Chapter 14

The days following her meeting with Jisoo were a whirlwind. Lisa threw herself back into the expansion project in Southeast Asia, but Jisoo’s offer lingered in the back of her mind. It was impossible to ignore. The idea of working on something that wasn’t just about profits, but about creating real change, excited her in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time.

And, surprisingly, Jennie’s words of encouragement played on a loop in her head: You’re ready for this. If Jennie believed in her, maybe she could take the leap. Maybe she was ready.

It didn’t take long for Lisa to make her decision.

One afternoon, after a particularly successful meeting with her team, Lisa found herself back at her desk, staring at her phone. Jisoo’s contact was saved in her recent messages, and her thumb hovered over the screen for a moment before she finally tapped out a quick text: I’ve thought about your offer. Let’s talk.

It took only a few seconds for Jisoo to reply: Great! Free for lunch tomorrow?

Lisa smiled, typing back: Absolutely. Let’s do it.

---

The next day, Lisa arrived at a trendy restaurant Jisoo had picked out, feeling both nervous and excited. She was taking a big step by even considering joining Jisoo’s venture capital project, but if there was one thing Lisa had learned in the past year, it was that taking risks calculated ones was part of growth.

Jisoo was already seated when Lisa arrived, sipping on a sparkling water and scrolling through her phone. She looked up as Lisa approached, flashing that easy, charming smile that made her seem so different from Jennie.

“Lisa!” Jisoo greeted warmly. “Glad you could make it.”

“Thanks for inviting me,” Lisa said, sliding into the seat across from her. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what we talked about.”

Jisoo set her phone down, her eyes glinting with excitement. “And?”

Lisa took a deep breath, feeling a rush of anticipation. “I’m in. I want to be part of this project.”

Jisoo grinned, her enthusiasm infectious. “I knew you’d say that. This is going to be amazing, Lisa. You’re exactly who we need to take this to the next level.”

For the next hour, they went over the details of the venture. Jisoo’s team had already started scouting potential startups, but they needed someone with Lisa’s expertise to evaluate the markets and identify the best opportunities. The fund was focused on sustainable tech, with an emphasis on developing regions Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America and the goal was to create scalable solutions that could have real environmental and social impact.

“I love the idea of blending tech with sustainability,” Lisa said, her mind already racing with ideas. “There’s so much potential, especially in the regions you’re targeting. The markets are evolving, and there’s a hunger for innovation. If we get this right, we could make a huge difference.”

Jisoo nodded, her excitement palpable. “That’s exactly the vision. And with your knowledge of the region, we can hit the ground running.”

As they finished lunch and went over the finer details of what Lisa’s role would entail, Lisa felt her confidence growing. She wasn’t just stepping into this as a newbie...she had the experience, the knowledge, and the drive to make it work.

By the time they left the restaurant, Lisa felt a wave of excitement washing over her. She had taken the plunge, and it felt right.

---

The next few weeks were a whirlwind of activity. Lisa balanced her role in the Southeast Asia expansion with her new responsibilities on Jisoo’s venture capital project, throwing herself into both with the energy of someone determined to make an impact.

Jisoo, true to her word, was easy to work with. She had a lightness about her that was the complete opposite of Jennie’s intensity, but that didn’t mean she lacked focus. Jisoo was sharp, strategic, and had a keen sense for what would work and what wouldn’t. They made a good team, complementing each other’s strengths.

But Lisa couldn’t help but think about Jennie from time to time. She hadn’t told Jennie she was officially joining Jisoo’s venture yet, though she knew the news would get back to her eventually. It wasn’t that she was avoiding the conversation...she just wasn’t sure how Jennie would react. Would Jennie see it as a distraction? Or would she actually approve?

She didn’t have to wait long to find out.

One afternoon, after wrapping up a meeting with her team, Lisa received a message from Jennie: Coffee? I’m in town.

Lisa smiled to herself. Of course Jennie would be direct. She typed out a quick reply: Sure. Usual spot?

