The next morning, Zi Ning arrived at the Lu Group's headquarters early. The sun had barely risen, but she was already dressed in a sleek navy-blue suit, her hair pulled back into a flawless bun. There was no trace of weakness in her expression—only cold, focused determination.
Lu Yichen was waiting in the private conference room, reviewing reports with Xu Mei. As Zi Ning entered, he looked up, his dark eyes softening slightly when he saw her. But today, there was no time for tenderness.
"Any updates?" Zi Ning asked, taking her seat.
Xu Mei handed her a folder. "We traced Black Horizon's recent movements. They're funneling money through three key companies—all connected to Cheng Yifan and Mo Qing. But the most interesting part…" She hesitated, then continued, "…is the third company. It's registered under Wang Yin's cousin's name."
Zi Ning's fingers tightened around the folder. "So, Wang Yin is deeper in this than we thought."
Lu Yichen's voice was calm but dangerous. "They're getting bold. But that makes it easier to break them."
Zi Ning flipped through the documents quickly. "If they want to play dirty, fine. But I'll make them regret it."
By noon, the plan was already in motion. Zi Ning had instructed her legal team to begin a quiet investigation into Cheng Yifan's overseas holdings. At the same time, Lu Yichen's security team increased surveillance on Mo Qing. Every move they made would be tracked—and used against them.
But for Wang Yin, Zi Ning had something special planned.
She sat in her office, staring at the computer screen. A video file played silently. It was a recording of Wang Yin at a private club, laughing while discussing how they planned to frame Zi Ning.
"I can't wait to see her fall," Wang Yin's voice rang out. "Once the scandal breaks, no one will care about her little 'heiress' act."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Let's see who falls first."
She sent the video to Xu Mei. "Leak this to the media. Make sure it's anonymous, but time it carefully. I want it to explode at the perfect moment."
Xu Mei nodded, her face serious. "Consider it done."
Later that afternoon, Zi Ning had a meeting scheduled with a key investor—one Cheng Yifan had been trying to win over. She arrived at the elegant private dining room of a five-star hotel, her posture graceful but commanding.
Mr. Zhao, the investor, greeted her with a polite smile. "Miss Zi, thank you for meeting me."
Zi Ning returned the smile, but her tone was all business. "Thank you for your time, Mr. Zhao. I understand Cheng Yifan approached you recently."
His expression shifted slightly. "Yes. He's very… persistent."
Zi Ning's eyes sharpened. "I'm sure he is. But let me be clear—aligning with him is a mistake. I have evidence that his overseas projects are involved in financial misconduct. When this comes to light, anyone connected to him will face scrutiny."
Mr. Zhao's brows furrowed. "You're saying there's a scandal coming?"
Zi Ning nodded smoothly. "Yes. And when it breaks, I wouldn't want your reputation caught in the fallout."
A flicker of hesitation crossed his face. "I see. I value my company's reputation above all else. If what you say is true, I'll reconsider my position."
Zi Ning's smile didn't reach her eyes. "A wise choice, Mr. Zhao. I'll send you the full report soon."
By the time she left the hotel, she knew Cheng Yifan had just lost a critical ally.
Meanwhile, at Cheng Group's headquarters, Cheng Yifan was losing his patience.
Mo Qing stood across from him, arms crossed. "She's moving faster than we expected," she snapped. "If that video leaks—"
"It won't," Cheng Yifan interrupted, though there was doubt in his voice. "I've handled worse. Zi Ning is tough, but she's not unbeatable."
Mo Qing's eyes flashed with anger. "You underestimate her. And if we don't stop her soon, everything we worked for will be destroyed."
Cheng Yifan clenched his jaw. "Then we hit back harder."
He grabbed his phone and dialed a number. "Activate the second phase. If Zi Ning wants a war, I'll give her one."
That evening, Zi Ning returned to Lu Yichen's penthouse. The city sparkled below as she stood by the window, her mind still calculating the next move.
Lu Yichen came up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Tired?" he murmured.
Zi Ning leaned back against his warmth but didn't relax. "Not yet. Cheng Yifan is desperate—he'll strike soon."
Lu Yichen pressed a kiss to her temple. "Let him try. Whatever he does, we'll be ready."
For the first time that day, Zi Ning allowed herself a small breath of relief. With Lu Yichen by her side, she wasn't alone in this fight.
The next morning, chaos erupted online.
The leaked video of Wang Yin spread like wildfire. News outlets picked it up within hours, and social media exploded with outrage.
"Wang Yin caught plotting against Heiress Zi Ning—Exposed!"
"Behind the Glamour: Wang Yin's Dirty Tricks Revealed!"
Zi Ning watched the headlines roll in, a cold satisfaction curling through her.
Xu Mei walked into her office, her face glowing with triumph. "The media is eating it up. Wang Yin's public image is collapsing."
Zi Ning's voice was steady. "Good. Now, let's finish it."
At the same time, Lu Yichen's legal team filed formal complaints against Cheng Yifan's overseas businesses. By noon, government investigators were already making inquiries.
And as for Mo Qing—Zi Ning had something even worse planned.
She called Xu Mei. "Contact the shareholders of Mo Qing's biggest project. Inform them we have evidence of embezzlement. If they want to protect their profits, they'll need to force her out."
Xu Mei's smile was razor-sharp. "Consider it done, President Zi."
By the end of the day, the enemy's walls were crumbling.
Cheng Yifan's biggest investor pulled out. Wang Yin's reputation was in ruins. And Mo Qing faced a shareholder rebellion.
Zi Ning sat back in her chair, the weight on her shoulders easing slightly.
But she knew this war wasn't over. Not yet.
Lu Yichen's voice pulled her from her thoughts. "We've weakened them. Now, it's time to deliver the final blow."
Zi Ning's smile returned, cold and unforgiving. "And I know exactly where to strike next."