Late at night, the city lights sparkled like distant stars. In the Zi mansion, everything seemed quiet. But Zi Ning knew better—beneath the silence, danger lurked.
Seated in her study, she flipped through confidential reports. Every page revealed the same truth—Zi Yue was still working in the shadows, and the attacks on Zi Corporation were far from over.
Her phone buzzed. It was Liu Mei.
"Chairwoman Zi," Liu Mei's voice was tense. "We've found the second mole."
Zi Ning's eyes sharpened. "Who is it?"
"It's Zhang Wei from the finance department," Liu Mei revealed. "He's been leaking internal data for weeks. We've gathered evidence."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Fire him immediately. And make sure he never works in this industry again."
"Understood," Liu Mei said. "Also… there's something else."
Zi Ning's fingers paused. "Speak."
"There's been unusual activity in our overseas accounts. Someone is trying to move large sums without approval," Liu Mei explained. "If we hadn't tightened security, millions would've disappeared."
Zi Ning's expression turned icy. "Zi Yue's hands are deeper in this than I thought."
Liu Mei hesitated. "Should we report this to the authorities?"
"No." Zi Ning's voice was firm. "If we go public too soon, it will give Zi Yue a chance to hide. Let me handle it."
"Yes, Chairwoman," Liu Mei agreed before hanging up.
As the call ended, the study door opened quietly.
It was Lu Yichen.
His tall figure leaned against the doorframe, his sharp gaze focused on her. "Still working?"
Zi Ning exhaled softly. "I can't rest. Not while Zi Yue is plotting against me."
He walked over, his presence strong and comforting. "You're not facing this alone, Ning. Whatever she tries—I'll be here."
His words eased the tension in her chest. She looked up at him, her eyes softening. "Thank you, Yichen."
He reached out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Get some rest. Tomorrow will be another battle."
For a moment, she allowed herself to lean into his touch. But deep inside, her resolve only grew stronger. Zi Yue had crossed too many lines—she would make her pay.
The next day, a storm of rumors hit the business world.
Reports claimed Zi Corporation was involved in illegal financial dealings. Some news outlets even hinted that Zi Ning herself was behind the shady transactions.
Inside the office, tension filled the air. Employees whispered nervously while the phones rang non-stop.
Liu Mei rushed into Zi Ning's office. "Chairwoman Zi, the media is pushing the story hard. Investors are starting to ask questions."
Zi Ning's face remained calm. "And the source?"
Liu Mei's hands trembled slightly. "Anonymous. But we know it's Zi Yue's work."
Zi Ning's eyes turned cold. "She's bold—but foolish. If she wants to play dirty, I'll show her what real power looks like."
Her phone buzzed. It was an unknown number.
Without hesitation, she answered. "Zi Ning speaking."
A familiar, venomous voice came through the line. "Enjoying my gift, sister?"
Zi Ning's fingers tightened around the phone. "Zi Yue."
Zi Yue laughed softly. "You should've given up while you had the chance. Soon, there won't be a Zi Corporation left to protect."
"Empty threats," Zi Ning replied coldly. "I'm still standing. And no matter how hard you try, I will always be one step ahead."
Zi Yue's voice turned sharp. "You're not invincible, Ning. I'll tear down everything you love—piece by piece."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Try it, and I'll make sure you regret ever stepping out of the shadows."
The line went dead.
Liu Mei's face was pale. "Chairwoman, what should we do?"
Zi Ning stood up, her presence fierce and commanding. "We fight back."
By noon, a new press release was issued. Zi Corporation publicly denied the allegations and provided clear evidence proving the rumors false. Legal action was promised against anyone spreading false information.
The tide began to shift again—this time in Zi Ning's favor.
In her private office, Zi Ning leaned back in her chair. The first strike was handled, but she knew the real war had only begun.
A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she said.
Lu Yichen stepped inside, his face unreadable. "I found something."
Zi Ning's brows lifted. "What is it?"
He placed a folder on her desk. "Zi Yue isn't working alone. There's someone else backing her—someone powerful."
Zi Ning opened the folder and scanned the contents. The deeper she read, the colder her heart became.
"Zhang Qiang," she murmured.
Lu Yichen nodded. "CEO of Qiang Holdings. He's been quietly funding Zi Yue's schemes. If we don't stop him, he could become a bigger threat than Zi Yue herself."
Zi Ning's jaw clenched. "Why would he help her?"
Lu Yichen's voice turned colder. "Revenge. Your father refused to partner with him years ago. Now, he wants to destroy everything your family built."
For a long moment, silence filled the room.
Then Zi Ning stood, her posture fierce. "If Zhang Qiang wants a war, I'll give him one. But I'll strike where it hurts the most—his pride and his power."
Lu Yichen's lips curved slightly. "That's the woman I love."
Zi Ning glanced at him, her heart warming for a brief moment before returning to the battle ahead. "Let's end this—together."
That evening, a private meeting was held. Only Zi Ning's most trusted executives were present.
Seated at the head of the long conference table, she scanned each face carefully. "From now on, we tighten our defenses. Every department reports directly to me. No information leaves this building without my approval."
The executives nodded, sensing the danger.
"Liu Mei," Zi Ning continued, "Prepare to launch a full investigation into Qiang Holdings. I want every weakness exposed."
"Yes, Chairwoman," Liu Mei answered.
"And Yichen…" Zi Ning turned to him, her voice softer. "I need your help tracking Zi Yue's hidden assets. She's not working alone, and I want to know everyone involved."
Lu Yichen's eyes gleamed with dangerous intent. "Consider it done."
The meeting ended, but the battle was just beginning.
As Zi Ning walked back to her office, her heels clicked against the marble floor. She had faced many enemies before—but this time, it was personal.
Zi Yue had crossed the line.