who is sleeping in his carry cot. Together, they see that the front door is open and walk inside where they are immediately introduced to the large living room. Isabelle is sitting on a sofa and stands as soon as they enter.

"I hope you like it." She says enthusiastically. "It's all been refurbished and remodelled."

Cassie and Isabelle both wait for a reply from Guy whose eyes are moving slowly around the room. "I bet this set you back a bit didn't it Isabelle." He mutters.

"Well…it was worth it." She tries not to sound uncomfortable but realizes that this is not going to go smoothly at all.

"It's lovely Isabelle. Isn't it Guy?" Cassie prods him with her free elbow but he just moves away.

"I suppose you think throwing money at a problem is going to fix it."

"Oh…have you noticed something wrong with the house?" Isabelle panics.

Guy laughs wryly, "Everything's material to you isn't it?"

Cassie rolls her eyes and picking up the stirring baby, she cradles it in her arms.

"Why do you say that?" Isabelle shoots back.

"This house for one. It's just another futile attempt to buy my love and make me accept you. Well I'm sorry to tell you that it's not going to work."

"That is not the reason why I bought it!" Angered by his attitude, Isabelle raises her voice. "I bought it because you are my son and I want what's best for you whether you like it or not!"

"I stopped being your son the day I was given over to the Garretts." Guy booms.

"Please…" Cassie tries to interject as the baby starts crying.

"That was not my fault. Martin gave you up. You know that! He was the one who took you away from me so why are you so desperate to get revenge? The man who did this is dead!"

"And so are my real parents." Guy responds with venom. Isabelle gasps, wounded by his comment and Cassie glares at him in disgust. "I'll live here if it makes you happy. But I want you to leave."

"Fine." Hurriedly, Isabelle grabs her purse and starts to head to the front door.

"Isabelle wait!" Cassie tries to chase her but the baby prevents her from walking very fast.

They watch as Isabelle slams the door of her car and drives at great speed down the road. When she is out of view, Cassie slams the front door and turns on her husband. "I hope you're happy now."

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Julia slides her key into the lock of the front door and pushes it open with a sigh. The press conference was exhausting and all she wants to do now is collapse. She would do if Greg hadn't called her, asking to see her again tonight. There is noise in the drawing room and Julia takes a peek inside with no intention of joining in. However, when she sees Tommy and Jessica sitting on the sofa, flicking through brochures, she enters on instinct.

"Donna came good for you two didn't she." Julia throws her purse down on a table and sits down.

"It was the only way to get you to agree." Acknowledging her mother's presence, Jessica closes the brochure she is reading and turns to face her, holding Tommy's hand.

Julia's eyes are immediately diverted to the front of the brochure which is now lying invitingly on the coffee table. The word Australia adorns it in big black letters with a pictures of Ayres Rock and the Sydney Harbor in the background.

"What is this?" Julia points to it.

"This is what we both need to talk to you about."

"You're taking a vacation?" The question sounds inane.

"Not exactly." Jessica shifts uncomfortably. "Tommy and I have decided…now that we've finished college for the year…that we are going to Australia for the summer."

"What the hell do you want to go to Australia for?" Julia spits. She turns on Tommy, "You're your mother's son. What are you planning to do? Throw her into the Sydney Harbor?"

"Mom!" Jessica shouts in protest and jumps up from her seat.

"We knew you wouldn't approve Julia." Tommy replies, trying to control his anger at her comment. "But the decision's already been made and we don't see why you should have such a problem with it."

"Because I don't want my daughter travelling for months with Stephanie Elliott's son! I mean let's be blunt Tommy…your family isn't exactly blessed with sanity is it?"

"I've had enough of this." Tommy gets up from his seat and grabbing the brochure he strolls out of the room.

"Well done mother." Jessica claps her hands mockingly. "If you really want to push me away, you're going the right way about it. After what Jake turned into I thought you would have learnt a lesson by now."

Julia exhales sharply as her daughter exits and angrily slams a fist down on the side of the chair.

Isabelle's Car: San Francisco

Isabelle is driving a little above the speed limit. She has been cruising around aimlessly for a while now but it is going to get dark soon and the one person she needs to talk to is Greg. Moving through the lanes of traffic, Isabelle is distracted when she hears her cell phone ringing on the passenger seat. She fumbles with her right hand to pick it up and puts it to her ear.

"Hello. Isabelle Wheeler speaking."

"Mother, where are you." Lauren asks, panicked.

"I'm on my way to Greg's. Why? What's wrong?"

"Have you read today's paper?"

"No I haven't had a chance."

"We need to do something. A construction company is developing Oakwood Forest. We have to get rid of Ian's body."

"You need to calm down." Isabelle warns, trying to catch her breath. "We can't do it now. It needs to be dark. Meet me there at ten o'clock. And make sure nobody knows where you're going."

"Okay." Lauren replies sheepishly. "I'll see you then."

Isabelle snaps her cell phone shut and grips the steering wheel in frustration. If one more thing goes wrong today I don't know what I'll do…

Donna's Apartment: San Francisco

As soon as Donna enters the bathroom, Michael waits to hear the sound of the shower. It takes a few minutes, but as soon as he notices the pelting sound of the water, he jumps up from his seat in the living room and heads to Donna's bedroom where her purse is placed on the bed. He grabs it steadily and puts a hand inside, keeping one eye on the door to make sure that Donna does not catch him.

