The night breeze brushed softly against Zi Ning's skin as the Rolls-Royce glided through the city. The lights outside flickered like distant stars, but her mind wasn't on the scenery. She was already planning her next move.
Beside her, Lu Yichen leaned back comfortably, his hand still holding hers. His warmth steadied her, but there was a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"You humiliated her tonight," he said, his voice calm but pleased. "But a woman like Wang Yin won't back down quietly."
Zi Ning smiled faintly, her nails lightly tapping against her lap. "I'm counting on that. The more she struggles, the easier it is to tear her apart."
Lu Yichen turned to face her fully, his dark eyes filled with interest. "And what's your next move?"
Her gaze sharpened. "Wang Yin's weakness isn't just her reputation. It's the people around her. If I want to break her, I'll start there."
A spark of admiration flashed in Lu Yichen's eyes. "Smart."
She tilted her head slightly. "There's someone close to her we can use—Jiang Wen, her right-hand man. He's the one who handles all her dirty work."
Lu Yichen's lips curled into a cold smile. "I know him. Ambitious. Greedy. He won't hesitate to sell her out if the price is right."
Zi Ning's smile deepened. "Then let's make him an offer he can't refuse."
The next morning, Zi Ning was already at work. She sat in her private office at Starlight Entertainment, her expression calm as she flipped through the latest reports. The news about Wang Yin's counterfeit scandal had spread like wildfire. Every major gossip site was covering it.
"Socialite Wang Yin Exposed for Auctioning Fake Jewelry!"
"The Queen of Elegance Caught in a Counterfeit Scandal—Who Will Trust Her Now?"
Zi Ning's phone buzzed. It was a message from Lin Qiao.
Lin Qiao: Everything is set. Jiang Wen agreed to meet tonight.
A satisfied smile curved her lips. As expected—under the right pressure, anyone would crack.
By nightfall, Zi Ning and Lin Qiao arrived at a private lounge in one of the city's most exclusive clubs. The dim lighting and smooth jazz music made the atmosphere relaxed, but beneath it, tension hummed.
Jiang Wen was already there, sitting at a corner booth. He was a thin man in his early thirties, dressed in a sleek suit, but the anxiety in his posture was clear.
When Zi Ning slid into the seat across from him, his eyes flickered with caution.
"You're bold to ask for this meeting," he said, forcing a smile. "What do you want?"
Zi Ning leaned back gracefully, her tone light but cutting. "Information. About Wang Yin's real business dealings."
Jiang Wen's smile faltered. "I'm just an assistant. I don't know much."
Lin Qiao laughed softly, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Come on, Jiang Wen. Don't insult our intelligence. You've been covering her tracks for years."
Zi Ning rested her chin on her hand. "Let's not waste time. I know Wang Yin's company is a front. Fake luxury goods. Money laundering. Illegal overseas investments."
His face paled. "You can't prove that."
Zi Ning's smile turned colder. "Not yet. But you could make it easier for me."
For a moment, silence hung heavy between them.
Jiang Wen swallowed hard. "What's in it for me?"
Lin Qiao slid a sleek black card across the table. "A new life. A position at one of President Lu's subsidiary companies. Double your current salary—and full protection."
Jiang Wen hesitated, his fingers twitching. Greed and fear warred in his expression.
Zi Ning's voice softened, almost sympathetic. "You're smart, Jiang Wen. When Wang Yin falls, she'll take you with her. Why be loyal to someone who would abandon you to save herself?"
The words hit their mark. His shoulders slumped slightly as if the weight of his loyalty was crumbling.
"What do you want?" he asked quietly.
Zi Ning's smile sharpened. "Everything. Bank records. Fake invoices. Evidence that ties her to those illegal deals."
Jiang Wen took a shaky breath. "I'll need time. A week, maybe two."
"You have five days," Zi Ning said coldly. "If you're not in touch by then, I'll assume you're choosing her side."
He flinched. "Fine. Five days."
Zi Ning stood up smoothly. "Good choice." Without another word, she turned and left, Lin Qiao following close behind.
As they stepped into the night air, Lin Qiao let out a low whistle. "You're scary when you want to be."
Zi Ning's gaze was cold as steel. "I've been too soft for too long. It's time she learned what happens when you cross me."
The following days moved swiftly. While Jiang Wen gathered evidence, Zi Ning focused on strengthening her own position.
At Starlight Entertainment, her projects thrived. Lu Yichen's influence ensured the media remained in her favor, while Wang Yin's reputation sank further.
By the fourth day, Jiang Wen contacted her.
Jiang Wen: I have everything. Meet me tomorrow.
Zi Ning's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. Wang Yin's empire was about to fall.
The meeting point was an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. It was safer to meet where no prying eyes could follow. Zi Ning arrived first, accompanied by Lin Qiao and two of Lu Yichen's bodyguards.
A few minutes later, Jiang Wen arrived. His face was pale, and he clutched a thick folder in his hands.
"Did you bring everything?" Zi Ning asked coolly.
Jiang Wen nodded, his hands shaking slightly. "Bank records, transaction logs—everything that proves Wang Yin's crimes."
Lin Qiao stepped forward, flipping through the documents. Her lips curled in satisfaction. "This is solid. Once we leak this, she's done."
Zi Ning's gaze didn't soften. "Good work. Your new position will be arranged by tomorrow."
Relief flooded Jiang Wen's face. "Thank you. I just… I couldn't keep covering for her."
As they left the warehouse, Zi Ning's heart burned with cold determination. This wasn't just revenge—it was justice. Wang Yin had played her for too long.
But soon, the world would see who the real queen was.
And once Wang Yin was gone, nothing would stand in Zi Ning's way.