Jennie’s response was brief, as always: Yes. 4 PM.

---

At exactly 4 PM, Lisa arrived at the café she and Jennie had met at a few times during their work together. Jennie was already seated, sipping a black coffee, her posture as impeccable as ever.

Lisa sat down across from her, feeling the familiar mix of respect and nerves that always accompanied her interactions with Jennie.

“Ms. Kim,” Lisa greeted, smiling.

“Ms. Manoban,” Jennie replied, her expression as unreadable as ever. “I hear you’ve been keeping busy.”

Lisa grinned, feeling a slight rush of nerves. “I have. I’m working on the Southeast Asia expansion, of course, but... I’ve also officially joined Jisoo’s project.”

Jennie raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. “So, it’s true.”

Lisa nodded, trying to gauge Jennie’s reaction. “It’s an amazing opportunity, Jennie. Sustainable tech, impact investments, focusing on emerging markets. It feels like the next step for me.”

There was a pause as Jennie took a slow sip of her coffee, her eyes never leaving Lisa’s. Then, she set the cup down and spoke in her usual calm, clipped tone. “It’s a smart move.”

Lisa blinked, surprised. “You think so?”

Jennie nodded slightly, her gaze still steady. “You’ve outgrown your current role. Expanding your scope with Jisoo is a logical progression. It’s the kind of challenge you need.”

Lisa felt a swell of pride at Jennie’s words. Coming from her, this was high praise.

“Thank you,” Lisa said, her voice more serious now. “I wasn’t sure how you’d feel about it, but I really believe in what we’re doing. I think we can make a real impact.”

Jennie’s lips twitched in what might have been the faintest hint of a smile. “You’ve always been capable of more than you realized, Ms. Manoban. This will give you the platform to prove it.”

Lisa smiled, feeling the weight of Jennie’s approval settle over her. It meant more than she could put into words.

“There’s one thing, though,” Jennie added, her tone shifting slightly. “Don’t let your work with Jisoo distract you from what’s already in front of you. The expansion in Southeast Asia is still a priority. If you’re going to juggle both, you need to be efficient.”

Lisa nodded, her grin widening. “Don’t worry, Jennie. I’ve learned from the best when it comes to efficiency.”

Jennie gave a small nod of approval. “Good.”

For a moment, they sat in silence, sipping their coffee. Lisa felt an odd sense of contentment, knowing that Jennie wasn’t just supportive...she was proud. And in her own way, Jennie was giving Lisa the space to grow.

Finally, Jennie stood, straightening her jacket. “Keep me updated on the progress.”

Lisa stood as well, smiling. “You got it. Thanks, Jennie. For everything.”

Jennie nodded once before turning to leave, her heels clicking softly on the café floor. As she walked away, Lisa couldn’t help but feel like this was a new beginning. She was stepping into a bigger world, one where she could make real change and she wasn’t doing it alone.

With Jennie’s guidance, Jisoo’s partnership, and her own growing confidence, Lisa knew she was ready for whatever came next.

As Lisa left the café after her meeting with Jennie, a strange, unshakable feeling lingered in the pit of her stomach. Their conversation had gone well, better than she had expected. Jennie’s approval wasn’t something easily earned, but Lisa had earned it...along with something else, something she couldn’t quite define.

There had always been a tension between her and Jennie, ever since their first awkward encounters as boss and assistant. At first, Lisa had chalked it up to nerves...after all, Jennie Kim had a way of intimidating anyone who dared work with her. But now that Lisa had grown into her role and proven herself, the dynamic had shifted. The tension was still there, but it felt... different. It wasn’t just professional anymore.

It wasn’t something she could easily name, but it simmered just below the surface, in the way Jennie’s eyes seemed to linger on her just a fraction longer than before, in the subtle shifts in Jennie’s tone whenever they spoke.