He begins to tip the contents out on the bed and finds many things he would have expected. A lipstick, compact, tissues…drivers license. There is nothing in there. Michael frowns and begins to put everything back. Maybe she was just in a bad mood, he thinks to himself. He notices the picture on her drivers license and is surprised by it. Her hair is longer and darker. She looks quite different. He scans his eyes over it to the name and then it pops out at him.

The license does not say Donna Hanson. The words are Donella Santadio. Michael almost drops the license in shock. What the hell…Why would she lie about her name? Suddenly, he hears the sound of the shower being turned off and desperate not to get caught, stuffs everything back into the purse.

Michael sneaks back into the living room as Donna opens the bathroom door. He stares at her for a moment, not sure what to do but then the phone rings.

"Can you get that?" She asks, rubbing her hair dry and heading into her bedroom.

"Uh…yes." Michael replies a little uneasily and picks it up. "Hello?"

"Mr Michael?" The panic stricken voice shouts.

"Pilar? What is it?"

"You must get here. You and Dr Hanson. You must come to the house now!"

Masters Mansion: San Francisco

"Good evening." Isabelle says wearily as she parks her car next to Adrienne's on the driveway.

"Oh you managed to catch me just in time. Following me?"

"I think not." Isabelle replies icily and waits at the front door for Adrienne to open it. Once inside, they both notice that none of the lights are on but Greg's car is in the driveway. "Do you know where your father is?"

"Not really. I know he said he was tired. Maybe he's gone to bed."

"I'll go and see."

"Are you sure you should disturb him? Maybe he wants his sleep Isabelle."

"He'll want to see me." Isabelle is sure of herself.

Adrienne shrugs, "Okay then. Fine by me." She giggles a little which is met with a bemused look from Isabelle as she mounts the grand wooden staircase.

Isabelle reaches the top, unaware that Adrienne is following her and heads across the landing in the direction of Greg's room. Adrienne was right. There is a light on inside. Isabelle reaches it and rolls her eyes when she notices Adrienne watching. She knocks on the door as a warning and then pushes it open.

"Hello?" She peers in and shuts the door behind her to stop prying eyes.

"Isabelle!" Greg exclaims and draws her attention.

"What are you doing?" Isabelle cries. She looks at the scene in front of her. Greg is just as shocked as she is and to his right, Julia is sat next to him naked, holding the bed sheets around her body.

"I'm sorry…" Greg tries to placate her.

The blood has drained from Isabelle's face and she puts a hand on the wall to steady herself. "This isn't happening." Her head begins to burn and she puts a hand to her forehead.

"Could you please leave?" Julia hisses, embarrassed by the situation.

Isabelle cannot believe her nerve but she has no intention of hanging around. "Gladly." She yanks open the door and races off down the hallway. Adrienne watches her and then sees Greg and Julia coming out of his bedroom.

"Oh dear." She says, laughing.

"Isabelle wait!" Greg exclaims. "Come back!" But it is too late. She has already gone.

Wheeler Estate: Napa Valley

Pilar rushes up the staircase, quickly followed by Michael and Donna who know what they are about to find. Donna called an ambulance from her cell phone on the way and it should be there any moment.

They run down the hallway to Constance's room and enter to see her, lying peacefully on the bed. She is white and her eyes are closed but she seems to look happy.

Donna walks over and takes hold of her cold arm to check for a pulse. "Pilar was right. She's dead." Donna places her arm down as Michael sighs and runs a hand through his hair.

"Oh God. Aren't you going to need to work out what to say when the coroner gets here?"

"I think it's obvious." Donna looks around at the bed and her attention is captured by a pill bottle which is lying at Constance's side. Donna picks it up suspiciously and notices that it was dated only a couple of days ago. Yet the contents have gone. She shudders when she realizes the truth and looks around to see that Michael has noticed it too.

"What are you going to say?" He asks, worried about the pain it could cause.

Donna slips the bottle into her pocket before turning back to Michael. "She died of natural causes. It's the fairest way for everybody."

San Francisco Bay: San Francisco

"Why haven't you said anything?" Lauren questions her mother. "Has something else happened?"

"No." Isabelle replies sharply as they drive towards the piers. Lauren knows that this is a lie but decides not to pursue it any further. "We're here."

The car pulls to a sudden halt and they both look through the windshield into the dark glistening water below. "Are you ready?" Lauren asks as she starts to open her door.

"Yes."

They both exit the car and move to the trunk where they shakily pull the body out. Looking around to see if anybody is watching they drag it across the ground and to the end of the pier. The rocks they have placed inside the bag are making it extremely heavy. Without saying a word, they roll the body of the end of the pier and into the water. It sinks slowly and satisfied, they both go back to the car, driving off into the night.

But there is one thing they didn't notice…one person who has been watching their every move. The mysterious woman smiles to herself and starts up the engine of her car before driving away.

Next on Power and Deception

-Michael finds out the shocking truth about Donna...

-Julia and Greg get closer...

-Lucas causes a panic...

-Adrienne turns up at Constance's memorial service...

-Tommy and Jessica move on...

-The mystery woman is revealed...