Ella

The large wooden conference table felt cool and smooth beneath my fingertips as I arranged the files in neat stacks. I could feel my palms getting sweaty with anticipation. This was one of the first significant cases I’d handled solo at the firm, and I wanted everything to be perfect.

To add a touch of hospitality, I carefully set out a tray of assorted pastries fresh from a popular bakery downtown.

There was a soft knock at the door, and Logan sauntered in. His demeanor was relaxed, in stark contrast to my tight bundle of nerves. “Good morning, Ella,” he greeted, raising an eyebrow at my meticulous setup.

“Morning,” I replied with a half-smile, adjusting a paper clip that was slightly out of place. “Thank you for coming.”

Before Logan could respond, the door opened again, and in walked the tenant accompanied by his lawyer.

I recognized the lawyer from previous interactions around the firm. He was known to be a tough negotiator, a thought which only fueled my anxiety. They settled into the seats opposite Logan and me.

The tenant, a portly man with a sharp nose, didn’t waste any time: “We’ve come with an offer,” he declared, pulling out a thick envelope from his briefcase. I raised an eyebrow, taken aback. I hadn’t expected things to move so quickly. “Go on.”

As the thick envelope hit the table, its presence drew an undeniable tension. The tenant’s lawyer, a tall, lean man with salt-and-pepper hair and glasses, shifted in his seat, nonchalantly pushing the tray of pastries out of the way as though they were a hindrance..

“Let’s get straight to the point,” he began, locking eyes with Logan, a move that made me feel oddly left out of the conversation. “My client is willing to pay the outstanding rent in cash, upfront. A hassle-free transaction that will save both parties time and resources.”

to assert my position in the negotiations, but Logan, his gaze unyielding, beat me to it. “How much are we

rent. Every single cent.” He tapped the envelope with a hint of

into a slight smirk, his interest evidently piqued.

the lawyer assured. “But we do need assurance that the

of unease settling over me. The quick pace at which this was transpiring left me spinning. This wasn’t the usual pace of negotiations I

was far different. This felt like a high- stakes poker game, and I was

“Logan, may I remind you that the terms of the lease clearly stipulate that

a patient smile on his face. “Miss, with all due respect, there haven’t

entirely true,” I countered.

clear: let him handle it. It was

seemed willing to play their game.

offer, what guarantees

his

amount in cash, you have to understand how much it means to

head slightly, studying the man for a few moments. “You know, words are

on the next three months as a show

impressed by the offer.

of the lease? Are we just going to

lawyer, wearing a thin veneer of patience, replied, “Miss, we’re addressing the most immediate concern here. My client is showing willingness to cooperate, to ensure things

addressed me, looking at me as though I was a vapid

money at a problem? That doesn’t resolve

me and Logan, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. “Logan, all I’m asking is for a chance. You know how the

taken aback by the tenant’s words. “The game?” My wolf asked inside my mind. I felt my heart race. What were they referring to?

all we’re asking for is a

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