Lisa shook her head as she stepped out into the cool evening air, trying to push the thoughts aside. She had a lot on her plate right now...balancing her role in the expansion project, her new venture with Jisoo, and everything in between. The last thing she needed was to complicate things with whatever this feeling was.

---

The next few days passed in a blur of meetings and preparations. Lisa was fully immersed in her dual roles, working closely with her teams on both the expansion in Southeast Asia and the sustainable tech venture with Jisoo. It was exhausting, but exhilarating. Every day, she felt like she was making progress both professionally and personally.

But Jennie’s words continued to echo in her mind, along with the memory of their brief but charged interaction at the café. It was hard to shake the feeling that something had shifted between them, something more than just professional respect.

One evening, as Lisa was going over some final reports in her apartment, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, surprised to see Jennie’s name.

Need to meet. Urgent. Can you come by the office tomorrow?

Lisa frowned, her mind immediately racing through all the possible reasons why Jennie would want to meet so suddenly. Was there an issue with the expansion? Or was this about the collaboration with Jisoo?

She typed back a quick reply: Sure. What time?

Jennie’s response was swift: 10 AM. Be prepared.

Lisa let out a sigh, chuckling to herself. Be prepared. Jennie never changed.

---

The next morning, Lisa arrived at Kim Industries with her usual blend of anticipation and curiosity. She hadn’t been to the office in weeks, and walking through the familiar glass doors brought back a rush of memories. From the chaotic early days when she was still learning how to survive under Jennie’s demanding watch to the later moments when she had begun to find her own confidence...it all came flooding back.

As she entered Jennie’s office, she was met with the sight of Jennie standing by the window, her back to the door, staring out at the city skyline. The sunlight streamed in, casting a soft glow around her, and for a moment, Lisa hesitated, unsure of what Jennie was thinking.

“Ms. Kim,” Lisa greeted, her voice steady despite the odd flutter in her chest.

Jennie turned, her face impassive, but her eyes gave away something....something Lisa couldn’t quite read. “Ms. Manoban,” Jennie replied, her tone professional as always. But there was a slight edge to her voice, something that hadn’t been there before.

Lisa took a seat, trying to keep things light. “So, what’s the emergency? I haven’t spilled coffee on any important documents, have I?”

Jennie didn’t respond immediately, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied Lisa. “The expansion. There’s been a shift in the market. We need to discuss how it impacts your strategy.”

Lisa blinked, caught off guard by the sudden shift in conversation. “A shift? What kind of shift?”

Jennie moved to her desk, pulling up a set of reports on her tablet. “New competition has entered the market. If we’re not careful, they’ll undercut us, and your project will be compromised.”

Lisa’s mind raced as she processed the information. This wasn’t something she had anticipated, but it wasn’t an insurmountable problem either. She could adjust the strategy, pivot if needed.

“Okay,” Lisa said, leaning forward. “What do you suggest we do?”

Jennie’s gaze flicked toward her, something unreadable passing through her eyes before she spoke. “We need to accelerate the timeline. Increase our local partnerships before they do.”

Lisa nodded, already thinking of the adjustments she’d need to make. But there was something about the way Jennie was looking at her....something intense, like she was waiting for Lisa to react to more than just the business situation.

“You’ve handled the project well so far,” Jennie said, her voice softer now, the edge in her tone fading slightly. “But this will be a real test.”

Lisa’s heart did a little flip at the unexpected compliment, even though Jennie’s tone was still as cool as ever. “I’ve got it under control,” she replied, her confidence solid. “We’ll pivot if we need to. I’ve already got a few ideas.”

Jennie nodded, but her eyes remained locked on Lisa’s, as if she was searching for something more than just an answer to the business problem at hand. The room fell into a strange silence, the kind of silence that carried weight, as if something unsaid was hanging between them.

Lisa shifted in her seat, trying to break the tension. “Anything else I should know?”

Jennie hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking down to the papers on her desk before meeting Lisa’s gaze again. There was a slight pause, a hesitation that was rare for someone as composed as Jennie.

