ASSUMPTIONS

Lauren had led Laira to her Uncle's study. Uncle Ruth wasn't there. Instead Jasmine was inside, rummaging through some files on the large polished wooden shelf.

There were a lot of files spread out on a large table in the center of the room. Lauren walked towards the table and gestured Laira to come close. She then picked up a blue file and held it open in front of her. Her delicate brows furrowed as she read the content of the files and her slender fingers stroked the printed page as if it were a soft feather. With a satisfied face she placed it on the table and spoke in a gentle voice.

"Laira, your uncle is slowly trying to ease the debt out of your name. It's not easy but, fortunately, we have a start." she pointed at the papers. Laira glanced at the files and then at her aunt. She then looked at Jasmine who gave her a reassuring smile.

" So, as a start, we want you to sign this paper, which confirms that you own the Dean enterprise and that you are eligible for the 90 percent share."

Laira blinked at her aunts sudden involvement in business. She had expected Uncle Ruth or atleast Jacob to be the one to ask for such requirements from her.

Well, just like aunt said, there is always a start.

Lauren pulled out a pen from a cup on the desk and showed it in front of her.

"Go ahead, dear." Lauren gave her a charming smile.

Laira took the pen without hesitation and bent over the paper. Just when she was about to sign, the door was pushed open and Jacob came in. His aura was cold as anger radiated from his face. He looked at Lauren and then at Jasmine. His eyes zeroed at the file on the table. He walked towards them, as if he were a hunter that had cornered his prey.

When his eyes met Laira's, his face calmed a bit, he could see that she was trying to ease the tension that he was causing, with a small pretty smile.

But Jacob had to remain stern for her sake.

"Why are you asking her to sign this now?" he spoke in a strong tone.

Lauren sighed as she looked at her step-son. His strong dark features were always a sight to behold. Especially his deep Grey eyes. They resembled Evelyn, his real mother, Lauren's best friend.

"It's your father's Idea, Jacob. It would be better, if we start with helping her properly clear her father's will and make sure that the company will be safe under her name." Lauren explained in her soft motherly voice.

But Jacob remained in his angered state. Laira was absolutely confused. She just looked at Lauren and Jacob.

" Why are you so worked up, Jay? " Jasmine asked, as she saw his Jaws twitch in anger.

"Laira." he said without looking at her. His gaze never left the paper on the table.

"Yes?" Laira asked softly. She couldn't understand Jacob's unusual temper. This is the second time. It is really starting to get uncomfortable.

"I want to talk with your aunt in private. Would you and Jasmine just leave us for a while?" he asked sternly. His eyes now looked into Laira's gentle ones. And just like that, he felt his anger slip away. But he needed to stay stern. For Laira's sake. He watched the two girls walk out of the room. He was glad that Jasmine didn't protest. Otherwise, he would have definitely made a scene. He was sure Laira was already getting uncomfortable with his coldness.

As he heard the sound of the door close, he looked sharply at Lauren.

"What the hell is this, mom?" he spat, pointing a long slender finger at the papers. He sometimes wished he didn't have to call her that. Mom. It sounded strange to look at her eyes and utter the word, at the same time.

"I told you, it's to confirm her owner-" she was cut off by his words.

"I know what it is. But why are you asking her to sign it now? Don't you know that it is too risky to make her sign it when everything is chaos?" he asked her. His eyes held anger and frustration.

"Jacob, it's not that risky. In fact, Ruth and I discussed this clearly and we looked through everything."

It was clear to Jacob what she is trying to say. She didn't want anymore of Jacob's opinion about the situation. That's why she emphasized that she and Ruth had discussed it.

Jacob grew even more furious.

" Really? How can you say that when you are neglecting one important detail?"

Lauren stared at him with questioning eyes.

"The company is in debt. If Laira is confirmed as the sole heir at this moment, don't you think it will serve as a strong proof for the investors? They will use it to their advantage and will be able to place the complete debt over Laira. Does that sound safe to you? " he was now glaring.

Lauren was not a bit shaken by his loud voice. She pressed her fingers to her temples and massaged. Calming her already calm posture, she held the pen in her hand. With a wide smile, she looked up at him.

" You are right about that Son. " she walked to the front of the table and crossed her hands across her chest.

"But we have already discussed that too!" she said as her face radiated with brightness.

Jacob ran his fingers through his messed brown hair.

Lauren saw his frustration.

"You see, this signed paper is never going to be a threat."

"How can you say that?" his voice rose by an octave.

"Because, to everyone else, the person who signed this paper does not exist!"