The cold wind swept through the bustling city as night fell, casting long shadows across the streets. In her private residence, Zi Ning sat in her study, her eyes fixed on a stack of documents. The phone call from Zi Yue still echoed in her mind. She knew her enemy wouldn't give up easily.
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. "Come in," she called.
Lu Yichen stepped inside, his tall frame radiating an air of quiet authority. His face was calm, but his sharp eyes held a trace of coldness.
"You've been working late," he said, walking toward her desk. "You should rest."
Zi Ning shook her head, setting the documents aside. "I can't afford to rest now. Zi Yue isn't finished."
He leaned against the edge of her desk, arms crossed. "I've already tightened security around you. If she makes a move, she won't succeed."
Zi Ning's lips pressed into a thin line. "I know she's planning something. People like her—when they lose everything, they become reckless."
Lu Yichen reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His touch was warm and reassuring. "You're not alone in this. Let me handle her."
Zi Ning's heart softened at his words. She had faced so many battles alone—but with him by her side, the weight didn't feel as heavy. "Thank you," she murmured.
His gaze darkened with promise. "For you, I would destroy anyone who dares to harm you."
Far across the city, Zi Yue sat in a dimly lit room. The smell of cigarette smoke lingered in the air as she faced a group of rough-looking men. Their cold eyes and scarred faces revealed their ruthless nature.
The man in charge, known as Scar, leaned back in his chair. His expression was unreadable. "So, you want us to take care of Zi Ning?"
Zi Yue's fists clenched as rage burned in her chest. "I don't care how you do it—ruin her. I want her to lose everything."
Scar let out a low chuckle. "Ruin her? That will cost you."
"I'll pay whatever it takes," Zi Yue snapped. "Just make sure she suffers."
Scar exchanged glances with his men before nodding. "Consider it done. But once we start, there's no turning back."
Zi Yue's lips curled into a cruel smile. "I'm counting on that."
The next morning, Zi Ning arrived at Zi Corporation's headquarters. The lobby buzzed with employees rushing to begin their day. She walked through the glass doors, her heels clicking against the marble floor.
Inside the elevator, her assistant, Liu Mei, stood beside her, holding a tablet filled with reports. "Chairwoman Zi, today's schedule is full. You have a board meeting at ten, a press conference at noon, and a private meeting with investors in the afternoon."
Zi Ning nodded calmly. "What about the investigation into Zi Yue's remaining connections?"
Liu Mei's expression darkened. "Our team is still tracking her movements, but she's been careful. There are no direct links tying her to any new schemes—yet."
Zi Ning's eyes turned cold. "She won't stay quiet for long. Keep watching her."
When the elevator doors opened, Zi Ning stepped onto the executive floor. The air was thick with tension. Ever since she exposed Zi Yue, the entire corporation had shifted under her leadership. No one dared to challenge her authority now.
As she entered her office, her phone buzzed. A message flashed on the screen:
"You think you've won? This is only the beginning."
Zi Ning's heart chilled. It was from an unknown number—but she knew exactly who it was. Zi Yue.
She set the phone down and took a slow breath. Fear wasn't an option. Not anymore.
By noon, the press conference room was filled with reporters. Cameras flashed as Zi Ning stepped onto the stage, wearing a sleek black suit that highlighted her commanding presence.
She stood tall behind the podium, her voice steady as she addressed the crowd. "Zi Corporation is stronger than ever. We have removed all corrupt influences, and I promise to lead this company into a brighter future."
The reporters bombarded her with questions.
"Chairwoman Zi, do you believe Zi Yue will retaliate?"
"How will you protect the company from future threats?"
Zi Ning's expression remained calm. "Zi Yue's actions will no longer affect this corporation. Anyone who tries to harm us will face the consequences."
Her words sent a clear message—she wasn't afraid.
In the shadows, Zi Yue watched the live broadcast from a hotel room. Her hands trembled as she clutched a glass of wine. Zi Ning's confidence, her power—it burned like acid in Zi Yue's chest.
"You think you've won," she whispered bitterly. "But I'm not done with you."
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts. Scar entered, his face cold and unreadable. "We've found a weak spot."
Zi Yue's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
Scar tossed a photo onto the table. It was a picture of Liu Mei, Zi Ning's trusted assistant. "This girl is loyal—but everyone has a price. If we push hard enough, she'll break."
A twisted smile spread across Zi Yue's face. "Good. Start with her. If we can't destroy Zi Ning directly, we'll tear down everyone around her."
That evening, Zi Ning returned home, exhaustion tugging at her body. But she couldn't afford to let her guard down. Not with Zi Yue still lurking.
A warm presence behind her made her pause. Lu Yichen had followed her inside. "You're thinking too much," he said softly.
Zi Ning turned to face him, her defenses slipping for a moment. "She won't stop, Yichen."
He cupped her face gently. "And I won't let her touch you."
His words were a promise—a shield against the darkness creeping closer.
Zi Ning leaned into his warmth, drawing strength from him. "I just want this to end."
"It will," he vowed. "Trust me."
But even as his words soothed her heart, a shadow of danger still lingered in the air. Zi Yue was out there—and she wasn't done yet.
Two days later, Liu Mei entered Zi Ning's office with a worried expression. "Chairwoman Zi, something's wrong."
Zi Ning looked up from her work. "What is it?"
Liu Mei hesitated. "Someone leaked sensitive company documents online. It's causing a stir in the media."
Zi Ning's heart tightened. "Find the source immediately. This can't be a coincidence."
As Liu Mei hurried out, Zi Ning's phone buzzed again. Another message from the unknown number:
"This is just the beginning. You can't stop me."
Zi Ning's fingers curled into a fist. She wouldn't let Zi Yue win. Not now—not ever.