“This isn’t just about the expansion,” Jennie said finally, her voice lower than usual. “I wanted to see you.”

Lisa’s breath caught in her throat, her mind scrambling to process the shift in tone. “You wanted to see me?” she repeated, unsure of where this was going.

Jennie stood up, her movements slow and deliberate as she crossed the room. She stopped in front of Lisa, her gaze locked on hers, and for the first time, Lisa felt the full force of whatever had been simmering between them...the tension that had been building for months, unspoken and unresolved.

“I don’t like distractions, Ms. Manoban,” Jennie said softly, her voice almost a whisper now. “But you... you’re different.”

Lisa’s heart pounded in her chest, a rush of emotions swirling inside her. Was this really happening? Was Jennie the Jennie Kim...finally acknowledging the tension between them, the unspoken connection that had been growing beneath the surface?

“I....” Lisa started, unsure of what to say.

Jennie didn’t let her finish. “You’re more than just someone I work with,” Jennie continued, her eyes never leaving Lisa’s. “I’ve watched you grow, seen how capable you are. But this... whatever this is between us... it’s more complicated than that.”

Lisa’s mind was spinning, but she couldn’t deny the truth of Jennie’s words. There was something between them, something that had been building from the moment they’d met. And now, standing in Jennie’s office, with the weight of their shared history hanging in the air, Lisa felt the full force of it.

She stood up slowly, her heart racing as she met Jennie’s gaze. “I didn’t expect this,” Lisa admitted, her voice soft but steady.

Jennie’s eyes softened, just slightly. “Neither did I.”

For a moment, they stood there, the tension between them thick, palpable. It wasn’t just about work anymore.....it hadn’t been for a long time. There was something deeper, something unspoken that neither of them had dared to acknowledge until now.

Lisa took a step closer, her breath catching as she realized how close they were. “What happens now?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Jennie’s eyes flicked to her lips for a brief moment before meeting her gaze again. “We figure it out.”

And with those words, the distance between them felt smaller than ever. The tension was still there, but now, it was out in the open...undeniable and real.

Lisa nodded, her heart still racing. “Yeah,” she said softly. “We will.”

Whatever this was, whatever it would become....they were going to figure it out. Together.

After the intensity of their last meeting, Lisa couldn’t shake the memory of Jennie’s words. The way Jennie had looked at her, the rawness of their conversation...it left Lisa feeling both exhilarated and uncertain. She had spent so long thinking of Jennie as an untouchable force in her life, someone who pushed her to her limits but never allowed her closer than arm’s length. And now? Now everything felt different.

But, of course, Jennie Kim wasn’t someone who let emotions run wild. If there was one thing Lisa knew about her, it was that Jennie was always in control, even when something as delicate as feelings were involved.

Still, Lisa couldn’t help but feel that the tension between them had finally been acknowledged and there was no going back from that.

The days following their meeting passed by in a blur. Lisa buried herself in work, preparing for the next phase of the expansion project while juggling her new role in Jisoo’s venture capital initiative. She knew that the only way to stay focused was to keep moving, to maintain the balance she’d worked so hard to create.

But Jennie lingered in the back of her mind.

---

One evening, as Lisa was working late in her office, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, fully expecting it to be another email or update from one of her teams, but instead, she saw Jennie’s name.

Dinner tonight?

Lisa blinked, feeling a wave of surprise wash over her. Dinner? Jennie had never casually asked her to dinner before. They’d met for business meals, sure, but this felt... different.

Lisa quickly typed back a reply: Are we discussing work or something else?

Jennie’s response was immediate, as if she had anticipated the question: Work and something else.

Lisa couldn’t help but smile at Jennie’s typically cryptic reply. She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she knew she couldn’t turn down the invitation. Whatever this was, she needed to face it head-on.

I’m in. Where?

I’ll send you the location. 7 PM.

