The wind howled outside the Zi Corporation building, rattling the glass windows. The city lights blinked against the dark sky, but inside Zi Ning's office, the air was tense and heavy.
Zi Ning sat behind her polished mahogany desk, her sharp eyes fixed on the financial reports spread before her. The numbers didn't lie—someone was trying to destabilize the company from within. Whoever this mysterious investor was, they had already acquired 10% of the company's shares in less than a week. It was an aggressive move, one that couldn't be ignored.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Come in," she said, her voice steady.
Lu Yichen entered, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the floor. He carried a slim folder in his hand, his face calm but his eyes cold. "I have new information," he said, walking over to her desk.
Zi Ning leaned back slightly, her focus shifting to him. "What did you find?"
He placed the folder in front of her and flipped it open. Inside were detailed reports on recent stock purchases, with a name that stood out in bold letters—Victor Chen.
"As we suspected, Victor is behind this," Lu Yichen said, his voice low. "He's using several offshore companies to hide his tracks, but the pattern is clear. Zi Yue is working with him."
Zi Ning's lips curved into a cold smile. "They're moving faster than I expected."
"They're desperate," Lu Yichen corrected. "Zi Yue knows the evidence against her is too strong. If she doesn't regain control of the company soon, she's finished."
Zi Ning tapped her fingers against the desk, her mind racing. "We can't let them succeed. If Victor gains more than 20% of the shares, he'll have enough power to challenge my position."
Lu Yichen nodded, his expression hard. "I've already reached out to several major shareholders. Most are loyal to you, but money talks. If Victor offers them a better deal—"
"I won't give them the chance," Zi Ning cut in sharply. "We'll buy back the key shares ourselves."
"I thought you'd say that," Lu Yichen said with a faint smile. "I've already prepared the paperwork. All I need is your approval."
Zi Ning didn't hesitate. She picked up a pen and signed her name with swift precision. "Do it. I won't let Zi Yue win."
Lu Yichen admired her fierce determination. Most people would have crumbled under this pressure, but Zi Ning only grew stronger. It was one of the things that made her truly unstoppable.
The next morning, the battle escalated. News spread like wildfire across the business world—Zi Corporation was engaged in a silent war for control. Rumors swirled about internal conflicts, corporate espionage, and betrayals. The stock price fluctuated wildly, drawing the attention of investors everywhere.
In the middle of the chaos, Zi Ning remained calm. She spent the day meeting with board members, securing alliances, and reinforcing her position. Every move Zi Yue made, she countered swiftly and ruthlessly.
By evening, the tide had shifted slightly in her favor. Thanks to Lu Yichen's quick action, they had secured an additional 8% of the shares—enough to block any hostile takeover for now.
But the fight was far from over.
Late that night, Zi Ning stood alone in her private office. The city stretched out beneath her, glowing softly under the moonlight. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't rest. She knew Zi Yue was planning something worse—something she couldn't yet see.
Her phone buzzed on the desk. It was an encrypted message from her private investigator.
"Urgent. Zi Yue and Victor Chen meeting tonight. Location: Sky Imperial Hotel, 10th floor suite."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. If they were meeting in person, it had to be important. She grabbed her coat and made her way to the elevator, her heart pounding with cold resolve.
When she arrived at the Sky Imperial Hotel, the lobby was quiet, but the tension in the air was thick. Lu Yichen was already waiting for her, dressed in a sleek black suit that blended perfectly into the shadows.
"You shouldn't be here alone," he said, his voice low.
"I had to see this for myself," Zi Ning replied. "If they're planning something, I want to know."
He nodded, leading her toward a private elevator. "I've already secured access to the surveillance system. We'll be able to hear everything."
As the elevator ascended, Zi Ning's mind raced with possibilities. What was Zi Yue's next move? And how far would she go to destroy her?
On the 10th floor, they slipped into a dark corner near the suite's entrance. Lu Yichen pulled out a small earpiece and handed one to her.
"Listen carefully," he murmured.
Zi Ning placed the earpiece in her ear, and instantly, the conversation inside the suite became clear.
"…We can't wait any longer," Zi Yue's voice was sharp and cold. "If Zi Ning gains any more ground, we lose everything."
Victor's smooth, arrogant tone followed. "Relax. I have a plan in place. Once the market opens tomorrow, we'll release the information about her so-called 'hidden accounts.' The scandal will ruin her reputation."
Zi Ning's fists clenched. Hidden accounts? It was a lie—but if the media picked up on it, it could destroy her credibility overnight.
"And if that fails?" Zi Yue asked, her voice filled with venom.
Victor chuckled darkly. "Then we hit her where it hurts most—her family. I've already begun digging into her personal life. She won't survive what's coming next."
Zi Ning's blood ran cold. She could handle attacks on her business—but her family was off-limits.
Lu Yichen's voice was barely above a whisper. "They've crossed the line."
She nodded, her jaw tight with fury. "We hit back—hard."
Back at Zi Corporation, the battle plan was set into motion. Zi Ning wasn't going to sit back and wait for Zi Yue's next strike. She would deliver the first blow.
By morning, news broke that Victor Chen was under investigation for financial fraud in three countries. His empire trembled under the weight of the revelations, and investors scrambled to distance themselves from him.
At the same time, Zi Ning released a public statement exposing Zi Yue's past embezzlement schemes. The media devoured the story, turning public opinion against Zi Yue in a matter of hours.
Zi Yue's carefully crafted image shattered.
But Zi Ning knew this was only the beginning. Her enemies would not stop until one of them was completely destroyed.
And she had no intention of being the one to fall.
As she stood by the window, watching the sun rise over the city, Lu Yichen joined her. His hand brushed against hers, a silent promise of his support.
"This war isn't over," she said quietly.
"No," he agreed. "But you're winning."
Zi Ning smiled faintly. She had fought too hard to lose now.