Chapter 40: The Offer
Days 176 through 180 became a strange goodbye tour.
Associates I'd competed with expressed grudging respect. Jennifer Park actually said "you were good at what you did" before walking away.
Mike found me transferring files on Day 178.
"You made me better by being competition. I know that sounds weird, but it's true."
"Thanks, Mike. Keep being better than people expect."
Louis was the hardest.
Day 179, he pulled me into his office one last time.
"You were the first associate who treated me like a teacher, not an obstacle."
His voice cracked slightly.
"I'm going to miss having someone who actually listens."
"You're a good teacher, Louis. Don't let anyone tell you different."
We shook hands, and I left before either of us could get more emotional.
I called Robert Chen and Richard Whitmore privately, told them I was leaving Pearson Hardman.
Both responded identically: "Where are you going? We'll follow."
"Let me get settled first. I'll be in touch."
My final interaction with Harvey was Day 180, passing in the hallway.
"Good luck wherever you land."
"I'll remember you wished me luck."
His expression flickered—uncertainty whether that was gratitude or threat.
Good. Let him wonder.
Day 182, Donna came to my apartment to help me prepare for job interviews.
She found me surrounded by rejection emails from firms that heard I'd "mutually parted" from Pearson Hardman.
"This is my fault," she said quietly. "Harvey saw us together and decided you were a threat."
"This is Harvey's insecurity and Jessica's control issues. Not you."
Donna sat next to me on the couch.
"What happens to us? I work at Pearson Hardman. You'll be somewhere else."
The question I'd been avoiding.
"Do you want this to continue?"
"Yes. If you do."
"Then we figure it out. People have relationships across firm boundaries."
She kissed me—relief and determination in equal measure.
"That's the right answer."
We spent the evening planning logistics. Different firms, different schedules, but choosing each other anyway.
First time I've chosen personal connection over professional calculation.
And it feels right.
Day 185, my last day, I was packing the final box when a man appeared in my empty office.
Fifties, expensive suit, confident bearing, face I recognized from the fragmented memories.
Daniel Hardman.
Original name partner. Forced out by Harvey and Jessica. Antagonist from Season 2.
What the hell is he doing here?
"Mr. Roden. I've been following your career."
I set down the box.
"Have you."
"Jessica threw you out because you were too ambitious. Too independent. Too unwilling to play their game."
Hardman walked to my empty desk, ran his hand across the surface.
"I'm building a new firm. Hardman & Associates. I want lawyers who were too good for Pearson Hardman's politics."
"Why me specifically?"
His smile was sharp.
"Because you did in nine months what takes most associates four years. Because you beat Harvey's golden boy. Because you built client loyalty and they punished you for it."
He paused.
"And because I want to hurt Jessica Pearson, and hiring you accomplishes that."
Bracingly honest. And dangerous.
"You're using me for revenge."
"I'm offering you opportunity. Whether that's the same thing depends on your perspective."
[SYSTEM ALERT: CRITICAL CAREER CHOICE POINT]
[OPTION A: ESTABLISHED FIRM - SAFE, CONVENTIONAL, SLOW]
[OPTION B: HARDMAN & ASSOCIATES - RISKY, FAST, DIRECT OPPOSITION]
[OPTION C: INDEPENDENT PRACTICE - MAXIMUM CONTROL, MAXIMUM UNCERTAINTY]
[PARTNERSHIP PROBABILITY AT HARDMAN: 78% WITHIN 3 YEARS]
[OPPORTUNITY TO OPPOSE PEARSON HARDMAN: 89% GUARANTEED]
"What's the offer?"
"Senior associate, partnership track within two years, full autonomy over your practice area, and the satisfaction of watching Jessica and Harvey realize they made a mistake."
Hardman pulled out a business card.
"Think about it. But not too long—I'm building fast and I want you on the ground floor."
He left, and I sat in my empty office holding his card.
Join the enemy of my enemy. Build a practice in direct opposition to Pearson Hardman.
Risky. Potentially stupid.
Also potentially perfect.
I picked up my phone, texted Hardman.
Let's talk. Coffee tomorrow?
Response came immediately.
I'll send a car. Welcome to the war.
That evening, I left Pearson Hardman for the last time.
Donna was waiting at the entrance.
"Ready?"
"For what?"
"Whatever comes next."
We walked into the New York night together, and I didn't look back.
But from his office window, Harvey watched us leave, expression unreadable.
Ten months at Pearson Hardman. Built a reputation, established expertise, made enemies and allies.
And now it's over.
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