If a client going to fire you, i'm sure there is a more way than having a conversation in his office. I think in face-to-face conversations there is a always a way to rescue your "relationship" with the client but you got a little chance over the phone or per brief.

ps: i guess you're not in a business with someone who can shoot you in your foot !!

Here is the author's response from TC: "Oh, and the meeting in clients offices was tongue-in-cheek. in the example i provide they are about to fire you."

Me too, although my impression from one of the comments on TC implied that the client was going to fire you.