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.”

my mouth to interject, to assert my position in the negotiations, but Logan, his gaze

settlement of the missed rent. Every single cent.” He tapped the envelope with

lips curved into a slight smirk, his interest evidently piqued. “That’s a generous offer,”

we do need

me. The quick pace at which this was transpiring left me spinning. This wasn’t the

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

of the lease clearly stipulate that any unlawful activities on the premises are grounds

turned to her, a patient smile on his face. “Miss, with all due respect, there haven’t been any proven unlawful

true,” I countered. “There

the message was clear: let

steering the conversation, and Logan seemed willing to play their game. I felt more like a bystander than a key player in these

gaze never leaving the lawyer’s, inquired, “Assuming I accept this offer, what guarantees

tenant interjected, his tone

place is essential to my operations. If I’m settling this huge amount in cash, you have

slightly, studying the man for a few moments. “You know, words are wind. How can I trust

advance on the next three months as a show of good

raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by

wearing thin. “And what about the other terms of the lease? Are

a thin veneer of patience, replied, “Miss, we’re addressing the most immediate concern here.

addressed me, looking at me

“By simply throwing money at a problem? That doesn’t resolve

his eyes. “Logan, all I’m asking is for

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

asking for is a fair deal. No one wants lengthy legal battles, right? Let’s find a

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