The Arrangement

27

Maya and Jack start putting their plan into action. After their initial discussions, they know that convincing Lane and Vincenzo to step back from the family businesses and ensuring Sarah's removal won't be easy. However, Maya is determined to take control, and with Jack's legal expertise, they begin to craft a strategy that will allow them to accomplish both goals while also maintaining Maya's autonomy.

The first step involves drafting a detailed business proposal. Jack helps Maya outline the terms of the agreement, ensuring that it's legally binding and covers every aspect of the transition. They focus on creating a scenario where Maya's leadership is solidified, while their fathers are eased out of daily operations with clear terms. Jack also identifies legal loopholes that would allow Maya to continue managing some of her current clients from the corporate law firm, which would help her maintain her professional identity outside the family business.

Maya's next move is to have a series of meetings with her father, Lane, and Carina's father, Vincenzo, to present the proposal. She knows that these meetings will be tense, but she's prepared to assert her vision for the future. Jack supports her by rehearsing different scenarios, ensuring she's ready for any pushback.

— — —

Maya and Jack spend several focused hours in Maya's office, working through the details of the business outline. They sit across from each other at a large conference table, covered with stacks of papers, laptops, and various documents. The air is filled with a sense of urgency and concentration as they hash out the final details of their plan.

Jack starts by reviewing the key points of the agreement, his finger tracing the lines of the document. "We've outlined Maya's new roles and responsibilities clearly," he says, pointing to a section detailing her expanded leadership position within the family businesses. "This section ensures that she will have full control over both companies, including the day-to-day operations and strategic decisions."

Maya nods, her expression one of deep concentration. "Right. And the provision for the new in-house legal team is essential. We need to make sure they're capable and trustworthy. The document specifies the recruitment process and qualifications, which should help streamline the hiring."

Jack adds, "We also need to emphasize the terms for Lane and Vincenzo's step-back. The agreement ensures they relinquish their day-to-day involvement but retains a role in advisory capacities, which should keep things amicable."

They go over the specifics of Sarah's transfer to the San Francisco office, making sure the terms are clear and legally binding. Jack reviews the clause with a critical eye. "This section addresses her role and the reasons for the transfer. It's important that the language is precise to avoid any misunderstandings."

Maya leans in, focusing on the section about the retention of some of her current clients. "I want to ensure that this part is flexible enough to accommodate any changes in client needs or project scopes," she says. "It's crucial that we maintain these relationships without compromising our new roles."

Jack makes a note. "We can add a clause allowing for periodic reviews of the client list and project allocations to ensure everything remains balanced."

As they continue their discussion, they fine-tune the language, address potential legal loopholes, and ensure that every detail is meticulously covered. They draft several revisions, each one bringing them closer to a final document that meets all their needs.

After several hours of intense work, they review the completed outline. Maya looks at Jack, a sense of accomplishment in her eyes. "I think we've got it. This should cover all the bases and protect our interests."