Poor and naive

«What do you want?» Lara asked, her voice cold and her mind in a mess.

She could at least pretend to be cool about the situation. Even if her family was one of her weak points, she didn't need to make them realise how interacting with them made her feel.

«Why didn't you answer earlier?» the woman inquired, taking the chance to scold her some more.

Lara listened to the end of her outburst, and she talked only when her mother was done.

«Since you've told me what you had to, we can finish this call.»

«Oh, no, you ungrateful brat. It's just the beginning. I haven't instructed you yet.»

«Instructed?»

«You have to convince Nathaniel Woods to sign a collaboration with us. You know how to do it, don't you? It will benefit both of us.»

Lara leaned back on the sofa she was sitting on, her eyes lifelessly staring at the ceiling. How did that woman know about Nate?

«Why?» she inquired, instead.