The wind outside howled softly against the windows as Zi Ning sat on her couch, her thoughts in turmoil. The warmth of her apartment did little to ease the chill that had settled deep inside her. Everything had changed in just a few days.
She was no longer just Zi Ning—the forgotten stepdaughter, the woman mocked and betrayed. She was the real daughter of the powerful Zi family. A family whose name alone could shake the city. Yet, that truth did not bring her comfort. It felt like stepping into a new battlefield, where even more dangerous enemies waited in the shadows.
Lu Yichen stood near the window, watching the street below with a calm but sharp gaze. His presence gave her a sense of security, like an anchor in the storm.
"You're quiet," he said softly, not turning around. "What are you thinking?"
Zi Ning sighed, sinking further into the cushions. "I don't know where to start. Everything feels… unreal."
Lu Yichen finally turned and walked toward her, his tall figure casting a shadow over the room. He sat down beside her, the warmth of his body easing some of her tension.
"You don't have to face this alone," he said, his voice steady. "I'm here. No matter what happens next."
His words touched something deep inside her—an ache she had carried for so long. For years, she had only been able to rely on herself. Now, there was someone willing to stand by her side.
"I'm afraid," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if stepping into their world changes me? What if I lose myself?"
Lu Yichen took her hand, his fingers warm and firm around hers. "You won't lose yourself. You've already been through so much, and you're still standing. No one can take that from you—not even the Zi family."
Zi Ning let out a soft laugh, though it held no humor. "You make it sound simple."
"It's not," he said honestly. "But you're stronger than you think. And if anyone tries to hurt you, they'll have to go through me first."
His fierce protectiveness made her heart ache in a different way. No one had ever fought for her like this. No one had ever cared enough.
She leaned her head against his shoulder, letting herself relax—if only for a moment. "Thank you," she murmured.
For a while, they sat in silence, wrapped in each other's warmth. But the peace didn't last long.
Her phone buzzed on the coffee table, the sudden sound breaking the fragile calm.
Zi Ning hesitated before reaching for it. When she saw the name flashing across the screen, her heart skipped a beat.
Zi Hong.
Lu Yichen's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you going to answer?"
She nodded, taking a deep breath before pressing the call button. "Hello?"
"Zi Ning," Zi Hong's voice was as cold and precise as ever. "I need you to come to the Zi estate tomorrow morning. There are things you need to know."
Zi Ning's fingers tightened around the phone. "What kind of things?"
"You'll find out when you arrive," Zi Hong said, her tone leaving no room for argument. "Don't be late."
Before Zi Ning could respond, the line went dead.
She lowered the phone slowly, her heart pounding in her chest.
"What did she say?" Lu Yichen asked.
"She wants me to come to the Zi estate tomorrow," Zi Ning said quietly. "She said there are things I need to know."
A shadow passed over Lu Yichen's face. "Be careful, Zi Ning. The Zi family isn't as simple as they seem. There are hidden dangers everywhere."
Zi Ning met his gaze, her determination hardening. "I'm not afraid. If they think they can control me, they're wrong."
He smiled faintly, pride flashing in his dark eyes. "Good. Don't let anyone push you around."
The next morning, Zi Ning stood at the gates of the Zi estate. The towering black gates stretched high above her, cold and imposing. It felt like stepping into another world—a world where power ruled and weakness was not tolerated.
A sleek black car waited near the entrance. The driver stepped out and opened the door for her without a word. She hesitated for a brief moment before sliding into the back seat.
As the car moved down the long, tree-lined driveway, Zi Ning's heart pounded in her chest. She wasn't sure what to expect. She only knew that whatever awaited her inside, she couldn't back down.
When the car stopped, a maid in a crisp black uniform opened the door. "Miss Zi, please follow me."
Zi Ning stepped out and followed the maid through the grand front doors. The interior of the Zi estate was as cold and elegant as she had imagined—polished marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and walls lined with priceless artwork.
The maid led her to a large sitting room where Zi Hong was already waiting. Dressed in an impeccable white suit, she looked every inch the powerful matriarch.
"You're on time," Zi Hong said without looking up from the papers in her hand. "Good."
Zi Ning stood tall, refusing to let herself be intimidated. "You said there were things I needed to know."
Zi Hong placed the papers down and met her gaze. "Sit."
Zi Ning lowered herself onto the leather sofa across from her. She didn't speak, waiting for Zi Hong to explain.
"There's something I haven't told you," Zi Hong said slowly. "Something that could change everything for you."
A chill ran down Zi Ning's spine. "What is it?"
Zi Hong leaned back, her expression unreadable. "Your return threatens others in the family. You are the rightful heir to a significant portion of the Zi family fortune. But there are people who would rather you stay lost forever."
Zi Ning's heart pounded harder. "Who?"
A bitter smile touched Zi Hong's lips. "My younger sister—Zi Yue. She has been handling the family's business in your absence. Your return puts her position at risk, and she won't give it up without a fight."
Zi Ning's jaw tightened. "So, she's my enemy?"
Zi Hong's eyes sharpened. "She will be if you stand in her way."
The weight of her words settled heavily on Zi Ning's shoulders. She had always known the Zi family wasn't ordinary—but she hadn't realized how ruthless it could be.
"Why are you telling me this now?" Zi Ning asked.
"Because you need to be prepared," Zi Hong said bluntly. "I will protect you to the best of my ability—but you cannot be weak. If you want to survive in this world, you must fight for your place."
Zi Ning's hands curled into fists. She had spent years being treated like she was worthless. She would never let anyone control her again.
"I'm not weak," she said firmly. "And I'm not afraid of your sister—or anyone else."
A flicker of approval crossed Zi Hong's face. "Good. You'll need that strength in the days to come."
Zi Ning stood, her heart steady despite the storm brewing around her. "Is there anything else I should know?"
Zi Hong's smile faded. "Yes. Trust no one—except me. In this family, even a moment of weakness can destroy you."
Zi Ning nodded slowly. She had no illusions that life would become easier from here. If anything, the battle was only beginning.
As she left the estate, her mind was clear. She would not be a pawn in anyone's game.
If the Zi family wanted a fight, she was ready.