How important is the relationship and other interests? Are you working based on the idea that the relationship is important, and the other side is hard-balling

How important is the relationship and other interests? Are you working based on the idea that the relationship is important, and the other side is hard-balling you? Is walking away that risky that you don't want to do it? I focus on 'relationship' as you mention being sweet-talked. Are there other interests that this client thinks they have you owing to you, or you owing in them, that make them (or you) behave like this? If not complex with multiple vested interests, wait until Monday (Mondays are good for breaking news, as people can stew over things on weekends and it gives you weekend planning time), create some really specific criteria for both what you do that is billable and what you think is OK for continuing the contract. If it is far longer than he thinks, then tell him how long it will really take, or do something even more simple and bill on product specification, not hours, and ensure re-billing is done on any change of product specification (which should include testing checklists). If they decline, then walk away. Don't be sweet talked by someone with no sweets in their pocket.