The sun hung low in the sky, casting warm golden rays over the city. From the floor-to-ceiling windows of her office, Zi Ning watched the bustling streets below. The fall of Liang Zhen had sent shockwaves through the business world. With his empire in ruins, Wang Yin had lost her strongest ally.
But Zi Ning knew better than to relax. Wang Yin was too proud to accept defeat quietly.
Xu Mei entered the office, a fresh stack of reports in her hands. Her usual calm expression was tight with tension.
"We've secured our position," she said. "Investors are more confident than ever. With Liang Zhen gone, no one dares to move against us."
Zi Ning nodded slowly, but her heart remained unsettled. "And Wang Yin?"
"She's keeping a low profile," Xu Mei replied. "But I doubt she'll stay quiet for long. She's lost everything—people like her don't know how to give up."
A cold light flashed in Zi Ning's eyes. "Let her try. I'm ready for her."
Before Xu Mei could respond, Zi Ning's phone buzzed with a call. She glanced at the screen—an unknown number. Without hesitation, she answered.
A familiar, icy voice came through. "Did you think you won, Zi Ning?"
Her lips curled into a smirk. "Wang Yin. I was wondering when you'd crawl out of hiding."
"I'm not finished," Wang Yin hissed. "Enjoy your victory while it lasts. I'm going to make you pay for everything."
Zi Ning's voice was calm, but sharp as a blade. "You lost, Wang Yin. You can threaten me all you want—but you have nothing left."
The line went dead. Zi Ning lowered the phone, her expression hardening.
Xu Mei crossed her arms. "She sounds desperate. Desperate people are the most dangerous."
"I know," Zi Ning said quietly. "Which is why we're going to end this—for good."
Later that night, Zi Ning returned to the Lu family estate. The soft glow of the chandeliers illuminated the grand living room as she stepped inside.
Lu Yichen was waiting for her, seated on the leather sofa with a glass of wine in hand. When he saw her, his lips curved into a slight smile.
"Tough day?" he asked.
She sighed softly and walked over, sinking onto the cushion beside him. "Wang Yin called me. She's not finished."
His expression darkened instantly. "She still dares?"
Zi Ning leaned back, her head resting against his shoulder. "A cornered rat always bites the hardest."
Lu Yichen's arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close. "Let her try. No one touches you while I'm here."
His warmth calmed the storm brewing inside her. No matter how fierce the battles became, she wasn't facing them alone anymore.
"You always say that," she teased softly.
"Because I mean it," he replied, his voice low and firm.
For a while, they sat in silence, wrapped in the comfort of each other's presence. But the peace wouldn't last—Zi Ning could feel it.
Something was coming.
The next morning, chaos erupted.
Xu Mei burst into Zi Ning's office, her face pale. "There's been a breach!"
Zi Ning snapped her gaze up. "What kind of breach?"
"Confidential project files—someone leaked them to the media," Xu Mei said, her voice tight. "Our competitors already know about the new tech division."
Zi Ning's blood turned cold. This wasn't just a minor attack—it was calculated. And there was only one person desperate enough to do it.
"Wang Yin," she said through gritted teeth.
Xu Mei nodded grimly. "It has to be her. But we can't trace the source yet."
Zi Ning's hands clenched into fists. Wang Yin wasn't just trying to ruin her—she wanted to destroy everything she had built.
"I want a full internal audit," she ordered. "Find the leak. And tighten security—no one moves without my approval."
Xu Mei hesitated. "If this continues, the board might start questioning your leadership."
Zi Ning's expression sharpened. "Let them question me. I'll handle this."
By noon, the headlines were everywhere:
"Lu Group's New Tech Division Leaked—Competitors Move to Strike!"
Zi Ning stood at the center of the storm, unyielding. While the outside world speculated and gossiped, she worked relentlessly.
Hours later, Xu Mei returned with a file in hand. "We found the source," she said. "It's coming from inside the company."
Zi Ning's eyes narrowed. "Who?"
Xu Mei's expression grew colder. "An assistant in the research department—she has ties to Wang Yin. We have proof."
Zi Ning exhaled slowly. "Fire her immediately. Press charges if needed."
Xu Mei nodded and left to carry out the order.
That evening, Zi Ning met with Lu Yichen in his study. He had already heard about the breach.
"She's becoming reckless," he said, his fingers tapping lightly against his desk. "Which means she's running out of options."
Zi Ning crossed her arms. "We need to finish this before she does more damage."
His gaze met hers, steady and sure. "We will."
A knock at the door interrupted them. Xu Mei entered with an envelope in hand. "This just arrived. It's from Wang Yin."
Zi Ning took the envelope, breaking the seal with steady hands. Inside was a simple white card with a handwritten message:
"See you at the charity gala."
A chill swept through the room. Wang Yin wasn't done—but now, Zi Ning knew where the next battle would take place.
Lu Yichen's voice was cold. "She wants a public confrontation."
Zi Ning smiled faintly, her eyes flashing with determination. "Good. Let her come. I'm ready."
The night of the charity gala arrived. The grand ballroom sparkled under crystal chandeliers, filled with the city's elite. Zi Ning entered in a sleek black gown, her beauty striking enough to silence the crowd.
At her side, Lu Yichen cut an imposing figure in a tailored suit. Together, they were an unstoppable force.
Across the room, Wang Yin stood with a glass of champagne, her smile as sharp as a dagger.
As Zi Ning approached, their eyes met—a clash of ice and fire.
"You came," Wang Yin said smoothly. "I was hoping you wouldn't disappoint me."
Zi Ning tilted her head slightly. "I never disappoint."
Wang Yin's lips curved into a mocking smile. "Enjoy the evening while you can. Soon, you'll lose everything."
Zi Ning's smile didn't falter. "I've already taken everything from you once. I can do it again."
The tension between them crackled like lightning.