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."

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

I would feel enough if I took over running the family and not a business

can't keep hanging onto the past if

blinking back the tears that suddenly threaten to fall. Nausea rolls in my stomach. I haven't eaten

on 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

you because they can tell you feel guilty. But you've got to remember how we grew up. You've

+25 BONUS

319 Lisa, My Rock

"You make it sound

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

personal power. Stop letting the kids call the shots. Even apart,

letting guilt and fear control how I parent. It's time to take charge,

kids

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

inside me. That's

this. Let's go get dinner

dishes in and see Sarah and Abby making sure

to the living room doorway and points. I peek around and see Bobby holding

and he gives him

my eyes at

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

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