The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city. Zi Ning stood on the balcony of her penthouse, the cool breeze brushing against her face. The battle against Mo Qing, Cheng Yifan, and Wang Yin was over—or so it seemed. But the message she received earlier still lingered in her mind.
"You've won this round. But it's not over."
Her fingers tightened around the railing. Wang Yin wasn't someone who accepted defeat easily. If that woman still had a card to play, she would use it without hesitation. Zi Ning couldn't afford to relax—not yet.
Behind her, the sound of footsteps echoed softly. She didn't need to turn around to know who it was. Lu Yichen's presence was unmistakable—calm, steady, and reassuring.
"You're still thinking about the message," he said quietly, stepping beside her.
Zi Ning nodded, her expression unreadable. "I know Wang Yin. She wouldn't send a threat if she didn't have something planned."
His gaze darkened. "Whatever she's planning, we'll stop her. I won't let anyone hurt you again."
His words were simple, but the conviction behind them warmed her heart. In the past, she had faced everything alone. Now, things were different—she had him by her side.
"I'm not afraid," she said softly. "I just want this to be over."
Lu Yichen's fingers brushed against hers, entwining their hands. "It will be. Soon."
The next morning, Zi Ning arrived at the Lu Group's headquarters early. Xu Mei was already waiting for her in the private office, a stack of fresh reports in hand.
"There's been some movement," Xu Mei said, her voice serious. "After Cheng Yifan's arrest and Mo Qing's removal, their influence has weakened. But Wang Yin…"
Zi Ning's brows furrowed. "What about her?"
Xu Mei handed her a file. "She's been in contact with someone—an overseas investor named Liang Zhen. He's known for using aggressive tactics to crush his enemies."
Zi Ning flipped through the file. Liang Zhen's name wasn't unfamiliar—he had a ruthless reputation in the business world. If Wang Yin had allied with him, things could get messy.
"Do we have any leverage against him?" she asked, her tone cold.
"Not yet," Xu Mei admitted. "But I've already started digging. We'll find something."
Zi Ning closed the file. "Good. I won't give Wang Yin a chance to strike first."
At that moment, Wang Yin sat in a luxurious private lounge, her lips curling into a cold smile. Across from her sat a tall man in a sharp black suit—Liang Zhen. His presence exuded power and danger.
"I did what you asked," Liang Zhen said, his tone smooth. "I pulled my strings, and soon, Lu Group will face pressure from every angle."
Wang Yin's eyes gleamed with malice. "Zi Ning thinks she's won, but she's wrong. I'm going to destroy her. And when I'm done, she'll have nothing left."
Liang Zhen leaned back, studying her with interest. "You really hate her."
"Hate?" Wang Yin laughed bitterly. "She humiliated me. Took everything I wanted. I won't rest until I see her broken."
Liang Zhen smirked. "Good. I enjoy watching strong people fall. This will be entertaining."
By noon, the first signs of trouble appeared.
Xu Mei burst into Zi Ning's office, her face tense. "Something's wrong. Three major investors just pulled out of our upcoming project."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
"They didn't say," Xu Mei replied. "But I checked—each one has ties to Liang Zhen."
Zi Ning's lips pressed into a thin line. Wang Yin wasn't wasting time. She had struck the first blow.
"Contact the remaining investors," she ordered. "We need to lock in their support before they're pressured, too."
Xu Mei nodded and left to make the calls.
That evening, Zi Ning met with Lu Yichen in his private villa. The situation weighed heavily on her mind, but she refused to show weakness.
"They're moving fast," she said, sipping her tea. "If we don't act soon, we'll lose more ground."
Lu Yichen's gaze sharpened. "We'll fight back. I'm already preparing to counter Liang Zhen's influence."
His confidence steadied her. No matter how fierce the storm, she wasn't alone.
"I'll meet Liang Zhen myself," she decided.
Lu Yichen's expression darkened with disapproval. "It's dangerous. He's not someone to take lightly."
Zi Ning's voice was calm but firm. "I know. But if I back down now, he'll only push harder. I need to face him head-on."
After a long pause, Lu Yichen nodded. "Fine. But I'll be there with you."
The next day, Zi Ning arrived at an exclusive private club where the meeting was arranged. Liang Zhen was already waiting, his cold eyes assessing her as she entered the room.
"You're bold to meet me directly," he said, his voice smooth.
Zi Ning met his gaze without flinching. "I don't play games. If you want something, say it."
Liang Zhen chuckled softly. "I like that. Fine, I'll be direct—withdraw from your current project, and I'll call off my pressure. Refuse, and I'll make your life very difficult."
Zi Ning's smile didn't reach her eyes. "You're underestimating me. I won't be bullied."
His expression hardened. "Then prepare for war."
After the meeting, Lu Yichen walked beside her as they exited the club.
"He's dangerous," Lu Yichen said quietly. "We need to strike before he does."
Zi Ning nodded. "I already have a plan."
When they returned to the Lu Group, she called Xu Mei. "Dig into Liang Zhen's past. Find his weaknesses—legal or personal. I want everything."
Xu Mei's voice was filled with determination. "Consider it done."
Days passed, and the pressure from Liang Zhen increased. Several more investors wavered, but Zi Ning's fierce determination held them in place. Meanwhile, Xu Mei worked tirelessly to uncover Liang Zhen's secrets.
Finally, after a week of intense investigation, Xu Mei rushed into Zi Ning's office. "We found it," she said, breathless.
Zi Ning's eyes sharpened. "What did you find?"
"A hidden account in the Cayman Islands," Xu Mei revealed. "It's linked to illegal arms deals. If this goes public, Liang Zhen's entire empire will collapse."
Zi Ning's lips curled into a cold smile. "Perfect. Leak it."
That night, the media exploded with breaking news.
"Business Tycoon Liang Zhen Exposed – Ties to Illegal Arms Trade Revealed!"
The backlash was swift and brutal. Liang Zhen's reputation crumbled, and his influence vanished overnight.
By the next morning, Wang Yin's phone rang. Liang Zhen's voice was cold and furious.
"You set me up!" he hissed.
Wang Yin's heart pounded. "I—"
"Consider our deal over," he snapped. "You're on your own now."
The call disconnected. Panic gripped Wang Yin. Zi Ning had turned the tables again—and this time, there was no one left to protect her.
Back at the Lu Group, Zi Ning leaned back in her chair, a sense of finality washing over her. She had faced every threat and emerged stronger.
Lu Yichen entered the office, his eyes warm as they met hers. "It's over."
Zi Ning nodded slowly. "For now."
He stepped closer, his voice softer. "And what's next for you?"
A smile touched her lips. "Whatever I want."