Chapter 12

A few weeks into her new leadership role, Lisa had settled into a rhythm one that was busy, chaotic, and full of new challenges, but also incredibly satisfying.

The expansion project in Southeast Asia was in full swing, and while there were plenty of obstacles, she felt confident in her ability to tackle them.

After all, she had spent months learning under Jennie Kim. If she could handle that pressure, she could handle anything.

Still, there were moments when she missed the fast-paced, unpredictable world of Kim Industries.

She missed the daily banter with Chaeyoung, the constant barrage of tasks, and dare she admit it? even the cold, intimidating presence of Jennie.

There was something oddly grounding about Jennie’s high expectations and no-nonsense demeanor. Without her around, things felt a little... different.

But this was a new chapter.

Lisa had her own team now, her own responsibilities.

She was no longer just an assistant; she was leading something that mattered, something that would impact her family’s business in a big way. And she was ready for it.

---

It was early Monday morning, and Lisa was already in her office, reviewing the latest updates on the expansion project.

Her team had been making progress, but there were still a few kinks to work out with the local partnerships.

They needed to adapt faster to the cultural differences in the region, and Lisa was determined to make sure they didn’t fall behind.

Just as she was getting into the details, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and blinked in surprise.

Jennie Kim: Call when you’re free.

Lisa raised an eyebrow. Jennie hadn’t reached out since their last conversation, so this was unexpected.

She quickly dialed Jennie’s number, feeling a mix of curiosity and nerves. What could Jennie possibly want now?

Jennie picked up almost immediately, her voice as calm and cold as ever.

“Ms. Manoban.”

“Ms. Kim,” Lisa replied, trying to keep her tone light.

“Didn’t expect to hear from you so soon. What’s up?”

“I heard about your progress with the expansion project,” Jennie said, getting straight to the point, as usual.

“Your father’s very pleased.”

Lisa’s eyebrows shot up.

“You’ve been talking to my dad?”

Jennie didn’t answer the question directly.

“He mentioned the success you’ve had with the local partnerships. It seems you’ve adapted well.”

Lisa grinned, leaning back in her chair.

“Well, I had some pretty intense training. I owe a lot of that to you.”

There was a pause on Jennie’s end.

Lisa could almost picture her sitting in her pristine office, one eyebrow raised in that judgmental way she had.

“Flattery doesn’t suit you, Ms. Manoban.”

Lisa laughed. “Hey, it’s not flattery if it’s true.”

Jennie’s silence was telling.

If there was one thing Lisa had learned about Jennie, it was that she didn’t do emotions not even when she was being complimented.

But Lisa could sense a small shift in Jennie’s tone, something a bit softer, though still guarded.

“Kim Industries is launching a new project soon,” Jennie said, her voice returning to business mode.

“An expansion into Europe. I wanted to inform you, in case you find the opportunity to collaborate beneficial.”

Lisa sat up, intrigued.

“Europe? That’s big.”

Jennie’s voice remained even.

“It is. And given your current role, I thought it prudent to share the details. We may have overlapping interests in certain markets.”

Lisa’s mind whirled with possibilities. Collaborating with Kim Industries on a major expansion?

That would be huge for her family’s company and for her.

She could already see the potential synergies, especially with her team’s focus on sustainable tech and localizing strategies.

“Thanks for letting me know,” Lisa said, her tone more serious now.

“I think there’s definitely room for collaboration. I’ll bring it up to my dad and see how we can work together.”

There was another brief pause, then Jennie added,

“Don’t overextend yourself. Focus on what you’ve started.”

Lisa smiled, recognizing Jennie’s brand of tough love.

“Don’t worry, Ms. Kim. I’m not planning on biting off more than I can chew. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from you, it’s how to juggle a thousand things at once.”

Jennie didn’t respond to that, but Lisa could almost hear the faintest hint of amusement in her silence.

“Good luck with the project,” Jennie said finally, before ending the call with her usual efficiency.

Lisa set her phone down, feeling a strange sense of excitement.

Working with Jennie again even in a different capacity was something she hadn’t expected.

But the thought of collaborating with Kim Industries on a major expansion was too good to pass up.

If she could pull this off, it would solidify her place as a leader in both her family’s business and the industry at large.

---

The next few days were a whirlwind of meetings and strategy sessions as Lisa worked with her team to fine-tune their approach in Southeast Asia.

She was more energized than ever, fueled by the possibility of future collaborations with Kim Industries.

The idea of working alongside Jennie again this time as more of an equal was thrilling in a way she couldn’t quite explain.

By Friday afternoon, Lisa was feeling the full weight of the week’s work.

She was sitting at her desk, going over the latest numbers, when her phone buzzed with a message from Chaeyoung.

Dinner tonight? I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever, and I need to know how your boss life is going!

Lisa smiled, quickly typing out a reply. Definitely. I could use a break from all these spreadsheets.

A few hours later, Lisa and Chaeyoung were sitting in a cozy restaurant, catching up over dinner.

Chaeyoung had ordered her usual array of appetizers, and Lisa was eagerly diving into a plate of fried dumplings.

