Beneath the Ice

Chapter 16

The weeks following the board meeting flew by in a blur. Lisa had officially taken on her leadership role in her dad's company, focusing on the expansion into Southeast Asia.

It was exciting, exhausting, and completely different from her role at Kim Industries, where she'd spent the last few months navigating the intricate world of corporate structure under Jennie's relentless expectations.

But while Lisa was excited about her new responsibilities, she wasn't entirely ready to let go of her time at Kim Industries.

Not yet. And Jennie certainly wasn't ready to let her leave either.

"Ms. Manoban," Jennie's voice cut through the hum of the office as she stood at Lisa's desk, looking as composed as ever.

"I need your final updates on the international client reports before you transition out. You'll still be attending tomorrow's meeting, correct?"

Lisa looked up from her computer, blinking in surprise.

"Uh, yeah, I'll be there. It's my last official meeting, right?"

Jennie's gaze narrowed slightly, her tone as cold as usual.

"Yes, but I expect you to remain focused. I don't have time for sentimentality."

Lisa snorted, trying to lighten the mood.

"Sentimental? Me? Nah, I'll keep it professional. No tears or goodbye speeches, I promise."

Jennie's expression didn't change, though her eyes flicked briefly over Lisa, as if assessing whether or not she believed her.

"Good. Then I expect everything to be in order.

As Jennie turned and walked back to her office, Lisa couldn't help but feel a pang of something a mix of sadness and nostalgia.

It was strange, but even though Jennie had been tough, cold, and relentless, Lisa had grown used to her.

She had learned more from Jennie than she had ever expected, and the idea of leaving Kim Industries felt... weird.

But she couldn't focus on that now. She had one last task to complete, one final meeting to attend before her full transition into the new role.

---

The next morning, Lisa stood outside the conference room, taking a deep breath.

This was it her final meeting at Kim Industries. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't feeling emotional, despite Jennie's reminder to stay focused.

She entered the room, her usual bounce in her step slightly subdued as she took her seat.

The executives were already gathered, along with Jennie, who sat at the head of the table, cool and composed as ever. Lisa sat beside her, the agenda for the meeting laid out in front of her.

As the meeting began, Jennie led the discussion with her usual precision. It was business as usual client updates, quarterly performance, international strategy but there was a subtle undercurrent in the room that Lisa couldn't ignore.

People knew this was her last meeting.

Jennie, however, didn't seem affected by the shift in tone. If anything, she seemed even more focused than usual, as if determined to set the standard one last time before Lisa left.