The city lights glowed softly against the dark night sky. Inside Zi Corporation's main office, Zi Ning stood behind her desk, reviewing the final reports on Zi Yue's downfall. The once-powerful woman who had schemed to destroy her was now powerless, abandoned by the Xu family and on the brink of being arrested.
The air felt lighter. The weight that had pressed against her heart for so long was finally lifting. Yet, deep inside, Zi Ning knew this wasn't the end. People like Zi Yue were dangerous when cornered.
A light knock at the door broke her thoughts. Without looking up, she said, "Come in."
Lu Yichen stepped inside, carrying a silver briefcase. His tall figure cast a shadow across the room as he approached her desk. "It's done," he said, placing the briefcase down.
Zi Ning lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. "The evidence?"
He nodded, opening the case to reveal a neat stack of files and a small flash drive. "This contains the last traces of Zi Yue's illegal dealings. Once these are handed over to the authorities, she won't escape."
Zi Ning reached for the flash drive, her fingers brushing against the cold metal. She held it tightly. "No loose ends?"
"None," Lu Yichen confirmed. "I made sure the Xu family cut all ties with her. Without their protection, she won't last much longer."
A brief silence settled between them. Zi Ning's eyes softened for a moment as she looked at him. "Thank you."
"You don't have to thank me," Lu Yichen said, his voice low. "I protect what's mine."
Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but she pushed the feeling aside. There was still work to finish.
The next morning, news spread across the city like wildfire. Zi Yue's crimes—embezzlement, illegal business dealings, and money laundering—were exposed to the public. Major media outlets splashed her face across their front pages.
"Former Zi Corporation Executive Under Criminal Investigation!"
"Xu Family Cuts Ties—Zi Yue Left to Face Charges Alone!"
The damage was irreversible. Overnight, Zi Yue's reputation was ruined. Her social circle, once filled with powerful friends, had turned against her.
In a quiet apartment far from the city's center, Zi Yue sat alone. Her hair was unkempt, her face pale and hollow. The confident, arrogant woman was gone—replaced by a broken shell.
Her phone buzzed on the table. She hesitated before picking it up. A cold voice greeted her.
"Zi Yue, it's over," said Xu Jian. "Don't call me again."
The line went dead.
Zi Yue's hands trembled as she dropped the phone. Rage and helplessness burned inside her. Everything—her power, her influence, her carefully built empire—was gone. And the person responsible was Zi Ning.
Meanwhile, at Zi Corporation, Zi Ning stood before the board of directors. Their faces were filled with respect and admiration.
"Chairwoman Zi," one of the senior board members said, "thanks to your leadership, the company is stable again. Zi Yue's influence is gone."
Zi Ning gave a calm, composed smile. "This is just the beginning. Zi Corporation will not only recover—we will rise to greater heights. I won't let anyone threaten us again."
The board members nodded in agreement. No one doubted her authority now. She had proven herself as a leader who was both ruthless and brilliant.
As the meeting ended, Lu Yichen stood waiting by the door. His sharp eyes followed her as she approached.
"You've secured your place," he said quietly. "No one can touch you now."
"For now," Zi Ning replied softly. "But I know people like Zi Yue. She won't disappear quietly."
Lu Yichen's gaze darkened. "If she dares to cause trouble again, I'll handle her myself."
Zi Ning met his eyes, her heart warming at his unwavering support. "I trust you."
That night, Zi Ning returned to her private residence. The quiet of her home was a stark contrast to the chaos of the past weeks. She poured herself a glass of red wine and walked onto the balcony. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she gazed at the city below.
Her thoughts drifted to the past—the years of humiliation, the constant battles to prove herself, and the pain of betrayal. Every step had led her to this moment. Now, she stood at the top.
A soft vibration pulled her from her thoughts. Her phone lit up with an unknown number. She hesitated before answering.
"You think you've won, Zi Ning," came a familiar, venomous voice.
Zi Yue.
Zi Ning's grip on the phone tightened. "You're calling to threaten me?"
A bitter laugh rang through the line. "Threaten you? No. I've already lost everything because of you. But don't be too comfortable—I still have cards to play."
Zi Ning's voice turned cold. "You're finished, Zi Yue. Walk away while you still can."
"You ruined my life," Zi Yue hissed. "Do you think I'll just disappear quietly?"
Zi Ning's patience snapped. "This is your last warning. If you try to come after me again, I won't be merciful."
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Zi Yue whispered, "We'll see."
The line went dead.
Zi Ning lowered the phone, her expression unreadable. She knew this wasn't over. Zi Yue was desperate—and desperate people were the most dangerous.
The next day, Zi Ning met with Lu Yichen at a secluded café. His expression darkened as she recounted the phone call.
"She's still dangerous," Zi Ning said quietly. "I can't let my guard down."
Lu Yichen reached across the table, his fingers brushing against hers. "I'll increase security around you. If she tries anything, she won't succeed."
Zi Ning met his gaze, finding comfort in his strength. "I don't want to live in fear. I want to finish this."
"You will," Lu Yichen promised. "I'll be by your side until the end."
Their fingers intertwined, a silent promise between them. No matter what came next, they would face it together.
In a shadowed corner of the city, Zi Yue stood in an abandoned warehouse. Her eyes burned with fury as she scanned the room. Around her stood a group of men—rough, dangerous, and ready to follow orders.
If the Xu family wouldn't help her, she would find others who would.
"I want Zi Ning destroyed," Zi Yue said coldly. "Whatever it takes."
One of the men, a scar-faced leader, nodded. "Consider it done."
Zi Yue's lips curled into a twisted smile. "Let's see how long her perfect world lasts."