Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

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."

you've got to ask yourself-are you holding onto it because it's still your safety net, or because you're afraid to let

family and not a business empire. Jayden

You can't keep hanging onto the past if you want

fall. Nausea rolls in my stomach. I haven't eaten all

most to you now. And maybe that means taking a step back from the business. Focusing on the family." I nod,

tone shifting. "You need to stop letting those older kids 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

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319 Lisa, My Rock

make it sound so

family. Take the emotion out of it. Set the rules, stick to them. You'll be surprised how fast those kids fall in line when they realize you're not playing around." "You're

personal power. Stop letting the kids call the shots. Even apart, you and Jayden are a team, set the rules, and make sure the kids follow

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

It's just the kids

you know giving them everything they want isn't going to make them into

me. That's

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

Abby making sure

see Bobby holding his little brother against

by Bobby, and he gives him a

my eyes

you go. Trust yourself, Winona." Lisa gives