The black luxury car glided through the city streets, its engine humming softly against the night. Zi Ning sat quietly beside Lu Yichen, her fingers curled into her palm. Tonight would change everything. If the Zi family matriarch was truly her mother, then the years of suffering, confusion, and lies would finally have an answer.
But deep in her heart, questions lingered. Would the Zi family accept her? Why had no one come to find her all these years?
Lu Yichen's hand reached for hers, his grip warm and reassuring. "Whatever happens tonight, you are not alone," he said softly.
Zi Ning turned to him, her heart swelling at his words. No matter how strong she tried to be, knowing he stood by her side gave her the courage to face the unknown.
The car slowed as they approached the grand Zi family estate. The mansion stood like a palace—tall, imposing, and surrounded by towering iron gates. The golden lights spilling from the windows gave it a regal glow, while guards in black suits watched every guest that arrived.
Zi Ning took a slow breath as the car pulled to a stop. A valet opened her door, and she stepped out, her black gown flowing around her slender figure. Her chin lifted in quiet defiance, her eyes sharp and steady.
Lu Yichen followed, his presence calm but dangerous. His sharp gaze swept over the crowd, already calculating every possible threat.
At the entrance, a tall man in a navy suit stepped forward to check the guest list. His eyes flicked over Zi Ning before landing on Lu Yichen. Recognition flashed in his expression, and his polite smile grew warmer.
"Mr. Lu," the man greeted with a respectful nod. "It's an honor to have you here."
Lu Yichen gave a slight nod, his voice smooth and cold. "I trust there won't be any trouble tonight."
"Of course not, sir." The man's smile grew stiff under Lu Yichen's piercing gaze. With a quick motion, he waved them through.
Zi Ning's heart pounded in her chest as they entered the grand ballroom. The air was heavy with the scent of roses and champagne. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm golden glow over the room. Guests in glittering gowns and tailored suits mingled, laughter and soft conversation filling the air.
But Zi Ning's focus was sharp. She wasn't here to admire the luxury—she was here for the truth.
Lu Yichen leaned closer, his voice low. "Zi Hong hasn't arrived yet."
Zi Ning nodded, scanning the crowd. Her hands trembled slightly, but she hid her nerves behind a mask of cool elegance. She had faced worse—tonight would not break her.
A soft murmur swept through the room, and the energy shifted. The crowd turned toward the grand staircase as a figure appeared at the top.
Zi Ning's breath caught in her throat.
Zi Hong.
The woman was elegant and powerful, dressed in a midnight-blue gown that clung to her slender frame. Her silver hair was styled into an elegant chignon, and her every movement exuded authority. But it was her face that shook Zi Ning the most.
Sharp cheekbones. A delicate jawline. And those eyes—cold, distant, yet hauntingly familiar.
The same eyes Zi Ning saw every time she looked in the mirror.
Lu Yichen felt her fingers tense in his grasp, and he gave her hand a light squeeze. "Are you ready?"
Zi Ning swallowed the lump in her throat. "Yes."
They moved through the crowd, drawing attention with every step. Guests whispered, eyes widening as they recognized Lu Yichen. His name carried weight in every corner of the city—powerful and untouchable. But tonight, Zi Ning wasn't just his date. She had her own reason for being here.
Zi Hong descended the staircase slowly, her face calm and unreadable. She accepted polite greetings as she passed, but her gaze remained distant—as though nothing could touch her.
Zi Ning stepped forward just as Zi Hong reached the center of the room. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but she refused to let her fear show.
"Madam Zi," she said, her voice smooth and steady.
Zi Hong's sharp gaze turned toward her. For a brief moment, a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes—but it was gone in an instant, replaced by cold indifference.
"And you are?" her voice was elegant, but icy.
Zi Ning met her gaze head-on. "Zi Ning."
A faint smile touched Zi Hong's lips, but it did not reach her eyes. "Ah. The rising actress. I've heard your name before."
Zi Ning's pulse quickened. She wasn't here to play games. "I wanted to meet you," she said boldly. "There's something I need to know."
Zi Hong tilted her head slightly, as though amused by her directness. "Is that so?" Her eyes flicked toward Lu Yichen, and a hint of curiosity sparked. "Mr. Lu, I must say, you have interesting company tonight."
Lu Yichen's voice was cold and unwavering. "Zi Ning is here for answers. I suggest you listen."
A heavy silence fell between them. For a moment, Zi Ning feared that Zi Hong would dismiss her—but instead, the older woman smiled faintly.
"Very well," she said softly. "Come with me."
Zi Hong led them to a private lounge, far from the prying eyes of the ballroom. The room was quiet, filled with the scent of aged wood and jasmine tea.
She sat gracefully on a leather chair, her posture straight and poised. Zi Ning stood across from her, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Speak," Zi Hong commanded softly.
Zi Ning's fists clenched at her sides. She wouldn't let fear hold her back. "Twenty years ago, you lost your daughter in an accident. Was she ever found?"
A flicker of something—pain, maybe—crossed Zi Hong's face. But it was gone in an instant. "No," she answered quietly. "She was never found."
Zi Ning's throat tightened. "And if… she was alive?"
Zi Hong's expression sharpened. "What are you implying, Miss Zi?"
Zi Ning's voice trembled slightly, but her words were clear. "I believe I might be her."
The room fell deathly silent.
Zi Hong's eyes narrowed. For the first time, her mask of indifference cracked. "You're bold to make such a claim."
Zi Ning held her gaze without flinching. "I want the truth. If there's any way to prove it—"
Zi Hong stood abruptly, her presence fierce. "Do you think you can simply walk in here and claim my bloodline?" Her voice was cold, but beneath it, a tremor of emotion lingered.
Lu Yichen stepped forward, his tone cutting. "She's not asking for your acceptance—she's asking for the truth. You owe her that much."
Zi Hong's hands curled into fists. For a moment, she seemed ready to deny everything—but then, slowly, she exhaled.
"Fine," she said, her voice quiet but heavy. "A DNA test. If you truly are my daughter… we'll know soon enough."
Zi Ning's heart pounded with hope and fear. This was it—the moment that could change her entire life.