Chapter 11

The day had finally arrived Lisa's first official day leading the expansion project for her dad's company.

She'd spent the weekend prepping, going over her strategy, and running through all the potential scenarios she might face.

It felt like everything she'd learned during her time at Kim Industries had led her here.

And now, it was time to see if she could actually pull it off.

Lisa stood in the lobby of her dad's company headquarters, looking around.

It felt familiar yet different. For so long, this place had been a background to her life, a future she had avoided stepping into. But now? Now it was hers to lead.

She adjusted the lapel of her blazer and took a deep breath. No big deal. Just leading a massive expansion project. I've totally got this.

Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down to see a message from Chaeyoung: First day as the big boss! Don't forget to breathe. You've got this!

Lisa smiled at the message, feeling a little more grounded. She quickly replied: Breathing deeply. Will try not to trip in front of the team.

Steeling herself, Lisa headed toward the elevator, ready to start this new chapter.

---

The morning passed in a blur of meetings.

Lisa was introduced to the key team members she'd be working with department heads, project managers, and financial analysts. They were all experienced, efficient, and slightly intimidating.

But instead of feeling overwhelmed, Lisa found herself slipping into a role she'd been preparing for, thanks to the constant pressure Jennie had put on her at Kim Industries.

"You're the one leading the Southeast Asia expansion?" one of the department heads, a tall, serious-looking man named Mr. Cho, asked as they sat down for their first team meeting. His tone wasn't dismissive, but it carried the weight of someone who had seen more than his share of ambitious ideas crash and burn.

Lisa nodded, feeling the weight of his gaze.

"Yep, that's me. We're focusing on sustainable tech, and the key to making it work is building local teams who understand the market better than we ever could. The projections are solid, and the market demand is high. We just need to execute it the right way."

Mr. Cho leaned back in his chair, studying her. After a long pause, he nodded.

"It sounds promising. But you know there are risks."

Lisa smiled, channeling Jennie's icy confidence.

"I've already prepared a plan to mitigate the financial risks and resource allocation concerns. I've thought through every worst-case scenario I could come up with."

Mr. Cho raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed.

"Sounds like you've done your homework."

Lisa nodded, keeping her expression serious even though she wanted to jump up and shout YES at the top of her lungs.

"I've had a lot of practice."

The rest of the meeting went smoothly, and by the time it ended, Lisa felt a deep sense of satisfaction.

She had led her first major meeting as the head of the expansion project, and while she was far from being a seasoned executive, she was holding her own. This was her chance to prove herself and she wasn't going to let it slip away.

---

Later that afternoon, as Lisa was reviewing some documents in her new office, her phone buzzed with a familiar name flashing on the screen.

Jennie Kim.

Lisa's heart skipped a beat as she quickly answered.

"Ms. Kim. Didn't expect to hear from you so soon."

Jennie's voice, cool and precise as always, came through the line.

"I heard you started today."

Lisa leaned back in her chair, grinning.

"Yep. First day on the job. So far, no fires to put out, which is nice."

Jennie was silent for a moment, and Lisa could almost picture her sitting at her desk, brow furrowed in thought.

"How was the meeting?"

Lisa chuckled, amazed that Jennie knew exactly what to ask.

"It went well. Better than I expected, actually. They didn't tear my strategy apart, which feels like a win."

Jennie's voice softened, just slightly.

"Good. You've prepared yourself well."

There was another pause, and then Jennie added, almost as an afterthought,

"I expect you'll continue to improve."

Lisa smiled, feeling a swell of pride.

"I'll do my best. After all, I did have the world's toughest mentor."

Jennie didn't respond immediately, but when she did, her tone was a little warmer than usual.

"You've handled more than most. I'm not concerned."

Lisa blinked, stunned by the statement. 'Jennie Kim, not concerned about something?' That was high praise coming from her.

"Well, that's the nicest thing you've ever said to me, Ms. Kim," Lisa joked, trying to keep the moment light.

Jennie, of course, didn't laugh. But there was something in her voice when she replied that wasn't quite as cold as usual.

"Keep me updated on your progress. I expect you to do well."

Lisa grinned.

"Will do. And hey, if you ever need someone to juggle spreadsheets or avoid coffee spills, you know where to find me."

Jennie didn't engage with the joke, but before hanging up, she simply said,

"Good luck, Ms. Manoban."

As the call ended, Lisa sat back, a smile lingering on her face. Jennie hadn't just been a boss she'd been a mentor. And though Jennie would never admit it, Lisa had a feeling she'd left some kind of impression on the notoriously cold CEO.

Maybe not a huge one, Lisa thought with a grin. But something.

---

That evening, as Lisa sat in her apartment reflecting on her first day, she felt a strange mix of emotions.

Leaving Kim Industries behind had been harder than she expected, but this new role felt... right. She had grown so much, learned so much, and now she was ready to put everything into practice.

Her phone buzzed again, this time with a message from her dad: Heard you impressed the team today. Great job, Lalisa. Proud of you.

Lisa smiled, typing out a quick reply: Thanks, Dad. Feels good to be stepping up.

As she set her phone down, she thought back to everything that had led her here starting from the chaotic, coffee-spilling assistant who had barely survived her first week at Kim Industries, to now, where she was confidently leading a major expansion project.

It had been a journey, full of challenges and doubts. But through it all, she had learned one thing:

She was capable. She could handle anything thrown her way. And with every step she took, she was growing more into the leader she always had the potential to be.

As she lay back on her couch, letting the exhaustion of the day settle over her, Lisa smiled.

Whatever came next, she was ready for it.

Continue.....