---

At exactly 7 PM, Lisa arrived at a quiet, upscale restaurant tucked away in the heart of the city. It was the kind of place Jennie would choose...elegant but understated, with an air of exclusivity that made it feel like a hidden gem. As Lisa walked inside, the hostess immediately led her to a private table in the back, where Jennie was already seated.

Jennie looked up as Lisa approached, her expression calm but with that familiar intensity in her eyes. She was dressed more casually than usual, in a sleek black blouse and tailored pants, her hair falling effortlessly around her shoulders.

“Ms. Manoban,” Jennie greeted, standing as Lisa reached the table.

“Ms. Kim,” Lisa replied, her tone light but laced with a hint of the tension that still lingered between them.

They sat down, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was charged, filled with the weight of everything that had gone unsaid between them.

After the waiter took their orders and left them alone, Jennie finally spoke. “How’s the expansion going? I’ve heard good things.”

Lisa smiled, relaxing slightly. “It’s going well. We’re moving faster than expected, actually. I think we’re going to beat the competition to market, which will give us a solid foothold.”

Jennie nodded, her expression thoughtful. “Good. You’ve managed it well.”

There it was again....Jennie’s quiet way of giving praise, subtle but undeniable. Lisa had grown used to it by now, but it still had an impact every time.

“And Jisoo’s project?” Jennie asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she shifted the conversation. “You’ve been balancing both?”

Lisa nodded, taking a sip of her water. “Yeah, it’s been a lot, but I’ve got a great team on both sides. I’m learning how to juggle everything.”

Jennie didn’t respond right away, but her gaze softened just slightly. “You’ve always been good at juggling,” she said quietly, almost as if she were speaking more to herself than to Lisa.

Lisa felt her heart skip a beat at Jennie’s words. There was something about the way Jennie was looking at her now something more personal than their usual business-like conversations. It reminded her of their last meeting, when Jennie had admitted that Lisa was “different.”

The air between them seemed to shift again, the tension building like a quiet storm, ready to break at any moment.

Lisa leaned forward slightly, her voice soft. “So, what’s the ‘something else’ you wanted to talk about?”

Jennie’s gaze held hers, steady and unflinching. “I’ve been thinking about what I said last time. About the way things have changed between us.”

Lisa’s breath caught in her throat, but she didn’t interrupt. She waited, letting Jennie speak at her own pace.

“I don’t like distractions,” Jennie continued, her voice calm but with an undercurrent of something deeper. “But with you... I can’t ignore it anymore.”

Lisa’s heart raced as Jennie’s words settled over her. This was Jennie calm, composed Jennie...admitting that there was something more between them, something she couldn’t brush aside or compartmentalize like she did with everything else in her life.

“I didn’t expect it either,” Lisa said softly, her voice steady despite the rush of emotions swirling inside her. “But I can’t pretend it’s not there.”

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of their unspoken feelings hanging in the air between them. It was a strange, delicate moment...one that neither of them had anticipated but both knew they had to face.

Jennie’s gaze softened, just slightly, and for the first time, Lisa saw a vulnerability in her eyes that she had never seen before. “This is... complicated.”

Lisa smiled, a small, teasing grin tugging at the corners of her lips. “Complicated is kind of our thing, isn’t it?”

Jennie’s lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile, and for a moment, the tension between them eased, replaced by something warmer, something real.

“You’re right,” Jennie said quietly, her voice softer than Lisa had ever heard it. “It is.”

The waiter arrived with their food, interrupting the moment, and they both leaned back slightly, the intensity between them dissipating for the time being. But it wasn’t gone. It was still there, simmering just below the surface, waiting for the right moment to come back to life.

As they ate, the conversation shifted back to safer topics...work, upcoming projects, the usual things they discussed. But there was a new undercurrent to their conversation now, a shared understanding that neither of them could ignore.

When dinner ended and they stood to leave, Jennie paused, her eyes lingering on Lisa for a moment longer than necessary. “We’ll talk again soon,” she said, her voice calm but with that familiar intensity.

Lisa nodded, smiling softly. “Yeah. We will.”

