Author's Notes: Apologies for the delay in updating new chapters. I was occupied with my exams. Thank you for your patience!
The morning sun spilled through the windows of Zi Ning's apartment, casting a warm glow across the sleek, modern space. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate silver necklace around her neck. Today felt different—lighter. For the first time in a long while, the heavy burden on her heart was gone.
The chaos Wang Yin caused was finally over.
Zi Ning took a deep breath, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her reflection stared back, calm and composed. She had endured so much—betrayal, humiliation, and endless schemes—but she had come out stronger. No one could push her down again.
A knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
When she opened it, Lu Yichen stood on the other side, dressed in a tailored black suit that hugged his tall, broad frame perfectly. His dark eyes softened as they met hers, and a faint smile touched his lips.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice warm and steady.
Zi Ning nodded. "Always."
He held out his hand, and without hesitation, she took it. His fingers closed around hers, strong and reassuring. Together, they stepped out into the world that had once tried to crush her—but now, she was the one in control.
The Lu Group's main headquarters buzzed with energy as they arrived. Employees greeted them with respectful nods, but there was something else in their eyes—admiration. Zi Ning wasn't just known as a model or actress anymore. She was the woman who had faced down her enemies and won.
Xu Jia met them at the private elevator, her usual playful smirk in place. "The media's still going wild over Wang Yin's fall," she reported. "She's completely finished. Even her old friends have cut ties. No one wants to be associated with her now."
Zi Ning stepped into the elevator with Lu Yichen beside her. "Good. She deserves everything that's happened."
"She tried to destroy you," Lu Yichen said quietly, his voice edged with steel. "But no one touches what's mine and gets away with it."
Zi Ning's heart skipped a beat at his words. His possessiveness should have felt overwhelming—but with him, it felt safe. Protected.
When the elevator doors opened, they stepped into Lu Yichen's private office. The space was sleek and minimalistic, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a breathtaking view of the city skyline.
Zi Ning walked to the window, letting her eyes sweep over the city below. So much had changed. A year ago, she was struggling just to survive in a world that seemed determined to destroy her. Now, she stood here—not just surviving, but thriving.
"Any news from the Guo family?" she asked, turning back to Xu Jia.
Xu Jia leaned against the desk, arms crossed. "Guo Bao is barely hanging on. His father removed him from most business affairs. He's just a figurehead now."
Zi Ning tilted her head. "He won't give up so easily. People like him never do."
Lu Yichen's expression darkened. "Let him try. I'll destroy him myself if he dares."
The sheer confidence in his voice sent a shiver down her spine. No matter how powerful Guo Bao thought he was, he could never match Lu Yichen.
Xu Jia clapped her hands together. "Enough about those fools. You should be celebrating. You won, Zi Ning. And now, you have the entire industry at your feet."
Zi Ning smiled faintly. "I didn't do it alone."
Lu Yichen moved closer, his hand brushing against hers. "But you didn't break. That's what matters."
Their eyes met, and for a moment, the rest of the world faded away.
Later that afternoon, Zi Ning stood backstage at an exclusive charity gala hosted by the Lu Group. The venue glittered with crystal chandeliers, gold accents, and rows of elegantly dressed guests. This was no ordinary event—every major figure in the entertainment and business world was here.
Her heart pounded softly in her chest as she smoothed down the folds of her gown—a sleek, midnight-blue dress that clung to her curves and shimmered under the lights.
"Ready to make an entrance?" Lu Yichen's voice came from behind her, smooth and rich.
She turned to find him watching her with an intensity that made her breath hitch. In his crisp black tuxedo, he looked every inch the powerful man who ruled the city.
"I was born ready," she teased.
His lips curved into a slow smile. "That's my girl."
The double doors swung open, and together, they stepped into the grand ballroom.
The hum of conversation faltered as all eyes turned to them. Whispers rippled through the crowd—admiration for her beauty, curiosity about her relationship with Lu Yichen, envy from those who wished they could stand where she did.
But Zi Ning held her head high. Let them talk.
She had earned her place here.
Lu Yichen led her to the main table, pulling out a chair for her before taking his own seat. The other guests, powerful CEOs and celebrities, offered polite smiles, but their curiosity burned behind their eyes.
As the evening progressed, Zi Ning moved through the crowd with grace, exchanging pleasantries and handling probing questions with ease. She was no longer the naive girl others could push around.
Near the end of the event, a reporter approached with a microphone. "Miss Zi, your career has seen a remarkable rise recently. What's next for you?"
Zi Ning smiled coolly. "I'm just getting started."
By the time the gala ended, the city lights sparkled like stars against the night sky. Zi Ning leaned back in the leather seat of Lu Yichen's car as he drove them back to his penthouse.
"You handled everything perfectly tonight," he said, glancing at her with pride in his eyes.
"I had a good teacher," she replied softly.
His hand reached over, lacing his fingers with hers. "You don't need anyone to teach you how to shine. You were born to do that."
Her heart warmed at his words, and for once, the future felt bright.
But deep down, Zi Ning knew her battle wasn't completely over. There were still shadows lurking, waiting for the right moment to strike.
And when they did—
She would be ready.