FULL NOVELXO Chapter 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."
Lisa leans against the counter, 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 to let Jayden in completely?"
I wonder if I would feel enough if I took over running the family and not a business empire. Jayden did it and if he can do it, I can.
"You chose this life with him. You can't keep hanging onto the past if you want to move forward."
I look away, blinking back the tears that suddenly threaten to fall. Nausea rolls in my stomach. I haven't eaten all day. "I just... I don't want to lose me in all of this."
Lisa steps closer, putting a hand 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 now. And maybe that means taking a step back from the business. Focusing on the family." I nod, but the decision doesn't feel any easier.
"And another thing," Lisa says, her 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 biggest powers in the world, you can handle these kids."
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319 Lisa, My Rock
I smile weakly. "You make it sound so simple.
"Because 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 fall in line when they realize you're not playing around." "You're right."
"I know I am," Lisa says, grinning. "You've got this, Win. Take back your 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 them. Boundaries. Consequences. They'll respect you more for it."
I nod, feeling a flicker of hope. 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 for the family I'm building with Jayden.
"Yeah, It's just the kids have been through so much."
"But you know giving them everything they want isn't going to make them into better adults, right?"
Something clicks inside me. That's exactly right."
"Okay then. Now, you've got this. Let's go get dinner on the table."
We carry the dishes in and see Sarah and Abby making sure everything is lined up and nice. I smile.
Lisa beckons me to the living room doorway and points. I peek around and see Bobby holding his little brother against him and looking at him with a grin.
Henry is completely mesmerized by Bobby, and he gives him a big smile.
Tears crowd my eyes at the sight.
"There you go. Trust yourself, Winona." Lisa gives my arm a squeeze.
She's right. I go take Henry and smile at Bobby. "Thank you so much. Dinner is on the table."
"It's okay. He's pretty cool, actually."
"He is, and so are you, big brother. So are you."
"Come on, little man. Let's get you settled, so I can eat As if by magic, Henry closes his eyes as soon as
I lay him in his bassinet and I carry him into the quieter area away from the dining room.
I'm so glad for Lisa. She keeps it real and keeps me grounded.
"I'm really going to miss her when I'm in Europe.
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320 Trillionaire Lifestyle
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320 Trillionaire Lifestyle