The grand ballroom shimmered with gold and crystal, the hum of polite conversation filling the air. Zi Ning moved gracefully through the crowd, her black gown hugging her curves like a second skin. At her side, Lu Yichen's tall frame exuded power and dominance. Together, they were an unstoppable force—one that no enemy could easily break.
Yet beneath the glamour, the air felt heavy with danger.
Zi Ning's eyes swept the room. Every face she passed seemed harmless, but she knew appearances were deceiving. Somewhere in this crowd, Mo Qing and Wang Yin were waiting. And whatever they had planned—it wouldn't be simple.
"You're tense," Lu Yichen murmured beside her, his voice low and intimate.
Zi Ning tilted her head slightly, offering him a faint smile. "I'm just being careful. They wouldn't invite us here without a reason."
His hand brushed against her lower back, a touch meant to reassure her. "Let them make their move," he said coldly. "When they do, I'll end it."
Before Zi Ning could respond, a smooth voice interrupted.
"President Zi, it's been a while."
Turning, Zi Ning found herself face-to-face with Cheng Yifan, the eldest son of the Cheng family and the official host of tonight's gala. He was dressed in a crisp navy suit, his polished smile hiding the sharpness in his gaze.
"Mr. Cheng," she greeted coolly, extending a hand. "Thank you for the invitation."
Cheng Yifan took her hand, but his eyes flicked briefly to Lu Yichen. There was no warmth in his gaze—only calculation. "It's an honor to have you here. I hope the night treats you kindly."
Lu Yichen's smile was cold. "We'll see."
With a slight bow, Cheng Yifan moved on, greeting other guests. But Zi Ning didn't miss the slight tension in his shoulders as he left.
"He's hiding something," she whispered softly.
Lu Yichen's eyes followed Cheng Yifan's retreating figure. "And we'll find out what it is."
The night pressed on, filled with whispered conversations and strategic glances. Zi Ning played her role flawlessly—smiling when necessary, speaking with poise. Yet her thoughts remained sharp, focused on uncovering her enemies' plans.
At the far side of the room, Mo Qing stood near a marble column. She looked utterly calm, but Zi Ning knew better. That woman wasn't here for simple socializing.
"What do you think she wants?" Zi Ning asked quietly.
Lu Yichen's fingers tightened slightly on her waist. "Control. And she'll burn everything in her way to get it."
His voice was low, dangerous. Zi Ning knew he wouldn't allow anyone to hurt her—but Mo Qing wasn't an easy enemy.
Suddenly, a waiter approached, holding out a silver tray with a delicate crystal flute. "Miss Zi, a special cocktail prepared for you," he said with a polite bow.
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. She never accepted random drinks at public events. Before she could refuse, Lu Yichen stepped forward and plucked the glass from the tray.
"I'll take it," he said coldly.
The waiter's face paled. Without another word, he turned and left.
Lu Yichen lifted the glass to his nose, his sharp senses catching a faint but distinct scent. "Poison," he murmured, his eyes darkening with fury.
Zi Ning's expression didn't change, but her heart pounded with cold anger. "They're bold," she said softly. "To try something like this here."
"They must be desperate," Lu Yichen said, placing the glass aside. "But this means they're afraid of you."
Zi Ning smiled coldly. "Good. They should be."
Not long after, the ballroom doors swung open with a soft hush. A ripple passed through the crowd as Wang Yin entered, her face glowing with false confidence. She wore a blood-red gown, her every movement designed to draw attention.
The moment their eyes met, Wang Yin's lips curled into a mockingly sweet smile.
"She doesn't know when to quit," Zi Ning said under her breath.
Lu Yichen chuckled softly. "Let her play her games. She's already lost."
But as Wang Yin moved through the room, Zi Ning noticed something unusual. She wasn't approaching them—she was heading toward Cheng Yifan.
The two exchanged hushed words, and for a brief moment, Zi Ning saw it—an envelope slipping from Wang Yin's hand into his.
"Interesting," Lu Yichen murmured. "They're working together."
Zi Ning's eyes sharpened. If Wang Yin had turned to Cheng Yifan, that meant their enemies were expanding their reach. But she wouldn't sit back and wait to be attacked.
"Let's strike first," she said quietly.
Lu Yichen's smile was slow and dangerous. "I thought you'd never ask."
An hour later, the guests began moving toward the private lounge—an exclusive area where business deals were finalized. Zi Ning knew this was where the real game would be played.
As she and Lu Yichen entered, the atmosphere grew heavier. Powerful figures filled the room, but her focus remained on Wang Yin and Mo Qing. Both women stood near the center, their expressions too calm.
Cheng Yifan stepped forward, raising a glass to capture everyone's attention. "Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us tonight," he said smoothly. "Before we conclude, I have a special announcement."
Zi Ning's senses sharpened. She knew this was the moment they had been waiting for.
Cheng Yifan smiled faintly. "A new collaboration between the Cheng family and—Miss Wang Yin."
A murmur swept through the room. For a disgraced socialite like Wang Yin to secure a partnership with the Chengs was unexpected. Zi Ning's expression remained calm, but inside, she was already preparing her next move.
Wang Yin stepped forward, her smile glowing with triumph. "I'm grateful for Mr. Cheng's trust," she said sweetly. "And I'm confident that together, we will achieve greatness."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Bold of her," she murmured.
Lu Yichen's voice was soft but lethal. "She won't enjoy her victory for long."
As the guests mingled, Zi Ning approached a familiar face—Director Xu, a key figure in the corporate world. With a warm smile, she engaged him in light conversation, subtly steering the topic toward the Cheng family's recent deals.
"They're moving too fast," Director Xu confided quietly. "Almost as if they're trying to secure power before something collapses."
Zi Ning's mind spun with possibilities. Whatever the Cheng family was planning, it was fragile—and she would find their weakness.
From across the room, Mo Qing's eyes met hers, a silent challenge flashing between them.
Let the games begin.
Later that night, as Zi Ning and Lu Yichen left the gala, the city lights burned bright around them. But in her heart, a fire blazed even stronger.
Her enemies thought they could trap her—but they had only awakened a force they couldn't control.
And soon, they would pay the price.