Calista

　　Mr. Halpert arched an eyebrow, tapping his fingers against the clipboard. "The market's changing, Miss Sinclair. Costs are rising everywhere," he stated, his tone clipped with a weary authority.

　　"But a 25% increase?" I asked, my heart sinking with nerves. "That's more than I can afford on my current salary. I've been a reliable tenant for years. Isn't there any way we can negotiate?" I lied.

　　He sighed heavily, his brow furrowing but I could ...