“So,” Chaeyoung said between bites,

“how’s life in the big leagues? You’re basically a CEO now, right?”

Lisa laughed.

“Not quite, but it’s been wild. It’s a lot of responsibility, but I’m actually really enjoying it. It feels good to be in charge of something this big.”

Chaeyoung grinned.

“I knew you’d be amazing. And what about Jennie? Have you talked to her since you left?”

Lisa nodded, taking a sip of her drink.

“Actually, yeah. She called me this week. Kim Industries is expanding into Europe, and she wanted to talk about collaborating.”

Chaeyoung’s eyes widened.

“Wait, so you might end up working with Jennie again?”

Lisa smirked.

“Looks like it. But this time, I’m not just her assistant. We’re on more equal footing now.”

Chaeyoung grinned.

“That’s huge! I mean, working with Jennie Kim is like... I don’t know, going back to boot camp. But you’ve totally got this.”

Lisa chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.

“Yeah, I think I do.”

As they continued to chat and laugh over dinner, Lisa couldn’t help but reflect on how far she’d come.

A year ago, she had been nervous about even being Jennie’s assistant.

Now, she was leading her own team, on the verge of collaborating with Kim Industries on an international project, and fully embracing the challenges ahead.

She wasn’t just surviving anymore, she was thriving.

And while she knew Jennie would never admit it, Lisa had a feeling that her old boss was proud of her progress.

After all, Jennie had always pushed her to be better, to think strategically, and to never settle for anything less than excellence.

Now, with both the Southeast Asia project and the potential European collaboration on the horizon, Lisa felt ready for whatever came next.

....

It wasn’t long before the details of the European expansion became a reality, and Lisa found herself on a flight to Berlin for a major meeting between her dad’s company and Kim Industries.

The goal was simple: explore how the two companies could collaborate on a sustainable tech initiative in the European market.

As the plane touched down and Lisa gathered her things, she felt a familiar mix of excitement and nerves.

Working with Jennie again on an international stage, no less was both thrilling and intimidating. But this time, things were different.

She wasn’t just Jennie’s assistant anymore; she was a leader in her own right.

The meeting was set for the next morning, and Lisa spent the evening going over her notes, preparing for what was sure to be an intense discussion.

She knew Jennie would come armed with data, projections, and a million questions, and she needed to be ready for all of it.

When the morning finally arrived, Lisa walked into the sleek Berlin conference room with her team in tow.

The room was bright, modern, and buzzing with energy.

And at the far end of the table, seated with her own team from Kim Industries, was Jennie.

Lisa hadn’t seen her in person since leaving Kim Industries, and for a moment, she felt a strange sense of nostalgia.

Jennie looked just as composed and formidable as ever, her dark hair perfectly styled, her posture straight and commanding.

But there was something different this time something in the way Jennie looked at her that felt... respectful. Like she saw Lisa as more of an equal now.

“Ms. Manoban,” Jennie said, standing up as Lisa approached.

“Good to see you.”

Lisa grinned, shaking her hand.

“You too, Ms. Kim. Ready to talk strategy?”

Jennie’s lips twitched slightly, the closest thing to a smile Lisa had ever seen.

“Always.”

The meeting began, and for the next few hours, the two teams dove into the details of the project market research, financial projections, sustainability initiatives, and potential risks.

It was intense, but Lisa was in her element. She held her own, offering insights, asking smart questions, and challenging assumptions when needed.

Jennie, of course, was as sharp as ever, questioning every detail with precision.

But instead of feeling intimidated, Lisa felt energized.

This was the Jennie she knew the one who pushed people to be better, who demanded excellence.

And now, Lisa was in a position to push back, to offer her own expertise.

As the meeting came to a close, the room buzzed with excitement.

Both companies had agreed to move forward with the collaboration, and the future of their partnership looked promising.

Lisa stood with her team as the executives wrapped up, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment.

She had just led a successful negotiation with Kim Industries.

It was a huge milestone, both for her career and for her company.

As the room began to empty, Jennie approached her, her expression as cool and composed as ever.

“You handled yourself well,” Jennie said, her voice calm but carrying an edge of approval.

Lisa grinned. “High praise coming from you, Ms. Kim.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow. “You’ve earned it.”

There was a long pause, and then Jennie’s gaze softened just a fraction.

“You’ve made real progress since you left Kim Industries. I didn’t expect anything less.”

Lisa felt a wave of pride wash over her.

“Thanks, Jennie. Honestly, I owe a lot of it to you. You pushed me to be better.”

Jennie didn’t respond right away, but her eyes met Lisa’s, and for a brief moment, there was something unspoken between them a mutual respect, a recognition of how far they’d both come.

“I expect you’ll continue to succeed,” Jennie said finally, her voice softening just a bit.

“But don’t let it go to your head.”

Lisa laughed, shaking her head.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

As Jennie turned to leave, Lisa couldn’t help but feel a sense of closure.

This collaboration wasn’t just about business it was about reconnecting with the person who had helped shape her into the leader she was today.

And now, as they moved forward both as leaders in their respective companies Lisa knew that she was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

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