Bob Miller waited tensely outside Kent Williamson’s office, irritated by Kent’s assistant Candace Williamson’s attitude and anticipating bad news. He acknowledged he had been less present at work but believed his junior team had handled responsibilities adequately.

When called in, Bob faced Kent, who confronted him with complaints from major clients about lack of senior attention. Bob tried to frame the delegation as intentional development for juniors, but Kent rejected the explanation and criticized Bob’s absence and reliance on juniors for top clients.

As Kent pressed him, Bob apologized and cited personal issues, but Kent emphasized that personal matters did not excuse neglecting duties. Kent noted he knew about Bob’s personal life, prompting Bob to realize Kent had informed Sarah Morgan about his affair. Bob accused Kent of betraying him.

Kent responded that he cared for Sarah like a daughter, had been hard on her to shape her into a top lawyer, and would not let Bob make her look foolish. He asserted that Bob’s affair, not Kent’s disclosure, caused Bob’s family problems.

The exchange turned hostile as Bob attacked Kent’s character and made crude insinuations about Kent’s past conduct and Candace’s role. Kent warned Bob, then issued a three-week unpaid suspension, asserting his authority as the firm’s senior partner. When Bob protested, Kent reaffirmed his power despite Bob being a named partner.

Bob, seething, abruptly left the office and slammed the door; Kent extended the suspension to six weeks. Candace sarcastically wished Bob enjoyment of his time off as he departed.