Rob needed his house redecorated for a party he was hosting. He hired Arya and agreed to pay her a flat fee of $20,000 to decorate the living room, dining room, front entrance and powder room. A week before the party, when everything but the powder room was done, Arya had a call from Justin Trudeau and rushed off to Ottawa to decorate his office. She left a written apology and an invoice for $20,000. What should Rob do? Rob should pay Arya $20,000 less the amount it would cost him to have another decorator finish the job. As Arya substantially performed the contract, this is what a court would order. Rob should refuse to pay her anything. He didn't get the services he contracted for. This was a fundamental breach of contract and he was released from his obligations. Rob should pay the $20,000. A court would probably determine that Arya's services were worth $20,000, and it was reasonable for her to leave, given that she was offered a job by the Prime Minister. Rob should sue Arya for specific performance. He could get a court order compelling her to finish the job