As they walked out of the restaurant and parted ways, Lisa couldn’t help but feel that something had shifted between them, something that wasn’t just about work anymore. It was complicated, yes...but it was also undeniable.

And for the first time, Lisa felt like she wasn’t just moving forward in her career...she was moving forward in something else, something that mattered just as much.

The following week passed in a blur. Lisa’s mind kept drifting back to that dinner with Jennie, replaying their conversation over and over. She had tried to focus on her work, tried to throw herself back into the expansion project and the venture with Jisoo, but no matter how hard she worked, Jennie was always there, hovering at the edge of her thoughts.

The tension between them had always been there, but now it felt real acknowledged. They had danced around it for so long, but now there was no going back.

By mid-week, Lisa received another text from Jennie: Meet me at the rooftop lounge. 9 PM.

The rooftop lounge was a private spot Jennie occasionally used for important discussions. Lisa felt a flutter of anticipation, knowing that this meeting wouldn’t be about work. Not anymore.

At 9 PM sharp, Lisa arrived at the rooftop, the cool evening breeze ruffling her hair as she stepped out onto the deck. The city lights spread out before her, twinkling in the distance, but her eyes were drawn immediately to Jennie, who was already there, standing by the railing, staring out at the view.

Lisa approached slowly, her heart racing with every step.

“Jennie,” Lisa said softly, her voice carrying in the quiet night.

Jennie turned, her expression calm but her eyes betraying the same tension Lisa felt. “You came.”

“Of course,” Lisa replied, her voice steady. “I knew this wasn’t about work.”

Jennie didn’t respond right away. Instead, she turned back toward the city skyline, her hands gripping the railing as she spoke. “I’ve always kept things separate... work and... everything else. It’s how I manage.”

Lisa nodded, stepping closer until she was standing beside Jennie, their shoulders almost touching. “I know.”

Jennie exhaled softly, her gaze still fixed on the city. “But with you... I can’t.”

Lisa’s heart raced, the weight of Jennie’s words hanging in the air between them. She had always known Jennie was complicated...closed off, focused on perfection, and unwilling to let anyone get too close. But here they were, standing together, the tension between them undeniable.

“I don’t want to be a distraction,” Lisa said quietly, her voice soft but firm.

Jennie finally turned to face her, her eyes meeting Lisa’s with an intensity that made Lisa’s breath catch. “You’re not a distraction.”

Lisa’s chest tightened as Jennie took a small step closer, the space between them shrinking.

“I can’t stop thinking about you,” Jennie admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “And I don’t know what to do with that.”

Lisa’s heart swelled at Jennie’s confession. It was raw, honest, and something she never expected Jennie to say out loud. But she had...because it was real, and because Jennie wasn’t the type to lie about her feelings, even if they scared her.

“Then don’t do anything,” Lisa said softly, her voice steady despite the rush of emotions. “Just... be here.”

Jennie’s eyes flickered with something fear, uncertainty, but also hope. And then, before Lisa could say another word, Jennie closed the distance between them, her hand gently brushing against Lisa’s as she leaned in, her lips softly capturing Lisa’s in a kiss that was both hesitant and electric.

The world seemed to fall away in that moment, the city lights fading into the background as all Lisa could feel was the warmth of Jennie’s touch, the softness of her lips, and the undeniable connection between them.

It was a kiss that had been building for months, unspoken but always there, simmering beneath the surface. And now that it had finally happened, there was no denying it.

When they finally pulled away, Jennie’s eyes softened, the tension in her shoulders easing as she looked at Lisa, her voice barely above a whisper. “This is... complicated.”

Lisa smiled, her heart racing but her mind calm. “I like complicated.”

Jennie’s lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smile, and for the first time, the weight between them felt lighter more manageable, but no less real.

“I do too,” Jennie admitted quietly.

And just like that, everything changed. It wasn’t just about work anymore...it was about them. And whatever this was, whatever it would become, they would figure it out.

Together.

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