My CEO 319

319 Lisa, My Rock

(Winona)

"And work is... awkward, to say the least," I admit.

"Phillip still being a problem?" Lisa asks, her voice casual but sharp.

I grimace. "Yeah. Maybe I'm just too sensitive. I swear everything he says is loaded. I also struggle to concentrate thinking about Jayden over there and what the kids have in store for me later at home."

"Maybe that's your problem," Lisa says, her voice steady. "You've been juggling everything-work, the kids, Jayden. You only just got married. All the drama with Cass. And now you're about to move to Europe? Something's gotta give."

I frown, crossing my arms over my chest. "You think I should just... quit? Give up the business?"

Lisa shrugs. "You've always thrown yourself into work because it was your anchor, your way of holding onto your identity. You're not the same person you were after the divorce. You've got Jayden, you've got the kids... maybe it's time to let the past go." Her words hit me harder than I expect. I realize just how much of my identity has been wrapped up in the businesses I built. My only lifeline after Jayden kicked me out of his life.

And after Judy and Ashlyn tried to ruin me. It was how I survived, how I proved that I wasn't weak, that I could take care of Abby on my own. I protected her for so long. It was my way of saying, 'I don't need anyone."

And now... I have Jayden again. I have the family I always wanted. But can I really let go of the main thing that helped me rebuild my life?

"I don't know, Lisa," I admit, my voice softer now. "The business... It's part of who I am. It's how I got through everything. It's my safety net."

watching me carefully. I get that. But you've got to ask yourself-are you holding onto it because it's still your safety net, or because you're afraid

the family and not a business

with him. You can't keep hanging onto the past if you

look away, blinking back the tears that suddenly threaten to fall. Nausea rolls in my stomach. I haven't eaten all day. "I just...

my shoulder. "You're not losing yourself. You're just... changing. And that's okay. But you need to decide what matters most to you now. And

run the show. They're walking all over you because they can tell you feel guilty. But you've got to remember how we grew up. You've been up against some of the biggest powers in the world,

+25 BONUS

319 Lisa, My Rock

make it

it is," Lisa says with a shrug. "You run your business with fact and logic, right? Do the same with your family. Take the emotion out of it. Set the rules, stick to them. You'll be surprised how fast those kids

the kids call the shots. Even apart, you and Jayden are a team, set the rules, and make

Maybe Lisa's right. Maybe it's time I stopped letting guilt and fear control how I parent. It's time to take charge, to set things straight-for myself, and

It's just the kids

everything they want isn't going

clicks inside me. That's

Now, you've got this. Let's go

and see Sarah and Abby making sure everything is lined up and

doorway and points. I peek around and see Bobby holding his little brother against

Bobby, and

crowd my eyes

you go. Trust yourself, Winona." Lisa gives my arm a

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