Chapter 10

The weeks following the board meeting flew by in a blur. Lisa had officially taken on her leadership role in her dad's company, focusing on the expansion into Southeast Asia.

It was exciting, exhausting, and completely different from her role at Kim Industries, where she'd spent the last few months navigating the intricate world of corporate structure under Jennie's relentless expectations.

But while Lisa was excited about her new responsibilities, she wasn't entirely ready to let go of her time at Kim Industries.

Not yet. And Jennie certainly wasn't ready to let her leave either.

"Ms. Manoban," Jennie's voice cut through the hum of the office as she stood at Lisa's desk, looking as composed as ever.

"I need your final updates on the international client reports before you transition out. You'll still be attending tomorrow's meeting, correct?"

Lisa looked up from her computer, blinking in surprise.

"Uh, yeah, I'll be there. It's my last official meeting, right?"

Jennie's gaze narrowed slightly, her tone as cold as usual.

"Yes, but I expect you to remain focused. I don't have time for sentimentality."

Lisa snorted, trying to lighten the mood.

"Sentimental? Me? Nah, I'll keep it professional. No tears or goodbye speeches, I promise."

Jennie's expression didn't change, though her eyes flicked briefly over Lisa, as if assessing whether or not she believed her.

"Good. Then I expect everything to be in order.

As Jennie turned and walked back to her office, Lisa couldn't help but feel a pang of something a mix of sadness and nostalgia.

It was strange, but even though Jennie had been tough, cold, and relentless, Lisa had grown used to her.

She had learned more from Jennie than she had ever expected, and the idea of leaving Kim Industries felt... weird.

But she couldn't focus on that now. She had one last task to complete, one final meeting to attend before her full transition into the new role.

---

The next morning, Lisa stood outside the conference room, taking a deep breath.

This was it her final meeting at Kim Industries. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't feeling emotional, despite Jennie's reminder to stay focused.

She entered the room, her usual bounce in her step slightly subdued as she took her seat.

The executives were already gathered, along with Jennie, who sat at the head of the table, cool and composed as ever. Lisa sat beside her, the agenda for the meeting laid out in front of her.

As the meeting began, Jennie led the discussion with her usual precision. It was business as usual client updates, quarterly performance, international strategy but there was a subtle undercurrent in the room that Lisa couldn't ignore.

People knew this was her last meeting.

Jennie, however, didn't seem affected by the shift in tone. If anything, she seemed even more focused than usual, as if determined to set the standard one last time before Lisa left.

About halfway through the meeting, Jennie glanced at Lisa.

"Ms. Manoban, please go over the client feedback for our Southeast Asia expansion."

Lisa nodded, pulling up her notes. She'd worked hard on this section, knowing that it aligned with her new role at her dad's company.

She dove into the data, summarizing the key points, the feedback from clients, and the adjustments they'd need to make moving forward. Her voice was steady, her confidence clear.

By the time she finished, the executives were nodding in approval.

Lisa could feel the tension in her shoulders ease slightly this had gone well. She had contributed meaningfully to her last meeting.

"Thank you, Ms. Manoban," Jennie said, her tone still clipped and professional. "That will be all."

Lisa swallowed, glancing around the room.

That was it.

She'd officially finished her last assignment for Kim Industries. She leaned back in her chair, feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness wash over her.

The rest of the meeting passed by quickly, and before Lisa knew it, the executives were filing out of the room. Jennie stood at the head of the table, organizing her papers with the same calm precision she always had.

Lisa lingered for a moment, unsure of what to say. It felt strange to just leave without acknowledging that this was the end of her time here. But Jennie wasn't exactly the sentimental type, so maybe it was best to just walk out and leave things as they were.

"Ms. Manoban," Jennie's voice stopped her just as she was about to head for the door.

Lisa turned, surprised. "Yeah?"

Jennie didn't look up from her papers, but her voice had softened slightly. "You've done well here."

"Thanks. I mean, it wasn't easy, but I learned a lot."

Jennie finally looked up, her gaze steady.

"You've improved significantly since you started. Your new role will present new challenges, but I expect you'll handle them."

Lisa felt her chest swell with pride.

"I think I will. Honestly, I wasn't sure I was ready at first, but now... I feel like I can actually do it."

Jennie nodded once, her expression still unreadable but not as cold as usual. "Good."

There was a long pause, and Lisa shuffled her feet, feeling the weight of the moment.

This was probably the closest thing to a heartfelt goodbye she'd get from Jennie, and she didn't want to ruin it with a joke. But then again, this was Lisa, and staying serious wasn't exactly her strong suit.

"So, uh," Lisa said, grinning, "this is the part where I make some dramatic exit speech, right? Maybe throw in a 'thank you for all the life lessons, Ms. Kim' and dramatically walk out?"

Jennie raised an eyebrow. "I'd prefer you didn't."

Lisa laughed. "Figured."

There was a beat of silence, and then Lisa sobered slightly, her grin fading into a softer smile.

"Seriously, though, Jennie. Thank you. For everything. I wouldn't be ready for this new role without what I learned here."

Jennie gave her a small nod, her expression softening just a little.

"You earned it, Ms. Manoban."

Lisa smiled, taking one last look around the conference room.

This place had been a challenge a whirlwind of spreadsheets, client dinners, and intense meetings but it had shaped her into the person she was now. She was ready for the next chapter because of what she'd faced here.

"Guess this is it, then," Lisa said, giving Jennie a casual salute.

"See you around, Ms. Kim."

Jennie watched her for a moment, her face as composed as ever.

"Good luck, Ms. Manoban."

With that, Lisa walked out of the conference room for the last time, her heart feeling surprisingly light.

---

Later that evening, Lisa sat at home, sipping a cup of tea and reflecting on everything that had happened. It was strange leaving Kim Industries behind felt like closing a major chapter of her life, but she wasn't sad. She was excited. Ready.

Her phone buzzed, and she picked it up, grinning when she saw the message from her dad: Looking forward to you starting officially next week. Proud of you, Lalisa.

She typed out a quick reply: Can't wait, Dad. Ready for the challenge.

As she set her phone down, Lisa leaned back on the couch, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. It had been a wild ride working with Jennie, learning how to survive in the corporate world, and finding her own confidence along the way.

But now, she was ready for the next step.

And, of course, there was always the possibility that her path would cross with Jennie's again.

After all, in the world of business, anything could happen. And maybe just maybe Jennie wouldn't be so cold the next time they met.

But for now, Lisa was content. Content with the progress she'd made, the lessons she'd learned, and the future that lay ahead.

Continue....